A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:I'm 37 weeks pregnant and just went for my weekly doctor's appointment. I found out a few things: my baby is already nearly 8lbs and breech and I'm 1cm dilated. I had hopes the entire time of having a natural birth, but the doctors aren't optimistic, considering that I have very narrow hips (originally a size 0) and that the baby is breech. I'm very nervous about having a c-section, not as much the surgery but the recovery. Before pregnancy, I led a very active lifestyle, and I've (at least) been able to keep up walking, but can't do much else. However, this surgery will set me back a more few months. Then, even after I've recovered, I still have to go through physical therapy to get my abs back together again. (They're very separated, and I'm at risk of a hernia if I don't get them back together.) I'm just so upset that it's going to take even longer to get back to my active lifestyle again. At best, it seems I'll by the end of the year. I've been on and off depressed throughout my pregnancy; it's been so difficult on my body. I miss feeling my normal, energetic self. It's been so long since I've felt that way, and now I'm facing many more months of this. Any suggestions on how to handle this emotionally? I feel so drained.
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female
reader, Ciar  +, writes (2 July 2013):
 I had a C section in late 1991. I had to wait a little longer before I could start working out again (maybe a few weeks), but within a few short months I was back down to 108 pounds.
My sister's first child was delivered by C section and her second child emerged the old fashioned way. She, too, is in great shape.
OP, take a deep breath and try to relax. This is not a catastrophe. You're going to be fine and if you eat right and take care of yourself, you'll look great.
:)
A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (28 June 2013):
 your abs will never be the same... many women's abs split during pregnancy mine did. I had a full tummy tuck with corseting to fix it.
FWIW I had two UNPLANNED C-sections 1984 and 1986.
there is no physical therapy prescibed after C-sections AFAIK
and you have your choice of no life and no baby or a C-section.
I realize that had I had my child in the early 1900's I would have died in child birth as would the baby. I'm so very glad I had the ability to have children with assistance.
It took you 9 months to grow this baby it will take you 9 months to feel normal again...
I heard that about 33% of all births in the USA are c-sections now. My aunt did not have a section in the late 60s when she gave birth AND she was permanently damaged (her bladder and reproductive organs) by the birthing process and was never able to have other children. Sections were not as common then and she's very sorry she did not ask the doctor to do it for her.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (28 June 2013): You will recover from the c-section much faster than you would the complications from a natural birth. My mother had five c-sections and she recovered quickly from all but the last one (at age 46...took her about 3 weeks to seem normal again.)
As long as you have a good doctor and don't push yourself too far too fast, I am sure you will recover quickly from the C-section.
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A
female
reader, janniepeg +, writes (28 June 2013):
 I cried when I learned I needed an emergency C section. The only difference is that it was done right away, without weeks to prepare for it. Recovery was quick. The wound closed up within two days. I would suggest resting and hypnotherapy. Bond with the child. On the 7th day, being impatient from months of inactivity and bigness I carried my son in a carrier and was able to walk 10 minutes, although I won't recommend it for at least 2 weeks or more for anyone.
When I was in the womb I was lying traverse all the way throughout pregnancy and when my mom was on the hospital bed. The doctor was ready for the C section but at the last minute my head turned down and I was born natural. So this could be a possibility for you too.
Believe me, when the baby is born your whole attention will be on him. Just take it one day at a time.
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A
female
reader, SillyB +, writes (27 June 2013):
 I think you need to really relax about this. In the US almost 30% of women end up with c-sections - you don't hear them setting up support groups and writing books about the 'aftermath' of a surgery.It's a rather simple surgery - as with any surgery there are risks such as hemorrhage, infection, poor scar healing. However, at the same time, its done so often, the majority of women have great outcomes. Even the scars are tiny.On leave you have 6 weeks to heal post c-section versus 4 weeks post vaginal birth. It's not that much longer. They stitch the abs back together. You really need to relax here and think what is best for the baby. It's breach right now, do you want it born breach? You need to talk to women who have had c-sections as you're really over dramatizing this whole situation.It's not ideal, its not natural, but thank-god you have this option - would you prefer pushing out a large breach baby?
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