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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Can you choose ELCS if you've had a CS before?

15 replies

MamaPingu · 27/01/2014 11:25

I had to have an emergency c section with DS because he went into distress and his heart rate was dropping.

I was informed afterwards that I would qualify for a natural birth. Does this mean I cannot request another CS?

I have several reasons, some fears and some that are cosmetic but I know would have big repercussions down the line.

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drwitch · 27/01/2014 11:36

My understanding is that NICE recommends that you be given the choice (ELCS or VBAC) but some areas/consultants will try and push it one way or the other. I think another NICE (and nice) policy is for you to have a meeting with a consultant midwife who can talk through your birthing notes and explain what went wrong and why. Mention this because if it is available it not only makes the decision easier but releases any demons you may have lurking about it all. You will have a meeting with the obs/gynae. consultant about it and he/she will present and talk through her reading of the medical case. You should ask them to specify if you do go for a VBAC a) what kind of intervention (would you be constantly monitored, what you have a cannula b) would they d things like put you on a drip or break your waters c) when and why they would call time and give you a section. You should think about what you feel about all these.

feekerry · 27/01/2014 11:38

hi
don't know what the actual guidelines are but i had no problem getting elecs 2nd time round. had a emcs first time around for exactly the same reasons as you and this time round i was invited to see a consultant at 20 weeks and they simply went thru the benefits and risks of an elecs and vbac and asked what my choice was.
i chose an elecs and was given a date last week (currently 37 weeks pg). its booked in for 10 days time.
i have read it seems to vary massively between hospitals so i would go armed with your research and reasons!!

Original poster

MamaPingu · 27/01/2014 11:51

Thankyou for your responses

That makes me feel much better that it is in the NICE guidelines so really they should honour women's choices.

Can a GP do anything in helping you to get your choice? I have a lovely GP, he knows me well and seems to trust my feelings and decisions as a mother.

I would not request a C section lightly as I know first hand that the recovery can be tiresome. But I feel it is the best option for me personally.

I am not pregnant ATM but we will be TTC in the next year or two. So I feel I need to know where I stand before we go ahead with TTC as if I was made to have a natural delivery I feel I'd be very stressed and unhappy leading up to the birth.
I'm open to the idea of natural birth but I feel I need to know if I'm not happy I can choose the alternative

OP posts:

loopylouu · 27/01/2014 11:59

I had a section 11 years ago (elective) and I was refused a second section couple of weeks ago.

I am going in again on wednesday to get a second opinion, but I was told that it would be a no again in all likelihood as it's hospital policy.

I am 31 weeks and it has taken me this long to even get a consultant appointment.

I waited 11 years to conceive as I was petrified of being made to have a VBac. I am so scared about the appointment on wednesday, I have been stressed throughout my pregnancy over this.

drwitch · 27/01/2014 14:07

see
nice guidelines

Ushy · 27/01/2014 14:24

Loopylouu VBAC increases both the risk of the baby dying and being brain damaged. How dare they treat you like this.

Have you tried a formal letter saying you do not consent to VBAC and will be taking legal action if there are any problems. You caould enclose a copy of the NICE guidelines and this:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17353803

It's your child and your body - don't bother about being nice - they aren't being nice to you.

Good luck

loopylouu · 27/01/2014 14:28

I was just told by a very snotty consultant that it was hospital policy and they don't have to follow the guidelines if they don't wish to.

I've seen three different midwives at the three appointments I have had (12 weeks, 16 weeks and 28) and they have all been really dismissive as well, saying that as my section was 11 years ago, risks are minimal.

If I get a no again on wednesday, I will be asking them to write in my notes that I am being forced to have a VBAC against my will incase something goes wrong.

loopylouu · 27/01/2014 14:45

Also, sorry if I sound thick, but do you pronounce it 'nice' or 'n.i.c.e' as in the acronym?

NatashaBee · 27/01/2014 15:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

loopylouu · 27/01/2014 15:27

Yeah that's what I thought, but in my head, it's 'nice'!

I want to change to the sister hospital, it's a long story, but I was going to go private but the private consultant works out of this hospital and said she's look after me on the nhs if I went there. It turns out the hospital have said no to that.

So I want to change to the other one, but they are sister hospitals so I am hoping that once I get my section agreed, I can change to the other and go partly private (they have an 'NHS c section transfer' in their private wing, basically, if you are agreed a section on the NHS, you can have it privately for a fraction of the cost).

But that depends on the NHS saying yes. I thought that would be in my favour, I'd be paying towards it if it was agreed.

BudsBeginingSpringinSight · 27/01/2014 20:27

loopy you have to fight your corner.

the biggest cost to maternity is pay outs from damaged babies...

no one is going to hand things to you on a plate. you have to usually at least put forward a strong case and if they say no, kick up a stink...speak to doc, mw, PALS...

as someone said, write to them saying you are scared of x y and z from labour can they guarantee this wont happen ...( which of course they cant...) write to your MP if needs be..

BudsBeginingSpringinSight · 27/01/2014 20:28

Arm yourself with information, do your research, its NICE guidelines just google them, thats what everyone else has done on here to get their elcs, including me. good luck

Original poster

MamaPingu · 27/01/2014 20:35

Gosh that is awful I can't believe they aren't listening to you!!!
Like the others have said just put your foot down and scream it from the roof tops. Tell anyone and everyone your fears, and demand a c section. Don't let them ruin your birth plan!!

OP posts:

RedPencilPot · 27/01/2014 21:11

loopy I really hope you get your c section.

I had an EMCS a year ago and I would def not want to get pregnant again unless I could have a section. It's a real worry as it's not something you can exactly sort out until you are actually pregnant and then it may be too late!!

loopylouu · 27/01/2014 21:39

Thankyou. I'll certainly do my best.

My worry is that I'm 31 weeks now. Ds decided to arrive at 36+4, so I feel as if I'm running out of time.

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