Anyone had a CS for reasons other than tokophobia, breech or known pre-birth illnesses?

[Maebe]

I've posted similar about this, if anyone thinks this sound familiar. I'm starting to think of ttc for DC2 but there's a lot playing on my mind which is kind of putting me off. I have asked for a debrief but I think it might take ages before I get one. I want as part of my debrief to start getting it on the record how much I want an ELCS.

The background is that DC1 was born at 41+8 and taken straight to NICU with an infection. No problems during pregnancy, no problems during early labour, but at some point during my 12 hours on the pre-labour ward (where I stayed because I wasn't coping well with a long and painful early labour, and where I was pretty much ignored and not checked on at all) DC1 became ill. No one at the time explained what had caused it, they tested me and DC for specific infections but none came up. I'm hoping the debrief can explain more about this. The one thing I do know is that it wasn't related to meconium as DC had no breathing or lung problems.

I'm scared of VBAC, but probably not enough to be considered tokophobic. But I don't want to do it, I really really don't want to do it. I think because something went wrong with me or DC during my labour, something that no one has yet explained, and something that caused her to be so ill that she was in NICU for 3 days and SCBU for another 2, I should be eligible for an ELCS in case it happens again. I don't feel that it is worth the risk. I know second labours are generally a lot quicker, but there's no guarantee. The same thing could happen again.

I just wondered what reasons other people had a CS for, if not for tokophobia, or a breech baby, placenta previa, known problems with the baby etc. I think I basically want to know if I stand a chance.

(Sorry this turned out longer than I meant it too )

I am a little confused as it is not clear in your OP - did you have a c-section with your first DC?

If so, then you can request a ELCS for your second (and any subsequent children) and, afaik, this would usually be allowed.

I had a fairly straight-forward c-section (if there is such a thing) because DS1 was back-to-back. I wanted a c-section with DS2 and the consultant agreed without any issues even though the reasons for my first c-section weren't 'medical' iyswim.

Yeah, that would help! I had an EMCS. None of my friends in this area have had DC2 yet, I know one woman who is pg with DC2 and had an EMCS first time and they've mentioned a CS but said they'll talk about it properly later. Which doesn't inspire me with confidence! I know different areas, and even different consultants, have different opinions on whether to allow it.

With myself, it was mentioned by the midwife that I had an option of a VBAC but the final decision wouldn't be made until 36 weeks when I had an appointment with the consultant.

I met with the consultant, said I wanted an ELCS and she just opened the diary and said "what date do you want it then?"

Unfortunately you might need to be patient but you should be able to opt for an ELCS if you want

I've just been part of an nhs focus group to develop an online decision making tool for the nhs website to help women decide between a VBAC or c-section when they have already had 1 section.This is because there is a definite change in the nhs towards offering women the choice about their next delivery.Although it varies from region to region the message was very much that if you had one already,it is going to be your choice as the patient if you would like another one so I think you will be able to opt for another one rather than be forced to try for a VBAC you don't want

Maebe, from all the stuff I've read about trying to get an ELCS on the NHS, you actually seem to have a stronger case than someone wanting one on the grounds of tokophobia if you've previously had a CS. Add to that your anxiety, which might not be phobic, its still something that is affecting you enough to make you hesitate about TTC. That is a sufficient anxiety level to be an important consideration. Don't get too caught up in this idea of having to 'prove the validity' or a 'sufficient' level of anxiety. If its bothering you, its bothering you - it might not be grounds alone to get an ELCS but its certainly ground enough to seek support or advice.

As it goes I've been to the GP today to talk about trying to get an ELCS on the grounds of fear before TTC (I have no children). I was told that there are pre-conception clinics out there that you can be referred to to discuss the matter. I got the impression, they were not just for tokophobia (nor indeed anxiety), but for a whole range of issues. You do not have to be pregnant to discuss the subject of an ELCS with a HCP. If anything raising the subject early with a GP or with other services out there, might help you by either giving you the support and help to face a VBAC despite your concerns or to give your request for an ELCS a stronger case and make you feel confident enough to TTC without this hanging over you. You don't have anything to lose by trying to broach the subject at this stage anyway.

So, yes you absolutely do stand a chance. Its by no means certain, I will admit - you may well come across some resistance, but its a good chance.

Hi there, I am booked for an ELCS in 10 days. I was planning a VBAC all the way through my pregnancy. However in the last couple of months I have developed SPD + irritable uterus (so I have false but painful contractions whenever I move). So at my 36 week VBAC appt I said that I'd chnaged my mind and wanted an elective as I wasn't prepared to go overdue in my immobilised state. The midwife just said 'fair enough, let me see if the consultant can squeeze you in today so you don't have to come back'.
At all my VBAC appts (have had 3) they have been very careful to present it as my choice. I think that having had a CS already you have a strong case. You can always say you are unprepared to accept the risk of scar rupture, that might be a good place to start if they don't agree straightaway.