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Original poster

Elective C Section

15 replies

jac13 · 17/06/2012 17:01

Hi, currently pregnant and hoping for an elective c section this time after an emergency c section last time. Have an appointment to meet the Consultant but does anyone have any experience / suggestions! When did you get your date? How often did you have to see the Consultant to discuss? Any info would be much appreciated. Planning to have at Royal Infirmary

OP posts:
tricot39 · 17/06/2012 19:01

hi
i have no idea about the local edinburgh system but general nhs protocol seems to leave you in suspense for as long as possible. i think you have to ask your mw about it early to ensure you get a consultant apptmt about 35 weeks after which you get a date for about 38 weeks. a couple of friends had to press for the cons appointment so beware being fobbed off and running short of time. you may be referred to the vbac team for counselling before you are given a date - but that depends on local service.
good luck

duck94 · 17/06/2012 20:46

Hi there. I was in exactly the same situation as you, and was told it would be no problem when I asked for an elective (at my first consultant appointment, at around 16 weeks I think). I stressed that it was because I was afraid due to my hair raising experience at the first birth that I would like it to be as controlled an experience as possible. No questions at all were asked - they were very understanding, and I didn't require any further discussions with anyone about it. I was given the date pretty early on, I think.

Baby No2 was born at 38 weeks - what a massive relief. The operation itself was almost relaxing(!), we had a laugh in the operating theatre and I got to choose from their limited selection of music to listen to during the op. (Note: if you want to avoid the very real horrifying possibility of having to listen to Robbie Williams as you give birth, then please take your own CDs.) Every single member of staff that cared for me at the Infirmary was amazing, and it was like a little holiday being in there for 4 days. I experienced no pain on recovery, only mild tenderness for about 2 days and a full recovery was fast. I'm still breastfeeding my 18 month old. Cesareans are amazing! Best of luck!

Original poster
jac13 · 18/06/2012 19:54

Thanks - reassured now. Was worried it might be a drawn out process!!

OP posts:
zumbamumi · 20/06/2012 21:48

I agree, been there too! Chose a c section 2nd time after my unplanned first c section. No issues. If i remember right, i was told if you've had one c section they will usually go with your decision for your 2nd baby. My planned c section was at 39 weeks. I think i was given my date about 4 weeks beforehand (that was 7 years ago though).

IMHO you are doing the right thing. I don't regret choosing a c section 2nd time and it's a much more positive experience than an emergency cs.

tunnocksteacakes · 23/06/2012 21:32

I've had two elective sections, the second one was 3 months ago. I think when they give you the date depends on the reason for it. DC1 was an emergency section and when I was pregnant with DC2 they were keen for me to have a vbac. I wasn't. They agreed to a c section at about 37 weeks and gave me a date for 39 weeks. With DC3 they agreed early on that since I'd had two sections already it would be fine for me to have a third. It was booked at 32 weeks.

yawningbear · 07/07/2012 18:28

Hi, I chose to have an elective for my second DC too. I did definately have to put up more of an argument as to why I wanted it though. I had had to have an emergency with DD1 and it was all very dramarama. Just like duck94 I wanted the second time round to be as controlled as possible. The consultant I saw seemed very determined to persuade me otherwise but I stuck to my guns and at one point did really challenge him. It all ended up fine, well more than, it was a brilliant experience. I took in a CD that a friend had made for me which was ace and the staff were so lovely, it couldn't have been more different from the first time round. As soon as we were out of the operating theatre DS crawled up me and latched on, it was beautiful Grin So hopefully you won't have to argue your case, but if they do try and persuade you otherwise as they did with me just be very clear that you aren't going to be swayed. Good luck!

Dream2012 · 22/07/2012 19:04

Would you please give me the contact details of those consultants who gave you an elective csection in Edinburgh ?
Thank you
I need it immediately

yawningbear · 24/07/2012 06:21

Sorry Dream2012, I can't remember the name of theconsultant I saw. I was referred by my midwife and just saw him once. Also, I had had an emergency section with dd, which is the only reason they gave me the option for DS. Sorry not to be more help, hope it all works out for you

igggi · 24/07/2012 21:24

Dream I've had 2 elcs here without any difficulty - you need to be able to explain your reasons clearly, and show that you have considered all sides - that was it really.

bt23 · 12/08/2012 21:42

hi ladies

glad to know some positive CS experiences. Im based in London and at 25 weeks pregnant. I have only had 2 antenatal appointments and on both midwives refused to talk about birth options. I dont have another midwife appointment until week 34.

How do I go about getting a consultant appointment to discuss why I am contemplating an elective CS and see if the consultant supports me?

Thanks

iggi777 · 13/08/2012 09:57

Go to see your GP and tell him how worried this is making you (if it is) and that you feel it is affecting your health. He/she should be able to refer you to consultant. You could just sort it out at 34 weeks, but I imagine you'd rather discuss it sooner.

bt23 · 17/08/2012 21:27

I went to see my gp today n he told me to go see my midwife for pregnancy related issues...rang up maternity department at my hospital and they told me they dont offer elective cs.

Can anyone pls tell me names of london based hospitals where they have had their elcs this year?

I have contacted queen charlotte and uclh both have refused an elective cs.

Groovee · 17/08/2012 22:46

BT23 you may find it easier to ask on your local London Board as we're in Edinburgh. Good luck xx

iggi777 · 17/08/2012 23:41

It's an odd phrase to say they don't "offer" elective cs, they will perform them all the time for all sorts of reasons. They are telling you they don't do them 'for no reason' I suppose, but seems like noone has found out what your reasons are.
The London local bit, or just the general Childbirth section will help you more (as the majority of posters always seem to be in London anyway!)

bt23 · 18/08/2012 11:13

Thanks ladies, didnt realize this was local toedinburgh:)

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