After having one c section do you get offered and elective c section second time around?

[crunchymummy]

After having one c section do you get offered and elective c section second time around?

[FuzzyOwl]

Not unless you need one for medical reasons, but you should see a consultant and be given the opportunity to request/discuss having one.

[BlackeyedPetitsPois]

It depends on many things. My personal experience meant I was offered another with my second and this was based on my age (old git!) and the fact I didn't go into spontaneous labour first time round (reduced probability of it second time).

Do you want another csection?

[Roomba]

All the midwives I saw were very 'Oh, how wonderful - you'll be able to have a VBAC and give birth naturally this time, instead of a horrible c-section', which alarmed me as I knew I not only wanted a second section but was advised to by the consultant who did my first.

However, when I actually saw the consultant, he was lovely and more than happy to accept my request with no argument. That was at 35 weeks though which is a long time to worry about it if you really want another section!

[white66]

My local hospital trust do not offer you one. I had an EMCS for fetal distress during induction last time but the automatic default for my trust is you will have a VBAC, you do not even see a consultant unless you insist. In which case they will refer you to another trust for an ELCS

[unlimiteddilutingjuice]

I had an EMC without labour the first time.
Secound time: the only thing off the table was induction, because there can be a risk of reopening the scar.
The way it was explained to me: Going overdue is a risk factor for anyone. Induction is a risk after CS.
So, they offered CS at the point where they might normally have suggested induction.
I had an ECS at 31 weeks. At that point the risks of spontaneous vaginal birth and CS were roughly equal so the choice was mine.
A week or two later and I think CS would have been the consultants prefered option.
I think each Health Board has different guidelines though. You might not get a straight answer till you can talk to a consultant.

[laughingGnomette]

I think it depends on the hospital and your circumstances. They will at my hospital but they'll provide help and support for VBACS and encourage that route. My consultant said she would consider induction in certain circumstances.

[superking]

Definitely varies between trusts. I had an EMCS with my first but no labour, and was told that there was no reason I couldn't have a VBAC next time. For various reasons I want to have another CS with number two, and the midwives and doctors at my hospital have been supportive of this - they have made me aware of the pros and cons of VBAC and ELCS but haven't tried to change my mind. However I know that the neighbouring trust has a different policy and I would have had a much harder time persuading them.

If you have a preference then it is worth researching the policies of your local hospitals so you can choose one that is likely to support your choice.