C section questions!

[Beyondhope]

I had an emergency section with my son. He was transverse lie and it was all very manic. Got to the hospital after my waters went at home (6 weeks early) was taken pretty much straight to theatre.

I have decided to go for an elective section with this pregnancy but I have a couple of questions. If I go into labour naturally and my baby is head down when I arrive at the hospital, do I go to theatre or will they expect me to labour naturally? Also, how long would I stay at home for before going to hospital if labour has started?

If you go into labour, they may offer you to try a VBAC, but if you're definitely not keen, they'll go for a semi-emergency CS. How quickly this actually happens will depend on the time of day and how busy they are, as it's not as urgent as some other emergencies (provided baby is not distressed etc). For that reason, I'd aim to go in as soon as possible if you think you might be going into labour.

I haven't had mine yet (It's in 3 weeks) but she told me I can still have a section however if I'm already in active labour it will probably do more harm than good. She said the minute I think I'm in labour I need to go in x

If you go in to labour before your section date and baby is in the correct position you have a choice to try for a vaginal delivery or to have the c section. If you definitely want the c section you'll need to go to the hospital as soon as labour starts. You'll be taken to theatre at some point in the day, but may be left to labour until there's space in theatre for you. The midwives will keep assessing you so you get to theatre before the point of no return.

From friends experience, they may ask you several times to try for a vaginal delivery but be firm and you will get a c section (if you want one).

If you want a vaginal delivery then you can just wait at home as long as you want/ feel comfortable.

Thanks all. I have opted for elective section as after taking advice from my consultant I’ve decided it’s the safest option for me and my baby. I have a uterus that’s half the size of a normal one and with a previous section scar makes uterine rapture a higher possibility than your average pregnancy. I think I’m just worried I will be left to labour and something happens. Thanks everyone.

I had an emcs with my daughter. It's been agreed an elective this time (but not had it yet due middle feb) I was told any sign of labour get myself too hospital as soon as. Of course I always have the option at any point on vbac. But I have a summary letter from my consultant appointment that elcs has been agreed due to the trauma of the first one (had a ga and was very ill after) so I've made plenty of copies of this letter. DH will have a copy too as well as taping it to the front of my notes cos no way do I want to be conveniently left to labour to the point it's too late.