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Pregnancy

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

Original poster

Second preg - elective C -section

15 replies

puddleduck27 · 09/01/2015 09:44

I had a section with my first - after in short my waters broke and nothing happened and it went on for too long. There wasnt any medical reason for it

Im now preg again (4 weeks) - my first is 20 months
Im just wondering if i can elect for a c section this time around? Ive given it alot of thought and i would much prefer this option. Does anyone have experience of this? Is it something that will be available?

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Sausages123 · 09/01/2015 09:49

Yes, tell your midwife at booking in this is your thought, you will then be referred to a consultant to go through the risks and discuss. I chose an elective second time round, never felt bullied into changing my mind I think if are accepting of the risks and show you have researched it then it shouldn't be a problem. My elective was the best thing ever.

Gautami · 09/01/2015 09:51

You can choose to have an elective section but would need to discuss this with your consultant.

link here for more info

Original poster
puddleduck27 · 09/01/2015 10:02

thank you =) that has put my mind to rest.
I have heard they tend to prefer it if youve already had one - but then ive also heard they can quite strongly advised you agasint it

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Gautami · 09/01/2015 10:12

Consultants have varying views. I had an emergency section with my first and worked myself into a right stew about asking for an elective with my second, but the consultant was brilliant and completely supported my decision.

What she wouldn't do however, was make the decision for me. I had one very helpful and supportive midwife, but another who just couldn't see my point of view and thought I should try for a VBAC. For that reason I found the decision quite hard to make.

Ultimately though, the elective section was completely the right choice. A lovely calm birth which I was awake throughout with no complications. A complete contrast to my first.

You have plenty of time to decide and make your decision.

Racheyg · 09/01/2015 11:06

Puddle- I had emcs for my first and at booking (I'm 19+5 with 2nd) they automatically referred me to a consultation to discuss how I'm going to give birth. I have put a lot of thought it to it and I think I'm going to have elective c section.

My little man is nearly 18 months and I'm slightly concerned about rupture ect so I think c section is my best option, although I'm sure vbac will be fine I'm just anxious that it won't go smoothly good luck with ur pregnancy x

Original poster
puddleduck27 · 09/01/2015 11:37

Thanks racheyg - Ill probably feel a lot better after my booking appointment

I feel the same am very anxious about vbac - i fear i would end up in a lot worse state - and maybe ending with cs anyway. I dont think i could take the stress/ worry on top of everything else. At least i know what im letting myself into with cs (i hope)
Good luck for you too =)

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GaryShitpeas · 09/01/2015 11:40

Let your mw know asap as she will need to refer you to an obstetric consultant

You have a right to a c section but sometimes need to argue your case so be prepared

3x planned sections here btw and all were absolutely amazing experiences.

Original poster
puddleduck27 · 09/01/2015 11:53

Gautami - I do feel quite strongly about a cs. I know what you mean about midwives - some can be very strong in their opinions especially if they feel you are undecided.

Its alot to think about, I have heard good stories for vbac after cs but dont feel it would be right for me, with my toddler as well. I want things to go as smoothly as poss
how did you find recovery from your second?

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Original poster
puddleduck27 · 09/01/2015 12:07

I get the feeling I will have to push my case - as lack of medical reason i feel they will push me towards vbac

But I strongly feel its the right thing - its nice to know other people have chosen the same way - =)

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Gautami · 09/01/2015 12:26

Recovery from my second (planned section) was great. driving after 3 weeks. I had a 2 year old too and coped very well. Can't recall any problems other than not being able to lift the 2 year old which was easily managed.

Do your research around your reasons for wanting one and make a pro's and cons list. This will consolidate your own thoughts as well as help you state your case.

I had a placental abruption with my first which led to me needing an emergency section under a GA in the middle of the night. We were both very lucky to survive and the nature of the emergency made for a prolonged recovery.

There is very little research about Placental Abruption recurring, but my argument was that I couldn't be reassured that this wouldn't happen again and so I wanted to have my baby in a safer, more controlled environment. Also, there was some evidence that contractions can trigger an abruption.

I had a lovely midwife who reviewed all my old notes and helped me make the decision. She also tipped me off as to which consultant would be more receptive a C-section. This happened to be the consultant I had been under last time anyway, but it was good to know.

Jaffakake · 09/01/2015 22:15

I have a similar story to you. Basically I'm scared of vbac, feeling contractions & it going on too long again leading to a long recovery. My hospital has agreed, no problem, no pressure at all. It's been a total weight off my mind.

wigfieldrocks · 10/01/2015 11:43

If you have already had one section then no one is going to deny you that opportunity this time, elcs will actually be offered to you you will not have to request it. You will get the chance to choose between elcs or vbac.

Original poster
puddleduck27 · 15/01/2015 15:57

Thanks - that has put my mind at ease. I will actually get on with booking my first app!

I feel its the right thing for me but im not sure how well i could argue my point (given that i feel very emotional) its more just a feeling i think some people would understand and others maybe not.

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Ridingthestorm · 15/01/2015 16:52

I was the same but had an EMCS with my first due to medical complications. I knew immediately with DD that an ELCS was preferred (also my partner preferred it after suffering too - don't care what anyone thinks; DH's opinion is importsnt and he went through hell watching me and his unborn son fight for our lives). My hospital offered all women a chance to go to a VBAC clinic to discuss options. I was out in two minutes; told her str sight away that I had opted for an ELCS. She took one look at my notes and agreed! I had to inform my consultant at my 20 week scan. He agreed. No need to persuade or go through the pros and cons (I am well versed in the pros and cons and the pros of a c section were firmly on my side compared to a VBAC).

My ELCS has been booked since 20 weeks for 16th March - 8 weeks and 3 days to go!

Original poster
puddleduck27 · 16/01/2015 10:36

Good luck! Be nice to have an actual date its all going to happen!

Ive made my booking appointment now so will see - Ive got to go the birthing centre so hopefully I can get it all sorted there. =)

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