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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

No c sections available

86 replies

RunningAlong · 16/12/2021 09:28

My partner is 35 weeks pregnant and due to gestational diabetes has been told that the baby has to come out by 37 weeks. The baby is breach and we requested a c section right at the start however none was booked. When we saw a consultant yesterday we were told there are no dates available until February which would put my partner at 43 weeks. What happens now? We are getting no answers from anyone.

OP posts:
SerendipitySunshine · 16/12/2021 09:31

This is worrying isn't it? My trust is saying similar with reduced capacity anticipated due to covid.

Original poster
RunningAlong · 16/12/2021 09:35

Its scary all the way along everyone has told us that it will be dangerous to go naturally and its now the case that a natural birth isn't an option. He's now at extreme risk of stillbirth and we can't even get a return phonecall.

OP posts:
TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 16/12/2021 09:38

That'll be for elective, but they'll still be doing emergency ones. But yes, keep ringing, or even present to triage if you can't get an answer in a weeks time. She'll still be getting midwife appointments in the meantime though.

Original poster
RunningAlong · 16/12/2021 09:44

We really dont want an emergency c section as she had 1 previously and nearly died. They haven't booked anymore appointments either and as I say its impossible to contact anyone

OP posts:
Thethingswedidanddidntdo · 16/12/2021 09:46

Who are you trying to call? Have you tried the labour ward? The midwife Community number (not an individual mobile number as your midwife may be off work).

Dmsandfloatydress · 16/12/2021 09:46

That sounds terrifying! Can you take out a loan or credit card and go private? Lord knows you should never be in such a position. I'm so sorry! I had a similar pregnancy and had a c section at 37 weeks. I cant imagine being told I couldn't get one.

JuneOsborne · 16/12/2021 09:48

What are the other hospitals like locally for capacity? I'd be contacting whatever the supervisor of midwives is called nowadays and discuss it with them.

3cats4poniesandababy · 16/12/2021 09:48

There are more than one type of emergency there is a now to save lives emergency and also emergency in the sense of the woman is in labour and needs a c section but there is some time.

I expect the not booking c section relates to not pre-book electives as to leave diary for woman who need on the day c sections.

Personally I would call and explain how you are worried and would like a follow up appointment to discuss.

snowmansballs33 · 16/12/2021 09:51

This is so worrying. I am 21 weeks pregnant and terrified of being in a position like this. This is the side of covid that people don't think about when they refuse to abide by restrictions. Your poor partner should be entitled to the birth she wants and one that is safest for her and baby. What the hell is happening in this country?

I have no advice. If it were me I would be ringing everyone including midwives, maternity ward and consultants secretary until I got an answer. But I don't know if that will get you results.

LaBellina · 16/12/2021 09:54

No answer other then I wouldn’t accept no in this case and keep pushing for what should be her right to birth how she wants and would consider escalating it to PALS if nobody wants to listen or help.
This is so awful and I’m sorry for you both. Flowers

purplehairlady · 16/12/2021 09:54

@RunningAlong

My partner is 35 weeks pregnant and due to gestational diabetes has been told that the baby has to come out by 37 weeks. The baby is breach and we requested a c section right at the start however none was booked. When we saw a consultant yesterday we were told there are no dates available until February which would put my partner at 43 weeks. What happens now? We are getting no answers from anyone.
If you need one medically at the time they'll ensure you get a c-section.

They aren't booking them I'm in advance at the moment to ensure there is enough space for emergency ones.

If baby is breech, that will be classed as an emergency typically when she goes into Labour, but they may not book in advance.

Hope it all goes well for you guys - worth repeatedly calling them!

IDontDrinkTea · 16/12/2021 10:01

It would be quite early to get your date already here - normally electives are only booked a few days before at the hospital where I work

ResentfulAF · 16/12/2021 10:02

I had to ring around all the hospital's within a reasonable distance and found one that could do my (medically indicated) C-section at the date closest to the recommended date. While crying in the car park after an appointment where I'd just been told they'd forgot to put me in the system and now they'd run out of slots until I was way overdue.
Nearly lost my first baby and placenta was showing signs of failing for this one. This was last winter.
You can access NHS treatment at any hospital. Good luck.

Original poster
RunningAlong · 16/12/2021 10:11

Thanks we've tried ringing the labour wards and being told that no one is available. We only have 1 option of hospital within an hours drive but we will explore this if it is an option. As for keeping slots available or early booking the consultant literally showed us the diary and said they were fully booked. We have been able to get in touch with someone who has told us she has written "no c section" across the notes.

OP posts:
Chasingaftermidnight · 16/12/2021 10:14

How can she possibly write ‘no c section’ on your notes when you have a breech baby?!!

Katela18 · 16/12/2021 10:18

I would be escalating this to PALS or someone more senior at the hospital immediately. She can't possibly write no c section given the risk factors you mention ie:

Previous emcs
GD
Breech baby

Escalate it and don't stop making noise until someone listens

LaBellina · 16/12/2021 10:19

What ? That comment on her notes is absolutely outrageous

HardbackWriter · 16/12/2021 10:22

I'm not trying to minimise your problem at all - it's shocking and so frightening - but isn't a baby only 'breech' if they haven't turned by 36 weeks? So it may be that they're not yet taking the baby's position into consideration

Original poster
RunningAlong · 16/12/2021 10:23

We assume the comment is related to there being none available. We are currently awaiting numerous people to get in touch.

OP posts:
3cats4poniesandababy · 16/12/2021 10:31

If some needs one ie in labour with a breech baby they will push an elective c section. Also in the diary there will be space built in to allow for emergencies.

Couchbettato · 16/12/2021 10:34

Contact PALS asap.

However I think you need a follow up appointment with a different consultant which you can ask for.

You can ask what their plan is to ensure you have a safe delivery, and you can advocate for yourself and partner.

Have they tried an ECV? Is that in the pipeline? Or does your partner have uterine abnormalities that make this impossible IE. Bicornuate or septate uterus?

Would they consider it an emergency if your partner went in to labour and the baby was still breech?

What kind of breech is the baby? It is possible to vaginally deliver breech babies in some cases depending on the sort of breech they are.

Are they offering weekly scans?

Can they put you on a waiting list so that if a baby comes sooner then you can be contacted to come in for an appointment?

Make sure you ask all this from a second consultant. Get their opinion. Be matter of fact. Get all your options.

Remember to ask Why and Why Not?

popapoppadum · 16/12/2021 10:35

So sorry OP, this must be really scary. I can't help with the section but in the mean time there's a website called Spinning Babies that has plenty of exercises to help encourage baby to turn. Really hope you get it sorted and have a calm, safe birth.

Funmum34 · 16/12/2021 10:36

Go private, the aftercare is amazing compared to NHS

newyearsresolurion · 16/12/2021 10:37

Wow!!! I've never heard of this!! Keep contacting them and chasing

Disfordarkchocolate · 16/12/2021 10:41

Perhaps have a look at 2015 UK Supreme Court Montgomery and current Nice guidance and get complaining.

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