4th baby (c section) at 43. Private consultant or not?

[natasha3005]

I have just found out I am pregnant with my fourth baby. I have had three c sections and I'm really anxious about the risks involved with my age and a 4th delivery.
I'm considering seeking advice from a private consultant but not sure Has anyone of a similar age been in a similar position?
Any advice greatly appreciated.

Hi OP....snap! I am also 43 and pregnant. I'm due my 4th section in a month! I haven't gone private, but I am happy with my NHS consultant. She is considered to be very good. How is the reputation of your nearest maternity unit?

I'm 40 and just had my first 2 weeks ago under the care of a private consultant and he was with every penny! We had scans every other week from 28 weeks to check growth and placenta which put my mind at ease. He also checked my blood pressure and urine for preeclampsia every time I saw him. He discussed all my concerns and my preference for a section and advised a 38 week delivery date as I'd developed GD and have a thyroid condition.

Then for the actual birth, on the day I had booked in my platelets dropped rapidly and it ended up being under GA. He and his anethetist were there with me the whole day keeping me updated and going over what was happening and why and I felt very supported. He carried out the surgery and got my daughter out safe and sound and in my husband's arms within 15 mins of me going into theatre. My wound was described as 'perfect' by one of the midwifes who checked on it and I've been recovering great. All in all, if I have another I'll definitely be going back to him.

My friend had her 4th section last March and she's fine. I'm due a third section in May next year. Fingers crossed for you.x

I should add that I have pregnancy induced thrombocytopenia with very low platelets. On my two previous pregnancies first section I had a spinal block and second an epidural. I was monitored as soon as they discovered during my first pregnancy and even had a bone marrow biopsy to ensure platelets and red blood cells are being made as normal. All this on the public system with monthly blood tests and scans from 28 weeks. I was 25 and 28, now pregnant again at 34. I was classed as high risk and monitored so no need for private and my consultant advised against going private. Your risks shouldn't be that huge once you don't have any underlying conditions. Best of luck.x

What do you think you’ll get from a private consultant that you won’t get from an NHS consultant?

Nhs is notoriously better than private for childbirth, particularly with your risk categories. You should get a consultant anyway.

@MariaDingbat can I ask how much your private service cost? I'm considering similar

It was £2800 total.

But that came with peace of mind through continuity of care, extra monitoring and knowing that I would have the c-section I wanted oriented by him even if I went into labour before the scheduled date. He is also an excellent surgeon so the wound is heading brilliantly.

At your age and with your c section history you’ll be consultant led anyway - you can choose to go private if you’re not happy with the consultant care you receive so why not wait and see ?

Depends where you live. From my experiences in London and seeing lots of friends have babies there, I'd go private. Elsewhere perhaps not.