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View Full Version : Elective C-section?


ekeselring
01-17-2008, 01:24 AM
My grandmother had 2 children which completely destroyed her bladder and significantly weakened her pelvic floor. She experienced severe incontinence problems after her children were born which continually agonize her today.

I realize that aging and vaginal childbirth are the two main reasons for pelvic floor problems.

My mother had three chlidren all of which were 30+ hours of labor. She also had diabetes (just a note). My mother had to have bladder surgery because of her weakened pelvic floor muscles (due to her vaginal births). I am TTC now and am wondering if I should get a c-section. Would it even be considered elective with my mother and grandmothers past history? I would like to be able to avoid all the pain and suffering they went through having to deal with severe incontinence. I already have a slight case of incontinence and tend to let out a little urine when I cough, sneeze or laugh. I realize that when I get older that it will only get worse and if I give birth vaginally that will almost guarantee I suffer from the same fate as my mother/grandmother. I have been researching this topic for over a year now and understand the risks. I feel as though I have made an informed decision on this subject. I want a c-section. I know some doctors aren't necessarily open minded when it comes to this and am curious as to what your thoughts and opinions are and if you could recommend an OB/GYN in my area who would consider my thoughts and be open minded enough to let me choose my own birth experience.

Thoughts/Opinions?!

mikimbin
01-27-2008, 06:25 PM
Just a question how many more children are you planning on having? In my practice we are ok with elective C/S, and yes child birth will weaken the pelvic floor, especially if there is a genetic component to it. It doesn't mean though that by having a C/S you will completely bypass your fate, that is if you become heavy, or even with age things do start to fall down. The pelvic support is mostly hereditary so just with age you might have some degree of incontinence. I do know people who have gone and had elective c/s to avoid any pelvic floor dysfunction. Just remember that ligaments and things do get stretched out just by being pregnant and the weight of pregnancy. So something to keep in mind. Good luck. I don't know which area you are from I might be able to recommend someone, depending on your location.