For what reason did people have elective c-sections?

[Phoenix]

That's it really.

I ended up with an emergency c-section with ds (big baby-9lb 2oz, back to back labour and couldn't push him out) and just wondering what to do this time round. I'm quite scared of going through hours of labour again just to end up with an emergency c-section.

Were you over due?

I had an elective c-section with dd1 because of pre-eclampsia and dd being breech.
Emergency c-section with dd2 because she was in distress and her heart rate dropped. I was told I would need another section if I wanted a third child because I didn't progress in labour properly.
What does your midwife/consultant say?

Hi
I'm having elective C-section because:

1. This is a pregnancy resulting from our 5th fertility treatment (2 IUI and 3 IVF). I've also had two miscarriages from natural conceptions. We feel that a more controlled birth would give us peace of mind after all the anguish of past few years.

2. I'm also on the short side so Consultant thought I would have difficulties with birth anyway.

3. I suffer from chronic back pain and was really worried about birth aggravating it (although consultant didn't seem to think this would be the case).

I tried a VBAC with dd2, in case I didn't make sense

I have asked for a c-section with ds 3 as;

-ds 1 was induced, back to back, epidural, ventouse as was distressed, episiotomy then still tore (2nd degree) he was 9lb 1oz.

-Ds 2 was large for dates from the 20 weeks scan. Had 4 weekly growth scans till 36 weeks where he was measuring 40 weeks. Spontanous labour, epidural, ds stuck, forceps, 3rd degree tear, incontinence after for weeks. Ds 2 was 1/2 oz off 10lbs.

I want an elective as I am 5 foot 2 and size 8 and grow large boys I can't deliver!

Yes was 9 days over with ds.

Not really discussed with midwife/consultant yet. Had a chat with the consultant at 12wk scan appointment and she said it was up to me but they would keep a check on the size of this baby. I've got another appointment with consultant when i'm 36wks (i'm 26wks now) so will be discussing more.

I seem to remember hearing that a baby can put on as much as a lb a week at the end of pregnancy therefore with you being 9 days over last time it's possible the next baby could be a fair bit smaller - if (and that's a big if) they come on time.

I had an emergency section after 13 hours of labour with dd1 as she was undiagnosed breech.

With dd2 I was not prepared for the same outcome- the emergency section was all very quick, and I knew that if I might need another section I wanted it to be more calm and controlled.

As it turned out, when I went in for my section, dd2 still wasn't engaged or even head down, according to the midwife. Apparently some women do not have the right shape pelvis for the baby's head? I've no idea how accurate that statement is, I'm not trying to make excuses for myself.

I will be having a section again in November. I'm quite happy about this, and my MW and consultant have both told me in our hospital, anyone having 2 sections will always given birth subsequently by a section. No choice of a VBAC.

Previous Emerg. section 14mths before for failure to progress, 11 days over and in labour DD didnt drop/engage make much effort to come out at all & DS was looking to go the same way.

Had "Elective" Section at 41+4 with DS.

Having had 2 by vb, my 3rd would be by elective to prevent continence problems.

Hi justabout not seen you around here for ages, how are you?

I had my el cs as ds was footling breech. He was frank breech I think (can't remember the terms) attempted ecv, but I had an awful chest infection at the time and I was too distressed to carry on. He did move though, from frank breech to footling (doh!) so section was booked at 38 weeks for the following week. My cs was a very positive experience though.

I was terrfied with the thought of giving birth before I got pregnant and thru hypnobirthing managed to calm down and convince myself I could cope, and I did cope very well. My labour went fine until I arrived in hospital at 8cms and they found out he was a footling breech, the emergency c-section was calm, controlled and I didn't have any problems post. I do not think for one minute that I have "failed" in anyway or that I am not a "proper" woman because I didn't push DS out of my vagina.
If we have another child and I am offered it I will go for an elective c-section, part of me thinks I gave the natural way a go and it didn't work like justabout I don't think I want to try VBAC.

Please do lots of reading about VBAC talk to people who have tried them and make up your own mind. Do not be pressured into doing anything you are not comfortable with or don't want to do (like sex really )

TBH the more i think about it the more i think i don't want to try VBAC

I'm 26wks Justabout

I didn't ask for a c-section the 2nd time, although I would have had every reason to do so as dd was induced (don't remember why - which didn't work, should've gone home), then almost 12 hours of oxytocin drip & failure to progress, massive haemmorhaging (sp?)... horrific.

Anywayyyyy, ob/gyn "strongly recommended" planned c-section with ds. Was more than happy to oblige.

I had DD1 by emergency section after 23 hours labour and not progressing enough. Her heartbeat started dipping. With DD2 I was quite a size and had 7 weeks to go. They gave me a scan and did tests for diabetes etc. Anyway I chose to go with el cs and she was 9lb 12oz. First was 8lb 11oz. My waters broke on the morning of the el cs and I was pleased that she was "ready". My el cs was a positive experience too.

Phoenix, please don't feel that you should want to try a VBAC. It's a very personal, individual choice and you need to be 100% comfortable with your method of delivery.
Don't allow yourself to be pushed into anything - your choice entirely. Good luck

Thanks for that siblingrivalry.

All the replies are very positive towards electives, thank you