On what grounds would you get an ECS for DC3??!!

[addictedtofrazzles]

Goodness knows why, but we are starting to think about DC3. However, I am very fearful of late pregnancy and the birth and was wondering on what grounds the NHS would allow a C-section?

DS1 (2.5 years ago) born at 42 weeks, was a 40 hour labour, failed epidural, taken to theatre for spinal for pain relief, vontouse. 9lb10oz.

DS2 (10 months ago) - terrible SPD, bump so large for the last month I was immobile, born at 42 weeks, 20 hour labour, vontouse in theatre. 9lb 7oz.

I am 5 ft 4 - I clearly have big babies and they like to go full term! Given that I will have two active boys when pregnant, I am interested to know - would the NHS agree to an ECS (I am assuming not, but need to get my head around my immobility in pregnacy, long labours and really like the idea of booking a date at 38 weeks, whilst having all childcare arrangements in place!).

I am BU, aren't I?

I wouldn't call it UR, however I would still have prefered your long labours followed by vontouse, to a CS. With 2 DC's you won't be as able after the birth. Could you suggest an induction at 38 weeks?

I won't be having my third section until 39 weeks. My consultant still likes you to go as late as possible!

If your previous 2 births were at 42 weeks, then it would probably be a good idea to let your baby get as near to 42 weeks as possible.

I had dd1 10 days over, dd2 14 days over and ds was born by elcs (due to damage sustained during previous births) at 39 weeks. He was a good weight, but his lungs had not matured properly, and he was in SCBU for 8 days with respiratory distress syndrome.

I was induced at 38wks due to the spd. In fact, I had to fight to not have a section!

Did you get all the help you should have with your spd?

Having assumed that I'd get a repeat section for this pregnancy (having had one before), I'm now embroiled in a massive fight about whether I'll get one or not.

I would definitely talk to your GP/local midwife/hospital before ttc, as having a fight about it in pregnancy is the last thing you want to do. I think if you have "successfully" laboured two big babies before, they'll say that you can do it again. That said, you may find you have a sympathetic consultant or hospital.

Wormshuffler - can you have an induction by request? I begged and pleaded for DS2 as I was in so much discomfort and they were having none of it. He was 4/5 engaged for 4 weeks (or is it 1/5 - can never remember? But basically his head was pretty much hanging out!!). I got a lot of, "your cervix isn't favourable for induction". Does it always work (even if it takes a few days?)?

My S inlaw was inducted at 38 weeks because my brother was going to be out of the country post 39 weeks, that was 13 years ago, could be a different story now!