Can you choose a C-section at the last minute during labour?

[Sadieleigh1234]

Due to personal issues which midwives are aware of, I feel a section may be more appropriate than a vaginal delivery to meet my needs

However, I am fully aware this would be a major op with an intense recovery period.

I'm curious whether I would be allowed to give a vaginal delivery a go, but have the option to have a C-section if I become too distressed?

I know this may not be possible due to staff availability, safety etc, but generally speaking is there a chance I could have a C-section if a vaginal labour becomes too distressing for me?

In theory it’s possible but there are more risks with caesarean section being done in the late stages of labour and there is also the possibility that you mention of the staff already being busy with another emergency at the time. Would you be able to cope if you asked for it but couldn’t have it?

I think most maternity units would be reluctant to agree to it as it is so dependent on circumstances and they won’t want to commit to something they may not be able to safely give to you. However, your local team who know your particular circumstances are the best people to advise.

No. Once in labour the decision is made by the medical team. Many women are distressed and screaming they want a section in labour so you won't be seen as any different.

Planned sections need organisation, availability of surgeons etc. If you laboured at night or weekend where there are less consultants they would leave theatres open for emergency situations. Not what you are describing.

By all means have a planned section,but make sure it is planned in appropriate time.

No sadly not.

I requested one when in difficult labour with dc1 when I had a powerful feeling that a c section would be best for me and my baby. As a ranting mother in labour my request was ignored.

I ended up having a 4th degree tear and lifelong issues.

My dc2 ELCS was a walk in the park.

If you really want a c section and are informed, you have to get it agreed before you go into labour.

As a midwife I’m sorry to tell you but without a clinical need it would be unlikely. Emergency caesereans are more risky than elective caesereans and they wouldn’t want to put you through one without cause, plus they wouldn’t want to use up a theatre and staff when an emergency may need it, especially at nights and bank holidays when staff is shorter. Plus even if they did agree you may labour too fast and there be no time etc.

It would be worth discussing your options with a consultant, I don’t know your medical history so there may be good reasons why a caesarean would be agreed even in labour so it’s best to ask them the question, it’s not something I’ve ever really known happen however, except in situations where we recommend a forceps delivery and the women declines and would rather have a caesarean, and many many women ask for caesereans in labour but don’t really mean it.

Once you’re in labour the doctor will make the decision, not you. And if your baby has already started to descend into the birth canal they can’t push it back up and bring it out of the incision in your tummy. Once the baby’s on the way out, that’s it, it’s coming out that way!

Even if you need an emergency c-section, there may be someone who needs it more urgently than you. So you get bumped down the list and perhaps in the meantime you give birth, or you progress too far to be able to have a c-section.

Not to mention that an emergency c-section isn’t as calm and planned as a scheduled one. You don’t know who will be on duty or what time of night it might be, etc. If you want a c-section, have it with a nice well rested surgeon at 9am on a Monday. Not with a rushed and exhausted junior at midnight on Saturday!

I ended up with two emergency C-sections and 2 planned. My recovery was actually better after the emegencies. Hopefully you have an understanding doctor if you request it.

Whilst I was told that I could have this as a plan (by a midwife) when we really questioned it, it came down to whether it was possible at the time. So whilst we could agree prelabour that I'd have a very low threshold for c section, if there wasn't a theatre available, or the medical team felt DC was too descended, it would no longer be my decision to make. So I've opted for an elective to remove all doubt and worry.