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Childbirth

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

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Original poster

Consultant appointment to discuss c section

19 replies

anonymous2402 · 10/05/2023 12:56

Hi, I've got an appointment next week with a consultant to discuss an elective section.
This is my first baby, and I have a severe needle phobia aswell as severe anxiety around birth.
I've no idea what to expect at this appointment, do I need to prepare anything? Any advice on what to say? Any tips greatly appreciated.

OP posts:

J21x · 10/05/2023 14:44

I can’t tell you what they’ll discuss with you but usually when I see my consultant I have my BP, BMI & urine checked first (so maybe take a sample) & then I see the consultant & midwife. The consultant discusses whatever needs to be discussed, the midwife listens to baby’s heartbeat & measures my belly. This is just what happens at my trust, it could be different for each trust :)

id definitely tell the consultant how you feel, all your worries etc, their there for you & baby, I can’t give you tips on what to say as only you know how you feel, just get it all out, be open & honest with them. Apart from that, good luck :)

Original poster

anonymous2402 · 11/05/2023 19:13

Thank you, I just hope they don't immediately say no.
I made my mind up years ago before I got pregnant that a c section was what I wanted.
Can't stop worrying that they'll just dismiss me 😔

OP posts:

Laney79 · 11/05/2023 19:18

I was very similar to you. I just demonstrated that I knew the risks of a c section to both me and the baby and that I'd properly considered those. I also made it very clear it was a decision designed to protect my mental health and that I had the full support of my loved ones. Mine was actually approved before I became pregnant with my son (I had a miscarriage and before I found out I'd lost that baby I had the convo with the consultant)

Original poster

anonymous2402 · 11/05/2023 22:22

Thanks thats good to hear, I've heard some hospitals aren't as for them as others.
I've no idea what my hospitals view point is on them
I've been asking since my 10 week appointment to be transfered I'm now 24 and finally got my appointment.
Did you only have 1 appointment? Or did you have to go for a few?

OP posts:

Motheranddaughter · 11/05/2023 22:27

I just said firmly and clearly that I was having a CS

MigAndMog · 11/05/2023 22:35

If you have a needle phobia, are you going to be ok with an epidural for the C Section? I never saw the needle they used for mine but you're aware of what they're doing. I had a needle in my hand as well I think? For the first c section that was initially because we were delayed going in so I got dehydrated. I think I had one for the second one too but can't remember why. In terms of your fears around birth, I found the C section really calm and a good experience so it sounds like it would suit you. You need to let the consultant know how you feel and be strong about what you prefer. I had one consultant that seemed to be more in favour of natural birth so wanted me to have a procedure to try and turn my breach baby rather than have a c section. I declined the turn and had the C section! With my second, a different consultant pretty much waved through a c section at the first mention of it. What's your age? If you're "older" and might need to be induced then you could argue that can end up in a c section anyway so elective c section is preferable. Best of luck.

Original poster

anonymous2402 · 12/05/2023 07:01

I know needles are involved and if I know when then I can just about get myself sorted to deal with them
My first set of bloods were just thrown at me and I actually stopped my blood flowing which apparently is a thing.
I'm only 31 so don't believe I'm classed as older but I appreciate some people are younger than myself.

OP posts:

Screwedupworld · 12/05/2023 07:06

Just keep in mind you might have to inject blood thinners after a C Section. I had to self inject for 6 weeks after having DS. Might be worth asking consultant if you will be likely to.

abmac95 · 12/05/2023 07:07

Why have a csection if you have a needle phobia? A csection will involve more needles than a vaginal birth.

I think if you go in and say you want a csection because you have a needle phobia they are likely to say this to you.

Laney79 · 12/05/2023 07:19

I also have needle phobia but I came up with a coping mechanism (ametop gel to numb the site, my partner there to support and headphones with LOUD guns and roses playing!) that meant I could handle the needles. Because it was elective I knew when needles were coming and could prepare. The fear with natural birth was the unknown and having less control of the situation so I would be less able to use my management techniques should the need arise which would've sent my anxiety through the roof.

I had a weeks worth of injections after my section but again I used my coping strategy and my partner did the jab. The ametop really helps me.

Original poster

anonymous2402 · 12/05/2023 10:10

Yes that my thinking too i can just about deal with it if I know what's coming, it's the unknown that will end up with me in a panic.
For it to be as calm as possible an elective would mean I have as much control as possible over the needle side of things.
I've heard some People don't need the blood thinners so I'm hoping that would be me too but I'll ask and find that out.
My husband would have to do them as there's no way I could myself but if needs be I'll find a way.

OP posts:

thecathasbeenfed · 13/05/2023 08:50

I thought everyone needed the blood thinners? I had them after my two sections and they were presented as a routine treatment.

Hope your appointment goes well and you get the result you want.

SwayingInTime · 13/05/2023 08:54

If you are a normal bmi, don’t smoke and don’t lose too much blood the elective c section is probably your only risk factor so no blood thinners. Hope the appointment goes well.

RecklessBlackberries · 13/05/2023 08:57

I had a maternal choice c section and it was just a matter of keep pushing it every chance I got. I first raised it at my 8 week booking appointment and then every time I saw someone.

I also played the game a bit, jumping through the hoops to look like I was being open minded. So I took all the paperwork and attended a "birth clinic" to discuss the risks and my options. But then I kept pressing and could arm myself with "I've done XYZ research, talked to XYZ people and I'm still set on a c section".

It was the best decision I've ever made and I have not even one single regret, by the way. People try and tell you that you'll regret it but nope.

RecklessBlackberries · 13/05/2023 08:59

Also, the blood thinners aren't bad at all. I'd totally forgotten I had to do them until I read this thread. My husband did them for me and I just looked away, so you don't necessarily have to inject them yourself per se.

Youcancallmeirrelevant · 13/05/2023 09:00

thecathasbeenfed · 13/05/2023 08:50

I thought everyone needed the blood thinners? I had them after my two sections and they were presented as a routine treatment.

Hope your appointment goes well and you get the result you want.

No not everyone, depends on you risk i think. I didn't have to have them

babyboyjune23 · 13/05/2023 09:06

thecathasbeenfed · 13/05/2023 08:50

I thought everyone needed the blood thinners? I had them after my two sections and they were presented as a routine treatment.

Hope your appointment goes well and you get the result you want.

I didn't need them- I know a few of my friends did but not all of them.

Original poster

anonymous2402 · 13/05/2023 12:06

Thank you everyone 🙂
I've raised it at every appointment I've had so far so hopefully that's been noted.
I have a close friend who didn't need blood thinners but I will ask the questions and just hope for the best.

OP posts:

thecathasbeenfed · 13/05/2023 16:37

SwayingInTime · 13/05/2023 08:54

If you are a normal bmi, don’t smoke and don’t lose too much blood the elective c section is probably your only risk factor so no blood thinners. Hope the appointment goes well.

Hmmm I didn't have a high BMI, don't smoke and didn't lose a lot of blood so I'm really intrigued as to why I was on them now and wish I'd asked!

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