c section and pelvic floor dysfunction

[PinkParrot]

Do you qualify for a c section if you are still dealing with mild to moderate continence issues from a previous birth?

[Beatrixpotty]

According to the NICE guidelines, you can request a c-section for any reason.You may have to jump through a few hoops before you get there and it is easier in some hospitals than others depending on the consultants' attitudes but if that is ultimately what you want, you are "allowed."If you are actually pregnant ask your midwife to refer you to the hospital to talk it through with a consultant.They can explain the risks, benefits and consequences of delivery choices and the impact it may have on you.

[piggyboo]

just be aware they will try and fob you off by saying that continence issues are caused by pregnancy and c-section will not prevent this. i disagree having had a vb which caused some mild continence issues, my elcs for breech baby has not caused any further problems and i think the initial problem has strangely improved since my cs.

[PinkParrot]

that's what I think (about the line that it's pregnancy not birth). I accept the research that post-menopause continence issues are present for women who have had c-sections almost as much as VBs, but there are a number of years before that to worry about. However, I have never seen stress incontinence cited as a reason for c-section - it seems your problems or symptoms have to be pretty dreadful to qualify automatically. I just really don't want to be in opposition to my doctors and midwives and have to fight for it

[Beatrixpotty]

I have asked a couple of consultants (nhs,at St mary's in London) about the link between continence and c-sections.They both were of the view that it wasn't just pregnancy itself,it was the pressure on the pelvic floor during normal delivery that contributed to incontinence later on..so I know there are actually Drs that agree with you!Not sure if there is any advantage of c-section in subsequent pregnancies though if damage has already been done in the first.If your local hospital is quite big,or a teaching hospital,there may well be an obs & gynae consultant with a special interest in urogynaecology,you need to see them.