Am I really going to have to fight for 3rd c section?

[Connie222]

Just had my booking appointment and was told that my chances of being granted a 3rd section are almost non existent as the hospital and consultants are pro vbac.

Both my previous sections were elective and I had to fight tooth and nail for them (my preference). I just don’t know if I’ve got the fight in me again (different hospital this time in a different area 200 miles away).

The pregnancy had been awful so far and I can’t take the thought of being made to have a birth against my consent, I’m honestly thinking of terminating.

After mud 2nd section, the consultant who operated said I’d be good for one more but that it would have to be a section - but obviously there is no record of this. Different hospital anyway.

And I know what NICE guidelines say, but as a HCP profession myself I know they aren’t worth the paper they are written on.

Why do you need a section?

Also- you wouldn’t be giving birth against your consent- you (presumably) chose to be pregnant? What an odd phrase to use just because doctors put your health first (as is their duty!)

Because a section is my preference.

I haven't been in your position, but one thing I've learnt in my pregnancies is that you often don't get a consistent message. So much depends who you talk to. I wouldn't take the word of just one person at your booking appointment.

Can you phone and explain this is really affecting your mental health and ask for a further appointment to talk it through with someone else?

So no need. You just want one. Which case go private and order the exact birth you want.

All you can do is request a consultant appointment and take along all the guidelines, a robust argument as to why you want a section (it’s my preference probably won’t cut it and sounds a bit trite- fear of labour, bad experiences, fear of health issues post birth etc would be better things to say?). If you can contact previous hospital and see if you can get your notes from previous section which may help.

As a HCP consider finding evidence for having a c section when you have had two previously as this may help your case. If you tell them your feelings are so strong you’re considering a termination they may realise how adamant you are.

It may be worth considering your options with a VBAC if needed- could your birth plan include an epidural as early as possible if it’s pain you’re worried about?

Surely having two previous c-sections could be classed as a valid ‘need’ to have another c-section?

Obviously OP could have a VBAC but there is also sound medical grounds to prefer a section based on the fact she has had 2 previously. There would be certain risks associated either way.

I would also bet consultants at other hospitals would actually push for mothers with 2 previous sections to have a third caesarean- I’ve heard of mothers having a hard time for their dr to support them having a vbac, so it seems unfair that rather than being given balanced information and choice, the same woman can be told and dictated completely different things depending on hospital.

OP are there any other hospitals you could choose instead? I chose a hospital further away for my second pregnancy.

Some previous posts are a little unkind. I had a c-section due to maternal request. Which according to the guidelines are reason enough. It really depends on the consultant. I'd see if you can speak to someone sooner rather than later to see how the land lies. Do you have another hospital near you which might be more willing to accommodate you?

C-sections due to maternal request are reason enough to have one PP!. It’s usually a lot more than the mother just not wanting to give birth.

I think considering you’ve had 2 previous c-sections that should be reason enough. However, could you afford to go private if it gave you piece of mind

Also I think PPs are being rather harsh. OP has stated she is actually considering terminating because the thought of having a vaginal birth distresses her so much. We have no idea why it’s her preference- but many women who request c-sections have a lot of deep-rooted trauma and traumatic pasts.

I was told after 2 sections I was best to have another section and not to try for a vbac. I have had 3. I can understand your stress in not being clear what is going to happen to your body, on top of feeling unwell/emotional over pregnancy. Please don't rush to make a decision on terminating your pregnancy based on this, I personally don't think you will have a problem requesting a c section after a previous two. Ask your midwife to get you an appointment to discuss at hospital asap and say it's causing you a lot of distress. I really think you will be fine but it's hard not to worry when it's you in that position. I hope u feel better soon and have the energy to get things sorted, just remember how worth it your baby will be xxx

A C section is so extreme!! Ive given birth 3 times and on number 4,my doctors are saying I may have to have a C Section this time because of a few complications I have. I really REALLY dont want one because of all the problems it can cause for me and the baby. I guess your only option is to go private.

Women should be entitled to choose the method of birth they want, and forcing someone with two previous sections to attempt a VBAC is poor care. You might have to fight for it, OP, but I strongly recommend you do. Don't 'give in' over something as important as this. It's obviously affecting your mental health, so that's a good reason in itself.

If your hospital is as pro-VBAC as you say, then what about another hospital?

Women get poor enough care post and pre natally
as it is in a lot of places, without being forced into methods of giving birth that cause them such distress and fear.

You need to have a meeting with the consultant. Go in armed with facts and statistics on the risks of vbac after 2 cs. The risks are higher than after one cs.
If the consultant refuses they must refer to someone else. Move hospitals if needed. I would also state if they do insist on a vaginal birth you want it in writing that they have refused your request that they can guarantee you and babys safety and that you will sue if anything goes wrong.
I would take this as high as you can go.

As for a section being extreme, tell that to my friend who had to have forceps and now shits and pisses herself and just keeps getting robbed off with pelvic floor exercises. She wishes she'd had a section.

Both sections and vaginal births have their own set of risks. OP is happier with the risks from a section than a vaginal birth, and that should be her prerogative.

There are some really unnecessarily harsh posts here! Just because someone chose to be pregnant doesn't mean they should be forced to have a vaginal delivery if it affects them mentally.
If you're considering terminating as an alternative then you need to discuss with your consultant OP, but tbh in my experience 2 previous sections is usually and indication for a 3rd, and most consultants would consider it the safer option.
I've had 4 - first was emergency, 2nd was maternal choice and accepted because of my previous labouring history), 3rd and 4th I wasn't given the option because I'd already had several before.
Please ignore the horrible posts telling you to go private and accusing you of throwing your toys out the pram because you "can't get what you want". It's clearly not as simple as that, and you need to speak to an obstetrician from the hospital about your concerns.
Good luck

I've had 2 sections (one emergency, one elective due to complications and damage after the first). I was told that for any future pregnancy they would strongly advise a C-section and this is their standard advice for anyone with 2 or more previous sections. This was due to risk of rupture of the old scar site when pushing if trying for a VBAC.

I meant Extreme if there is no medic reason for the c section

Actually having had a c section automatically qualifies the op for a repeat one, especially after 2. I'd be surprised if you had any resistance due to the risks of vbac after 2 sections but if you do you just go through the motions. V bac meeting and then when you see the consultant you say that having attended the meeting you would still like a c section.

Oh and after 3 vaginal births I too wet myself alot and have leakage from my anus so dont give me that

I would also take what you were told with a pinch of salt until you speak to the consultant yourself. You might have been unfortunate to get a midwife who has her own agenda or preferences and is pushing them on to you, and that might not actually be reflected at a policy level.

I asked about speaking to a consultant - I was told that wouldn’t be possible as I’m low risk. They could put in a request but I wouldn’t see one until 30 odd weeks. That’s too late.