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Childbirth

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

Original poster

Emergency C section with first baby

21 replies

Velvetorsilk · 20/01/2022 10:41

I’m not currently pregnant but thinking ahead (hoping to start TTC next month!)

I had an EMCS with first baby and I don’t really fully understand why, tbh. I wasn’t anti this in any way, mostly it was a relief as I was really scared of childbirth. I just couldn’t quite ‘picture’ it (sounds ridiculous I know.)

Will I be advised to have an elective section next time or not? Does anyone know?

OP posts:
saltedcaramelanything · 20/01/2022 10:45

I don't know, but following as I'm very early pregnant and also had an EMCS with my first.

When it happened, they did say that a VBAC would be possible- but think it will depend on your preference too.

Original poster
Velvetorsilk · 20/01/2022 10:49

Congratulations Flowers

OP posts:
DoucheCanoe · 20/01/2022 10:49

I had an appointment with my consultant when I was pregnant with #2 and we went through my previous notes and he explained that the cause for my emergency section wasn't a naturally recurring issue so could attempt a vaginal birth if we wanted.

shouldistop · 20/01/2022 10:50

Ask for a birth debrief so you can fully understand the reason for your emc.

Original poster
Velvetorsilk · 20/01/2022 10:50

Was it your choice? I had very little info with my first. I don’t remember talking to anyone about a birth plan until I was in hospital.

OP posts:
Whatelsecouldibecalled · 20/01/2022 10:50

I would ask for a birth debrief to help you understand

Original poster
Velvetorsilk · 20/01/2022 10:51

Could do @shouldistop but they are busy surely …

OP posts:
Original poster
Velvetorsilk · 20/01/2022 10:51

How do you go about a birth debrief ?

OP posts:
Mumdiva99 · 20/01/2022 10:52

You will get a consultant appointment where you will discuss why you had a creation and whether you need another. If possible they will support a Vbac.

shouldistop · 20/01/2022 10:52

@Velvetorsilk

Could do *@shouldistop* but they are busy surely …
It's part of the job though so you're entitled to know. Contact the hospital midwives and ask what the process is to request a debrief.
Bells3032 · 20/01/2022 10:52

You have the right to ask for a planned c section if that's what you want (some hospitals will push for it as safer) or you can push for vbac.

I would deff speak to the hospital and try and understand what went wrong the first time esp if you want a vbac as may be lessons to learn for next time round.

siaa · 20/01/2022 10:52

I'm pregnant with #2 and the first was an unplanned c section so this time they're very relaxed if that's what I want to do for the second one x

Hugasauras · 20/01/2022 10:53

Mine was for failure to progress and fetal distress but I could attempt a VBAC for this one if I wanted to. But I've requested a section and no one's had any issue with it. So it's probably just up to you, depending on the reason!

Original poster
Velvetorsilk · 20/01/2022 10:54

I’m not sure what I want! I didn’t find my c section painful and recovered very quickly so this may be the best option. But I was induced so don’t know if this is why it was all a bit of a mess.

OP posts:
TakeYourFinalPosition · 20/01/2022 10:55

When did you have your first baby, @Velvetorsilk?

I've been offered a birth debrief; I can have it anywhere between 8 weeks and 9 months after the birth, although the midwife suggested that they'd be able to do it up to a year if I needed more time to process first.

I'd imagine they'd be able to talk to you about the official reasons after that, too, just maybe not in the same debrief process? But it probably varies from hospital to hospital.

My midwife/health visitor organises them here.

I was an EMCS with first baby, too. I do know why; but it's been tough getting my head around what led to it being necessary.

Original poster
Velvetorsilk · 20/01/2022 10:56

Ah maybe not then, baby is now 14 months.

OP posts:
DoucheCanoe · 20/01/2022 11:11

It was my choice, I wasn't 100% either way so we scheduled a section for as close to due date as possible (39+5) but try a vaginal if I went into labour before then.

As it happened she was breech/transverse and had no intention of going anywhere so we went ahead with the section and didn't regret it for a second :)

Twizbe · 20/01/2022 11:14

As you had a previous c section you'll be referred to a consultant and they will talk through why you had a c section and whether a VBAC is a possibility or not.

Amongst my friends it's been a mix but only 1 went to a VBAC, the rest either had to have or chose to have another c section.

All those that had a second section said that it was easier than their firsts.

Original poster
Velvetorsilk · 20/01/2022 11:20

Thanks @Twizbe that’s good to know.

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Inthesky42 · 20/01/2022 12:30

The rule used to be once a c section always a c section but it could be possible for you to have a vbac, it all depends what the reasons were for the original section. I was in your position in that I'd had an emergency section due failure to progress and fetal distress. I did lots of research and discovered only 40% of VBACs are successful in my previous situation, in that I never dilated fully before (I only got to 3cm). Bear in mind that 'successful' vbacs still include assisted births with forceps etc ... In my view i felt the elective was the way to go. Sadly I was one of the 1% of women who got a nasty infection after my elective section and was readmitted to hospital for 2 weeks for iv antibiotics to fix it so not always the easy option! Worth thinking about what's best for you

Garman · 20/01/2022 22:44

Get a debrief of your birth notes, and then a discuss your options and preferences, vbac could be possible depending on the reasons for the emcs.

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