Birth and planning

[Mum2025]

Hello mums
I'm 21 weeks pregnant and I want to start a birthing plan now when will I be asked about my birthing plan ? I want to have an elective c-section . How does this get booked and how soon can I have it scheduled. I hate things being last minute .

Also did you wear pads/ nappy pants after birth ? Where did you buy from ?

Hi @Mum2025, you can talk to your midwife at any point about what your preferences are for birth. But, at 21 weeks, you may have a way to go before anything will be fixed.

My elective wasn’t booked until 34 weeks but that was because DD was breech, so not exactly maternal choice. I can’t quite remember but I think it was booked by the consultant who attempted my ECV.

Regardless of when it’s booked, most ELCS are now performed in the 39th week unless there’s a clinical reason to do it earlier or a very strong maternal preference to delay. They don’t like to risk anyone going into labour first. So there’s that.

Also, be prepared for your booked date to change. You may get bumped depending on staffing and emergencies. Not by much, but it’s good to be aware things can and often do shift. I was bumped, by a day. A friend was pushed back by 3.

I used the Kotex maternity pads but to be honest, after the first couple of days, regular sanitary towels were fine. I also used the Frida Mom disposables, which were comfy, along with some big pants from M&S.

If I end up having a second section with this baby (I’m 27 weeks and still no plan in place btw) I’ll probably look for something that’ll hold me in a little better.

I spoke to my midwife about wanting a csection at my very first appointment (7-10 weeks), I saw the consultant at my 20 week scan. I haven't been booked in for it yet, that'll come closer to my due date (usually a couple weeks before but I have heard you may not get a date until a week prior) but you should certainly start mentioning it now.

For post birth, I've brought the frida disposable pants (highly recommended for post csection) and maternity pads. You do still bleed after a c section, it's from the placenta removal and your uterus contracting back. X

As you want an ELCS, I would mention it to your midwife at your next appointment to get the ball rolling to see a consultant (in case you are on the midwife led pathway). Like other PP have said, you may not get given a date until much later on but best to highlight your wishes as early as possible.

Normally you have a birth plan appointment at 36 weeks but this is more for a vaginal birth, don't leave it until then to request an ELCS as the lists will be booked a bit in advance.

I had a complicated first birth and because of that I saw a consultant at 17 weeks who asked me my preferences for birth the second time round. We agreed on an elective section, but it wasn't actually booked til I was 36 weeks.

If you are a first time mum looking for a maternal request c section you may have to fight your case a bit. You shouldn't have to as it should be 100% your choice but the reality is some women do find it really difficult to get an elective section agreed so I'd be raising it sooner rather than later. You'll probably need to be referred to a consultant, not just discuss with your midwife.