VB or ELCS after shoulder dystocia?

[Yzma]

I'm currently 16 weeks with my second baby. I do have a consultant appointment in April because of my previous birth but I'm not sure if I should ask for an ELCS or not.

First birth was back to back, pushed for 3 hours but baby was stuck so off to theatre for forceps delivery. Baby had shoulder dystocia and I had a large episiotomy, torn cervix and 1000ml pph. I don't know how bad the dystocia was as I was pretty out of it by then. Baby was 8lbs 8oz so not huge, but big for me as I'm fairly short. Baby was fine, I had a slow recovery but no real lasting damage.

While I wouldn't say I was traumatised by it, it was a pretty horrible experience and I really don't want another instrumental delivery. I'm becoming increasingly worried about the birth as the recurrence rates for SD are considerably higher, up from 0.5% to around 10-15%.

I won't be allowed in the MLU for a water birth (which would be my first choice) so should I ask for an ELCS rather than risk another difficult birth? Any advice appreciated as I don't know anyone who's had an ELCS to ask about the experience.

I had a shoulder dystocia with DC4 and am now expecting DC5. I don't know what I'll do. But I have gestational diabetes this time and that increases the risk of shoulder dystocia. I have to either be induced or c section at 38 weeks because of the gestational diabetes. The choice is up to me because of the previous shoulder dystocia. I really don't know what to do because I don't think either option is great. I'm having regular growth scans at 28, 32 and 36 weeks but they aren't the most accurate things to base a decision on. My next scan is on Monday and it will be interesting to see the results then. I think that I'll make a decision at 36 weeks and the consultant is happy with that.

I am opting for a vaginal delivery after a previous shoulder dystocia. The reasons for this are that the risk of reoccurrence is relatively low (5-10%), and I don't fancy the recovery from a cs with an older child to look after, or the risks of a cs.

read about other peoples elc - there are loads of old threads on it..

elc every time, why put yourself through the stress, pain and worry>

wth elc its calm planned, and done and dusted very quickly.

but you will need help for two weeks, ie no washing clothes, lifting heavy stuff, you need 100% rest, even if you feel great to heal.

elc was a calm and wonderful way to bring baby into world.

Thanks for your responses. Have had another midwife appointment and she recommended that I have a section so at the moment that it what I think I will go for. I over-think things and ultimately I think I will be too worried/stressed if I opt for a VB.

NoRoom I hope that you can make a decision that you're happy with. It's a difficult choice isn't it? Fluffy Good luck with your VB.

I just wanted to update in case op or anyone else was interested.

I had a vaginal delivery and it was absolutely perfect. No complications whatsoever including crucially no shoulder dystocia. It was a very cathartic and beautiful experience.

Fluffy that's lovely to hear. I'm glad it went so well for you. Enjoy your baby, congratulations.

Congrats!