C SECTION ADVICE AS THIS IS MY FIRST PREGANANCY

[kelslakeishax]

So i had my 16 week midwife appointment today and i brought up the subject of having an elective c section and when i was able to book an appointment to see a consultant she said this wouldn't be further discussed until 36weeks. I think this is wrong however.

So here are some questions i have for mums who have had this done before or an opting for one now!

-What week did you have an appointment to discuss a c section?

-How easy was it to get one?

-Did it all go to plan?

-Can you get one on non medical grounds?

That's a much better letter - hope it goes well.
With the stats it depends where from. I got some from the RCOG website. My consultant was (rightly) a bit sniffy about me doing my own research on the internet but when I said I'd printed them from there he was ok!

I'd take out pelvic floor too, I know plenty women who've had a section but due to the pregnancy, now suffer with stress incontinence.

Of course you won't get a perineal tear however you will have a cut across your stomach, which could get severely infected.

As far as I'm aware no woman has a "right" to have a section unless it's for medical purposes, any surgeon can refuse based on the fact it's not medically needed, I.E emergency.

As another pp said, its better to see an discuss this in person.

A letter should be last resort IF a consultant says no.

Ask midwife to refer you to see consultant.

Mental health IS a medical need. Sounds like OP is suffering from tokophobia - this is an acceptable reason for a c section as per NICE guidelines.

I don't know about a letter being a final resort.
I took a four page justification document I had written with references and everything to my consultant appointment. Showed them I meant business and had done my research.
Also OP, reiterate to them in person that you wish to make an informed decision. Not the decision that they would prefer you to make (vb).

Thanks everyone glad everyone seems to think the new one is better!
&summerfling read the NICE guidelines. I have a right to request a C-section due to maternal request

Everyone copes differently with surgery.

I've had 2 natural births and 2 c-sections, I recovered quicker both times after section.

I'm not particularly good with pain, I've spent 2 weeks pretty much bed-bound and on oramorph after a cervical stitch.

Some people are so rude.

You do what's best for you! We all have our own ideas on how we want to give birth that's why we take the time to write/talk about birth plans.

Can I just say though that I had the same concerns as you, I am tiny tiny! I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to do it naturally too, however I gave birth to my son full term he was 6lbs 3oz I had a Waterbirth.

First time labour can be daunting! You'll do just fine tho. I wish you the best no matter what you decide x

While I agree with most others on here that you shouldn't elect a c section, I would like to add a couple of things.

I had one 10 days ago yet I went to the shops yesterday, it is major surgery and I was utterly terrified and disappointed I had to have one in the end (2 days of contractions and failed epidural) but it was safest for my baby.

However the OPs fears of childbirth are real for her, I honestly was totally ok beforehand about birth...boy was I so naive, for me it was the hardest thing I have ever gone through and I didn't even get to push my baby out (something I strangely have always wanted to experience).

As much I hated experiencing the c section (to me it was the stuff of horror films) and the recovery after and not being able to drive, the following infection I also got....next time I would elect a c section.

Fear of childbirth is a good reason for requesting an elcs and it is this that you should rely on in your discussions with your mw/consultant . A lot of the risks that you have written out are there in the case of nvd and elcs and focussing on them could make it sound as if you haven't thought it all through. I don't think you will be belittled or fobbed off when the time comes to discuss your birth plan fully as your concern is genuine and nice guidelines appreciate this.
It is possible that your mw will be biased in favour of nvd as after all she/he will have seen many many good outcomes and thus may want to reassure you and push you down this route but you have every right to an open discussion. Birth plans are often not discussed until much later in pregnancy and it is likely that you will have to have that discussion with your consultant when the time comes.

Hi OP, I have a similar story...I suffer from anxiety anyway and also more specifically tokophobia and medical anxiety in general. I put off having a familyfir years because of these anxieties. I'm pregnant now and was trying to reconcile myself to giving birth vagibally but I can't do it, in spite of going to antenatal classes and trying to find out as much as possible about the process. In fact, this had scared me more. Like you, imvery smal (5' 2", size 6, small pelvis) and at a 32 week scan, I was told that my baby is on the 96th percentile. That scared me too.

My hospital are aware of my anxieties and and after having met with both the perinatal midwives and consultant midwife, I am now booked in for a c section at 39 weeks (currently 34 weeks). Whilst I am more than aware of the risks of surgery (and I will probably be having a panic attack on the operating table), I feel more comfortable with this then going through a natural birth. I've been told that I can change my mind in the interim period but quite frankly i don't see myself doing that.
I completely understand where you are coming from them- would say that you are entitled to at least ask for a c section on grounds of mental health.

E

found out I'm having a little boy :D xx

Ah lovely!

How are you getting on with your request?