Would this be classed as a reason for an elective c-section in nhs?

[Bellasblankexpression]

I had to have a TFMR at 20 weeks just over a year ago. It was a really dark time and because of the timing, I had to be induced and essentially go through labour.

I’m now 17 weeks pregnant and aside from one small anomaly on a 16 week scan which could turn out to be nothing (hopefully) everything is going ok.

But it means I’ve started to actually think beyond the 20 week scan for the first time. And the idea of going through labour terrifies me. It makes me feel so anxious because even if I get that far, I just can’t imagine it ending in a good outcome I guess because of my negative associations because of before.

I’m not saying I want a c-section. I know it can be really hard - I’ve had several friends who have one and recovery has been mixed and to be honest I have no desire for major surgery unless I have to.

But I think I want to know whether I would have the option. I’ve not spoken to my midwife yet as I just want to get through twenty weeks and see how things are then, and I am trying to manage my anxiety. I have had and am still having counselling to work on this.

But if it came to it and I felt like I just couldn’t go through with labour (obviously if nature took its course anyway I wouldn’t have a choice) would that be reason enough for an elective c-section on the nhs?

Sorry if this is a bit garbled.

Anyone?

Hello! You can have a caesarean by choice on the NHS if that is what you want, regardless of whether your midwife approves. You will be offered counselling to help you deal with anxiety but ultimately, it’s up to you. If after discussion and advice, you want a C section, you can have one. Look up the section here on “maternal request” for C section - this was a the advice to health professionals to offer one

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg132/chapter/1-Guidance#planned-cs

I’m sure if you explain this to your midwife she can refer you to a consultant as t
It’s the consultants decision.

I had a c section because I had bad incontienance so if I can I’m sure they will take yr feelings into account.

You don't need to have a reason to request a c section (although I can totally understand why you might consider it in your circumstances). I'd bring it up with your midwife and ask for a referral to a consultant. My main reason for having one is the potential traumatic impact of a vaginal birth and the risks that would pose to my mental health (I have PTSD already); my consultant agreed that it was a very sensible decision.

I had one for a previous traumatic birth, not as traumatic as your experience. You will need to see a consultant. They like to talk you out of it, but stay firm. Its good to see the perinatal team too.

Thank you, we are consultant lead because of our previous loss which makes us high risk but only
Met the consultant once and wasn’t that reassuring as she wasn’t the one we were supposed to see and didn’t know anything about our history etc so I know it sounds silly I didn’t feel comfortable bringing it up then.
I think I will wait and see how the twenty week goes and if all okay then talk to midwife about it? Would that be too late? I’ve never got further than 20 before so I have no idea.
Thanks for the link will take a look at it now

I know of someone who sadly had a stillborn baby. Her following baby was born via section for the exact same reasons as you mention.

Sending you love xxx

20 weeks is not too late and by all means talk to the midwife. But it’s the consultant who will sign it off so you do need to speak to them too. Just stand firm that it’s what you want. Good luck

Thank you I will read up and make sure I am informed. I guess I feel wobbly about it as I’m not 100% sure it IS what I want yet.
But this has all been really helpful.