Labour choices

[HKM94]

Hi all ☺️

I just need some advice please, I’m 22 weeks and I’ve just had my consultant appointment today as I had a c section with my last pregnancy and my Papp-a levels are low with this pregnancy (they’ve arranged extra scans and I have to take aspiring daily). It was October 2018 and it was awful and traumatic! I cry every time I think about. I started talking about my options with the consultant today and I burst into tears, that’s how much it upsets me.

I’ve come home with a leaflet about a VBAC and my consultant has told me to research that and a planned c section. He says rarely anything goes wrong but the figures are still there and now I’m panicking about what to do.

I’m trying to avoid drip feeding with my original post as I don’t want to bore people with too
Much info.

Can anyone advise what they decided and what worked for people?

I had an emcs first time and a successful vbac this time round. All births carry risks and you need to find out from your consultant what the risks are for you. Obviously they can’t tell you what will happen as birth is so unpredictable.

I would suggest to ring your midwife tomorrow and ask for a referral to the maternity mental health team. During my second pregnancy I couldn’t even talk about labour without crying but by the end of my pregnancy I was actually looking forward to it.

Had an EMC first time round same situation as you really monthly scans was offered choice of both too but when I had the last scan and baby was on large size was offered elective due to possible scar tearing(4 years apart) elective is a much more calmer experience not rushed they take their time was a pleasant experience for me. Like you couldn't talk about my EMC for 4years due to trauma etc my choices clinic consultant told me not to feel like a failure as I did the best thing to get my baby into the world(nearly lost DD) all I can say is do what is best for you and your baby xx

I had 1ds normal delivery, 2ds Emergency C-section, 3dd VBAC.

My best friend had c-section with first and just had a wonderful VBAC last month.

There are risks in both cases.

I’m sure if it would be too risky to have a VBAC you wouldn’t be offered one. My hospital has VBAC courses available, I did that and found it was super helpful.

Hope you fell at peace either way you decide, don’t feel guilty either way.

The only big difference for me was that I hate surgeries and the wound took a lot more to heal than the normal birth. I still feel the wound at times when it’s cold. Also think about maybe future babies, it will slightly get more difficult with each subsequent pregnancy.

Xxx