I had my 20 week scan today and an appointment with the consultant to discuss my previous delivery and options this time.
I had a very long and painful recovery from my DDs vaginal birth 3 years ago. I had a displaced coccyx which meant I needed pain killers for 6 weeks and made breastfeeding really hard. I still have problems sitting on the floor/hard chairs for any length of time. Additionally I had faecal incontinence and needed physio for several months to resolve this.
I also had a pretty rough first stage of labour, as my induction was started, but I was sent to the ward, where my first stage of labour was dismissed as prostin pains, so I went through it all on my own, until being taken to the labour suite fully dilated and ready to push.
DD got stuck crowning and I now (following todays appointment) understand that I had a second degree tear to both sides of the vaginal wall, in addition to an episiotomy. The consultant today was surprised that I didn't get a referred back to a consultant following my faecal incontinence and that nothing was done to establish the cause of it. He did suggest an anal investigation now to see if damage to the spincter could be established (to help establish risk to the spincter of second vaginal delivery) but he seemed quite dismissive of the pain and recovery time from the displaced coccyx. I have declined the anal investigation, as if this is clear, it won't explain why I was incontinent and won't remove the fear/risk of a repeat of the coccyx issue.
The conclusion is that he really cannot recommend an option to me, as the risk factors of another vaginal delivery are not clear. He will support me in my decision whether for a vaginal delivery or an elective C-section. I am very pleased not to have to fight for an elective C-section, but had hoped to be given some help assessing the relative risks in my case. Am I right in thinking that the fact that he hasn't tried to push me towards a vaginal delivery means that an elective C-section is a reasonable choice for me?
Sorry this was long and thanks to anyone who finds the time to read and respond.