Who decides how you give birth?

[Baileysismyfriend]

Does anyone know how much choice you get over how you give birth?

I am only six weeks pregnant so probably shouldn?t be worrying about the birth just yet?.but I had forceps and a bit of a drama with DD and then with DS I pushed for a couple of hours and then had an emergency section ? he was 11lbs 9oz which probably didn?t help! I caught an awful infection after the section and when DS was a week old had to go back into hospital for a week to have IV anti-biotics which was awful.

My scar took 12 weeks to heal fully so I?m worried about it bursting open during labour ? I know the chances of that happening are very slim but it?s a very real concern of mine. What do consultants normally suggest in these situations?

Not sure what is happening with all the question marks, sorry about that!

You have a choice whether to try for a VBAC or have an ELCS (since you have already had one). Is this what you mean? What do you want? You have a good chance of a VBAC being successful as you have already had a vaginal birth.

The reasons Why you had forceps the first time and c-section the second will affect what you are recommended to do.

Thanks for the reply. I think I would prefer a section as I am very concerned about how my scar would be if I had a VBAC.

I was just wondering if I would get a say really, it sounds from your response that as I have already had a section I will be able to choose which would is a relief.

scar tissue from my understanding is stronger than normal tissue. I think the risk to the scar is only with repeated c sections. I wouldnt chooose an elcs just bc concerns re your scar-maybe you can discuss the risks with yr mw or consultant so you can make an informed choice. But you should defintely have a choice as the poster said above.

There is a risk of scar rupture for VBACs. This is why they are 'not allowed' in a lot of hospitals, esp abroad.

ah didnt know that, thanks