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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Requested c section - midwife has referred to consultant gynaecologist...possible missed 3rd degree tear last time

10 replies

TakeMeToTheMilk · 12/03/2015 15:29

Long title, wonder if it'll all show up!

I saw the midwives today for my booking appointment (10 weeks). Basically during my first birth I tore. They said second degree but it didn't heal for ages, and I'm talking AGES, years. I told them today that I just can't go through that again (I know it may not happen like that but I can't risk it) and said I wanted a c section. They were very sympathetic about the long recovery and said it sounds like a missed 3rd degree tear. They have referred me to a consultant gynaecologist. Does anyone have any experience with something similar? Is this appointment merely going to be about 'fixing' past problems - which I don't want. 4 years on and I have just healed and don't want any meddling down there. I don't even want to be examined and definitely not internally. Or will this consultant be able to agree to my request for a c section?

OP posts:

Fairylea · 12/03/2015 15:34

I had a similar situation. I would refuse to see the gyne and go to your gp and ask them to refer you to the head consultant at your birth department. I think the midwife probably thinks she is doing you a favour by seeing they can "fix" things but there is no way you need to agree to anything.

I had to argue my case very strongly to get them to agree to the c section. I actually said if they didn't grant it I would sue them for maternal distress. I also researched the NICE guidelines really well so I knew how to argue with them.

Good luck.

ToriB34 · 12/03/2015 15:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

TakeMeToTheMilk · 12/03/2015 15:47

Thank you Fairylea. I told the midwife I didn't even want to be examined and she said that was ok but I think the consultant will think I'm wasting his time going and not letting him do anything. Which to be fair he would have a point about!

Maybe this consultant will be able to refer me to see another consultant who can grant the section. I feel like he may have more sympathy that my local gp? May be wrong in that.

OP posts:

Fairylea · 12/03/2015 16:38

Hmmm possibly.

I'd still go and see your gp as they are the "gateway" to a referral to the consultant who would carry out a c section. In my own experience I found midwives and the gynes tend to be more keen for a vaginal birth... but that is just my own personal experience and may not be true all over.

bonzo77 · 12/03/2015 16:51

I'd be pretty surprised if they were to contemplate any kind of repair before you have the baby. It's surgery under GA which is only done in an emergency if pregnant. And any repair probably won't cope with a VB. In fact the women I know who have had late repairs have only been offered them once they'd finished having babies. I'd look up NICE guidelines and push for a CS if that's what you want.

Original poster

TakeMeToTheMilk · 13/03/2015 08:33

Good point bonzo. They're not going to do any repair while I'm pregnant anyway, which makes me think this gynaecologist may be able to back up about a missed third degree tear and recommend a section (hopeful)

OP posts:

FannyFifer · 13/03/2015 08:38

I would go to gynae appointment, tell them how long it took to heal, they can prob confirm that a repair may be required at some point & that a vaginal bi

FannyFifer · 13/03/2015 08:40

I would go to gynae appointment, tell them how long it took to heal, they can prob confirm that a repair may be required at some point & that a vaginal birth could do more damage.

I had a terrible time healing after my second child so can totally understand.

Original poster

TakeMeToTheMilk · 13/03/2015 10:14

Thanks FannyFifer, hopefully they will! Just hope after that appointment I can get someone to agree quickly to a section so I don't fret the whole pregnancy. Not that I won't fret about a section. I am a total hospital phobic which is why I am sure this is the right thing. No way would I put myself forward for anything medical unless totally necessary

OP posts:

blowinahoolie · 13/03/2015 11:11

Not quite the same, but I had my third degree tear repaired after the birth of my eldest (8 years ago now) and it healed, but I will be pushing for a CS this time (third baby). I had a second degree tear with my second baby. I feel I'm in a good position, as the odds are tips for me tearing again if I have a VB again...

You should have your wish granted due to birth trauma last time. I see the consultant next week and will be discussing this fully. I also don't object to them examining me and letting me know the probability of tearing again. I'm still swaying towards an ELCS though....

Hope things work out for you OP. You certainly have my sympathies. I have flashbacks to what happens all those years ago still..

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