Delayed c-section

[Mizza76]

I am extremely agitated. Have just picked up a message left for me yesterday from a midwife in my hospital informing me that they are delaying my c-section (long scheduled for next week, at 39 weeks) because women with "medical needs" need that date. I have been rescheduled for 39+3 and there is apparently "nobody else" they can move.

It seems to have escaped their notice that I am having a c-section because of my own medical needs I suffered from a rare condition after giving birth to my first child which left me unable to walk properly for 9 months and have been advised to have a c-section as I have been feeling pain in the same joint since early on in this pregnancy. I gave birth to my first daughter at 38 weeks and was already extremely worried that I will go into labour before 39 weeks with this one.

Does anyone have any idea - can I refuse to be rescheduled? How do I get this reversed? Do I have any power here whatsoever or can they just do what they want? I can't not walk again for 9 months, I have other children to take care of!!

I have no idea but ring them back and ask/demand to speak to your consultant. Remind them you are having a planned c-section for medical need too.

How much longer will you have to wait for? I'm assuming it will only be a few days.

I know it's crap, however the women with medical needs could well be women with pre eclampsia, baby's with growth restriction or poor Doppler flow. Ie, serious cases where they need to schedule delivery for a certain date to ensure the safety of mum and baby. Often in these cases they will sit on them as long as they can so baby gets growing time but will say that this baby needs delivering at 38 or 39 weeks and not a day over.

Whereas with you it doesn't sound that urgent. If you go into labour before your section date then they will just do a section then.

Viva - I'm worried they won't have the chance. I had DD1 incredibly quickly - it was three hours from the first twinge to the actual birth. If this one is any quicker, I don't know if I'll make it to the operating table...

I think I'm partially so upset because I know there won't be anyone to talk to about this in the hospital until Monday morning. I don't know if I can get through tomorrow without driving myself absolutely nuts...

Have to agree with Viva. Its annoying for you but will 3 days make much difference medically? From what you have said, it sounds not, whereas for someone with another medical reason it could well do. I feel for you but they are just trying to run a safe service and sometimes that means rescheduling. I wish you a happy healthy delivery.

You can ring up the labour ward and ask to speak to the coordinator now. She may be able to sort something. The section diary book will be kept on labour ward and midwives are allowed to write women in. However if there are only X slots and they are all full then she may not be able to help and you may have to wait till Monday to see if you can speak to yourconsultant. But it's worth a try.

You could also ask to go on a 'reserve' list so if someone booked in before you has their baby early, you can be moved forward.

With an ELCS, you can be delayed on the day. Slightly off topic but just a warning. I was on the table, spinal done, curtain going up... And was wheeled out because of an emergency. Cue a couple of hours spent back in recovery and an epidural top up.

I would say your medical needs are as high as many awaiting their elc around that time....phone & complain!! Are there any other hospitals in the area that you could go to instead?! good luck

Thanks Belle. I find it hard to believe that I am the least urgent c-section that week (not that I wish on any other woman to have her section delayed instead). I phoned the hospital last night in a bit of a state and was told that there's no one to discuss it with before Monday morning, but that if i do go into labour before the section date they will treat it as an emergency. Obv that's better than nothing but as I said I am first of all worried there won't be time, and secondly am worried about an emergency procedure. I really hope I can sort it out tomorrow.

Just to let you all know, my original date has been re-instated after I spoke to the consultant. Apparently it was all to do with fitting in women who got bumped because of the industrial action on Wed.... Thanks for your support.