DCDA twins - vaginal or CS delivery? Advice please...

[Yikesitshot]

Had my 24 week growth scan for DCDA twins at Queen Charlotte's yesterday. All seems fine which is good. At the appointment with the Dr after the scan, the subject of birth came up and once again I was told that I'd be having a vaginal delivery assuming twin 1 stays head down. Even if twin 2 is breach 'we can grab him out by the legs'...nice. I was told I should absolutely avoid major abdominal surgery if I can. Reasons I was given were that it is hospital policy, major abdominal surgery should be avoided, I am tall, have had 2 (induced at 41 +4) deliveries vaginally before which bodes well etc. etc.

When I asked for the hospital stats on twin births, I was fobbed off with 'we have one of the lowest CS rates in the country'. I explained that whilst I'd rather not have a C section, frankly the thought of the huge uncertainty surrounding an induction, v close monitoring, intervention, possible emergency section for twin 2 etc. fills me with fear.

Any of you ladies have any advice here? The concern I have is that I'm being fed the party line as CS are much more expensive to the NHS than a 'natural' delivery. I just want a straight answer re: the least risky option for me and the babies.

How hard to I push for a CS or should I just get over it and be led by the hospital?? Apologies for rambling thread....

Have also posted in multiples..

[RedToothBrush]

'we have one of the lowest CS rates in the country'.

And? What does it even mean?!

Anyone who says that I do really wonder about.

They are clearly more concerned about their statistics than how you feel about your birth and what the best option for you is. TBH it does sound like you have everything going for you, but if they are not addressing your fears and concerns they are failing you.

CS Rates are all very well. But there is no recording of how much physical or mental trauma this might be causing women as a result. Until these are also done, the figure doesn't show what is 'best'.

Nor does it consider that the individual needs of a woman might be to trade off the benefits of a VB against the harm it might cause a mother.

My advice is NOT to push for a CS. Because actually it doesn't sound like you necessarily want / need one. But nor should you 'just get over it and be led by the hospital' either because frankly you shouldn't have to. You should be given better information and they should address your concerns better, so you feel like you have confidence in them and don't feel like this.

You clearly don't feel like you have been properly informed. You don't feel in control. And you feel like you are not being treated as an individual, just someone who is being processed.

In short. Complain, and ask for more information/better explanation as you do not feel comfortable with what you have been told/how you have been treated so far.

As you say, this is feeding an anxiety. Which could come back and cause you problems if not dealt with now.