'Rules' for requesting an elective c section

[Mytribeof3]

Hi. I wondered if anyone here has any experience on requesting an elective c section. I already have 3 children. The first 2 deliveries were difficult for different reasons so with the third pregnancy I was already wondering if c section would be an option based on the traumatic births previously. As it happened, at 20 week scan they discovered I had placenta previa and as it didn't move sufficiently I had c section after all. It went smoothly and I knew that if I was to have any more babies that I would prefer another section, than go through what I did with my first two deliveries. We are now considering a fourth child and whilst this may seem like I'm jumping the gun slightly, I'm wondering what the rules are for requesting another section. Ie would I be allowed one based on the fact that I had one last time. Any advice or experience would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have no experience with this but I would have thought that given your last child was born via section it would be easier to request one this time.

I had my booking in appointment with the midwife yesterday and asked this very question. I had a very traumatic birth with my first child, which ended in an emergency section, even that didn't go smoothly. So I spoke to her about whether I could elect for a section this time to ease my anxiety. She was a really old fashioned midwife who obviously felt VBAC was the best option (it pissed me off a bit because it made me feel a bit crap about my previous section). This worried me so I spoke to a friend who is a midwife and she told me that you'll often find that midwives can get a bit preachy about VBACs, but because of my previous section I'd have to see a consultant at 20 weeks anyway and it's likely that he/she would be far more supportive of an elective section.

Hope this helps.

I had a emcs with my first and asked for an elcs for my second. Though the midwife gave me VBAC information I just told the consultant I wanted an elcs and it was booked.

As it turned out I went into spontaneous labour anyway and ended up with an emcs.

If I chose a third pregnancy I have been told I will be booked for an elcs at 38 weeks.

I had an emergency c section 11 months ago then fell pregnant about 3 months after little one was born.
At my booking appointment, my midwife arranged for me to see a consultant to discuss my birth options.
From day one, I've had the choice of a vaginal delivery or to go for an elective. I'm not sure if that's simply because I've had a previous c section, because it was an emergency, or because of the incredibly short time between my pregnancies, but i think a prior section is reason enough to request another.

AKP my midwife with DC2 was similar. I came away in tears from my booking in as she said she didn’t think an ELCS was an option.

The consultant I saw was the opposite. No convincing required whatsoever. I hope you have the same experience

OP you probably need to look into examples in your area as I believe different trusts have different rules.

Op these are the nice guidelines that hospitals should (will) be following.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg132

For what it’s worth I just asked to see the consultant at my 12 week scan appointment and requested an elective section, he asked my reasons which I outlined briefly, he then added me to the list for the week I will be 38 weeks. My BFF had an elective for second baby after emergency for first baby, she was asked if she wanted to try VBAC or section and she choose section.

Thank you for your responses. I'm in West Yorkshire and not sure of our trust's rules. Although hopefully they will take into account my previous (difficult) experiences of vaginal deliveries and the fact that my last delivery was by c-section and give me the option to choose for myself.

Having a previous section is the golden ticket. They will never not give you an elective one (unless the baby has other ideas and you go into labour pre planned section in which case you should get an emergency one).

Massively depends on the hospital I think. I have pretty much no reason for an ELCS but have been allowed one very easily.

Look at the Birthrights website and at their campaign for women to be allowed the kind of birth they want. Some useful resources and information there, and may be good to contact for advice if you get a negative response from your trust.