Will I have to have a c section this time around?

[SamJ555]

I am new to mumsnet and could really use some advice. I am currently pregnant with our 2nd child and when I saw my midwife she told me that my consultant will probably strongly suggest that I have a c section this time. My DS was 9lb 6oz and I had a 3rd degree tear, I was lucky and had no problems following on from it. I am extremly nervous about a c section and was thinking about asking if they could induce me a couple of weeks early as long as it did not pose a risk to the baby. Has anyone else had a similar problem and gone on to have a natural 2nd birth without suffering the same fate twice, any other suggestions on how I could get around a c section would be gratefully received.

Welcome SamJ555,

I don't have that much advice except for you to do what you feel is right. Other than the tear, why would the consultant want a C-section? Are they worried about the weight?

Mears or Lulumama will be able to tell you more. They will probably be around later.

They are worried it will be another big baby, they think I may have been diabetic, my ds was almost 1 before he managed to double his birth weight, despite the fact they had my family history of diabeties they did not pick it up.

hi Sam- just seen this....my parents are here , so can;t really talk much now.....

need to know a bit more about your first delivery

spontaneous or induced? how long 2nd stage...forceps, ventouse or not?

would seem odd to suggest a c section based purely on the size of a baby as a tear is to do with more than the size of baby.....

will be back later.....xx

how many weeks pregnant are you and any sign of gestational diabetes yet?

back soon...!

Are they going to put you on a special diet? My sil discovered that she had diabetes the same week she found out she was pregnant. She had to watch her diet. She was so good about it that she only gained 12 pounds. She did have C-section (two priors with a vertical incision) and she had a 7.5 lb baby. Ask your consultant to get you in touch with a nutritionist who can work with you. Have they tested you for gestational diabetes yet? I know they usually wait until later in pregnancy, but with your history they could test early and keep an eye on your blood sugar.

Unfortunately right now it seems like a wait and see situation. Just because you may have developed gestational diabetes before it doesn't mean it will happen again.

Research shows that inducing a couple of weeks early for suspected big baby makes no difference to the risk of complications.

What tests for GD did they do last time?

lulu, I knew you'd show up.

Sorry had someone at the door, I went into spontanious labour, but it was very slow ended up going to hospital 3 days after it all started to find my water had already gone and I did not know when so they gave me the drug to increase my contractions, which they started at 9am and I had had him 3hours later. It was a completely natural delivery no forseps just good old gas and air. I was annoyed that I had to go to theater and have a spinal block after all my suffering. I am currently only 12 weeks so I know its early to worry about all this but its got me rattled. Last time they only did the urine sugar test (and not at every visit). My mw said they will do a glucose test at 28 weeks, I am just trying to eat better and cut out sugar as much as possible. I must stress I am not 100% sure I was diabetic they just suspect it after size and his faliure to gain weight.

my friends first baby was 10 lb 3, due to undiagnosed GD...her second pregnancy it was diagnosed and controlled and her baby was just under 8 1bs.....!

i think that if it is GD again..but controlled well, there is no reason you should not deliver vaginally again....sounds like your labour went very qucikly once the syntocinon was administered...

do you know how long you were pushing for...?

you could do perineal massage this time...this helps prepare the perineum to stretch and gets you used to the ring of fire sensation!! will do a link for you

a water birth is a good idea if you can have one as does support you more and takes pressure of the perineum.....

also, a well controlled delivery with you breathing the head out , not pushing can help reduce trauma......

what position did you deliver in last time? all fours or over a birth ball can help reduce tearing by taking pressure off the perineum...

IMO ...being told you need a c.s at this stage is wrong.

if your consultant is very pro c.s , you can change consultant.

perineal massage

perineal massage aswell!

Thank you for the link and info it has made me feel better. I dont know how long I was pushing my dh had gone to get a sandwich and my mw was not in the room when it really kicked off and its all a blur for me. All I remember was the mw coming into the room a couple of mins after dh and asking how long has she been like that which he did not know I think I was pushing by then, they then had to force me to roll onto my back so she could see what was going on.

sounds quick-!!

i still have a copy of some of my notes from the delivery...they sent me home with them and it says the time of first & second stage...might be helpful if you have yours to check the time...does';t matter if you don't!

and if midwife getting you to roll over and things , might not have been able to control delivery of the head.....

second time around..you are more likely yourself to be in control and have a bit more of a handle on things....

if it happens quickly second time..you can put your hands on your perineum yourself and you will instinctively deliver slower..

i know in my delivery... the midwife supported my perineum for me and i didn;t tear....

as i said a water birth might be a good option for you....

her is a good link as well

that is an excellent link and a fantastic website all round....!

It is good, I spent hours on it when I first discovered it, not that I am obsessed or anything.

{waves back}

LOL...you sound like me...even considered subscribing...!

SamJ555,

I'm 12 weeks with my second also. You should join us in the due in May Ante-Natal section. There are about 30 of us, but now we are discussing Krispy Kreme Donuts, so you might to stay away until tomorrow when our cravings change.