To worry about not getting an elective c-section?

[Newmum288]

Currently pregnant with my 2nd. Had an emergency c-section first time around, so now I’m electing a c-section for this one.
But it recently occurred to me that I could go into labour early (for example), the hospital not be able to accommodate a c-section (eg dealing with emergencies) and so I’m forced into a vaginal birth I’m unprepared for.

AIBU to worry about this? Does it happen often where someone elects a section but ends up having to have a vaginal birth?

Thanks

I was in this situation. I had an emergency c-section with DD1, elective booked for DD2. Went into labour naturally before elective date, anaesthetist was brilliant and made sure I got my c-section but I remember having that worry. Good luck OP, hope it goes well.

If there was any reason a vaginal delivery was considered dangerous you’d have another emergency C section so I wouldn’t worry too much about a vaginal delivery, if it happens it’s because it’s a safe option for you

I had this happen to me, went into labour 2 days before my planned c section. As soon as I got to hospital I was booked in straight away and had an ‘emergency’ c section.

I was in this situation, had an elective booked. Baby number 2 came 3 weeks early so I went into labour and when I was in was presented with the choice between waiting to have a section when the emergency list was open or trying to deliver naturally. I went with the section and had to wait till the afternoon but I had gas and air and the midwives checking on me throughout whilst I was in labour, weirdly I didn't progress as fast as I did with my first.

I really did worry throughout my 2nd pregnancy about the delivery, I'd had a traumatic first labour and so I had every worst case scenario but I was so reassured by all the staff and the support within my trust

It is worrying as second babies usually come faster and sometimes earlier than expected.
I know the thought is terrifying but if the worst happens opt for gas, air and epidural. It isn’t nearly as bad as you might imagine. 🥰
I found that watching videos of women giving birth really help reassure me. I was terrified.

Happened to me. Went into labour at 35 weeks and the doctor said a CS at that gestation was riskier than VBAC for baby so they couldn't recommend it and were keen I had a VBAC. My VBAC went so much better than my first labour (which obviously ended in an EMCS) and recovery a breeze by comparison. I'm glad I had the VBAC and having now experienced both, I'd pick it every time so it worked out in my case. I realise this is what you're hoping to avoid but just wanted to tell you a positive story from someone who didn't get the ELCS as planned in case it gives you any comfort at all.

very occasionally if labour cracks on quickly then women do deliver vaginally before they can get to theatre. If someone's fully & the baby's low down then a vaginal delivery may be safer than a section even if that would have been the mother's preference and there should be a conversation about that. If there's an absolute contraindication to labour then that'd be treated as a cat 1/2 section and if necessary additional staff might need to be called in (sometimes from home) if there's already a team in theatre and they're unlikely to finish in a safe timeframe.

If you do feel like labour's starting ahead of your planned date then get in touch with them sooner rather than later. It's not an uncommon scenario and more often than not the section happens in good time and it's all straightforward, but it may not be possible immediately and there are some steps that need to happen before you get to theatre so as much time as possible to get things sorted is key.

I’ve had electives booked for all 3 of my children.

With all 3, I went into labour early. Straight to hospital and in for an “emergency” section each time.

dont worry, if you are going to have elective, any sign of labour you go in and have emergency section

This was my biggest fear too as we already had a child and my childcare options were quite a distance away. Fortunately my ELCS was booked for 10 days before my due date and it all went fine, no early labour. First labour ended in EMCS.

If you even think you might be in labour, phone the labour ward and get in. With my first I went through over 25 hours of labour from my waters breaking, then contractions (yes in that order) and still hadn't delivered before the EMCS was decided.