Can I request a c section?

[mariepluslittleone]

Hi,

I am currently 33 weeks pregnant and have had a nightmare of a pregnancy. This is my first and quite probably my last baby and I am seriously concerned about the birth now.

I have been diagnosed with SPD, a prolapsed disk in my back and have sciatica. I am in so much pain at the moment sleeping is a nightmare, as is day to day things.

I have physio again on Thursday but i don't have much hope as the last session made it worse.

Has anyone had a c section at their requset on these medical terms in Leicester? If so, how was it, how did you request it etc?

If this is not possible what are the chances of me being induced a little early? Has anyone managed a vb on this basis?

Thanks for your help xxx

[TheOriginalDiva]

Hi!
Im new to mumsnet and Im not a mummy:)
But I have done some research on this subject and I believe if you push hard enough you will get a c section. Just don't take no for an answer.
Thats what a friend did and she got a c section and for no medical reason. Im sure women who have managed to convince consultants will be able to give you better advice.
All the best and many congratulations!!

[nunnie]

If you have a disc issue it is worth asking for a meeting with an anethatist (shouldn't be a problem) as this can sometimes (not all the time) make it difficult to administer the epidural or spinal which is needed to carry out the section. Discuss your options with them as in some cases it isn't advisable and if you are one of those cases it does make a section less likely as they don't like to do them under GA unless absolutely necessary.

If all is ok with your back then all you can do is request one, make sure you have looked at the pros and cons of both VB ad ELCS and are aware of the risks, to show them you are making an informed decision. Hopefully you will get what you want, but it does depend alot on hospital policy and protocols.

I can't offer any advice as I was given the choice of a VBAC or ELCS and I went in wanting an ELCS but came out leaning towards a VBAC, either I had a very clever Consultant as I don't think there was any pressure put on to me, or I just wasn't as convinced by my own choice after all.

[toughdecisions]

I requested an ELCS on NHS. I had been monitored quite closely through pregnancy but no extra care had been needed. I was 'old' but under 40, smallish frame and baby was going to be big. Consultant went off mid-appointment to book it straight away but

Age is quite a key factor - read some of the info around older joints fusing.

Yes ELCS does cost more than VB but that's at the time. I am told all obstet consultants very likely to agree if asked & reasonable reasons as if refuse and then things go pear shaped....oh dear.

[lostintransition]

Why do you think a section will be beneficial? After the birth won't you still have a prolapsed disc sciatica and SPD for a while? And be recovering from major surgery on top, a section is not going to make your recovery easier....

[ChristinedePizan]

I had a CS after awful SPD. Really didn't help things at all having bugger all muscles in my stomach because there was nothing to hold my back up. If I could have done, I'd have had a VB

[TheOriginalDiva]

lostintransition
I think that a prolapsed disc makes labor a lot more painful- sometimes even an epidural doesn't help much. My sister has a prolapsed disc or what you call a slip disc, and her first was a VB which was hell!! The second time the doctor herself suggested a c section. The recovery is not always bad you know. My sister was up and about pretty soon. Hopefully, it will be the same for OP.
I understand that, the recovery aside, for the actual birth experience a c section might be a better option for her.

[meditrina]

I had very bad SPD and a straightforward VB. I don't think SPD is a sufficient indicator for ELCS - there have been threads about this before (I'll try and find them for you - they're very positive).

I don't know much about the back conditions you mention in terms of impact on labour, or on whether they add significantly to the risks of an epidural.

I suggest you seek extra appointments with MW and see your consultant. It is important you discuss this properly with your team.

[meditrina]

Threads, as promised: here, here, and here.

[meditrina]

I saw this in Active Convos and thought of you.

[PrincessScrumpy]

I had terrible SPD with dd1 but had a VB and the SPD vanished imediately after she was born. (It wasn't a great birth as dd came so quickly and mws didn't believe me I was in labour - nothing to do with spd). I can't comment on the slipped disc though.

As for future pgs - I am pg for a second time and only little twinges in my pelvis. I'm only 27w so there's still time but this time it's twins so I thought it would be horrendous - completely different pg this time.

I would take advice from your physio, mw and your own feelings and go with that. Good luck x

[Primafacie]

Same as Meditrina and Princess - I had an uneventful VB after awful SPD. I also had sciatica. The pain vanished the moment the baby was out. I did have an epidural, which was fantastic. Cannot comment on the slipped disc.

[thumbwitch]

My friend requested a CS because she had had terrible sciatica for years, and then got SPD in pregnancy (surprise surprise) but wasn't allowed one. However, in the event, her DS had unstable lie so she ended up having a CS anyway and couldn't walk unaided for 2w afterwards. Her SPD continued to cause her problems for about a year afterwards.

You can always try to ask for one - but whether or not it is better for you to have one is debatable.

[Withwoman]

Spd can be a good thing! (sorry I know it hurts, but it does mean that your joints have loosened up really well and that baby should fly though through your pelvis.

Caesarian Section do have lots of risks, so make sure that you research them well, before making your choice. Don't for get the impact that they have on things like breastfeeding and subsequent pregnancies.

[thumbwitch]

WW, have you had SPD? My friend who had it couldn't walk by the end of her pg, she had a CS anyway because her DS was unstable lie, she couldn't walk unaided for 2w after her CS and her SP has re-closed in slight misalignment, so she had a year of pain with it afterwards.