WWYD Second birth anxiety

[Bananapancakes6]

I'm 36 weeks with baby number 2.

With my first son I got to 41+5 and then went into hospital to be induced after 2 failed sweeps. When they examined me they could see waters bulging so decided to start with artificial rupture of membranes. Then explained it was likely I'd need pessary or drip after that. Waters were broken and they encouraged me to go for a walk after they had monitored me for a bit.

Well the walk never came - baby's heart rate was erratic, I was in severe pain but everyone kept saying "early labour" and shrugging it off until they examined me and realised I was 8cm in under an hour, THEN I got gas&air but baby still erratic heart rate, there was mention of EMCS and I was signing the paperwork, then they decided to put a clip on baby's head and decided that actually all was ok and it was actually the equipment. I was given spinal block and baby was born via forceps with an episiotomy and two labial tears. Total labour was just under 4h from ARM to holding him in my arms. I lost 2l of blood and was quite poorly afterwards.

This time round everyone is warning me he may be quicker and its causing some anxiety. Baby has a mild heart defect that should not affect delivery but he may go down hill after delivery so I my care has been transferred to a hospital with better cardiology dept just in case he is poorly. This hospital is in city centre and is 35mins drive from my house. My DH does not drive, so our plan is taxi/uber. We'd also need to wait for in laws to come round and watch DS1, they are 15mins away.

I'm genuinely scared baby may be super quick and end up being born at home and being poorly, either that or on the way to hospital in an uber. I'm scared that I'll give birth at home and lose a lot of blood. As it stands my birth plan is midwife led unit, birth pools, mild pain relief etc. But if I go overdue I've requested delivery suite, epidural.

Part of me is kicking myself for not requesting a C section, which seems the safer option for baby. With all things considered, what would you have done?

Bump

You're not too late to discuss a CS if you feel it will help?

I was very similar, first was an induction with very quick labour (under 1 hour!) but second started natural and was i labour (having contractions) for a day and then from 4cm to holding him was 1.5 hours, no tears or cuts.
Don't be put off by previous experience but also go with what feels right for you, no one else's expectations or opinions count

Ooh op sorry to hear your first time was so eventful! I am pg with my first so I can’t offer much advice- I’m sure others will be here in a min but I would say can you still request a C section if that’s what you want? If that’s your gut I’d at least try! Secondly I understand the trip to the hospital making you nervous- I would too; can you ask a friend or family member to do this so you feel more secure and ‘planned’ when the time comes. I think this would make me feel better about the journey. You sound like your birth plan is thorough- I’ve decided not really to bother with one other than epidural as from all the birth stores I’ve heard it seems so unpredictable that I wonder if there’s any point! Xox

@Bananapancakes6 worse case could in laws meet you at hosp that would save you the 15 min wait ? I wouldn't rush for a section unless medically necessary, the recovery IMO was grim but mine was an emergency

I have anxiety about my second birth too.

We also had the head screw thing for our son due to failed equipment. I was angry about that.

You never know how things will go. What is your instinct telling you?

Thanks for all your responses.

Honestly, I don't really want a C-section if I can avoid one. I feel like despite the issues I faced last time my body is capable and I'd love to experience a positive natural birth. I suppose it's just the logistics stressing me out.