Is a caesarean optional?

[leedsladyx]

Hi ladies. I am currently 10 weeks pregnant and I really do not want to go through with a vaginal birth. I always have had a fear of giving birth, as my mum and nan both had traumatic vaginal births. I also have a lot of panic attacks which are uncontrollable. I am a very anxious person and I don't feel like I could delivery the baby through a vaginal birth.

However, my midwife told me that because I am physically healthy and have no risks that a caesarean is not really an option, but other people have told me it is an option. She told me that I could have counselling to control my anxiety and talk me through the benefits of a vaginal birth over a caesarean. Deep down I know that i have already made my mind up and will be a complete nervous wreck if I am forced to give birth vaginally. I just really don't want to do it and the thought of it makes me feel so trembly and sick.

Am I entitled to a caesarean by choice?

NICE guidelines state that your hospital should first refer you to appropriate mental health support for your anxiety, but if you then continue to want a Caesarian they should provide one. So they are implementing stage one at this early stage in your pregnancy. It may be that the counselling does help you, but if you feel the same afterwards, do quote NICE at them if they refuse to consider a section at that point.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg132/chapter/Key-priorities-for-implementation

Yes, you can choose to have a c-section.
Here's the leaflet you need.
Choosing to have a caesarean section
Do your homework and be prepared to face hurdles at every corner.
A number of posters have done it here. Look for threads such as Won't consent to c-section or Vaginal birth v c-section. This should give you an idea of what to expect.
All the best.

However, my midwife told me that because I am physically healthy and have no risks that a caesarean is not really an option, but other people have told me it is an option. She told me that I could have counselling to control my anxiety and talk me through the benefits of a vaginal birth over a caesarean. Deep down I know that i have already made my mind up and will be a complete nervous wreck if I am forced to give birth vaginally. I just really don't want to do it and the thought of it makes me feel so trembly and sick.

Am I entitled to a caesarean by choice?

You have been told UTTER bollocks, but that may not actually help you. It depends on hospital policy as well as the staff you may see.

You are NOT entitled to a CS by choice. You are allowed a CS on health grounds. MENTAL HEALTH IS HEALTH. You CAN have a CS for anxiety.

The trouble is this is not properly recognised by everyone and treatment is patchy throughout the NHS. This means you can end up jumping through hoops to get a cs on this basis.

The way to approach it, is to keep asking for help. If you are not happy, its not acceptable - they have not resolved your anxiety to a level feel able to control. You rights under the NHS is for 'the most appropriate treatment' this may help you get a CS in the long run. Since your reason is mental health, you probably will need to go down the counselling route. Don't rule it out. It may actualy work for you. But if this is not the case keep on saying you want a cs and want to see a consultant about it.

They have a duty of care to you, to help you deal and control the anxiety in the best way for your personal circumstances; focus on that not the actual birth method if you have anxiety over a vb.

If anyone says anxiety is not a health reason for a cs - challenge them. It very much is.

I am having a c section for birth phobia. It was a very easy process, the midwife referred me to the consultant who agreed very quickly. I do have to have some counselling first then go back at 36 weeks to confirm my decision. Demand a consultant referral, it's your right.

Don't let them talk you out of it. They'll try, at every possible turn. Do your research, research the risks of vaginal birth as they won't tell you those. I let them talk me round and now I'm seriously regretting it, and baby is almost 7 months old. It's really affected me and my enjoyment of DS.