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Elective c-sect - Can I demand one?

5 replies

carwillin · 08/05/2006 08:20

I ended up with an emergency c-section last pg after 3 days of failed induction. I am seeing a consultant today and would really like to have an elective c-section this pg as I cannot go through what I went through last time.

Can I demand one or is it still ultimately the consultants decision?

Thanks

OP posts:

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Blackduck · 08/05/2006 08:55

You'll probably find it depends on the hospital...mine didn't do elective C's at all

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Aznerak · 08/05/2006 09:24

My first was same as you - failed induction that led to emergency c-section.
2nd time consultant really tried to persuade me to go natural but in the end, she said it was my choice. Up until 36 weeks I was prepared to give it a go, but at 36wks had massive u-turn and decided I couldn't bear to go through what I went through first time, so just said i'd changed my mind and wanted an elective.
Although she wasn't happy, and tried endlessly to change my mind, I had taken my husband with me to ensure she didn't bully me into changing my mind and eventually she said it was my decision and booked me in for an elective. It was the best decision ever.
If you want an elective, stick to your guns. Don't let them bully you and good luck. I was told if you'd had an emergency c-section, you could always have an elective afterwards - even if you come up against a lot of opposition, do what you want and stick to it.
Good luck again!

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TuttiFrutti · 08/05/2006 09:45

I think you can demand one anyway, even if you hadn't had an emergency C-section before, but in your position you can definitely insist on one. I'm in exactly your situation (except not pregnant yet!) and would be horrified if I was told I couldn't have an elective.

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blueshoes · 08/05/2006 09:48

carwillin, I am in the same position and will be seeing my consultant soon. I will be asking about the risks of VBAC ending up in em-cs and the need for continuous monitoring etc. Basically, I have already made up my mind for an elective cs but want some hard figures from the consultant first. I felt shortchanged about being pressured into an induction the first time, ending up in an em-cs due to fetal distress. The hospital did not tell me about the risk of em-cs for induction. The midwives/doctors just abandoned me once the baby was out - to deal with the fallout. They will not get away so easily this time.

Yes, I am sticking to my guns. If they refuse, then I will kick up a stink. I will change hospitals if necessary. Ultimately, my body, my choice, my assessment of risk.

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carwillin · 08/05/2006 14:43

Thanks for all your replies.

I'm now booked in for the 2nd June for elective c-sect. They were all really good about it and said at the end of the day it was my decision.

I now have 3 weeks to prepare - I've done nothing yet!!!