forceps, suction, c section? can i choose?

[missytequila]

Can I specify that if there is any trouble i want a section?
I am terrified of giving birth and the idea of forced pulling and tearing absolutely gives me even more anxiety. I have heard so many bad experiences and not being able to go to the loo normally, or painful sex...

Can i just ask for a section if the baby is 'stuck'?
I have had surgery before and much rather that recovery even though its not ideal.

If the baby is stuck surely there won't be a choice and the medics will step in anyway?

If the baby is stuck, you will probably be aware of lack of progress in teh second stage and your MW/obs. will advise you what is most appropraite, for instance, if the baby is still really high, and not descending, a c.section may well be the best course of action, whereas a baby that has descended but just needs a bit of help and guidance , a ventouse might well be the safest course of action

if a baby is too far down, a c section miht not be best

forced pulling and tearing is not really what happens, although forceps/ventouse can look quite brutal. you can specify you would prefer a c.s to an instrumetnal birth, but it might depend on lots of factors

perhaps you should discuss your fears with your MW?

Look at some of the threads on here - ventouse etc isn't that bad, I found that when you are pushing the baby out, the ventouse helps speed it up, which is a good thing! And I only had a couple of stitches, no damage at all.

I think you'll find they'll do what it best, clinically, sometimes the baby is so close to being born a ventouse is the better option. But try not to worry too much - look into pain relief options, including an epidural, that might help put your mind at rest.

Not entirely.

If the baby got stuck quite far down the birth canal it could be better for the baby to be pulled out with an instrumental delivery than pushed back up the birth canal for a cs.

Or at least that's what my consultant told me.

Plus if it is your first baby I would expect the medical people to want to do whatever they can to avoid cs. But discuss your feelings with the hospital staff - I bet this is a query they get quite often.