What care should I expect - second pregnancy

[Rockandrollwithit]

I'm currently 9 weeks pregnant with DC2, I already have an almost 3 year old DS.

I have my booking in appointment at the hospital next week and I'm unsure of what I can expect / what questions to ask.

I had a great pregnancy with DS but not a good birth. After 37 hours of labour and 4 hours of pushing he was born via forceps as he was in a funny position and they told me my pelvic arch was flat. The delivery resulted in internal scarring/bleeding (they were worried about damage to my bladder) and a post partum haemorrhage of 3 litres. I needed multiple blood transfusions and was very ill for quite some time afterwards.

I also went on to develop PND, I do have a history of anxiety/depression but this was by far the most severe episode of my life so far. I was genuinely suicidal and am terrified that this will happen again!

Finally, my sister had a series of near fatal heart attacks after the birth of her second child a year ago and whilst I know this logically has no bearing on what will happen to me, it contributes to my fear! It has taken a lot for me to decide to have a second child.

I want to be pro-active during this pregnancy and look after my mental and physical health as much as possible. Aside from sharing all of this with the midwife, is there anything you think I should be asking for?

Have you had a 'debrief' after your birth? You can normally request one, where they sit and go through your notes with you and discuss. It sounds like that is a good idea, if you've not already done it.

I didn't have a debrief because I was very happy with the way everything was handled and I understood why everything needed to happen. I will ask about it though, thank you

I had a debrief and they told me what they would do in a subsequent pregnancy so it's not just about going through your last birth. I would definitely recommend it!

You would hope that they'll go through the history of your first birth with you to determine if there are additional risk factors that you can factor into your choices for the birth this time. For example, will your pelvic arch cause problems in labour again? If so, can they do anything to mitigate this or would they recommend a C-section? I'd also ask for a referral to perinatal mental health support so that they monitor how you are coping before and after birth.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Thanks for the good advice everyone, I will definitely ask for the debrief.

I will also ask for a referral to the mental health team, I want to be as prepared as possible.

Good call on the MH referral OP - better to have support in place and not need it.

I had a very similar labour to you by the sounds of it. This was 20 months ago and i just had my booking appointment yesterday. They discussed strategies to prevent my labour being induced due to high blood pressure and ive already been referred to consultant at 20 weeks to decide how to manage the rest of pregnancy. I spent the last 2 weeks of mine in and out of hospital until they finally induced me which took 3 days and like you baby turned last minute and was pulled out by forceps. Then didnt breath on her own for a while. They said nearer the time it may be worth doing a full debried

Debrief* and this time round they are much keener on mental health. They ask at every midwife apt how you are feeling etc and constantly monitor your mood. I was impressed and i hope your trust is just as good for you 😊

Glad you had a good experience fairy. I think the hospital is good but I will need to be assertive!

I had a pretty traumatic birth with my first (ended in emery c section) and was referred to a consultant with my current pregnancy. I see the consultant for the second time in a few weeks after my 20 week scan and that's apparently to discuss my birth options!
Good luck!

*emergency 🙄