Getting nervous about requesting a c section

[RJM17]

So I am going for my consultant appointment this week and I am going to request a c section but I am really scared they are going to say no!
I am asking because I suffer from hemiplegic migraine and after researching it and discussing with my GP I have found that it is safer for me and baby to have a c section around 37-38 weeks because I am high risk for pre-eclampsia and there is a high chance of me having a fit/attack in labour.
However I spoke to my midwife and she was dead against a c section and said I should try labour first and that my consultant will probably say the same because its not upto me to just choose a c section.
So now I'm really scared as I don't want to put any added risk on me or the baby!!
Don't really know what I want from this thread just needed to get my fears out there as I'm sat here driving myself insane thinking and worrying!
Had anyone ever been in a similar position and if so what was the outcome?
Thanks for reading and sorry its a bit of a long moany thread!! Xx

It's worth asking the question, if your consultant won't do it then ask them to refer you to someone who will, you have a genuine medical reason and have done your research so it's worth discussing x

I thought the NICE guidelines had now changed and that if you feel you have a good reason to request one they will (ultimately) let you. Despite what your midwife says, if your doctor supports you then I am sure the consultant will take you seriously and at the very least they can talk you through it, the pros/cons etc. And reassure you about how they will monitor you for pre-eclampsia - in my experience they are very on the ball about this.

Good luck!

I asked my midwife this week about an elective c section, my reason being I wanted to be sterilised at the same time, I thought she'd laugh me out the building but she said if that is what I want that is what I can have and gave me a leaflet entitled: your birth-your choice. She said I just needed to talk to my consultant. On reflection I've decided to not opt for elective and get sterilisation done further on but I know they'd let me if I wanted to.

The leaflet was an nhs one in east Kent but I assume the same applies everywhere else.

I would push for it if you want one.

I just had an almighty battle with a really chauvinistic consultant about getting an elective c section rather than having a v BAC.

My experience was that if you know your reasons, and are prepared to jump a few hoops (eg go to a birth options clinic in my case), you will get your way but you must be prepared for a battle just in case. Some consultants are much more determined to keep their section stats low than others.

Eventually I had to say something I read on here along the lines of 'if you're going to force me to have a vbac against my will I want written acknowledgement that its not my choice'. He booked me in at that point.

Good luck, remember that ultimately it's your decision if there are any extra risks and they know that.

RJM there is nothing to be worried about. You have valid concerns and questions. Your consultant should be able to discuss these with you and might surprise you by being knowledgeable about the subject. They may be able to refer you to a neurologist with an interest in obstetrics. Please don't assume that you're going to get a negative response and have to fight all the way.

I'm not sure I'm the best example though - I attended my 36 week consultant appointment last week. I had prepared my reasoned argument for why I wanted an ELCS rather than a VBAC . Instead I walked into the room and burst into tears wailing 'please don 't make me go through that again' . It seemed to do the trick!

Just to say that I requested an ELcS (for my first) and was granted one. They don't want to hand them out simply in request, but equally they understand the psychological damage if a woman is refused one against her will if she has genuine fears. Explain all your fears to the consultant. Ask to see another if he won't let you have one.

Ps remember that you will get a slightly skewed impression from reading the posts on here. People are far more likely to post if they've faced problems with their antenatal care. Not saying that there aren't some obstructive consultants either. Good luck

Pretty sure if your gp had expressed concerns then the consultant won't put you at risk OP. Good luck, try not to get stressed x

Thanks everyone! I have my appointment on Wednesday and I'm just going to tell her everything. I have also printed the NICE guidelines and made my DH read them as well so we are both fully clued up on what we are saying. My GP also said she will give me a letter to take with me expressing her concerns so I'm hoping all that will do the trick. Xx

I requested one and was granted one, and had far less reason than you do really although I did have my reasons.

The consultant was lovely and she got me to explain properly why I wanted it, not because she wanted to refuse but because she wanted to know I understood what I was asking for. It helped me to be clear as well about why I wanted it so I am glad she talked it out with me properly.

It was completely the right decision for me and I am SO glad that I did my research and asked. Good luck x

I'm not even pregnant yet and I'm already thinking this far ahead.

I haver got epilepsy and have been told their is a 10% chance I could have a seizure during labour. I also have a history of Supraventricular Tacchycardia and have been on Beta Blockers for the last year - I have very recently had to come off them though due to TTC. As a result it means my heart doesn't beat as effectively as it should.

Between my epilepsy and below par heart function I'm dreading the thought of labour.

I think when the time comes I will definitely be enquiring about a C-Section.

Thanks. I do have all the info and have really looked in to the pros and cons of both and just can't face a natural labour!! I would be so scared and stressed and stress is one of the main things that sets my fits off!!
Keeping my fingers crossed that I can explain it properly and not get too emotional x

I have a second appointment on wed to confirm if I want to book a section.

I have hypermobility and all my ligaments have been damaged during the last few months, to the point I couldn't even move at some points I was in so much pain. As my arms and legs basically felt like they were dislocated. This sounds minor compared to your situ.

I felt that I wouldn't be able to have a "normal" delivery. Which is something I hadn't even considered.

The consultant is willing to do a section but would prefer to wait till 39 weeks, and after discussing the differences in what they may or may not have to do with the baby if I requested an earlier one, I felt this would be best for me and the baby.

But it's your choice people and a difficult one to make.

Your body your choice, when in doubt request a second opinion.

Thank u!! I feel really bad as my condition isn't something that effects me all the time I can go months being totally fine but when it happens I can't move my whole side and sometimes lose my sight and the thought of not being able to hold / see my baby is terrifying me. The fits are brought on by temperatures, hormonal changes and stress and I have been told by my GP that I will have all if these during labour which is why she doesn't want me to go into natural labour.
I feel a fraud because there is a chance that it wouldnt happen and then I've asked for this for no reason. But the thought that it might happen is awful as I would then have to have an emergency c section!!
I go round and round in my own head and convince myself I'm doing the right thing then I start to doubt myself!! I'm driving myself crazy to be honest and probably DH too haha.
Thanks for all the replies xxx

rjm request it and see what they say is about all you can do. They may say no but in all honesty they will normally defer to you as the patient and you have done your homework! Your mw prob heard migraine and thought headache and doesn't understand the severity.

I see mine this coming Friday and am going to request one on less evidence than you have! O have a history of allergy to painkillers and my asthma was severely triggered to the point of being admitted to hospital last year after being on some. It took months and mountains of drugs to control it again so am keen to avoid a repeat esp as stress triggers mine and a newborn will be stressful enough!