I'm thinking that maybe an elective c-section isn't the way to go. People with knowledge come reassure me

[ConnorTraceptive]

Had a terrible birth with ds so am waiting to see consultant to discuss what happened and what should be the way forward. I really thought I'd want a c-section this time but to be honest I find the thought of one frightening but for different reasons. If I list what happened with DS can some who knows abit tell me how this could be mad different this time round?

1. Ds born 2 weeks overdue after induction
2. Back to back position
3. Large baby 9Ib 11oz
4. Ventouse and forceps used
5. Monster episiotomy
6. Severe bleed, two blood tranfusions

My main concer to be truthfull is the bleeding it terrified me but then I could have problems with a c-section couldn't I? I am prone to bleeding anyway and I'm concerned about the c-section scar bleeding ( I had this after another operation for about 2 weeks)

Also will I still be allowed an epidural this time round real think I'll need one!

Sorry it's long but I want to make the right choice.

So sorry to read about your first birth.

You can definitely have problems with a CS, as many will come on here and tell you - it is a major operation and the majority of c section threads I have read - recovery from c section can take longer than VB.

I have just had my first bub via elective cs - and have no comparison to make - but my recovery to date (4 weeks this friday) has been completely problem free and the delivery itself was fantastic. Ref the bleeding - yes I still had Lochia, but it was very light (lighter than a period) and it was virtually gone by 2/3 weeks.
Ref bleeding from the scar - I had none when the dressing was removed.

My advice would be talk to the consultant and midwives, try and understand how this birth could be different - both vaginally and via cs.
Finally - have you considered hypnobirthing? It could help you approach the birth in a more positive frame of mind.

good luck!

Hi ConnorTraceptive.

I can understand your concerns following your birth experience, and for this pregnancy.

Hope you get reassurance from your consultant

Can I ask a few questions?

Was labour prolonged?

Were you anaemic before delivery?

What was the blood loss at delivery?

Do you know why are you prone to bleeding?

A large baby can mean a large placental site, prolonged labour may leat to a 'tired' uteruswhich doen't contract well after delivery, sometimes despite the use of drugs which can be used.

A large blood loss can be sustained following an episiotomy, particularly if episiotomy is performed early.

If a lbouring mum is anaemic, it isn't necessarily the volume of blood loss, it is how the body is affected by it.

The size of the baby cannot be changed, ultrasound scans for estimated fetal weight are not always accurate. However, early induction may be offered if clical assessment indicates a large baby.

Investigations to exclude gestational diabetes are usually advised when a mother has a large baby

there are things you can do to try to change the position of baby when it is posterior.

If it is your choice to opt for epidural analgesia, then your 'prone to bleeding' would obviously need to be assessed by the anaesthetist prior to any delivery /induction plan.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the replies. In response to your questions.

1)labour was prolonged, went on a drip to speed things up

2. Wasn't told I was anaemic before birth

3. The bleeding started before ds was delevered.

4. Blood loss was 1.5 litres

5. DOn't know why i'm prone to bleeding (my mum had severe bleed with all three of her births)

Thanks for responding.

It appears from your answers that induction and the prolonged labour probably did contribute to the haemorrage along with the associated problems of a large episiotomy and large baby.

Obviously it's difficult to be precise without seeing your delivery notes.

I'm sure that if you write your concerns down in readiness for your appointment with the consultant, then ask them to go through the delivery notes and discuss your particular areas of concern for your next delivery it will help to allay your fears.

Mention also your concerns regarding a bleeding/clotting problem. Although I am sure this would have been identified in your reguular blood tests, further reassurance can only be of benefit.

If a posterior position is again of relevance there are some very knowledgeable doulas on here to help.

Hope that helps.

Thanks noname you've been very helpful. I think I'll write a list of questions for the consultant

Hi,
Sorry to hear about your first delivery. I had a csection first time round with traumatic pregnancy and pretty dire vaginal delivery second time round. However, I would not have changed things and just wanted to stress that elective cs is not always the perfect solution. I'm no expert, so can only go on my own experience, but I found my consultant to be extremely helpful.I had several extra appointments with him before I had ds2 and he answered all of my questions fully which helped me to make an informed choice. Definitely make a list and hopefully he/she will be able to point you in the right direction.
I'm sure everything will be clearer when you've had your questions answered.
Good Luck!

Thanks loopy mum again it is the fear of bleeding that worries me and if the risk is as high if not higher with c-section then it's not worth it.

I just don't want to end up with an emergency section which i came close to with ds.

I was thinking about my section today and it saddens me that it is the reason I can't have any more children.

While I understand your worries, as someone who has had 3 children, I can safely say that every labour is different.