Cancelled section - what now?

[Bol87]

My ever dramatic second DD decided to flip head down overnight despite being breech or transverse my entire pregnancy. She’s been noticeably spinning around into various positions over the last couple weeks. Head wasn’t engaged but the sonographer said it was unlikely she’d flip back .. My section today was promptly cancelled despite my wishes to go ahead with the section. Not a decision I’d ever take lightly but one I’ve spent a long time considering prior to today & the decision I wanted to make. But was essentially told no, go home.

So, indeed now I am home feeling quite upset, disappointed & worried. I’m not afraid of labour & acknowledge its benefits over an operation but what happened to having a choice about your birth?

Anyway, no-one told me what happens now. I’ve got no more midwife appointments booked in, I’ve never discussed a birth plan with anyone nor the few worries I have after a fairly traumatic birth last time. I’m also anxious that baby has been spinning round happily (& quite painfully) & may indeed continue to do so.. will they have a good check of position when I do go into labour?! The midwife this morning was convinced she was still breech from feeling, so that makes me anxious alone!

Thanks for any info/suggestions!

I would suggest googling to see who is head of midwifery at your hospital and calling them to have a chat.

If you end up having a vaginal birth, do ask for a quick scan to confirm position when you arrive just in case.

Could you ring your community midwife team and ask to see them or make an appointment?

I understand that you're looking for reassurance and just somewhere to vent your frustration so that's why you've posted in here but you really need to be calling your community midwife team to make an appointment and discuss all your concerns with them. Call them now.

Id call your community midwifery team and discuss it. Calling head midwife at the trust seems OTT tbh.

Equally csections arent offered in all locations just because you want one, at my trust you have to have a medical for one. So if this is the case in your area then it makes sense you wouldnt be allowed one. Its annoying though and I get your frustration, and they shouldnt have left you without a robust plan of action. TBH I think that in itself warrants a complaint.....

Definitely call to discuss. If you still want a c section then I'd also clarify which them what exactly their policy is. In theory (according to NICE) it should be maternal choice but as pp said sometimes this isn't the case - good to have this clarified though!