Why I Chose a C-Section: My Experience as a First Time Mom
Welcoming a new life into this world can bring forward a whirlwind of emotions for you and your partner. We love to glorify the thought of delivering our precious baby into this world through the natural process of birth.
Our doctor will tell us that we are starting to dilate, we go home anticipating the moment our water breaks to celebrate with our partner; “the baby is coming!”. Then we go through the labor process ending with that final push followed by that beautiful first cry. At least that’s what we’d all like to imagine giving birth is like.
But what happens when you get the news that you may need a cesarean section? There’s many reasons that may cause the need for this surgery, and not one of them are easy to think about.
Why I Chose a C-Section
I fell pregnant in early 2022 and as expected, met with my OBGYN who inquired about my medical history. Due to 2 brain bleeds caused by an AVM (arteriovenous malformation) when I was a teenager which was repaired by surgery, the doctor recommended a brain scan. This was just to ensure the birthing process would not cause any complications.
She stated I would probably be medically cleared and that I have nothing to worry about since it’s been such a long time. They just wanted to double check. Simple enough!
So off I went to see a neurosurgeon and the high risk OBGYN. A brain scan was ordered and, woo-hoo! My AVM was still gone. Unfortunately, a new issue was discovered.
I had developed a large aneurysm in my brain. Seeing this information in the radiologists’ notes made my head spin. Aneurysms cause countless mortalities each year, and now I had one. How was I going to give birth with a ticking time bomb in my brain? Am I going to survive this?
Assisted Delivery
So off I went to follow up with several doctors who agreed giving birth without pushing could be possible with “assisted delivery”. What did this mean?
They wanted to use suction on my babys head to pull him out. I was informed of the possible side effects of suction on a newborn. These included a possible aneurysm for the baby, swelling of the babies head, respiratory distress, and/or skull fractures to name a few.
With all of the possible side effects, the suction may not even work. An emergency c-section would be needed if suction was unsuccessful. This was a risk I was unwilling to take and for the sake of my childs safety.
I opted for the c-section.
Knowing that I would not be able to have a natural delivery was upsetting, but it doesn’t change the fact that it is still giving birth. It is still the process of bringing a beautiful child into this world through a body that worked night and day for 9 months with no break.
While I know there are SO many reasons someone would opt for a c-section, it’s still scary to think about! It honestly left me with many sleepless nights.
The strength and resilience required to opt for such an invasive surgery for the health of your baby is remarkable. Always remember that no matter how a baby enters this world, the bond between a mother and her child will be nothing short of miraculous!
Read about my c-section experience here, and recovery process here!
Please note that none of this is to be taken as medical advice. Refer to your doctor for any medical guidance as they are they ones who know your specific situation!