Would you ask for C-section if you where me?

[coffeefee]

Hiya

Needed some advice please. Im 26 weeks and going to see my consultant next week.

I'm seriously leaning towards an elective due two two previous horrid births. I've heard it's not easy to get one though? Would you push for one if you where me?

First birth: 3rd degree tear

Second birth: low lying placenta, 2nd degree tear and Immediate PPH.

This pregnancy: low lying again (am being rescanned)

I'm petrified of tearing yet again (and becoming incontinent) or another hemorrhage.

What would you do?

I had a terrible delivery with my first ( PPH and tear with a rush to theatre so didn’t get to hold DS for over two hours) and wanted a c-section for my second. I was very prepared for a fight to get it, but actually consultant offered it straight away. It was a really lovely and relaxed delivery and I would do it again in a heart beat.

I also tore with the first 2 births, so opted for a c section when the consultant explained the risks of double incontinence this time. It was fine.

Sadly I think it's a lottery on where you live. I'm just recovering from an ELCS after my first birth - no reason other than I am utterly and completely terrified of birth (though it turns out madam was laying transverse at the end so a sunroof would have been the only option anyway). Read up on the risks before the appointment to show you're serious and have weighed up the options. You can always be asked to be referred to another consultant if this one says no. I would say though that haemorrage is one of the big risks, and it did happen to me on the table (of course you're already in theatre and cannula'd up, so they can deal with it quickly and easily, though you'll still feel pretty grim at the time). Good luck whatever you choose!

I'm no expert, but in your position I'd definitely be discussing the option of an ec. And a sensible consultant must surely consider it to be the way forward. I'm sorry your previous two births were so traumatic. Giving birth is about the most intense event in most of our lives and when it doesn't go as we hope the trauma can have a long lasting impact way beyond the immediate event itself. I truly hope you get the birth you want this time

Wow - thank you all for the quick and informative replies - I really appreciate it.

I'm so sure I want an ELC. Also when do they normally do them? My last two pregnancies where overdue.

Thank you :)

I am having an elective with my twins as they share a placenta, and a natural birth wouldn't be the safest option.

Whatever your reason, you absolutely have a right to it. And as another poster said, if one consultant refuses, request another consultant. Your body, your baby, your choice.

@coffeefee apparently its a-lot easier to get one if your consultant is female 😁

@HJWT ha that's the exact same thing I've heard too!!!! Interesting to know when they would do it? Would it be 38 weeks? I honestly have no idea!!!

I've had a CS due to placenta previa. It was the best thing! Calm, controlled and over so quickly. The recovery is no where as horrific as people make it out to be. In your case I would definitely opt for one.

If I were you I’d defineitly go for csection. If you tell your consultant you are worried about incontinence (with good reason) they have to elect you.
They will do a at 39wks if your last pregnancy were full term +