Why an Elective C-Section Just Might Be Your Best Birth Choice
I am officially in my third trimester, toddler in tow, and hurtling towards the birth of my second child. If you’ve visited my blog before, you’ll know that the birth of my first child was an emergency C-section. I’ve talked about this A LOT, and my feelings have evolved and grown in the 3 years since then.
Before falling pregnant with baby number 2, I KNEW I was going to opt for an elective C-section when it came to my next birth. I’ve not had to fight for this right, I’ve felt supported & championed by my amazing midwife team. All of the options have been offered, and I have done extensive reading and research and I feel not only happy but calm about my decision. Here’s a bit about my story and why this is the right choice for me – and maybe for you – the second time around.
1. Control, Sweet Control
Let’s be real—waiting for labour to start is one of the longest and hard things for your brain to comprehend and experience, it’s unpredictable and anxiety-inducing. A scheduled C-section? You set the date. You know when the big (and beautiful) day happens. It’s your call, your pace, your plan.
If, like me, you have other children, it’s a great tick in the box for pre-planning childcare but also preparing your child for what is to come next. You can do the last dinner time, the last bedtime and the last bath time and enjoy every second of it.
2. Be aware of your recovery
All births can lead to issues, please consult your midwife. Having already had an emergency C-section, I know the physical strain the recovery took on my body and what recovery is like.
I feel, genuinely, prepared for this because I’ve done it once before. Bonus, I’ll also know to be much kinder to myself this time around.
3. Minimal Risk of Uterine Scar Rupture
With VBAC, there’s a small chance (around 0.5%) that your previous scar could rupture—but this risk is almost zero with a planned C-section. I didn’t know about this until I was already pregnant, so I did plenty of reading up on it. While my decision was already made, this was certainly food for thought.
4. It’s Not Just About Convenience—It’s About Feeling Safe
Perhaps it’s fear, past trauma, or just wanting to preserve your mental energy—whatever your reason, elective C-section can offer a sense of calm control. Many women choose it to dodge anxiety and leave labour-related panic behind.
My first labour was terrifying; I won’t go into it here, but it was scary and left me with a lot of trauma that took me a long time to work through. I’ve been told (by friends and professionals) that having an elective C-section can heal some of that pain and trauma and help to give you the calm birth that you’ve dreamt of.
5. Avoid the Rollercoaster of a Failed VBAC and Emergency C-Section
Around 25% of VBACs end in emergency C-sections—often after a long, draining labour. Elective C-sections mean going in on your own terms, without the rush or pressure of an emergency setting.
This was a big factor for me. I didn’t want to go through all of the labour and hours of contracting only for it to be labelled as failure to progress again and end up in an emergency C-section.
6. Sometimes, VBAC Isn’t Medically Advisable
Certain situations—like having had a vertical (classical) incision, more than two C-sections already, or previous uterine rupture—make VBAC unsafe. In these cases, a repeat C-section is the safest choice.
7. Equally Safe Outcomes for Healthier Babies
Most women—and their babies—do just fine with either path. Elective C-sections are considered very safe, and with the right care, lead to healthy outcomes.
A Balanced View: A Quick Comparison Table
| Aspect | Elective C-Section | VBAC (Planned Vaginal Birth) |
|---|---|---|
| Predictability | Scheduled, your chosen date | Uncertain timing; labour may be long or induced |
| Scar rupture risk | Nearly negligible | ≈ 0.5% risk, increased with induction |
| Emergency C-section risk | Very low—planned and controlled | ~25% may require emergency intervention |
| Pelvic floor impact | Lower risk of trauma or pelvic issues | Higher risk of injuries like prolapse or bladder control |
| Baby’s safety | Very low risk of oxygen deprivation | Slightly higher risk—but still rare |
| Recovery management | Planable—fits your personal/life needs | Often faster—if birth goes smoothly |
| Medical suitability | Always an option if VBAC is risky | Only suitable when medically and logistically supported |
But Let’s Be Real—It Is Surgery
Of course, everything comes with a “but,” and here it is:
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Longer recovery and potentially more hospital time
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Risks like infection, blood clots, bleeding, or even accidental injury to bladder or bowel—surgery doesn’t come without its paperwork
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Future pregnancies might carry extra risks—placenta complications, uterine scar issues, or limitations on planning for VBAC
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Babies born before 39 weeks can face respiratory problems. That’s why guidelines generally recommend waiting until 39 weeks if it’s elective
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Some studies hint at slightly higher long-term health risks for babies (e.g. asthma), possibly due to missing out on ‘vaginal bacteria’ exposure—but that’s just one piece in a big picture
Why This Might Be Your Best Option
| Scenario | Why Elective C-Section Works for You |
|---|---|
| You want an anxiety-free, predictable day. | You decide when baby arrives. No surprises. |
| You’d rather avoid vaginal “trauma” or pelvic issues. | C-section lowers those risks significantly. |
| Labour feels like an emotional Everest. | You trade unknowns for informed preparation. |
| You plan carefully (maybe a one-and-done family). | You can time it, heal, and get on with life. |
| You value empowerment over social pressure. | Screw the “natural birth” badge; your choice is valid. |
Final Flourish, Rosie Style
Choosing an elective C-section isn’t about being scared or taking the easy way out—it’s about making an intentional, informed decision that’s right for your body, baby, and peace of mind.
This is your birth story—written your way, with reassuring predictability and zero shame. You’re not “snobby” or “posh,” you’re prepared. Not weak, just wise. Not avoiding labour—but choosing calm over chaos. That’s fierce.
You’ve got nurture, humour, and strength already on your side. Now add a savvy birth plan to the mix. You’re doing more than fine—you’re fabulous.
All the love, laughter, and self-assurance,
LoveRosiee
xxx
You May Also Enjoy…
Caesarean Awareness Month – My C Section Story
Emma’s Diary Feature: 18 Months After My C-Section, The Nerve Damage Has Finally Gone
The 411 on Breastfeeding After a C-Section – Cake Maternity Guest Article
Emma’s Diary Feature: Why My Next Baby Will Be Born Via Elective C-Section
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