Can I choose to have an elective c section and can I choose the hospital?

[floppops]

I'm 14 weeks with second DC. First birth was very long painful back to back resulting in a ventouse delivery with episiotomy, cervical tear and hemorrhaging. I really don't want to risk another assisted birth. I've still got problems with my episiotomy being sore after 3 years and have developed chronic anal fissures too.Plus as I'm 40 I won't have access to a birthing centre,pool etc so it'll be all very "medical" anyway.
So what's my chances of getting an elcs and could I ask for another hospital? Ours is Whipps and I'd like St Thomas. I'm hoping that if I can go there I can transfer to the private ward to recover. I never want to revisit the hell of a postnatal ward!! And I know there are private rooms available in most hospitals but St Thomas has a great postnatal care team in the private ward.

It sounds like you should be able to get one without too many problems. They may ask you to consider vbac but from what you've said I think you'd be able to find an amenable consultant fairly easily.

I believe you can have your baby in any hospital you want, although obviously you'll need to get a consultant at your chosen hospital to agree and schedule your elcs. Best thing is probably to ask your community m/w about how you go about this.

Good luck!

Hi, I would imagine you'll have no problem getting the section, but getting into St Thomas may be another story. I tried so hard to have my baby there, but being outside their catchment area meant they wouldn't touch me! My GP told me he had a 42 year old expecting twins and they wouldn't even consider her high risk enough to be accepted. I think its because they are so busy anyway. Good luck!

I had a massive pph after my first baby. At my consultant appointment at 15 weeks he offered me a choice about delivery. I really wasn't expecting that. Got my appointment next week to hopefully book a straight forward, calm, controlled c section. Can't help with the hospital choice though. Good luck.

In London at the moment a lot of hospitals are "capping" their referrals because of the massive jump in the birthrate. That is they are only accepting referrals from a defined catchment area to control workload and avoid unscheduled emergency closures. If you are interested in a particular unit, speak to the mw in charge of the an clinic. She will know the acceptance criteria.

There is also a lot of pressure to keep the cs rates within a certain range. This does not mean that you cannot get an elcs. Make your case clearly. Write it down and take someone with you who is supportive. If you see a registrar who seems not to appreciate the strength of your feelings, demand to see the consultant either then or at a later date. The mw in charge of the clinic is a useful ally in this.

Eg

1. I had a traumatic first birth
2. There were complications at the time
3. I am still suffering from later complications.
4. I am 40 and unlikely to have another child. At my age it is more important to have a functioning pelvic floor than be concerned about future pregnancies.