Elective Cesarean

Hi, I had an "elective" c-section. I had previous had a c-section with my twins and I had no desire to have my last baby by VBAC. My doctor was fine with my decision and my insurance company had no problem with the decision. I delivered at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. My doctors told me that they would do the c-section the week before my due date. I had no problems and do not regret my decision at all. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I would be glad to help you with anything. Do what is best for you and your baby ;)

I had 3 elective c-sections. Insurance paid well, I had Blue Cross. I went to a group in Peoria on Sheridan that at that time included Dr. Saad, Mueller and Murphy. It's been quite a few years ago. Best of luck!

As an RN that works in PostPartum and the Special Care Nursery - I would highly advice against a c-section. Gosh - major surgery and the complications afterwards! I can't even begin to tell you the stories of the many patients that I have taken care of that wish they could take it all back! You have to stay in the hospital at least 3-4 days - longer if there's complications - in a place where most hospitals are sharing rooms now b/c they are so busy. . .IV's, extra medications, no driving for 2 weeks, no lifting for 6 weeks. . .yes, there are some people that "bounce back" after c-sections, but what they don't know is that they are putting themselves at risk during that "recoop" time. Your body is more prone to injury due to the major surgery and the lack of time spent allowing your body to heal. . .and it creates more scar tissue when you don't allow your body the time it needs to heal. Did you know that having more than 3 c-sections is highly discouraged? Because of the scar tissues and complications? So if you want more kids this may be something to consider too. Not only that, but honestly, most doctors don't really do VBAC's anymore b/c of the high risk that it causes to both the patient and the baby. Think about it, weigh your options and discuss with your spouse and doctor. Pray on it and be at peace with your decision. Ultimately, that's all that matters. Hope you have a great delivery!

With our first we ended up having to have an emergency C-section. When we found ourselves expecting again (our kids are 15 months apart) my doctor gave me the choice of having a VBAC or another C-section. I chose to have a C-section. I know that a C-section is major surgery and that there can be serious complications, but I had a good experience. My doctor is Dr. Kett of Women's Healthcare of Hinsdale (630) 920-BABY.

Wow - you sure did get interesting responses to this question! Boy are we passionate moms :)

I delivered by c-section. They found that my baby was probably over 9 lbs (ended up 10.2) and that she was breech. They said that they would have suggested turning her had she not been so large. Problem with "turning", I have heard that there is HORRIBLE pain associated with it (ha...like labor isn't painful) and that it can send you into an emergency c-section anyway.

My husband was at work for that appointment and I wasn't going to have him miss the birth, so we elected to do the c-section 3 days later on a Monday.

I am an overweight woman and my recovery was SMOOTH! I was actually walking around Target for an hour by Friday evening and I had her on Monday.

Now...something that I didn't hear in previous responses. There are a lot of things that a vaginal delivery DO for your infant, that I didn't know until after the fact. I am not going to say this right; however when the infant is pushed through the birth canal, there are some things that "close up" in the child's body...like heart chambers. There is a higher percent of c-section babies that are born with heart murmurs (sp?) because the heart chambers didn't have that SQUEEEEEEZE like they would have being delivered naturally. My Maggie had 3 "holes" in her heart and they are closing up really well (thankfully); however these are some additional questions to ask your OB when discussing.

Personally, I would do the c-section again (now that I had the first one), just because, but ask questions, ask questions, ask questions.

My first child I had planned to have a natural birth and it didn't work out. I was overdue, induced for 36 hours when he no longer tolerated it and then had to have a c-section. I just had my second child in Feb and elected to have a c-section. For some reason my body has no trouble making a baby, but doesn't want to give up the baby. I thought about a vbac with the second, but at 39 and a half weeks with no changes in my cervix and horrible back pain I threw out that idea. Having the second c-section was easier than the first. I think the stress and work my body went through trying to deliver before having the c-section made recovery more difficult. I have also been lucky to have very quick, minimally painful recoveries. I know a lot of people have different opinions, but when it comes down to it you'll do whatever it takes at that moment to deliver a healthy baby by whatever means neccessary. The only real downside I see to now having 2 c-sections it that if we have more children the delivery will definately be a c-section and it is major abdominal surgery. Good luck with your decision and pregnancy.

I haven't had an elective C section. I would maybe like to know why you are considering one? I dont want to pry, but if you are fearful of vaginal delivery or that sort of thing, well, i have to tell you. It hurts, some people dont have nearly as much pain as others, some have hardly none. Some go quickly, some not so much, but there are lots of pain control options. I can say I have been induced THREE times, not a walk in the park, but, within hours the pain is gone and you have a wonderful baby to love. I truly would have more if i had a uterus. The chance of having an elective C section is almost nonexistent for various reasons. Risk of maternal and infant death, risk of infection, risk of hemorrhage, risk of newborn baby problems due to not being delivered vaginally, etc..etc..The list really and truly goes on and on. I would hate for you to ask for one, have the MD do one and then you be feeling crappy, have any sort of post-op problem, a sick baby, and then find out your insurance won't cover it. I think everyone on here has answered their own personal opinions..I hope maybe something I said will help you either relax about your options or help you make some sort of plan. Good luck to you and your baby!

C

Hi ME...I have had two c-sections...the first was medical emergency (15 years ago!)..I had another child two years later (scheduled csection)...and I am having my third child in August of this year by ceserean...hard of my body..safer for my children...

Yes I have had 2 C-sections. First was 3 years ago, not by choice, my body wouldn't let my son out and only got to 4cm after 15 hours of labor and my cerix closed and thickened, so I had to have a C-section...when I wanted a vaginal birth.

My second was this past December by choice...scheduled. I delivered at Prentice Women's Hospital in Chicago. Yes my insurance paid. We have a PPO through my husband's work...they cover 85% of the medical expenses.

If this is your FIRST pregnancy, you should try to have a vaginal birth...you will heal faster than a C-section. Remember that a C-section is MAJOR SURGERY...it's not easier. If you're worried about pain, there are plenty of options.

Hope this helps.

You may be hard pressed to find an OB willing to do an elective section with the rate of malpractice lawsuits against OB's. OB's have huge malpractice insurance rates and have really changed the way they do elective inductions and sections.

As a retired OB/GYN nurse, I can not see why anyone would want to have an elective c-section. This is seriuos surgery.
I do not recommend undergoing this proceedure unnecessarily. Now if medically indicated, it is another story. And if indicated during labor, another story.
You will want to the natural thing, and the best for you and your baby.

You don't say how old you are, but I think the recovery is harder for "older" moms. I was 39 when I had my baby delivered by c-section because she was breech and the doctors thought a vaginal delivery would be risky for her. Knowing what I know now about how tough the recovery was, if I could've avoided a section, I would have. It's especially hard if you are trying to breastfeed, because you simply don't have time to get the rest your body needs. Just another factor for you to consider. Best of luck with the birth of you baby.

I have had two c-sections, not electively, most physicians won't do elective c-sections although you can find a few who will, and most insurance companies will not pay for elective c-sections as this costs more than child birth. C-section is usually performed when there is a threat to the mother and/or the infant and this is the insurance companies view of why they do not pay for elective c-section.

Just to provide you with more info: You cannot pick up anything that weighs more than your newborn for 6 weeks and you cannot drive for 2 weeks. This can be hard if you have another child that is young.

I agree with Jane the retired OB/GYN nurse. This is major surgery. Why would you elect to have it AND why would there be an OB that would give you that choice?

C-sections are still currently not elective in the US but as one other gal said, your Dr. can find an issue and elaborate on it in order to get it for you. I'm not going to get into the whole thing but I'm on the "go c-section" team. I did my research, knew the consequences, knew I didn't want to give birth, elaborated on my issue of lower spinal problems (that got me out of work for an extra month pre-birth) and my Dr. left it up to me. I took the c-section and had no issues, no major pain, could walk stairs in 4 days, pick things up, no scar tissue, etc etc. As far as I know, it's practically impossible to get a so called "elective" c-section in the United States. One reason or another has to be sited for the C. The one other gal mention because she didn't want to have a VBAC. This is common and excusable. But just to ask for it, probably won't happen unless you have a very liberable Dr. Otherwise there has to be something listed for the cause. I did have a liberal Dr. and still had to make a case for myself. Dr's cover themselves and I don't blame them. Of course you will do the research and no matter what you choose it will be right because it will be YOUR decision. If this is something you really want, I would recommend finding something you can work with in your/your family's medical history that would allow for it. Best wishes.

There is no need for an elective c-section. A c-section is major surgery and can put both you and your child at risk.
I thought about it as an option also, when I was pregnant with my son. Please talk with your daoctor about the risks associated with c-sections.
I had an emergency c-section with my son. It is not something I want to go through again. Although, I will have to have a repeat c-section because I was cut vertically through my uterine wall, which makes any type of VBAC dangerous.

I had the opportunity to "choose" whether I wanted to deliver natural or by c section. I had my daughter by emergency c section and my son was delivered natural with no epideral. I chose to have my third by c section. Many people are opinionated about this, but you have to do what you want, regardless of others. My insurance did cover it. I do not regret my decision. The outcome is the same. It is nice to know when you will have your baby. It is also nice because if you have other children, you can plan ahead. We did the c section on a Friday, and I was able to come home with the baby on Monday morning.

My c-sect. was not completely elective (Dr. thought baby would be too big) But everything went completly fine. No complications or anything, just a longer rcovery. I don't see why insurance wouldn't cover it. That just happens to be the way you choose to have your baby. My Dr.'s were from Dukane OBGYN in St.Charles (Lee, Lew, and Aguiar) They were really great! Good Luck!

Yes people feel very strongly about these issues, but I know how YOU feel! I have had 3 c-sections but all by fate! I was terrified of giving birth -- not knowing how it would go, how long it would take, whether or not to get an epesiotomy, etc. and I used to wonder if I could get an elective c-section too. I liked the idea of knowing exactly what the procedure was -- no guessing. But, as it turned out, my 1st child was breech and I had to have a c-section. Well, it was definitely painful and I even tried to VBAC with my second child b/c I felt like the recovery time would be faster. That didn't happen, so I had another c-section and it was actually less painful the 2nd time for me. And the 3rd time was even easier. Of course I have no idea what a vaginal birth is like, but I was relieved to have the surgeries b/c I am a chicken! :) Although, my mother delivered 4 children and claims "it's nothing"! Good luck to you!

All insurance companies are different, some will pay & others won't. Call them directly & call your Dr.'s billing department. It's good to talk to both.

ME,

I had a C-section with my son, he was breech. However, we elected to not try the other medically approved methods out there to try and have him turned, so we decided on the C-section, everything was covered. I think you should try to contact your insurance company and see what they have to say. But I think your main stumling block will be the doctor, more and more I think they are moving away from elective C-sections. Good luck!

T.

My labor stalled after 22 hours and only being dilated to 5. I did NOT want a c-section, but unfortunately it became an unsafe situation for me not to. I had an easier than expected recovery--but would not "choose" it if I had to do it all again. In fact, I was very depressed afterward. I wanted a "normal" (but pain free!!) delivery--not surgery!

Now, I am expecting my second and have planned a c-section this time around. At least I know what to expect this time, but as others have said, I would not electively choose a c-section for my first birth experience.

Just an FYI, a friend of mine was very worried about tearing and was able to find a doctor who agreed to a c-section. At the last minute (while being rolled into the OR) she completely freaked out and was out of control with being operated on. She thought a c-section would be a piece of cake. The truth is that is was very, very scary for her. She was so upset that the doctors had to do a general anesthesia and she wasn't even awake for the birth of her daughter! Not a good experience :(

My second pregnancy was a scheduled c-section. I had one with my first because he was breech. With my second I decided about 36 weeks that I wanted a c-section. I used Female Health Care Assoc in Bloomingdale, IL. My insurance co. covered it. They never questioned whether it was medically necessary. But if you are concerned I would just call your insurance co. and ask if they cover c-sections that aren't a medical necessity. Good luck.

I have had an elective c-section. What do you want to know?

Dear M E,
In response to your question, I would say my second child was elective. My first was a "had to be" situation, he was rather big for me, had a large head, and was breach. I was happy my Dr. said I WAS having a C-section. My 2nd one was much smaller and no problems and I CHOSE to have her the same. I had a great experience and NO horror stories to tell. I was ready to eat, move about and go home before the Dr.'s wanted me to, so I had no problems there. The convenience of having it scheduled so my family could be there and my husband could arrange his schedule accordingly was perfect for us. I was awake, remember everything and the whole procedure took about 10 minutes!! Can't beat that! My theory on C-section verses vaginal delivery is this... the outcome is the same...to bring home your beautiful, healthy baby and that can be done either way. Don't let people bully you into what they think is right for you. The same goes for breastfeeding. It's a personal choice. I did breastfeed for about 6 months for each, but I also supplemented with formula. Dr. Mueller is my OB/GYN ..great Dr.!! My insurance covered, but that has also been almost 9 years ago. Some Dr.'s are willing to code things in a way to help you with insurance coverage. Worth checking into. Good luck!
GJ East Peoria

Hi,
I had an elective caesarian section with my 2nd daughter because with my 1st daughter I was in labor 36 hrs & I would'nt dialate past 7 cm's. The Dr said it was my choice on which way I wanted to go-I chose the caesarian for less stress on the baby as my 1st daughter had difficulties with lack of oxygen while trying to deliver naturally. My insurance paid 80% of the bill leaving me with 20%. My Dr. was Steven Azuma & he is awesome. I hope this helps you come to the conclusion that you are most comfortable with.

I had an emergency c-section with my first child. I was 36 wks and 3 days and went into labor, they broke my water and then found out what they thought to be his head was really his butt. It was a very emotional and scary thing. With my second child I had the option of normal or another c-section. I really wanted to have the experience of a normal childbirth, but my fluids got too low and she was breech so they had to do another emergency c-section at 36 wks and 3 days. Something I did not see mentioned is that where your incision is can have numb spots that will never get feeling back. Also it weakens your abdominal muscles which will never be as strong as they were. You would be better off having maybe 1 wk of pain instead of 4 wks ( if you heal fast). My youngest is 3 1/2 and every once in a while my incision is sensitive. You really need to think it through.

I had two cesereans. My first one was not by choice, but it was an emergency cesarean. My second one however was by choice. My insurance covered it in full ( I have the Allkids insurance card .) And recovery was not as hard as people make it out to be. I was up on my feet the very next morning! If you have any questions, go ahead and email me at ____@____.com

My first C was not elective. As I was 41, I did elect to have a C-section for the 2nd girl 18 months later.
Insurance paid. that was in 1990. Check with your doctor.
He/she will know about the insurance.

A.

My doctor tried to have get a C-section and I didn't want it so I had my son naturally, but it seems that he likes to perform c-sections more than deliveries, he tried to make me think my baby was under stress so I would get the C-section but another doctor check the monitor and he said the baby was responding fine. You can send me a message if you want the doctor's info, I'm not sure about the price, but I know C-sections are more expensive than deliveries.

I had a very rough vaginal delivery with my daughter, who suffered major health issues b/c he did not do a c-section. So with my second (and new doctors) I requested a section. Now, I don't know if they would have fought me on it, I think they would have, however with my history, they totally understood why I wanted one. It wasn't that bad. My recovery was about the same. Coughing was the worst, and of course I had a cold! If this is your first, I would try a vaginal delivery. Just be clear with your doc at the first sign of problems, he does a section. The meds they give you for regular delivery are great. I was all about the drugs! :) Good luck! Oh, my insurance did pay for it without question. It was about $5,000 compared to vaginal at about $3,500. Plus you have the anesthiologists and surgery rooms to pay for and possibly more time in the hospital in general.

I think you would have to have a good reason to have a c- section, to convince the Drs that this would be the best for your situation or anyones in that case. Ya best thing ask your dr thats gonna do the delivery and be intimate with him about all your concerns, i know i would.

Insurance companies generally do not pay for these, but frequently doctors make up excuses like suspected large baby, maternal anxiety, etc that results in them being paid for.

But PLEASE do not do this to yourself and your baby without fully researching it first. The risks of a c-section are SOOOO much worse than a vaginal delivery- in fact a mother is 2 times more likely to die and a baby is 3 times more likely to die after a c-section with no medical indications than a vaginal delivery. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE research this.

I am an OB nurse so I am well read in the field. You are opening yourself and your baby to current risks, future risks to your health, and risk to your future pregnancies.

Here are some good sources of information:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/240_1031.asp
http://www.webmd.com/baby/tc/cesarean-section-risks-and-c...
http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10166

Please read this info. I know you didn't ask for advice but I couldn't let a friend make this decision without having all of the information available so I am passing it on to you too. Happy and Healthy Pregnancy:)

I had a c-section with my twins. It was scheduled at 39 weeks. I never had a contraction. It seemed the best thing to do to make sure one of the babies wasn't in trauma.Yes,it was covered by insurance. I went to Dr. Umpai ###-###-#### on essington near black road. I love her! Good luck!