Why are c-sections scheduled?

[Trixi]

I am most likely having a scheduled c-section - but, I am thinking of asking my OB if it really has to be scheduled or not.

I had a c-section with my first, the incision is one that makes a VBAC possible, so I don't understand why I cannot go into labor on my own and then have the c-section (since I am electing not to try for a VBAC at this point - see other post on C-section stigma).

I have heard that they schedule c-sections so that you do not go into labor on your own and risk a uterine rupture - I understand this if your previous section was the type that holds increased risk of uterine rupture, but, if you are eligible for VBAC and want a section, why schedule it? Is it just purely a convenience thing?

[karin]

toh

convenience...it is actually better to let labor kick in because of the hormones. ask your doc what he thinks or maybe if you can do a trial of labor.

[Tiffrz226]

I second that. It is purely for the staff's convenience. When we decided to go the ERC route (after ALOT of VBAC research and soul searching) I asked about doing just that. Go into labor and then come in for the C. They said I could do that, just tell the docs I wanted to go trial of labor, and then once I came in, they would do a C if I wanted. They didn't LIKE the idea, but after alot of convincing they said they would honor my decision.

But, I ended up scheduling on our due date - not earlier at 39 weeks like the docs wanted. DH travels for work every week, and it made him physically sick to think about getting on a plane and flying away from me if I was over my due date. (He could not start his paternity leave until after the baby actually arrived.) So, in the interest of family harmony, I compromised and scheduled for 40 weeks plus one day!

Now, remember, these people are going to be performing major abdominal surgery. I personally wanted them as happy as possible before they started rooting around in my guts! Another reason I chose to schedule.

HTH - it's a tough decision. I wish you peace in whatever you decide to do!
Tiff

[Celia]

There are pros and cons to scheduling versus not. If you schedule, you will know that YOUR doctor will be attending. Otherwise, you never know. (This same pro/con is there for natural labor versus induction, too, of course.)

The experience of labor is better for the baby, though, believe it or not, so that is a very safe option if you're open to the idea. I am gathering info for an article on that very topic. Let me know if you'd like to see my rough draft.

I don't buy the rupture explanation. First, you're about as likely to rupture during your pregnancy as during labor. Plus, you're not likely to rupture when going into labor on your own. Ruptures mostly occur with inductions and/or augmentation of labor.