Do Mum's Have a Right to a C Section?

[smileypigface]

I'm expecting my 4th baby - had the first 3 quite young (24 onwards), in my first marriage - straightforward natural deliveries - quick labours (from 1.5 hrs to 4 hrs maximum) - no pain relief required ... but big babies - 8lb 12oz; 9lb 10oz and 10lb 7oz.

Now aged 42 and remarried - husband has no children - knew from the outset we were on a limited timescale to conceive and at higher risk due to age.

Am now almost 36 weeks. All scans have shown baby to be big for dates - at 34 weeks midwife's tape measure showed my bump to be 40 cm - today measuring 44cm!

Also today, midwife thinks baby is breech, and back to back - I have an anterior placenta so believe there will be limited ability to externally manipulate the baby round. Everything inside feels very 'tight' and baby's movements are now the slow pushing type, rather than kicking - so my instinct tells me this baby is BIG!!

Being scanned on Monday, mainly to check position but I've been told the size will be reviewed too.

The consultant I saw early in the pregnancy said there was no concern over size - if I could have 10lb 7oz I could have anything! I'm not so quick to agree - having such a big baby was NOT easy.

I am worried that my history of quick labours coupled with large size is not a good combination - and do not want to risk everything at the last minute by embarking on a natural labour and the baby getting stuck.

Does anyone know if I have any rights in this to have an elective C section rather than put so much at risk having come so far and gone through every test under the sun so far!!

Sorry for rambling on ... it's playing on my mind at the moment - part of me wants a natural labour and birth to share with my partner - another part of me just wants to minimise the risk for my baby.

No idea about 'rights'- I cant imagine that the cash strapped NHS will agree to c section on demand. However, I would say in your case you probably have a good stance to argue for one.

I had my first baby naturally - like you a quick labour and a big baby 9lb1oz. But i think due to the speed of labour I had a third degree tear. I had lots of probs with the tear and so when pg with number 2 I met no objection from the consultant when I asked for a section.

You have had 3 babies so you wil know alot more than me about labour - but I persoanlly think it is an over rated experience!!! I much prefered the c section and it was a pleasant experience for my dh too (his first baby). And much kinder on the pelvic floor!!

I think if you just ask the consultant and explain your fears - From my experience you will bet a better reception from the doctor than the midwife.

I think you can ask for one.
I'm not sure if they are obliged to say yes, but I'm sure if you sat down with your midwife and said you were very very concerned about the size and position of the baby, then she might be able to advise you better?
Good luck with everything.