Due June 2020: Thread 3

[Lemonysherbet]

Setting up a new one :)

Hayley
"I'm also having the same debate. I ended up with a crash section with DS, under general anaesthetic."

I'm a gran so don't normally comment on these threads but....

Eldest DD1 had the same experience exactly with DD number 1 and made the same call as you're considering with number 2. She had a fabulous midwife and had a wonderful water birth and the difference in how she felt, physically, not to mention mentally, was immense. Just to reassure you that VBac can work.

All of us who love her would have chosen an elective, after such a scare the first time, but she was right to go with her instinct and every single thing was different. Good luck!

@MissisBee my trouble is, I went over 11 days with my son, if I just see how it goes I may very well have to have an emergency c-section.
So a tough choice.

@raspberrymolakoff I’m very surprised she managed to have a water birth following a c-section I got told that as I’ve had a previous section I’m not allowed a water birth
It’s good they let her

@MissisBee lol - like j say, I think I’m just over thinking it!

@HayleyD84 DS was 6 weeks early. I think if I looked like going overdue this time, I'll be having a section. So many factors to consider and you should have an opportunity to discuss in detail with the consultant team

I'm having an elcs. I had the same with my ds 5 years ago. I honestly found it a really calm and quite enjoyable experience. I was taken down to theatre at 8:50 and my son was born at 9:15. I had a natural birth with my first baby.

Hayley DD was the same, they were not going to induce as that was when it all went wrong last time and she would have had a C section if she'd gone more than 3 days late or if her waters broke but labour didn't start. None of that happened.

She was lucky that her obstetrician was open minded, even pro VBac. Unfortunately, late in her labour a very anti VBac Ob came on duty and she was cross DD was in a low risk area. Midwives distract her as they knew she was pushing and luckily she gave birth within half an hour of Ob's (she's an older lady and very conservative) arrival. Just because everything went wrong once doesn't mean it can't be completely different the next time.

Either way you'll have a better experience this time. An elective can be a lovely experience. Anyway you'll be present this time when your baby is born! I wish you well, listen to your instincts about how to proceed.

I have my hair dyed (bleach highlights) every 8-10 weeks - it’s fine to do during pregnancy. Also use fake tan here and there which is also fine as long as you’re not going for spray tans.

I’m hoping for vaginal birth and would like to use pool for some of it if available. I’ve refused in advance any episiotomy or assisted delivery so I’ll be assessed when I get to hospital and throughout for difficulties and will be given section if those arise!

I'm really torn about what to do whether to go with a ERCS or VBAC.

Initially my Dr said ERCS for sure as it will be at most 11 months since my EMCS. I've done research too and it seems a lot safer for me to go with a ERCS.

But then I had another meeting with her on thursday and she said I'd be best to go with VBAC and she will book me onto a hypnobirthing course.

I feel like she didnt remember who I was though because she said it been ages since my EMCS this time and she didnt remember my son had died....

If a VBAC is safer for this baby then I will do that. But I'm terrified because I had PTSD and PND after my vaginal birth with DS1 and actually my EMCS with DS2 was a much better experience and I recovered much easier after my section than my "natural" delivery.

Let us know how the scan goes on Monday @HayleyD84 I'm interested to see if any of us will end up needing a stitch. Hopefully we all make it term

@hjbows88 how have you decided that or organised already? I have no clue about birth plans and things do I need to have one? I simply just thought I went to the hospital when my waters break 🤷🏼‍♀️ x

Haha @newbyxx I’ve always known I wouldn’t want assisted delivery - just something I’m not comfortable with for various reasons. But if the birth is straightforward o would prefer vaginal delivery. So that leaves me with straightforward vaginal or c section, I’ve taken all other options off the table by refusing any assistance!

I’m a researcher (profession) so I do tend to research a lot of stuff which is probably why I know what I do and don’t want already! Also a lawyer and that has informed some of my decisions :)

This is my first baby and I just get so nervous and scared when I think about the birth! I am the biggest wimp ever when it comes to pain! like I thought the flu jab hurt🙈 so I kind of think I will take whatever is on the table pain relief wise but then I read all the side effects of some of them and get even more anxious. I'm Definitely going to have loads of questions for you all nearer the time !!

I've cleaned my whole house today and now I'm feeling knackered! Ah least it's done, hopefully it lasts a while now😂

20+4

@AmyMaria2 haha I did so yesterday too and was so annoyed to see all the surfaces in the bathroom dusty! Like, where does it come from! :( stupid polluted london air.

@AmyMaria2 I'm the same. I've been a right baby about every blood test. Too scared to look into birth options yet. I will definitely be open to pain relief but don't know much about anything available. I think I'll try to find out more nearer the time!

What Are your reasons for not being assisted is it dangerous for baby? @hjbows88

@Blizy how do you know you are having ELCS this time? Are you going private?

I've been referred to consultant midwife 'to discuss risks of c section' and also obstetrician. I am 100% certain I want ELCS after car crash last time but I get the feeling the midwife will be trying to dissuade me...

pegase I first baby was stillborn, I posted for an ELCS with my now 5 year old ds and will have another this time. I feel it's so much more controlled and safer for my baby.

Oh I'm so sorry to hear that. I completely agree with you on the safety.

Have my scan tomorrow at 11! So excited but also very nervous, I want to see him healthy and kicking on the screen 💙. Good luck to anyone else who has a scan this week x

20+1

@newbyxx I have mine tomorrow too! Can't wait to see her again 😍 I always seem to hold my breath and tense up until I hear the sonographer say there's a good heartbeat!

Hope yours goes well!!

19+6

@smiffette @newbyxx

Best of luck for tomorrow. I'm sure your little ones are just perfect. I have my scan on Wednesday at 8.30. I love early appointments so I don't have to hang around getting anxious! I saw my little one briefly on Thursday but am still nervous for the scan, as well as excited. I've had my bladder stamped on all day today so I think its legs are OK! 😂

pegase it's ok. The stillbirth didn't happen during labour, my dd died in my womb. I have my labour induced with her. Having a Natural labour didn't cause the stillbirth, I had other complications.

Is anyone struggling pelvic pain? I had pgp in my last pregnancies. I'm now really struggling with it again, I have a physio appointment on Tuesday.
I'm really worrying about work, as I won't be able to cope there, I'm an early years practitioner and my working day is pretty full on.

Good luck for your scans ladies!

@newbyxx - well the actual instruments used in assisted delivery are pretty grim, so I don’t like the thought of it. But the main reasons are associated risks. Most of the medical negligence cases that involve pregnancy and birth involve assisted delivery (and/or prolonged labour). Additionally, my FIL is a retired surgeon and has given me his views and advice. All of this has led to my decision :)

Good luck @smifette and @newbie, hope the scans go well! Mine is on Friday and cannot wait as seems so far away!!

Has anyone on here used a bump band on pregnancy before or are you going to? I am worried about stretch marks and heard they can help? Xx

Couple of things @hjbows88 , I certainly would want a section over assisted delivery - having gone through both, the recovery from a EMCS was a lot easier and quicker for me. However, do make sure its plenty clear of your choice even when you're going ahead and having what appears to be a straight forward vaginal delivery and things can quickly change like they did for me as I was at that pushing stage with DS1. By making it super clear throughout, if they have even slightest thought it could need to end in assisted delivery theyll be able to get you to section earlier.

Good luck with your scans tomorrow! So amazing how quickly the 20 week scans are rolling in!

I've been cramping and having more bloody show today, this 2nd cervical scan cannot come quick enough for me. Really worried its changing.

17+2