Another post-pregnancy body question...c-sections vs. natural birth...

which do you think changes your body more? a c-section or a natural birth?

Re: Another post-pregnancy body question...c-sections vs. natural birth...

I think it depends on the circumstance. My gut reaction was to say C section, but then I thought about tearing, episiotimies, etc. So, I think it all depends.

Re: Another post-pregnancy body question...c-sections vs. natural birth...

I would think a C-section, unless you had a particularly traumatic vaginal birth.

Re: Another post-pregnancy body question...c-sections vs. natural birth...

I'm thinking a c-section since it is major abdominal surgery. However, as it has been pointed out, there are some vaginal deliveries which are extremely difficult as well. Tough call.

Re: Another post-pregnancy body question...c-sections vs. natural birth...

I also think it depends on each situation.

Re: Another post-pregnancy body question...c-sections vs. natural birth...

I had a rough v birth and over a year later I still have complications and pain from it.

Def tough call depending on the situation.

I am getting a c section in 5 days, so i can compare the two later down the line

Re: Another post-pregnancy body question...c-sections vs. natural birth...

I had a c/s with my first and a vaginal delivery with my second (VBAC). The recovery from the c/s was so much more intensive. My vaginal birth was like a walk in the park. So much easier.

Re: Another post-pregnancy body question...c-sections vs. natural birth...

**WARNING GRAPHIC**

I only had v-births, but would say c-section.

I know someone who was paralyzed for 3-4 months after a v-birth due to nerve damage. Even then I would say c-section.

They need to cut through muscles, remove organs from your body to get to the uterus (and you know they don't put those organs in EXACTLY the same spot). My sister complained that she had to deal with her digestive system readjusting, an incision, numbness, etc. It is major surgery. Common, yes, but still major surgery.

Re: Another post-pregnancy body question...c-sections vs. natural birth...

I don't really know. I had a c-section, and yes, the recovery was intensive, and my incision did not heal properly, but if given the choice, I'd chose a c-section over a v-birth in the future. DD was breach & I had a manual version done to attempt to turn her around so I could deliver vaginally. It didn't work & I was quite disappointed that I had to have a c-section. But in the end, it really wasn't that bad, I'm glad I had five days to recover in the hospital & relieved I didn't have to experience some of the harrowing labor that some of my friends went through. My OBs both made comments that a c-section usually resulted in fewer unpleasant long-term medical consequences (if there were no complications, of course) than many vaginal births.

It will be interesting to see what happens with my next pregnancy, god willing.

Re: Another post-pregnancy body question...c-sections vs. natural birth...

I can't really compare, but all I got to say is that I'll definitely be visiting a plastic surgeon after I'm done having kids. My c-section FUBARed up my bod.

Message edited 7/2/2007 10:11:47 PM.

Re: Another post-pregnancy body question...c-sections vs. natural birth...

I'd say the recovery from a c-section would be more intensive because it's invasive surgery - getting cut open, moving things around, plus the drugs.

However, after the healing is done, I don't think there is much difference. Either way, a woman may still have wider hips, boob changes, stretch marks, soft tummy and may still carry some extra weight.