Birth Options Clinic

[5ishweekstogo]

Hi all

Has anyone else been referred to a birth options clinic as a FTM?

I am 32+6 with a high risk pregnancy. I see a consultant (well, registrar) every 4 weeks or so because of this. I have been told previously that I will be induced around 38 weeks.

I saw the registrar this morning and brought up the possibility of having a ELCS. I have various medical reasons for wanting one but still find the idea quite upsetting. Knowing I would burst into tears if I had to discuss it aloud, I wrote down my reasons for wanting a ELCS. The registrar read it, then said "I can understand why you feel like that."

Then, spent the rest of the appointment trying to persuade me otherwise! The hospital is pro-natural birth and I understand they need to make me aware of risks etc. I did state that this is not a decision I have made lightly, and have actually spent months weighing up the pros and cons in my mind. I think the registrar could see I wasn't going to suddenly change my mind.

I have subsequently been referred to a birth options clinic in 2 weeks time. What will happen at this clinic? Will it actually be about all the options I have, or will it be another session of the hospital trying to dissuade me from having a ELCS?

I have another appointment with the registrar at 35+6, when I guess I'll either have my ELCS booked in or be given a date for induction.

Can't help you with what will be offered at the appointment, but would recommend you reading the book 'why caesarean matters' - doesn't take long to read and is a really good summary of risks etc so you can be properly briefed before you go to the appointment.

If it's medically indicated to want the baby out at 38 weeks and you refuse an induction, then presumably they'll have to offer a C-section?

I don't know what it will involve, but have you got someone you can take with you that can advocate for you? If it is just to dissuade you, feel free to just walk out. As long as you are making an educated decision, it is your decision to make.

If you don't want an induction you absolutely do not need to accept a date for induction. You have every right to request an ELCS, even if you had no medical reasons for it. Sometimes you do have to fight for it, which is why sometimes having someone with you can help.

Thanks both.

@Weathergirl1 I will look into that book, thanks.

@Jollitwiglet I do have people I could take but tbh would rather do it alone. DH won't want to argue with a doctor and my mum wouldn't stop talking.

One of my reasons for wanting a ELCS is because a labour induced at 38 weeks is statistically more likely to end in a EMCS than a naturally occurring one. My midwife was the one who pointed this out to me and advised me to say it to the registrar! I would rather the section was planned than rushed. This point ended in ridiculous 'we can't say it will definitely end in a EMCS' - 'yes but it very likely could and I don't want to put the baby at any risk' semi-argument between the registrar and me.

Just feel like the hospital is focused on cost and reducing c section numbers, whereas all I care about is delivering a healthy baby safely.