What to expect at consultant app?

[DetectivePotato]

I had a forceps, episiotomy and 3rd degree tear with DS. They said to me the next day that any subsequent children should be born by c section.

I had a follow up app with colorectal surgeon when DS was 8 months who said I had healed really well.

19 weeks pregnant with DC2 and I have a cons app on 20th Sept. What will happen? Will they recommend a c section or will they leave it up to me? I am very indecisive and find it soooooo difficult to make a decision. I don't really want a c section but I am scared of the potential damage that could happen if I tore again, but obviously there is no way to tell if this will happen again or not.

Hi, I am currently in this situation at 33 weeks. Referred to cons due to problems after tear with dd which were not investigated at the time.

Went to see cons and we talked through my experience of incontinence after dd and he has referred me to a colorectal surgeon for tests as these were not done after the birth of dd.

The cons was very good explained everything and told me that once test results are back we will sit down and discuss which birth option has the least risk to me and the baby. My greatest fear is that this time if i go for vb I will be left with incontinence issues.

Don't know if the decision will be down to me and I have no strong feelings either way. I am scared of both options possible incontinence issues vs. c-section risks neither is a great choice.

I have spent the last week reading up on c-sections and talking to friends who have had c-sections to get their experiences. More educated the easier to make a decision is what I think. Sorry I can't be of more help but will try to let you know what is said as I get appts done.

Thanks. Yes would be helpful to know what happens at your app. Hope it goes well.

I am researching too. Still can't make my mind up. Too many pros and cons for both.

Sorry to be so unashamedly nosy - having had similar experiences (although no where near being preggers again), I am interested to know what happens with you both.

Will let you know margherita76. So far a week and a half on I am still to receive my surgeon appt .

Apparently he is on holiday till next tuesday and nobody can do a thing until he gets back! What a load of rubbish.

So by the time I get an appt I will be at least 36 weeks and if they don't sort themselves out the whole thing will be pointless because this baby will be here.

I'm a tad peeved if you haven't guessed

Me too! Please do update.

FWIW, you have little to fear from a c section. I had a c section with my first (emergency) and have a planned one in the diary for DC2 (am 32 weeks).

There are many consultants out there who actually view a c section (particularly a planned one) as the safest way to deliver a baby, for both mum and baby, even if not 'natural'.

Recovery time is quick (not 6 weeks flat on your back, so don't believe that), especially if you are fit and well. Scar problems are relatively rare and of course, no issues 'down there.' I do appreicate that it is hard with a toddler/pre schooler around though and must admit I am worried about that.

But I can reassure you that sections themselves are great. Scar very low down, no pain whatsoever and all done in a few minutes!

I admit I am a dyed in the wool fan though and not everyone will agree. I think you will be hard pushed to find many c section horror stories though, esp planned ones.

Also, do you know that if you have health insurance you can probably get a c section privately? You both have clear medical reasons. I have looked into it (having paid into BUPA for years with work) and it looks all systems go...(and I have no real medical reason other than I had a section last time, but NHS have agreed to refer me).

thanks for that mumtojohn that's interesting and you very much echo those of my friends who have had a c-section.

It's interesting what you say about the health insurance I am off now to check mine out. But my guess is it won't cover it because dh's work changed insurance companies last year and they have been pretty crap so far.

I was astonished to discover I was covered.

Apparently, if there is a medical reason for a section (and as little as 'had one before' is reason enough), BUPA (and some other companies) will cover it and all you need is to get in touch with a consultant a private hospital. The inital chat with the consultant is also covered.

The only watch-out is that there are sometimes 'hidden costs' that BUPA (or whoever) won't cover and you will need to shell for. So, it is important to go for a consultant who is compliant with your insurance company.

I got the name of one at the Portland in London who is BUPA compliant and who handily, is also a consultant at my local NHS hospital. It looks like it will go ahead and I might have to pay a couple of hundred quid at most.

The consultant was nice as she was able to explain the pros and cons of private versus NHS, working in both capacities. As you might expect, pros are: own room, nice food, no restrictions on visiting hours etc. Having done 3 nights at an NHS hospital after my section last time I can say that these things are so nice for women recoving from a section. Downsides can be considerable though: there is not always an emergency capability at private hospitals, so do check. Best scenario is going private at your local NHS hospital, which is the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, my local one (Homerton, in Hackney) doesn't have any private care so I will need to go to the Portland. It has emergency care for babies but not mums. I'll take my chances though as UCH is just down the road.

Just to put the other side of the story given the glowing praise c-sections have had, I ended up in a high dependency unit after my em-c section thanks to a massive bleed. So wasted I couldn't hold, feed or even remember I had had a baby. Poor little bugger laid next to me all night, hungry and cold (they sent my hubby home and no fecker dressed him). Sections can be great and in my case they saved my son's life, but they are not always easy. Pain every time you laugh, cough, sneeze, push your buggy over a kerb or try to get out of bed for the next six weeks isn't a breeze either. Of course planned sections are apparently very different. But just thought I'd post an opposing point of view.

Mum2one - that's so annoying- they are always on holiday!

It's funny - before getting pregnant and really having to think about birth / labour, I just assumed having a CS would be the easiest / most straightforward option. Then everything changes and having a natural birth became the holy grail.

And then I went through it - I had 3rd degree tears and am recovering but am terrified of incontinence - and terrified of going through labour again and getting worse tearing ( though it's very early days). I hope you get the info and guidance to make the right choices for you.

I have never had a VB (by choice) but would just like to say that my 2 ELCSs have been great, calm experiences and I honestly had no pain with either. Also had quick recoveries with both and no ongoing issues afterwards ( and I was back out running after 5 weeks feeling great). Don't be afraid of CS - ELCS seem to be different althogether than EMCS - I was back to 'normal' much sooner than mmost of my friends who had VBs.

Thanks for that Poppett45 and Chynah.

Chynah - you are right about VB recovery for some it's fine but with a bad tear I was about 5 weeks before I could sit properly and there would be no way I could run.

So for me the recovery is not such a big concern it could be the same length of time regardless of which way it goes.

My problem as well is I am not fit and healthy. I have M.E. which means I cannot do any exercise anyway and I would prefer the recovery of a natural birth. The only issue I have is a potential incontinence one.

I have no problem with a natural birth, in fact I quite liked the whole going into labour, going to hospital etc.