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.

Years ago I did some number crunching.

I calculated that giving an elective CS on request, and not trying to push women into vaginal, would actually SAVE money for the NHS.

Becsuse the NHS is paying a lot of money out for aftercare due to the sheer number of issues arising after vaginal births, including repairs, mental health treatments, treatments for the children, etc, etc.

There is little difference in the level of risk and cost between a vaginal birth and an Elective CS. The actual type of risk may be different, but the overall level is about the same.

OP, keep pushing, dont give up. It's possible that the midwife was just following her own agenda by telling you what she did.

As an actual healthcare professional, I cannot believe the shite being spouted on this thread.

After two previous Caesareans, ELCS is lower risk than VBA2C. That's not to say that a woman who wants to attempt VBA2C shouldn't be supported in that choice, of course. But I'm astonished to see so many posters - none of whom presumably have a medical degree - blithely advising OP that ELCS is the more dangerous option in this case. It really isn't.

OP, this isn't a "maternal request" section - you have sound medical reasons for requesting ELCS. I suggest you make a formal written complaint to the hospital if they won't allow you to see a consultant soon to discuss this, and if all else fails, transfer your care to another hospital.

As a doctor who had EMCS in my first pregnancy, I've chosen ELCS for my second delivery, having weighed up the risks and benefits. It really isn't the case that VBAC is always safest after one section, let alone two.

And mental illnesses are real illnesses, and a mental health problem is a perfectly valid indication for ELCS.

But so is having had two previous sections, so I really can't believe anyone is trying to push you into VBA2C.

I would strongly suspect that what you were told was balls, and when you see the consultant they will readily agree.

Anecdotal I know but when expecting my second DC a midwife advised me I might have to "stand my ground" when asking for a ELCS. I had an appointment with a rather sneery guy but I got my wish.

Third DC, stereotypical arrogant consultant breezily said "another section?" I said "Yes please!" and he said "Good!" all done and dusted.

I suspect they are hoping to increase the number of VBACs and have decided that "lets just tell women they can't have a section" is a good strategy to get them to "choose" them.

Chin up!

@Dinosauratemydaffodils I am so sorry you had to go through and are still going through all that

I suspect they are hoping to increase the number of VBACs and have decided that "lets just tell women they can't have a section" is a good strategy to get them to "choose" them. hmm

That sounds about right tbh.