Requesting a C-Section - help

[CouldIBeAnymoreTired]

Hello I’m just after a bit of advice on requesting a C-section. I’m only 7 weeks but want to mention it at my booking in appointment.

Reasons:
DC1 was an EMCS due to a number of issues:

• I bled all throughout labour with no reason found
• I didn’t progress past 5cm in 36 hours despite have contractions every 3/4 minutes
• DC heart rate kept dropping, so we had the lovely experience of a herd of people running into the room about 4/5 times before they decided enough was enough.

-DC was a big baby. Which no one had guessed beforehand. Even with a scan at 34 weeks they said 8lbs. DC was over 10lbs.

I do not want to try for a VBAC, I would rather just go straight to a C-section and be done with it.

So my plan is to outline these reasons to the midwife but for those who have requested a c-section in the past, do you think these reasons are enough? I’m starting to build up the idea in my head of being forced to try for a VBAC and it’s making me feel very anxious about the whole thing. DH is also very anxious about the process as I had the privilege of being drugged to the heavens during labour but he remembers it all very clearly and he was in a bit of a state by the time DC arrived - although he tried his best to hide it.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

If you’ve already had a c section, you’ll likely be offered one. I have been x

Agree with PP your previous section is reason enough, don’t worry it’s far easier than you think x

You don’t need a reason to request in the U.K. if you tell them it’s 100% what you want they can try and talk you out of it but usually need to allow it.

My cervix is scarred shut, there’s about a 2mm give and if I gave birth naturally there was a massive chance I’d not dilate or id split, every midwife who checked my cervix agreed it could go badly wrong but the drs dug their heels in about the csection until I was 38 weeks and then booked me in for the following week.

I’d say don’t leave room for hesitation, just always mention it and be sure to insist your not wanting any other birthing plan.

Thank you for the replies! That’s a relief to know! Can I ask when you were offered a section @BeMorePacific? Was it at the booking in stage or later on.

Ooo you’ve made me relax now, thank you both.

Be clear about what you want, but don't stress unless and until you have a reason to. I asked for one solely on the basis of "maternal choice" and no one tried to tell me I couldn't. I've actually changed my mind now but that has a lot to do with the fact that I was felt supported and knew that I could have one if I wanted

Absolutely tell them you're intending to have a c section at booking but I think they will just refer you on to see a consultant to discuss it later in the pregnancy.

Yes, previous section is reason for one (was in my nhs trust anyway). But I still had to wait until 30 something weeks for it to be actually confirmed and agreed in writing, so perhaps you could try to get this sooner to ease your worries

I told my midwife at my booking in. I was referred to consultant and saw them at 15 weeks to run through it all and my date was booked that day!! Although I think that is uncommon to get a date so early x

@pregnantporcupine when do you mention c section for maternal choice to your midwife.

I'll be talking to mine about one at 25 weeks but really nervous that because it's my first baby I'll be made to jump through hoops or feel like an idiot for the decisions I'm making.

OP sounds like you have plenty of reason to request c section.

This is a reasonable request , you will most likely be encouraged to have a C Section
Be careful though how many children you plan to have as repeated c sections are higher risk pregnancies

My trust automatically puts you under consultant care if you've had a previous section. Never had to fight with my second and now my third. Both times they advised it. Am sure it'll be fine for you

Thank you all, this is very helpful. I honestly didn’t know that they would suggest one after a previous c-section. I will mention it to the midwife next week and see what happens.

@Jannyapple66 yeah I have heard this. But this is our 2nd and last baby. That’s plenty for us

Off to see if I can find my trusts stance on this.

Honestly, thanks so much.

I had an appointment with a birth after cesarean midwide at about 22 weeks. She went through risks of VBAC and risks of C section. We chatted about my last birth and she asked what my thoughts were. I said i wanted elective section this time. She said that was fine and made me an appointment for 36 weeks to set a date

@duckling3 I mentioned it at the booking in appointment and then at every subsequent appointment as (having read all the horror stories on here) I was really scared they would be obstructive. In the event though, everyone I spoke to was clear that it was ultimately my choice - they talked over the risks etc but didn't try to put me off. I never got as far as getting a date or anything as I changed my mind but it gave me a lot more trust in them than I would have had otherwise. I hope your trust have a similar outlook!