ELCS - Consultant Appointment

[FTM2020]

Hi All,

I'm currently 22 weeks and have opted for an ELCS (maternal choice, no medical reason).

I have an appointment with the obstetrician in 4 weeks to discuss my wishes and just wondered if anyone can give me some advice on how this meeting might go.

I suffer with health anxiety and have known since before falling pregnant that a spontaneous vaginal birth was not an option for me. I have done a lot of research regarding the risks and benefit of both VB and ELCS so feel confident that I can demonstrate my understanding and justify my decision.

I just wondered if there is anything else I should look into/anything specific that I might be asked?

Many thanks.

Do you know what the hospital's general approach is?

I know some people have really difficult experiences but I saw a consultant a few weeks ago (only 14 weeks - was seeing her about something else) and raised this issue. She asked why, and I told her (I've done some research and in my circumstances prefer the risks of c section to those of vaginal birth). She told me she had to "give me the spiel" (her words) about the risks of c section but that ultimately it was up to me. We chatted about it for a bit and agreed that I'd make a final decision at 28 weeks. Way easier than I expected!

If I were you I'd do some reading, maybe print out a few research papers/NHS maternity statistics and the NICE guidelines, and try to be confident. Obviously stay open to what they say, because there may be some things you haven't considered and they are doctors after all

Good luck!

They might also ask about what you expect recovery to be like and what support you have in place at home.

One thing she did ask was if I had any issues like anxiety/phobia (I think maybe if so they offer you counselling?). I just said no - just a normal/rational level of fear

I'm having a Csection as my first was emergency csection.
When I met with the consultant last week he did try to convince me to try normal birth and I straight up said no that is not an option.
He asked my reasons why... I told him I wanted this birth to be 100% safe and that I was very much on edge with this whole pregnancy due to having 3 miscarriages before. He accepted it confirmed that it was safer to be booked in for csection.

Thanks All.

I'm adamant that I'm having a section, there is no two ways about it and I know it's my right to do so. I just want to be as prepared as possible to answer any questions they may have. My midwife assured me that the consultant is very nice and that they are respectful of maternal choice.

I've done extensive research and noted down all the stats (from NHS sources). I also have a copy of the NICE guidelines.

To be honest, although I am anxious, that's only part of the issue. Having done so much research, I'm really not keen on giving birth eat all but obviously, my baby has to come out somehow and I feel more comfortable (as much as you can be) with the risks associated with a section. It just seems a lot more controlled which helps my anxiety a lot.

In terms of recovery, my house is on one floor and my DH is taking 2 weeks paternity leave and a further weeks annual leave. I also have great familial support so no issues with having help at hand.