Can I ask for a C section?

[DaisyS91]

Can I just ask for a c section? I don't want to look silly in front of my midwife. I know that it's a major operation and can have complications. My issue is my anxiety is making my life a misery and I don't want it to go on any longer than it has to. I don't want to ask if it's going to be a straight up no as I wanted to have time to get used to the idea of possibly going two weeks over.

I think its a case if you don't ask you won't know.

However I had a pretty awful first birth (size of head, cord issues) and asked for a c section for the second. My consultant would not let me as he said there was no medical reason to have it. However he was prepared to induce me at 37 weeks to keep the baby smaller. Was absolutely fine then.

So ask but prepare for a no.

Is this your first baby? Elective c-sections aren't unheard of but usually there is an underlying medical reason for the cause such as a previous c-section, epilepsy, heart condition etc. Can I ask what it is about the idea of a natural birth making you feel so anxious? Of course becoming a mum is scary and there are so many unknowns when its your first but the pre-natal and antenatal care in this country are very good and maternity/delivery wards are amazing with new mums. I have 4 children but was actually only 16 when I had my first and I was desperate to have a c-section. My midwife was wonderful, she talked me through both natural birth and c-sections and all the varying degrees of pain relief. I've had 3 of my children "naturally" and by naturally I mean they came out my fandango but I had every drug going...I wasn't opposed to the hypno, water birth idea but it wasn't for me! However my 4th child was stubborn and I ended up having a c-section with him. It was very calm but personally I preferred my other 3's births. I felt more in control and it was less painful afterwards despite stitches. You will hear all kinds of stories between now and your due date but just try to keep an open mind and talk to your midwife about what you want and why.

Good luck, I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy and birth

x

Is it being overdue that troubles you as opposed to giving birth vaginally?

If so, I'd be inclined to see if you can get an induction rather than c-section.

I have had a c-section on mental health grounds and it was the best decision for me. It's worth discussing your options.

From the NICE clinical guidance on maternal request CS:

^For women requesting a CS, if after discussion and offer of support (including perinatal mental health support for women with anxiety about childbirth), a vaginal birth is still not an acceptable option, offer a planned CS. [new 2011]

1.2.9.6 An obstetrician unwilling to perform a CS should refer the woman to an obstetrician who will carry out the CS. [new 2011]^

In short, yes you can request and if your consultant refuses they must pass you on to one who will agree

[https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg132/chapter/1-Guidance]

Thank you. I actually think a vaginal birth seems like a very rewarding experience and I have always wanted to experience. But the fear of something happening to the baby is paralaysing. I just think I would feel more comfortable if there was a certain date when it would be over.

At the risk of worrying you further, I offer my experiences. My first was a crash C-section after 24hrs labour with epidural. In the end, my baby was in the wrong position (back to back, wonky neck) and could have been damaged. I was 9+cm but all the medicos were keen for a Caesarean so I agreed. I did not discover the real reason for the C-section (baby in potentially damaging position) until my consultation for the second baby's birth. A patient midwife explained all my notes to me and my DH. We then saw the registrar who claimed I had 'failed to progress'.
The second time, I did it the old fashioned way. It was just as uncomfortable and my baby's 90th percentile head damaged my undercarriage and the placenta adhered to my previous C-section scar (I damn near bled out!!). I then had 2 weeks on a catheter with repeat trips to hospital for assessment because my bits were numb and prolapse. Fortunately, my bits recovered and I was able to ditch the cathedter but after 9mos mat-leave, I returned to work, only to take 6+ weeks for reconstructive surgery.
My neighbour has had three the old fashioned way and left hospital the day afterwards.
So it's just a crap shoot: demand what you want. You're a tax payer so you're the boss. Don't be polite, this is your life.

vaginal birth is a very rewarding experience. This is absolute bollocks. there are risks and benefits with both a vaginal birth and C section, which is why says patients must be offered either. Your body, our choice but to think it will be rewarding is arsehat thinking.

Oh, I don't know, plenty women seem to find it very rewarding, don't they? Not me, mind, I'm tokophobic (sp?) and had two electives and that was when you had to fight for one. I found both births to be amazingly positive experiences because they were the births I wanted and dcs were healthy and happy. If you have one, tho, expect midwives to be outright rude to you for the rest of your pregnancy and beyond.

It's so hard to advise you as it varies from hospital to hospital but the midwife has a duty of care to you, and maternal mental health is important. Please discuss it with her and see what she says. As others have said, a c section is not without risks, and even a planned c section can be delayed due to emergencies. If you want to have one be prepared to have to see a consultant, possibly a counsellor/psychologist, who will want to talk through your reasons. Not all hospitals do this but better to be prepared for this then pleasantly surprised if it doesn't.

Another thought for you is to look into a doula who could support you and be with you every step of the way?

sorry to hear you are feeling so anxious.