Elective C section

I said at my booking appointment around 9 or 10 weeks that I wanted ELCS, it was noted at my 12 week scan and the date agreed and posted out to me by the time I was around 18 weeks.

I had no push back from any of the midwives I saw (7 or 8). 2 of them said things along the lines of 'can't blame you'.

Yes in your case @suziequeue1 there should be some dialogue between your spinal team and the midwives/consultant but you should not have to 'fight' to get a C-section.

I sustained a serious spine injury in a car accident. When I had my DS it had to be an elective C section because a) he was nearly 9lbs (I'm just a little bit under 5') and b) he was anterior. Due to my spinal injury an epidural wasn't an option.

C sections are not the easy option. It involves major surgery on your stomach and the recovery period is protracted. For one thing I wasn't able to drive for at least 6 weeks.

It’s a bit early to discuss birth plans. I didn’t like being asked at my 10 week appointment, it’s too early, and I’d previously had a late miscarriage so was very stressed. The 12 week scan will be done by a sonographer so that’s not the place to discuss it.

Your surgeon will need to be involved in your pre-natal care / birth plan. The sort of anaesthetic used etc might be effected by your spinal issues. Surgeon needs to talk to midwife (or vice versa)

I don’t think anything was mentioned until after at least 24wks. I had no issue in requesting one. Just be firm.

Maybe just a bit early - they usually start discussing birth plans with you a little later on but if you tell them that’s what you want then they shouldn’t have a problem with it!

have you had advice from your spinal surgeon re mode of delivery? There isn't always masses of advantage of having a c-section over a vaginal delivery for all back problems, and if you do stick with the section plan they may need to discuss whatever the problem is with the anaesthetist so they can plan things properly... so deffo worth getting their advice if you haven't had chance yet.

I heard a lot about them being against them and trying to discourage you etc. I had no push back from anybody at all with my section and I've never heard from anyone personally who did although I think it's a well known "thing" so I'm sure there may be some truth in it. I wouldn't worry for a long while yet so much can change in pregnancy for example i was told early on id probably have to have a section then it all changed then changed again as baby was breech then she turned! I confirmed i wanted a section at 36 weeks and they booked it in, was very simple.

If an elective c-secion is what you need to do that's totally up to you! I don't think there is any particular time you need to tell the midwives by, perhaps just the next time you see them after the 12 week scan, and then you'll need to repeat that you want a c section a few times as they will ask you questions to try to make sure you are sure and that you know the risks etc. But it's no big deal, people do this all the time. Congratulations on your pregnancy!