Can I choose a caesarean?

[minilemonade]

I do have medical issues, I have herpes and epilepsy and I've had brain cancer in the last two years so I'm under consultant care. The closer I get to birth the more anxious I get and I don't think I can cope with labour. I'm 28 weeks now, should I say something soon or will they ask me at some stage?

Your midwife will discuss your birth plan at 34 weeks so you can discuss it then. You have a right to ask for the birth you want. I’m sure your consultant will steer you right!

Every woman in the UK has the right to request a c-section. They will talk everything through with you and educate you on different types of birth plans but ultimately it is up to you

Under NICE guidelines and according to the NHS website you have the right to a section if you want one. Just be prepared, you will most likely be hit with a few barriers along the way. Doctors will try and put you off this but if it's what you want then just be firm and don't be told no.

I requested a section for my second baby and it was the best thing I've ever done. When you are asking others on their experiences re sections, make sure you find out if it was planned or emergency as these are, on the most part, completely different in terms of the recovery, pain afterwards etc

Also, consultants usually give you some facts and figures for sections vs natural birth which show sections coming out as pretty scary sounding! This data includes EMERGENCY sections as well as planned. If you research yourself (there are lots of available studies online) you'll see that planned sections alone are no where near the same risk level and recovery times are much better etc

Thank you! I have a growth scan next week so I'll mention it then and go from there

Pretty sure you can, especially with a pre-existing medical condition that can be triggered by stress!! I was granted one for lupus, even though it doesn't really cause immediate symptoms. But apparently there's enough research that lupus (along with many chronic illnesses I imagine) can weaken your body during labour and increase the risk for ventouse/forceps intervention. The doctor just said if I wanted one I can have one, and didn't try to talk/scare me out of it. I brought it up myself at the 26 week appt, and going to finalise the details of the ELCS at hospital next week (35 weeks) :D

You can request and AFAIK they’re not allowed to decline anymore but be prepared to possibly have to fight for one. I had mine three weeks ago and had to see five separate consultants/consultant midwife before they agreed to let me have one. I then had a consultant try to talk me out of it whilst DP and I were sitting in our scrubs waiting to go to theatre! They used a lot of scaremongering tactics and basically tried to convince me I would haemorrhage and probably need a hysterectomy . I didn’t lost excessive blood at all and can confirm I still have my womb.

Christ okay. Thank you so much, I'm glad you're still fully intact 😂 I'll keep it in mind, seeing my consultant in a couple of weeks so I'll bring it up

They also tend to focus on the risks of a section and the benefits of a vaginal birth, rather than the risks of both!

My daughter has EDS and had a c section. It was recommended by her rheumatologist as she was at a high risk of dislocation during labour. The midwives were still trying to convince her to have a natural birth and were extreemly negative about her choice. She stuck to her decision.