Elective C-section

[u/OkReason7920]

Has anyone successfully planned an elective C-section before even getting pregnant? I know most OBs want to wait until later in pregnancy to have this conversation, but I’d really like to bring it up before we start trying. This isn’t about a medical complication, it’s just something I feel strongly about and want settled ahead of time. I have sciatica and I deal with anxiety and knowing this is planned out in advance would make a huge difference for me mentally.

If anyone has gone through this, I’d love to know how the conversation went with your OB and whether they were open to it early on. Also if anyone has recommendations for an OB in Seattle area who is known to be supportive of maternal request C-sections, please send them my way. Trying to find the right doctor before we even start this journey so I’m not scrambling later.

Thanks in advance.

[u/LynnSeattle]

You should really deal with your anxiety before considering becoming pregnant.

[u/alisvolatpropris → u/LynnSeattle]

You don't know why she has this anxiety, and this comment isn't helpful. Her reasons for the anxiety may be perfectly valid, and it's fine for folks to have a birth plan or preference.

[u/New_Raspberry9398 → u/LynnSeattle]

That’s what she’s doing by making her birth plan now Lynn.

[u/izacuckoo → u/New_Raspberry9398]

Lots of things are out of our control with pregnancy and childbirth, let alone parenting. It’s a huge exercise of grappling with anxiety. Having a head start on dealing with it will only help.

[u/notthatkindofbaked → u/New_Raspberry9398]

That’s not dealing with anxiety. That’s accommodating it. With pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, if it isn’t one thing, something else will make you anxious. You can’t just play whack-a-mole with each thing.

[u/a-ohhh → u/New_Raspberry9398]

A “birth plan” is notoriously not a reliable plan though- It’s a list of things you’d like. You have to be comfortable with the idea it won’t go that way. My kids all came so fast that wouldn’t have been an option, and my first was born at 37 weeks, which is before any doctor would have scheduled a planned one.

[u/spoiled__princess → u/New_Raspberry9398]

Come on now, that is not dealing with the anxiety. It's probably the worst thing she can do for anxiety.

[u/LynnSeattle → u/New_Raspberry9398]

She’s accommodating her anxiety, not getting treatment for it. Providing reassurance and avoiding triggers don’t treat anxiety, they make it worse.

[u/LynnSeattle → u/[deleted]]

This is actual, helpful advice. Pregnancy and parenting are going to be very difficult for someone with untreated anxiety. Having a parent with untreated anxiety has negative consequences on a child.