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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Can i request a C-section?

8 replies

advice451 · 08/09/2014 11:46

If so.. how? when?

I understand people have very different views and this isnt something Im taking lightly- alot of thought has gone into my decision.
Main reasons are-

  • Im already consultant led due to very low blood preassure and a seizure a few years ago. I faint very easily which has become worse during pregnancy. Im worried this will affect my labour
  • My mum was my birthing partner due to me being absolutely terrified of fainting during birth and she has recently passed away. She was my rock- amazingly supportive and knew all the right things to help me through delivery. My husband is amazing also- but he isnt my mother and in a nice way he doesnt have a clue.
  • Baby is breech and has been since 20 weeks- not moving once. So if she remains that way I will have a c-section anyway.
  • Baby is estimated to be big. Was measuring 3 weeks ahead at my 28 week scan.

Noone has mentioned a c-section to me. On wednesday I have an appointment with my consultant, Ill be 30 weeks but its classed as my 28 week appointment as I was away when they wanted to schedule it.
How do i approach the subject?
Im aware alot of people may tell me not to do this but i really just want positive advice
Thanks

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GreatJoanUmber · 08/09/2014 12:04

Mention it ASAP to whoever you see next - MW or consultant- or both really. If you really want to go ahead, you have to get the ball rolling now.
The breech position is a legitimate reason; everything else they might argue with you so be prepared.
I would advise you to really weigh up the pros and cons though - I've had three caesareans myself so I'm talking from experience - the recovery is harsh and long, especially when you've got another little one to look after.

iseenodust · 08/09/2014 12:12

Ask your consultant at your next appointment. Mine didn't get into a big debate about it. I just asked if we could discuss it as an option. We had a short chat and then he said 'stay there I'll go and get a date'. The midwife in the room was a bit Shock. My main reason was baby was going to be big & I have small frame (amply covered though) and was ancient.

smogsville · 08/09/2014 12:21

Recovery not necessarily hard. Mine was a doddle. A friend who had a VB around the same time couldn't sit down for weeks except on a rubber ring. Good luck, hopefully baby will stay breech and you'll get it anyway.

GreatJoanUmber · 08/09/2014 12:54

Smogsville, it's hard when you have a 2yo, who is struggling to adjust to the new family situation, and wants to be carried and lifted up all the time. And you physically can't. And the 2yo doesn't understand. And acts out. A lot.
And I think you may be part of the minority if your recovery was a doddle - I found it very hard each time, even worse the last time as there had be complications during the surgery (which is a real risk, something that could happen to anyone having a c/s).

Again, I'm not anti Caesarean, but I will not downplay the difficulties and risks involved.

advice451 · 08/09/2014 12:56

Thanks alot :) Ill mention it on Thursday. In an ideal world consultant will agree and give me a date so I can sort out maternity leave- as Im currently due to work to 39 weeks.
However im doubting this will run smoothly !

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HaPPy8 · 08/09/2014 14:16

It is worth discussing this with your consultant but it is usual that you lose more blood from a c-section than you would usually do from a vaginal delivery which is likely to lower your blood pressure. Also, the spinal they use to numb you for a c section also lowers blood pressure. So it may be that having a c section is more likely to make you experience fainting episodes than a normal delivery. Im not saying this to put you off of a c section but it may be something you weren't aware of.

RedToothBrush · 08/09/2014 16:25

Yes you can request one. You need to ask your midwife or consultant about it.

You do not, however, have a 'right' to one. The NICE guidelines support women who request an ELCS - most specifically on the grounds of mental health - but they do cover other concerns.

The big issue you face, is the reaction you will get to a request. Some hospitals and some consultants are very hostile to them. Indeed despite the guidelines there are a couple of hospitals who have a 'blanket ban' on maternal requests and some HCPs are actively opposed to them on ideological grounds. Equally there are some hospitals which will have no issue with such a request. Its pot luck, and largely about how much you want an ELCS.

I always say to people considering doing this, to think about various alternatives to an ELCS, as an ELCS isn't necessarily the best solution for worries of this nature. It seems be being pushed as a solution and there aren't many other suggestions being promoted when they may be more suitable.

I think its worth pointing out that even though you are measuring big on your scan, that they are notoriously inaccurate and unreliable, so you may well be concerned over nothing. And that if you DH is supportive he can be educated even if he doesn't know anything. Failing that, using a doula may offer that support that he can't.

In short there is no right solution here, only one that is right for you.

I would also echo other poster's concerns about your low blood pressure though. They monitor this throughout surgery as its something that can cause problems. I would not assume that it would be any less problematic to you as labouring for that reason. If anything I would suspect that its more risky, but you'd need to get medical advice to be able to assess that in your personal circumstances.

I'm not trying to put you off in anyway, but I think you should be aware that this can be a battle and you really should explore a number of alternatives just in case.

advice451 · 08/09/2014 21:02

I hadn't even thought about my low blood pressure during a section that's definitely something to consider thank you
I guess I'll see how I get on at my consultant appointment this week!

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