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Childbirth

Giving birth with health conditions

4 replies

Mummycherry2 · 03/01/2014 10:06

Hi all,

I am new to mummy forums and a first time mum. I am now nearly 23 weeks and starting to struggle to be honest. I have had ME for 15 years and ongoing kidney and bladder infections.
I'm really struggling with exhaustion and trying to work full time as well as I can't give up until start of Easter holidays (teacher!) baby is due 8th may.

I was wondering if anyone has experience of birth with any of these conditions and if so what the best way to proceed is. I thought a c-section would be best as I can't even shop for more than an hour without flaking out but a friend of my husbands has made me panic by saying a request would be refused even with these conditions. What is anyone else's experience?
I'm getting very frightened and emotional now about it all. Is this normal?

OP posts:

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AndIFeedEmGunpowder · 03/01/2014 22:06

You could definitely request an elective c-section and they would take into account your health conditions and risk and discuss it with you. If you still wanted to go ahead after this they should let you choose a section. See 2011 NICE guidelines

I would have a chat with the midwife at your next appointment.

I think your husband's friend's information is outdated.

Congratulations on your pregnancy

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AndIFeedEmGunpowder · 03/01/2014 22:14

Btw I think it is completely normal to feel frightened and emotional at this stage, even when you think childbirth will be straightforward. You are not unusual!

It's a huge thing, but definitely worth it.

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Sally8655 · 06/01/2014 23:06

Mummy cherry, I know this post is a couple of days old but didnt want to just read and leave.
I too suffer from ME. I was diagnosed 3 years ago and have really struggled with it. At my worst completely bed ridden and unable to feed myself.

I got pregnant unexpectedly and completely unplanned due to my poor health. I have had a very complicated pregnancy, suffering from hyperemesis throughout and blood pressure problems just to name a couple. Unlike most pregnant women with ME, mine did not really improve and it has been a constant struggle. I'm due to give birth anytime now and booked to be induced on 27th if he doesn't arrive before.
I decided to go for a vaginal birth after lots of research due to healing being much better afterward. I will be having an early epidural as pain will likely tire me more quickly. I am also going to be transferred from the high risk hospital to a local maternity led unit for a week recovery after the birth. This should help me settle into things with added support.
I was also told that the hormones from breast feeding will give me an added lift so may help.

Hope this helps a little and everything goes well for you xx

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Mummycherry2 · 09/01/2014 05:22

Thank you so much both of you for your replies. I am back at work after the Christmas break and it's been horrendous!!
Sally8655, I'm so sorry you have been so poorly with your ME too, I completely understand how hard it is to describe that to anyone and how it makes you feel. I hope your birth goes well and that afterwards is as pain free as possible for you.
Thank you as well AndIFeedEmGunpowder for sharing the guidelines with me, my husband and I are investigating further! Also, thank you for your reassurance, just what I needed! Xx