Labour / C Section

[Chocol4te]

Hi all, big moment is approaching and I am getting anxious, Would you know how long they wait for you to dilate before deciding you need a C section if the cervix doesn't progress? I don't wanna be too much in labour, I would rather have a C section if things are not progressing. Would they take into consideration my thoughts or what will be the procedure?

Please remember that c-sections are not the easy way out. It's a big surgery and not much fun. I don't think they'll put your body through that unless absolutely necessary. For me i had contractions on and off for a week and it wasn't until my baby was in distress after a day of full on labour that they performed a c section.

I echo what PP said. The recovery from a C-section is alot to contend with, especially with a new baby to look after. The hospital stay after was enough to make me not want one next time. Not being able to drive, not being able to lift your baby the first night, not being able to lay in bed comfortably for the first few weeks, not being able to get out of bed without the help of a chair to pull yourself up , can't lift anything heavier than your baby.

OP, you will be amazed at what your body can do, please don't worry about being in labour for "X" amount of hours.

My first labour failed to progress, so I was put on an oxytocin drip. The initial plan was that if after 4 hours I wasn't fully dilated then I'd have a section, but then there was a shift change and the new consultant wanted to wait until four hours after my contractions were 'regular'. There was also a positioning issue (baby's head wasnt tucked), but by the end of the 4 hours I was fully dilated and she was in the right position.

If you do have a long labour, I'd recommend an epidural so you aren't exhausted by the time it comes to pushing. I had a lovely nap once I'd had mine!

3 days, 2hours pushing and failed forceps before I got one. Baby's heart rate was dropping which was the deal breaker. Like PP I knew baby wasn't coming out but the staff followed the book. Opted for elective second time around.
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You really don’t get to choose the length of your labour unfortunately! I wish it was that easy.

I was in labour for 30 hours. However! I had an epidural and slept from 6-9.5cm which was fab! They broke my waters and dd was born 45 mins later. I consider my birth a really positive one.

So even if you have a long labour it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be a bad one. Have you considered an epidural? They can be a lifesaver when you’re knackered and sick of being in pain.

OP, you sound a bit naive; but that's understandable because you haven't done this before

I'd suggest you just try to put out of your mind the idea that you'll be able to get to a certain point and then demand a c section because you've reached your limit - I can guarantee that most women in labour feel like this at some point or another, whether it's extended over a few days or progresses quite quickly. The medical staff looking after you are going to be concerned with how the baby is doing and won't perform an EMCS on the day unless there's an actual medical need.

So I think your options are either to continue as you are and try to prepare for labour as best you can - would it help to talk through your pain relief options with your midwife? I had an epidural when my labour with DS had been ongoing for a 24+ hours and it honestly saved me, I felt fine after that! Or you very urgently need to get an appointment to discuss ELCS if you think that's what you'd prefer, because it's the only way you can guarantee getting the procedure and even then only after the risks have been properly explained to you and the hospital/consultant have agreed.

Either way, it's probably going to be absolutely fine! Not necessarily a pleasant experience but your body is capable of things you can't fully comprehend at the moment and you'll have your lovely baby at the end of it all to make up for it.

Op I think your having the totally normal pre labor wobble. You will feel more positive in a few days time.
You have the right to say after so much time you'd like a c section, but if you are progressing and you are both well you will probably be denied.
My labor was almost 25 hours but did result in an emergency c section as he didn't want to come out, trust me recovery is not easy.
Try taking some time out to relax, meditate, go for a walk and stay away from the internet. It will help I promise.

You can refuse hormone drip in the case on non progress and opt for csection...however you probably will still be labouring for a long time.

If you go a long time maybe get an epidural and then you dont really feel much anyway.

Try not to worry so much about non progressing. It's more common if your being induced than if you go into spontaneous labour

I had a long labour..48hours and its frustrating but still try to take some time to relax whilst you can. Have a bath, sleep before the contractions ramp up, eat a little in early labour, take magazines to hospital and playing cards or something.

44 hrs for me then a consultant checked me and realised baby was massive and Did an emergency C section. He was 10lb 8oz x