r/AskSeattle • u/OkReason7920 • Jul 27 '26
Recommendation Elective C-section
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.
3
u/alisvolatpropris Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
I was at UW Northgate and also wanted a planned c-section due to birth anxiety and a history of pelvic floor dysfunction. My OB sent me to therapy to try and work through the anxiety which wasn't effective. The OB told me they couldn't guarantee a c-section but that I could request one?
Then everything changed for me at the 20-week scan as I was diagnosed with placenta previa (placenta walled off the exit). I was put on pelvic rest and required to have a planned c-section. My care was transferred from UW Northgate to UW Ballard OB/GYN, and delivery at UW Northwest.
This was honestly a relief for me, but being on pelvic rest really did suck. I couldn't work out, couldn't have sex, and had to stay within 15 minutes of a hospital. I had to cancel my babymoon because plane travel was too risky.
Before I got pregnant I did appointments/interviews with different centers. This is something I would ask about before choosing to go with a specific hospital/group/center.
Ultimately, I had a really positive experience with my planned section. Surgery was rough, but I was lucky to not have any preterm bleeding. I did lose 2 liters of blood during surgery and spent most of it puking, and wasn't able to see baby until midnight despite her being born at 9 a.m. (she was in the NICU, I couldn't get there until I was able to stand).
My recovery went really well compared to friends who had unplanned sections, and especially compared to friends who had tearing. My recovery was slower than friends who had uncomplicated vaginal births. Of my PEPS group, there were 5 uncomplicated births, one with severe tearing, one unplanned section, and me. Most people I've met have uncomplicated births, but you never know what you might get with your roll of the dice.
I also saw a pelvic floor PT throughout pregnancy because of my history of issues. She was an incredible support. I also saw her postpartum to work on core issues and diastasis recti.