Prolapse and natural birth

[popp123]

Hello- wondering if anyone has any advice or has been in a similar situation!

After my first son I got a uterine prolapse - it has been quite bad and really affected my life since. I am now 34 weeks pregnant with my second child and debating whether to have an elective C-section! The consultants say that the damage is already done so a normal birth won't make it worse but I can't help but thinking I shouldn't put it under this pressure unnecessary- particularly if it is another big baby! Has anyone got any experience in this or any advice?.

Thanks in advance.

"a normal birth won't make it worth" Can they guarantee a "normal" birth? One without a prolonged second stage, without instruments, without a severe tear?
Are they willing to agree a c-section as soon as things look like they're no longer "normal"?

I have one child and for a number of reasons do not wish any more children. Amongst others is that after being seriously injured first time, I view being pregnant (just for myself, not others) as further trauma to my body. Never mind an ELCS, even less a vaginal delivery.

Throughout my postpartum treatment I received conflicting advice. One obstetrician offered an ELCS, when anal urgency wasn't getting better, colorectal surgeon thought ELCS would be better but when it resolved other colorectal surgeon said a vaginal delivery would be fine (also first, sonographer thought I had an unrepaired third degree tear 3b but colorectal consultant disagreed and thought it was "only" an unrepaired second degree tear - which did change anything to what had happened but might be my life line when the menopause kicks in).

Personally I decided not to have any more children. You're obviously in a different position so I'd see a c-section as a reasonable choice.
I'd also demand physiotherapy after birth so you can get your core and pelvic floor muscles in the best shape they can be.

Hope this is useful

I agree with penguina. I had birth trauma and have a prolapse. I'm very against another pregnancy (and due to how painful its made sex I doubt I'll be able to get pregnant anyway) however if I did (DH desperately wants more) I will certainly be having a section. An instrumental delivery or prolonged second stage can certainly do further damage.

I'm currently pregnant and having physio due to issues with pelvic floor after last forceps birth 18 months ago. My physio has advised a c section as a vaginal birth would put more pressure on the area and risk causing more issues. She's a women's physio at the same hospital, so I'm hoping I won't have a fight on my hands when I see the consultant.

I have a rectocele prolapse. I was warned that another vaginal birth would probably make it worse and it would then require surgical correction.

TBH I would still go for the vaginal birth and correction afterwards than a caesarean. This is partly because I am terrified of a caesarean, but also because I have several friends who have had major problems with scar tissue and 'overhang' as they got older - pain and infections plus the visibility of the scar has a such a severe psychological effect too. The women I know who have had both types of birth all say vaginal was better in the long term.

Caesarians are often portrayed as the easy birth option but they can have their own complications. I would prefer to deal with the known problem than potentially add in another. My prolapse is mild though.

I'd rather deal with scarring and forego the ability to wear a bikini, than be pissing/shitting myself on a semi regular basis, but that's just me :) I know my issue, and I'm not risking making it worse. Corrections aren't always successful and can be pretty major surgery in their own right, with their own infection risk. But it's personal choice.