Baby number 6

[Isuzu]

Not very far into my 6th pregnancy but I'm already thinking about birth options.

I think I want a c section this time.

I've had 5 vaginal deliveries, the last one was 9 months ago. That labour failed to progress and I had to have the drip. The baby was well over 10lb in weight too.

Out of the 5 births there's only been one where I left hospital with my perineum intact! I've had 3 episiotomies and a tear.

After my last one, I had no sensation whatsoever and even though I've luckily, not ended up with any incontinence, it took a while to get the feeling back. Now, I suffer with the dreaded 'fanny daggers' every single time I need to poo. It can stop me in my tracks it's that painful.

Also, given its my 6th, dh and I have been discussing permanent contraception. I want to be sterilised.

Do you think I'll be able to have a c section because of everything I've explained upthread but also will they sterilise me during the c section?

Hopeful bump

Why would they sterilise you while trying to bring your baby into the world. I think you need to talk to a medical professional.

Yes, sterilisation during a c-section is possible, but you need to give your consent in advance. So you'll have to bring up your wish for a c-section and sterilisation with your GP or consultant.

You absolutely have the right to request a c section but i would consider strongly, how much longer your recovery will take with 6 dc.

In all honesty my 6th dc was my biggest but had no real effect on my body as the damage was done....Iyswim!

It used to be very common to do a sterilisation during a section but less so nowadays but this is your 6th dc so I would bring it up.

Good luck!

My friend was offered sterilisation with her c section so sounds like it's fairly common. Talk to people who've actually had csections to get a variety of real experiences rather than myths. Recovery doesn't necessarily take that long (it depends on the person) I had friends with forceps births or tears etc who took months to recover. So long as u have help for the first 2 weeks u will be fine. Tbh the recovery was a really nice bonding experience as I only had to hug snuggle and look after my newborn with no distractions (family we great and sorted everything else for me) with my vaginal births there was more pressure to cook clean etc. You also avoid pelvic floor damage and incontinence later in life etc. which sounds like a concern in your case.

Sorry posted too soon...you should be able to get a csection for the reasons you stated. Focus on your concerns about previous damage to pelvic floor and concerns about I continence later and the fact that you will need to undergo an operation for sterilisation anyway. Stand firm though as they seem to have csection stats that they like to keep down!