C-sec during labour?

[Shana]

On discussing my thoughts on c-sec vs VB with my Doc, she mentioned trying a VB and if anything went wrong, I could have a c-sec then. I told her I did not want 'both' - and I didn't want them to use forceps (as they can do damage)and go through that unsuccesfully, and have a c-sec recovery to deal with as well.

She said that if they tried using forceps - I would not have a c-sec . . . the baby would be too far down the birth canal by that time.

So I'm curious . . .I just read a post in another section about a lady who reached down and 'touched' her baby's head during labour. . but baby could not go further so she had an emergency c-sec.

Did my Doc tell me the right thing? This seems contradictory? If you can 'touch' baby's head - surely that is far enough for forceps to be utilised . . yet you can still have a c-sec at that stage?

[JackzMumma]

Hi, I'm not sure about forceps and a vaginal birth, I had forceps for my c-sec which was my 1st birth, and suction for my vaginal birth. I'm not very good at getting babies out apparently. They said that if they couldn't get bubs out it was be an emergency c-sec, but luckily they got him out with suction. Maybe if they couldn't get him out, a c-sec would've been neccessary even if he was too far down the birthing canal. But don't be too stressed over forceps, both my bubs are happy and healthy!:)

[Shazbutt]

With my DD1, they tried forceps AND suction before they decided on an emergency C/S....so it must be possible :detective:. There are times when forceps will not work (as with my DD), so they don't really have any other option then, yeah?

Good luck, and like JackzMumma said, forceps aren't all bad...if i wasn't petrified of vaginal birthing :o, i'd have preferred they got her out that way than have a C/S!

[leannelizzy]

I think it all comes down to how far down the birth canal bubs is. When I had Lachlan they tried to suction as I was 10cm and pushing (I think he was at 0 station) but he turned his head to side and wasn't coming. In the end I had an emergency c-section. I was very fortunate that I had no pain from my c-section and am quite happy to go down that path again, if we are fortunate enough to get there.

My hubby has a friend who is a GP and apparently bubs know whether they will fit or not (clever monkeys) which is probably why Lachie turned his head.

[nickalex]

My third bub was an elective ceaser but I went into labour and had to wait for a surgery opening. They had to use forceps to get him out of me even with the ceaser. He was basically trapped in my pelvis and the obs said that I would never have been able to have a vaginal birth. Poor little guy had a very bruised and battered little face from it all.

[Shana]

Ah . . I was wondering why they'd use forceps with a c-sec . . b/c baby's head is too far down. Ok.

Thank you very much for your replies. . . you have been so helpful!