Can you choose a c section

[kylierose15]

I'm 37 weeks with my second
I had an awful labour with my first
I have an extra scan, consultant and midwife all next week can I ask for a c section?
I know the recovery is longer but I just feel like it's my only option
Thank you

I’m joining to get advice! I’m a FTM but 80% of my mum friends ( appreciate this isn’t a scientific sample!) ended up going through tough labours and then emergency sections. So my thinking was wouldn’t it be better to at least know what you’re going to go through?

Yes you can. Ideally it would be for medical purposes, but I've had a friend who suffered with extreme anxiety around labour and she had a planned csection

I had one due to my DS weight, which was the right decision

Lovely. Thank you x

Yes you absolutely can

When you ask be prepared to be very firm - sometimes the midwife team will try and push back (it’s expensive etc). Not always but be prepared.

The first time I mentioned it to a midwife (20 week appointment) she basically laughed at me.
I totally understand it's expensive but I really want to enjoy the labour and my baby
Thank you I'll get my back bone ready to be firm 😂😂 x

Yep! You have a right to have the birth you want.
Some try and talk you out of it but don't back down.

Yes but ask them asap as they will need to book you in and if it's short notice they might not have space until after your due date.

Do I ask the consultant or midwife? X

Thank you x

I was automatically referred to a consultant during this pregnancy as I tore badly with my first. Have been told from the start that a C-section is absolutely an option and I told the dr at my 28 week appointment that I would like one, and it was agreed straight away. No issues at all!

You're absolutely entitled to it but if you're 37 weeks already that's pretty late on to be deciding! I was told I'd get a date for my elective at my 35 week appointment. Hope you manage to get sorted and have the birth you want

I was cut, forceps and my baby ended up with dislocated hips. I have a consultant Monday so I'll tell them then. Hopefully it's not too late.
Thank you

You'll need to speak to both asap I think. My section was booked at my 35-week appointment but they knew I was having one for a while before. They only do them Mon-Fri here and can't overbook because they need to have capacity for emergencies, etc. so I would ring tomorrow and see if you can speak to midwife and get some advice and they can liaise with consultant.

Yes I'll call tomorrow and hopefully I'm not too late.
Thank you x

Hi, similar story here although my first birth was less traumatic than yours. I’m 39 weeks and have an elective c section booked on Monday (was booked at 36 weeks). It wasn’t difficult asking for one and although the risks were talked through I didn’t feel pressure into having to go with a natural birth again. If you want a c section you have very valid reasons and im sure won’t be refused x

Oh lovely.
That gives me some hope.
I'd love for you to message me again once you are home and healed to let me know how it goes.
Good luck

I told my midwife at my 28 week appt that I wanted a c section and she almost forgot to ask me why. Ordering a pizza would have been more difficult. I was all set to make my case but she was non plussed. I have a friend who said she had to be a bit firmer, that staff said things like "why don't you wait until 40 weeks and see if you change your mind" (!?), but she just said no.

How did you get on OP?
@kylierose15