Consultant appointment - asking for a C Section

[lmlm123]

I put this in pregnancy - but think it may be better here!!

I have my first consultant appointment this afternoon - referred because of a neurological condition and also a PPH with DD (darling daughter).

I am 15 weeks and really am hoping for a C-Section as I feel that labour is going to trigger my condition (its more painful that childbirth, if that is even possible!).

I've never been in this position before; do I just ask for it outright? Wait for it to be offered? Am I likely to have to fight my case?

Just wondering if anyone has any experiences.... thanks

Hi op.
I was in this position but I wanted a c section because of a horrible birth and tear that caused me no end of problems.
I went to my first appointment with a consultant at around 16 weeks.
I was seen by a registrar who tried their best to put me off having a c section. I took lots of information with me to prove that I knew the potential risks of c section, and so that they knew I understood what I was asking for.
They still made me wait until 37 weeks before the consultant finally signed it off.
He didn’t actually bat an eyelid at this point.
I was very clear that this is what I wanted l, I understood the positive and negatives and that according to NHS guidelines I had the right to make the choice, so they should either support me or refer me to a hospital that would.
It made my pregnancy a very anxious time waiting for the seal of approval from the consultant, and frankly I don’t know why they treat pregnant women like this.... but there you go.
My belief is if you are persistent enough you will get what you want.
I would also write down your request and ask for it it be filed in your notes, noting that you understand the risks of the operation.
Have you read the nice guidelines on c section?
They have a section on maternal request and summarise risks of c section at the end.
Good luck.

Hi,

That's brilliant, thank you! I have had a brief look at the guidelines previously but will swat up on them now - the endless stress/worry of having to give birth is really getting to me now so I am hoping it will be an easy one.... but nothing ever seems easy!

Should have added....
C section birth was by far an easier recovery. So don’t be freaked out by the risks either.
Obviously there’s always a chance something could go wrong like anything in life. But much of the statistics are from emergency c sections.
They also don’t seem to separate women with other higher risk factors who have had c sections eg weight, age, smoking (I don’t know if any of these apply to you but if not it could be possible your personal risk may be slightly lower than research indicates).

Thank you - you have helped so much!

Mid twenties, non smoker, normal weight etc and no complications in this pregnancy so far, so fingers crossed!

Thank you for helping calm my nerves, seems silly to get so worked up !