Declined c section even though high risk??!

[2020lockdown]

hoping to get some advice. Essentially, my pregnancy is high risk because of baby (not because of my own health). He has a cleft lip and palate, and to cut a long story short we’ve had a very very rough pregnancy (we were told by a doctor he had Edwards Syndrome at 20 weeks, and then told he doesn’t! Results came back clear etc.). So a very tough ride but everything looking ok now and he’s growing well. I’m now 33+3 and today my request for a c section was pretty much ruled out by my consultant. I was so surprised by this given the journey we’ve been on and the baby is still technically high risk, and needs a full assessment by a surgeon when he comes out. Can anyone shed some light as to how I make this c section happen? I’ve considered all the risks, and am fully confident that this is my birthing preference. I now feel so uneasy that we have only weeks to go and I have no birth plan in place or date etc. and deflated that given what’s happened I even have to fight to get this c section.

I bought one - it’s the only way to guarantee you will get one.

I entertained asking the nhs for one so I didn’t have to travel for private, it was worse than expected. I think the shrieking consultant was mildly unstable - the behaviour was that of an upset teenager, stomping around the room disgusted at what I had asked. I Definitely understand the resistance you are facing. It is likely worse now with the covid.

Don’t let people talk you out of a c section because of “risks” there are plenty with a vaginal delivery too.

Persist (if You can’t afford to go private) and request a different consultant. Phone every day, be annoying. Officially request the hospital notes, via phone and letter (not the ones you carry the ones they make for themselves).

Your birth rights are not being respected - You can and should birth how you want.

OP I've just come back from my community midwife app and she said if I'm not happy with the consultants decision for an induction she will speak to the hospital to help me secure an ELCS.

I'm still not sure what I want to do because indisputably there is a higher chance of a baby having Respiratory Distress Syndrome with a CS and that's a concern as my baby will be premature and have compromised lungs already but I'm going to mull it over for a couple of weeks and see how I feel.

I would definitely try Involve your community midwife to help you if you want to secure an ELCS. I also have a 3 page word document of a pros/cons table which is an amalgamation of not only my subjective opinions on risk and benefits but also all the medical research from studies/NICE guidance/Cochrane Reviews etc I am happy to share that with you!

I just want to add that I work with very senior doctors across all specialities every day (I am not a doctor) and whilst other posters are correct that you need to be firm and assured when speaking to them, making "demands" and coming across overly official or confrontational isn't the best way to secure what you want! You need to be knowledgeable and confident but show you are willing for a reasonable discussion. Just think of it as how you would feel if someone told you to do something with no option for negotiation. It puts you on the back foot instantly

Is your Trust one that accepts maternal requests for sections btw? x

@legalseagull that is not correct. Ours will allow my partber into theatre and to stay for 2 hours following.

OP I would push further. Hope it all goes well for you

Apologies if I'm incorrect. I thought my hospital was following national rules

But I don't need telling off. I was trying to offer something that you might need to consider before making a choice, not trying to upset you.

OP, while your hospital may be allowing partners into theatre at the moment, that may not be the case when baby arrives.
I do hope you get the birth you want, with your partner by your side, but as one pp has already pointed out, the only sure fire way to guarantee this is to pay privately.
Fwiw, I have taught many children with CP, and can say that your baby's speech therapist will become your best friend.

OP (original post/poster), while your hospital may be allowing partners into theatre at the moment, that may not be the case when baby arrives.

I really don't understand what pps get out of deliberately scaring pregnant women about their births, it seems especially prevalent right now

Maybe hospital policy will change, but hey, we might all be dead from covid/been run over by a bus/ have won the lottery so can go private by then anyhow so prob not worth worrying about..

Some Trusts were trying to stop Birth partners attending. RCOG and RCM were very clear on this and the ones I'd heard of who were attempting to ban asymptomatic birth partners reversed their decision (I heard of Derby and Norwich) after the women contacted Birthrights and went back to them.

OP,on Birthright,there is a report from a few years ago about all the Trusts and how many maternal C sections they offer. Eg whether they are open to them or make them difficult. If this is the right decision for you,then you should fight for it. You won't need to go private, just state your case clearly and firmly and don't budge. But do take a look at the Birthrights page as it might give you some indication of how your Trust will deal with it. Don't forget,you can give birth anywhere you want,I'm giving birth in a trust 30 miles away via C section because they're a lot more supportive and woman centered than my local trust. X

Sorry,just seen that your consultant has already ruled it out. In that case,don't even bother going via your midwife,go back and state you want another consultant appointment if the original consultant will not support it. And get them on it asap.

Hi OP. I had to fight for mine after a traumatic first birth. In comparison it was lovely. I think some people think its viewed as an easy option which it isn't. Just different. And calmer.
You sound sure it's for you. Read up on the nice guidelines and ask to see someone else.

They can’t decline but you may have to put up a fight and be strong. I had to fight to have one last time and I’d had previous traumatic deliveries.