Seeing a consultant for the first time - not sure what to expect...

[stayinpositive]

Hi all,

It's been awhile for me on here but I'm now pregnant with my 2nd. I'm 25 weeks at the moment and due to see a consultant tomorrow because I had an emergency c-section with DS. He became distressed after I was induced (at 37w 2d after hind waters broke but no contractions) and it didn't go according to plan.

In reality, I was relieved I was having a c section as natural labour had always terrified me. I would have elected if I'd had the choice and don't feel guilty about the fact I had a CS.

I always maintained that if I ever had another child I would elect for a CS and was grateful my chances seemed improved because I'd already had one. Even in the early weeks of this pregnancy I was happily telling everyone it would be a CS.

I never, in a million years, expected to doubt my decision. But I am. Thankfully I haven't had to make that decision as yet but am worried that the consultant will push me into a decision tomorrow, I can't find anything easily online that would tell me what to expect.

The reason I'm doubting myself is partly because I'm with someone different now - he's totally supportive of whichever decision I make and just wants us to come through it safely - and I would love us to experience the birthing process together. I didn't feel like this last time but was in a much unhappier relationship.

I have a whole list of pros and cons for both options (including that natural labour could still end up with a CS) so I don't feel ready to decide.

Any advice or shared experiences would be great, thanks. x

Nothing helpful to add as haven't been through birth yet, but just to say a friend of mine is in almost exactly your position. She has arranged to try to labour for a set period of time to see if she can have a VBAC, and then if it hasn't happened, CS. She was able to come to this agreement with her consultant, so she is kind of having the best of both worlds. Would this be an option?

Would love to hear how you got on. I am in the very early stages on 2nd pregnancy and dont realy know what the process is following am EMCS. I know that I want a second CS if this pregnancy goes to plan and I am more worried about being pushed into a VBAC.

Have you read anything on VBAC? Think there is a very good Yahoo group and there is some info here.

Not the same position as you, but was advised that I would have to have a CS if I had another baby after DD1. I therefore had a consultant when pg with DD2.

I wasn't pushed into anything. It was a great opportunity to discuss all the pros and cons and to explore possible outcomes. Sometimes I just wanted the consultant to make the decision for me! But I'm glad he didn't and appreciated the opportunity to keep talking about options. It did feel like a genuine partnership with no agenda.

Just realised you have probably been to the appointment by now!
Hope it went well - let us know how you got on.

Have you thought about having a doula? I had one for DC3 following a traumatic first delivery (blue lighted, forceps and ventouse delivery) and then a c-section for my second.

I remember going in to see the consultant (who was very nice) but when she assumed I'd want another c-section I burst into tears.

My doula was great - knowledgeable and supportive - and I had a textbook lovely natural delivery (and then another!). I think first births can be very tricky so they don't necessarily set the pattern for future births.

Just to add too that across 3 pregnancies and 5 (?) appointments with 'a consultant' I only met the consultant once. The rest of the time it was his registrars. But do go with a list of questions and don't be embarrassed by any of them, no matter how silly they may seem.

Hi all,

Thanks very much for your replies and I'm sorry I have only just got round to replying. I'm really pleased to say that the first appt with the consultant was great. Totally supportive and open and he referred me to a specialist midwife who deals with VBAC deliveries. She was also great -I'm a bit of a sceptic about how much choice we really have in labour but she was very realistic about that so I feel much happier. They now have wireless monitoring so in theory I can be as mobile as I want and even use a birthing pool or bath for a while. Obviously time I'll tell (sometime in the next 4 weeks!) but RevoltingPeasant I am getting the best of both worlds. I have a c section booked for 40 weeks so I can relax a bit more.

One thing I have insisted on is no induction of any kind - so as the midwife put it, I won't be hitting the rewind button and fretting about things going wrong again. Godd luck to all of you x