If you’re currently pregnant then this post about a c section vs vaginal birth is extremely useful information given you will be having either a c section or a vaginal birth.
Thinking about birth while you’re pregnant can be downright scary. And thinking about the possibility of a c section is even scarier.
In this post, you will learn about all the differences with a c section vs. vaginal birth, what causes a mother to need an emergency c section, what c section recovery is like, vaginal birth recovery tips and sooo much more.
This post is jam packed with all the information new moms need to read in preparation for giving birth and you will walk away with a new sense of confidence about what to expect.
This post is all about a c section vs vaginal birth.
C Section Vs Vaginal Birth
C Section Birth
Why You Might Need a C Section
One of the most common reasons a woman needs a c section is because of a breech baby. In this situation, the baby is positioned head up instead of head down. As a result, it is extremely hard (and often dangerous) to give birth to a breech baby.
Other reasons for a c section include various medical reasons or you’ve already had one c section and your doctor is requiring a second or third. In many cases, doctors will allow second time moms to try for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c section) but some have certain requirements such as you were a certain number of months postpartum before you became pregnant again.
Planned C Section vs. Emergency C Section
Planned C Section
A planned c section is exactly that – it is planned in advance, usually because of one of the reasons discussed above.
Babies typically turn to face head down around 28 to 32 weeks so if your baby is staying comfy in the breech position by the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy, it’s common for doctors to start talking about a planned c section and/or an ECV (external cephalic version).
An ECV is a procedure where doctors try to manually move the baby into a head down position. It is typically a very painful procedure and does not always work.
If you do not opt for an ECV or you try it and it isn’t successful, a planned c section is usually scheduled during week 39 of pregnancy. This helps prevent the mother from going into labor naturally. Because of this, you will not go into labor, feel contractions or dilate.
Emergency C Section
An emergency c section is the exact opposite of a planned c section and can occur for various reasons. The most common are:
- Struggles with a vaginal birth that pose a danger to the mother or baby
- You go into labor prior to a scheduled c section.
With an emergency c section, active labor starts and you feel contractions prior to getting into the operating room. There is usually a sense of urgency with this type of c section given the mother and/or baby are usually in a risky situation with a vaginal birth.
How Long Is A C Section?
A c section is about 45 to 60 minutes on average. Your baby is usually delivered in the first 20 minutes followed by the removal of the placenta. The remainder of the time is spent stitching you back up, which usually takes the longest amount of time. Trust me when I say the c section goes by QUICK!
Hospital Stay After C Section
Usually a mother stays in the hospital for three to four days (on average) following a c section. A c section is major surgery with a large incision and pain medicine so the nurses and doctor naturally need to check on the mother and her incision frequently.
C Section Recovery Timeline
C section recovery is typically more intense than recovery from a vaginal birth and can take 6+ weeks. Although that’s not to say vaginal birth recovery is a walk in the park.
With a c section, you have a horizontal incision that is healing. As a result, you will initially have:
- A weight restriction (basically don’t lift anything heavier than your baby)
- Be on pain medicine for the first few days to a week or two
- Be more limited in how you sit, stand and move around initially
Women who gave birth via c section will also have two follow up appointments with their doctor.
The first is a 2 week postpartum visit to make sure their c section incision is healing properly. The second is the standard 6 week visit at which time the women is usually cleared to workout and resume normal activities, although some need a longer recovery time.
C Section Recovery Tips
- Rest when you can.
- Stay on top of pain medicine in the first days to week. Take gas pills or stool softeners if needed.
- Wear loose fitting clothing.
- Use a squirt bottle to gently clean yourself after going to the bathroom.
- Set up your first floor with everything you need for the day.
- Ask for and accept help.
- Use a Skin and scar balm on your c section incision.
- Use a Caddy to keep diapers, wipes, receiving blankets and spare outfits on the first floor during the day.
- Pack ‘n play with changing pad and bassinet.
- Pre-made foods from family or prep a few freezer meals before baby arrives.
- A few good Netflix shows to binge.
- Give yourself grace.
Vaginal Birth
Timing Of A Vaginal Birth
Women typically go into labor between 38 to 42 weeks pregnant. It is important for you to keep an eye out for any signs of labor and have your hospital bags packed and ready to go.
With a vaginal birth, it is really up to your body and your baby, unless you need to be induced of course. Unlike with a planned c section, there is a lot of uncertainty with the timing of a vaginal birth and you won’t know it’s happening until it’s happening.
Hospital Stay After Birth
The hospital stay after a vaginal birth is usually about one to two days assuming there are no complications with your or baby. However, you will have been in the hospital prior during labor for several hours to several days depending on the situation.
Vaginal Birth Recovery Timeline
The amount of recovery time needed really differs from mom to mom. For example, those who experienced tearing will be more uncomfortable than those who didn’t and some.
In general though, women have one appointment at 6 weeks postpartum. This is also the appointment where the doctor usually gives clearance to resume working out and normal activities.
Vaginal Birth Recovery Tips
- Use pain relievers as needed (and approved by your doctor)
- Use bath salts in the bath to help relax your muscles, improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
- Squirt bottle to gently clean yourself after going to the bathroom (especially if you experienced a tear).
- Postpartum underwear or a big pad to help with postpartum bleeding
- Witch hazel pads to fight bacteria and prevent infection
- Rest when you can.
- Get ready to relax with a few good Netflix shows.
- Accept any and all help. And ask for it too!
- Give yourself grace.
Benefits of C Section
As a c section mom, I am passionate about educating women about c sections and encouraging them to be proud of themselves if this is the way they gave birth.
A c section doesn’t make you any less of a mother and actually has some really great benefits!
- You have a set date with a planned c section.
Your c section will be planned during around week 39 of pregnancy to prevent you.
- You should not feel any labor pains with a scheduled c section.
A planned c section is usually early enough to prevent you from going into labor naturally.
- A longer stay in the hospital means more help with your newborn.
The c section hospital stay averages 3 to 4 days versus 1 to 2 with a vaginal birth. Despite a longer hospital stay, you will have a few extra days of help from nurses while you recover from c section surgery.
- Decreased risk of pelvic floor injury.
There is a decreased risk of injury given you are not pushing a baby out with a c section. But given you still carried a baby, it is recommended to work on your pelvic floor and core once your doctor clears you.
- A c section can be the safest option for breech baby or other high risk pregnancy.
A breech baby (positioned head up) cannot usually be safely birthed via vaginal delivery so a c section may be the best option.
This post was all about a c section vs vaginal birth.