HELP PLEASE

[first1]

Sorry for the caps in the title, but I'm a bit desperate. I'm 39+2 today and had a private scan last night for a variety of reasons and the results of this have made me now really want an ELCS. I've previously discussed this with my consultant but dismissed it, but now that these findings have come to light I do not want (and would physically struggle) to go through a vaginal birth. I've pleaded for a consultant appt tomorrow to discuss it, though it's not my named doctor. But my question is, being that I'm due on Monday, how soon can I be booked in for a ELCS? I'm at Kingston Hospital, they're notoriously busy and I fear they'll be too booked up.

[OnlyWantsOne]

Can I ask why you want an ELCS?

Is this your first baby?

[cluckyduck]

Is it a really big baby?

[legallyblond]

What was it about the scan results that made you definitely want an ELCS? Why did the consultant dismiss your reasons before?

Also bumping for you!

[cluckyduck]

Sorry - Ive just read my post back, looks like I'm being really sarky but I'm not, honestly

[first1]

My pelvis is too small, I have suspected CPD, baby's head is on the 90th centile and hasnt remotely engaged, and I have severe asthma. Consultant tried to tell me that I should trial labour first, but scan yesterday basically showed baby would simply not be able to descend into my pelvis.

[OnlyWantsOne]

then call your GP, get them to refer you to another consultant - surely they can see that this would cause you problems

How tall are you?

[first1]

I went to my GP this morning in tears, been given another consultant appt for tomorrow morning with a different consultant. I'm 5'4 so not short, but my pelvis appears to be narrower on one side compared to the other, more an awkward shape. Is it too late to be booked for an ELCS before Mondays due date?

[IsItMeOr]

Hello first1 - it sounds like you're feeling a bit scared.

Call your midwife or GP (depending on how your care is being organised) and talk to them about this, as I can understand why you're worried. If the scan results are really as cut and dried as they've been presented to you, I can't see why anybody would be suggesting you try labour.

Fingers crossed for you. Remember there are many of us on here who have had EMCS (recovery no problem for me, and DS was fine), so I'm sure it will be fine for you.

[IsItMeOr]

first1 - if you need a CS, you'll get it. Try not to worry. Remember that I turned up at the hospital at 7am and they were able to do a CS on me so DS was born at noon. They're geared up to do this kind of thing at a few minutes' notice if need be.

I didn't go to Kingston, but some of my NCT class did, and they were happy with it, btw.

Good luck!

[PixieCake]

Dear first1, can you call the hospital and find out if they have capacity? Just to put your mind at rest before tomorrow.

I'm afraid I don't really know much about this, but I would have thought that:

a) You have a good case for your consultant to agree to ELCS
b) People have emergency CS all the time, and a planned one only takes about an hour, so you will have a good chance of being fitted in
c) If your consultant thinks it necessary but they can't fit you in at Kingston, surely they will send you somewhere else nearby?
d) First babies are often late. If, as you say, the baby hasn't even remotely engaged, aren't you unlikely to go into labour? In that case maybe it doesn't matter if they can't do it before monday, as your 'due date' would actually be later.

Good luck xx

[ande]

Hi First1

I'm sorry you must be feeling awful and very worried.

As it's Thursday and Kingston Hospital am I right in thinking you are seeing Mr Pooley?

If that is the case he is VERY GOOD, VERY EXPERIENCED AND WILL LISTEN TO YOU.

When you book in at reception make sure you tell them you are to see the consultant and not a registrar.

HTH

Will be thinking of you

xx

[first1]

Hi ande, yes I'm seeing Mr Pooley. Never met him before but reviews online have sounded very positive. My named consultant is Miss Al-Shabibi and I havent found her very supportive thus far, so actually quite glad another person can have their say. Appointment is at 12.20 tomorrow. I just hope I come out with a finalised plan.

[Lulumaam]

if you are physically unable to ahve a vaginal birth , then why would a trial of labour have been suggested?

on the other hand, if you are utterly terrified and have no faith in your body and the baby has a big head and you genuinely do have a narrow pelvis, an elective c.s is absolutely the way forward

hopefully tomorrow you will get your anwers and can press for a c.s

there are clearly indications that it could be necessary

[PixieCake]

first1, I would really like to know how you get on if you are happy to share.
I also plan to ask for an ELCS (for different reasons).

Hopefully Mr Pooley will be your guy - he is supposed to be very supportive and understanding.

I have tried to send you a private message but it says you have not allowed this under your user settings.

Good luck again

[first1]

Thank you everyone for your kind words.

Pixiecake - I didnt know I had any personal settings! But thank you anyway!

I just feel really let down by the NHS so far that it's taken me to dig £130 out of my own back pocket which I really don't have, to pay for a scan which I could have had done at the hospital weeks ago. The clinical signs have been there throughout, but noone acted I'm feeling positive about Mr Pooley. I'll be 39+3 tomorrow so hopefully he'll make a plan on the spot.

[ande]

Hi First1

Don't know if you've searched mumsnet re Mr Pooley so here's one link for you :

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childbirth/762350-Desperate-to-find-affordable-Private-Maternity?reverse=1

Good luck tommorow

xx

[first1]

Thanks for the link, ande. I'll make sure to post back here after my consultation with him x

[ande]

Hi First1

How did it go today? Are you alright?

ande
xx

[first1]

Hi ande,

Mr Pooley was really lovely, he spent a good 20minutes talking through everything with me. He's said he's confident I can birth my baby naturally. He has agreed to take me under his wing because I don't get on with my consultant. Have another appointment with him next Thursday at 40+3 where he'll possibly induce me. But he said at this stage he has no concerns and says I'm progressing normally for a first timer. I said, in so many words, that the scan had scared the shit out of me, I was fighting back tears like a complete moron, but he was very understanding and has filled me with confidence. Baby is back to back though which he did say would make labour harder but definitely possible. Thank you for your concerns everyone, I just hope everything really does work out ok. Lucy xx

[ande]

I'm so pleased it went ok for you.
xx

[IsItMeOr]

Lucy - glad to hear you're getting much better care now. Mr Pooley sounds lovely.

Really hope it goes well for you. Have you hired a tens machine to help with the early part of labour? It really helped me, and they don't cost much to hire through the NCT/Boots/etc.

xx