Choosing c section over vbac

[Cesca1983]

Sorry if this is going over old ground.

I had an emcs 2 years ago after 48 hours in labour, failure to progress, only reaching 5cm and staying there the entire time. Due to fetal distress and obvious lack of progress I was taken for section.

I am pregnant again and at a few months along i was totally on the fence about delivery mode this time.

Fast forward, having done ALOT of reading I have decided I am resolute on wanting an elcs.

What I want to know is - as I have no legal or medical right as such to this - will I have to fight my corner a d present my case and reasons etc as if on trial or do most of the big hospitals put woman's preference as high on agenda?

I am usually very strong about my choices etc but feel like a scared school girl at the prospect of coming head to head with a very well revered consultant with an apparently very big personality - worried we will clash on our decision making and he will make it difficult for me.

Just can't face having to vbac this time when I feel so strongly about it.

Thanks in advance

My consultant gave me the option of whether to have a section or a vbac, in fact she was more on the side of the section.

I chose vbac and ended up having an emergency section anyway!

Third time along, I was told that after having two sections, any more pregnancies would have to be sections.

Have you spoken to your consultant?

Hi

I think it depends on your hospital policy but I would have thought you would have no problem requesting one. I had a c-section with my first and was automatically offered one for my second (although I did manage a VBAC in the end).

I think having a previous c-section is a valid medical reason for having another.

Hi, I was in the exact same situation as you, OP. Even took my mum in for meeting with consultant as back up!

However, all consultant asked were my reasons for wanting ELCS. I explained them carefully, making it clear I had done my research and considered the implications/risks of both options. She then went and got the diary and I am booked for a section this coming Monday.

I think as long as you show you have thought about it carefully, they will be fine in giving you an ELCS.

Good luck.

I was given the choice (and changed my mind half-way through) - I'm hoping for VBAC, but I've made it clear that it's straightforward VBAC, or CS, and no mucking about in between - this has been written in my notes and agreed to - had I wanted to skip straight to ELCS that would have been fine too.

I was given the choice. Although of friend of mine recently had to bed for an elective following an ELCS so it seems its down to the hospital or consultant.

I changed my mind on a daily basis!

Previous cs is a valid reason in itself as already mentioned ,yes they will try to persuade you otherwise but at the end of the day they can't force you to vbac

Thank you all for your replies. Feel better now!

Section

Yes its down the consultant, I got a great one, but the other lady was rumoured to be not so great.

Its your life and your decision so if the person you are speaking too isn't being receptive to your needs and personal circs, simply phone PALS, and ask to speak to another.

I think you have more than enough reason for wanting one.

Its not a scale really how bad your first birth had to be or what damage was done. We are a whole person with emotions and a brain. Its how you feel about it now.

Women have had awful horrific first labours but are very happy to try it again. Some had great labours but it wasn't for them!

If you are not willing to try it, , you are not.

I had an ELC and it was the right decision for me.

I was in your position and went for an elective 2nd time. I was lucky in that many of my NCT friends who had had emcs first time had done VBAC second time before it was my time to choose. Without exception they all said they would not make the same choice again. My obstetrician friend also said she wouldn't.

My emcs was stressful after a 24 hour labour at home which only got to 4cm. I had been desperate for a home birth and had an independent midwife but still had emcs in the end. In comparison the elective was stress-free and I can actually remember meeting my DD for the first time, which I can't with DS as I was so exhausted.

Do whatever feels right for you but don't be bullied into something you don't want. It was easy for me to get a NHS elective but it was 9 years ago and policies may have changed.

Mendi, without wishing to thread hijack, can I ask why they all wished they had opted for elcs? I am in process of making the decision, although I am leaning towards elcs because I am worried the circumstances of the first birth will repeat themselves. My midwife has said they will support me whatever decision I make but I want to feel as informed as possible, and I do feel a possible pressure to choose vbac even though my instinct is to choose elcs