When to request a section?

[Sk1sk0]

I have my 25 week midwife appt coming up - is then a good time to ask? It would be maternal choice due to previous birth and mental health. What questions are they likely to ask? What happens after you’ve put in the request? Also nervous of them saying no or pushing back - what would happen if this was the case?

Yes I would mention it now and say you would like a c section because of what you stated above.

You can be refused but then they will to refer you to someone who will agree a c section

Thank you! @appletreeorbanana

I made a maternal request for a csection. And I mentioned it at my very first midwife appointment. Never had any push back from my midwife at all, she completely respected my reasons. I was referred to see a consultant at my 20 week scan, again, he was great, no push back. And today (32 week growth scan) I signed the consent form. Haven't had any push back whatsoever, I had one snarky comment from a nurse taking bloods one day.. questioning me on if I had any medical needs making it a valid reason. I simply and bluntly told her, my body, my choice, is the only reason I need. She soon shut up.

Be very firm in your choice, ensure them you've done plenty of research on the pros/cons/risks and have made the informed decision. But they cannot refuse you. A consultant may disagree, in which case they'd have to refer you to another consultant who'd be happy to assist. But if it's what you want, you will get it. Good luck. But definitely bring it up at your next appointment. X

@Lunamoon23 great thank you so much that’s so helpful x

I requested a c section for both of mine due to other medical issues. First time the midwife scoffed a bit, luckily I was under consultant care so just asked them at a later date. Second time the midwife said absolutely and I was told a rough date which would be confirned by obstetrics closer to the time.
If they are a bit precious about it, just insist. You
have the right to one.

Thank you @PermanentlyTired03
Last time I mentioned wanting one instead of induction my midwife insisted that was silly and that the hospital would not think that was a valid reason to request a section. I’m worried about her being dismissive again but will stand my ground more this time!

Stand your ground OP it is your choice how you choose to give birth your midwife isn't there to tell you your choices are silly but to support you and give you helpful advice.
I requested a c section after 3 vaginal births my midwife was lovely and fully supportive the consultant on the other hand was a bully who pushed against my decision saying she would not do it she was awful she said no one in her department would agree with me having a c section and I'd have to go to another hospital miles away. I complained and requested another consultant be in charge of my care, my new consultant agreed with no issue and gave me a date for my c section no problem. Don't let anyone bully you or tell you no it's your decision. Good luck.

@Gonnaenodothat that’s awful! So glad you got your request in the end. Thank you so much for the encouragement!

I had no issues with my midwife but was bullied by the first consultant I saw. I requested one in light of other medical conditions and their management. He disagreed with me and basically tried to scare me into saying I’d probably die during a c section as they are so risky (can I point out this is absolutely not the case). When I asked about risks of a natural birth he refused to discuss it.
The next consultant listened to my reasoning and was happy I was aware of the risks (remember natural Labour comes with risks too). She signed it off straight away.
As it happened having a section was the best thing for me in my circumstances and I knew that. I recovered really well and didn’t flare with any of my other conditions. Stand up for what you think is best - it’s you that has to go through it.

I decided to request a c-section after finding out I had gestational diabetes and was advised to deliver at 39 weeks (and I didn’t like the sound of induction). I had to attend a “birth choices” appointment with a senior midwife who basically made me feel awful and tried to scare me out of it. I also got a few rude comments from the consultant.

However, what helped me was reading the NICE guidelines and Birthrights website and knowing that I had a right to request it, so I stood my ground.

To be honest I just had a strong intuition (based on a few risk factors) that if I had tried to give birth vaginally, it would have ended up in an emergency c-section so why put myself through that.

Wishing you all the best OP, you know what’s right for you.

Sorry your question was when to make the request. It was about 30 weeks in my case, and was finalised a couple of weeks before.

Thank you @Isntshelovely2024 and @Fairylights321 really helpful info.

agreed re the risks of natural labour - I have been experiencing pelvic floor issues ever since and developed ppa as a result of an awful recovery. and it really isn’t something I want to risk worsening through another vaginal delivery with pregnancy alone putting so much extra pressure on the area. So going to try and stand firm and hope for the best! Hopefully asking at the 25 week appointment will get the ball rolling and I won’t face too much pressure to change my mind.

Sorry I realised I didn’t answer your question. Ask as early as possible and keep asking until someone acknowledges your request

I was due to have an ELCS due to breech position for DD2, but my consultant midwife actually said that my pelvic floor issues after DD1 would actually be a medically justified reason for CS anyway. Mine was initally discussed at 28w and agreed at 36w. So when you meet your consultant to discuss the CS request, you might find it is medically justified anyway.

BTW, after that meeting, the consultant referred me to a women's physio who helped me make enormous progress for the rest of my pregnancy. So if you aren't seeing a women's physio, maybe ask if you can be referred? She helped me to do a different technique whilst pregnant to maximise strengthening my pelvic floor (basically, you shouldn't do them standing up if you pelvic floor is weak already and you are pregnant). Sorry if you already know this!

@CrispAppleStrudels oh really that’s really helpful to know thank you! I saw a private physio after birth but no one through the NHS, I wonder if this would still count?

Mine have been really good so far, my community midwife booked me in for a consultant appointment at 29 weeks for an unrelated reason and in that appt at the hospital the obstetric nurse just asked me what my birth choice was. I said that I hadn’t decided and she booked me in for a birth choice appt at 34 weeks. Said I could decide then and said the dates my c section would be.

I asked what would happen if I got to say, 40 weeks and was overdue and wanted a c section instead of induction and she said that’s absolutely fine I can change my mind whenever I want, it just means the c section would be more of a standby scenario waiting for a slot rather than booked in.

She gave a little very low pressure speech about how non complicated births it’s better to opt for vaginal birth but seemed to be completely open to whatever I wanted. It was actually so surprising given all the stories I hear on here! I hope the rest of the staff are like that and it wasn’t just a fluke one off with a nice obstetric nurse!

A woman at my antenatal class (so same midwives and hospital choice) never got the 29 week appointment but does have the 34 week birth choice appointment - so I think that’s standard.

It made me realise that probably no need to panic and start talking about wanting a c section super early, just wait until you’re past 30 weeks and request a consultant appointment for birth choices through midwife if they haven’t given you one yet.

@Marmiteontoastgirlie oh fab that’s really great info to know. Thank you!