C section help

[mumstheword2904]

Hi everyone. Was it hard for those who chose to have an elective section for whatever reasons, to get consultants on board?

This is my 2nd and I had a traumatic Labour with my first and this baby is measuring much bigger than the first which I think is going to cause similar complications as last time. The last thing I want is to go through inductions, interventions and end up with an emergency section anyway. I'm fairly small and I struggled with my first baby who was 7lb 12, not exactly big but this baby is measuring bigger and I'm really worried about it. I spoke to consultant who still is advising against a section, I understand the risk it's major surgery and a decision not to be taken lightly, but this is my last baby and the last thing I want is for the experience to be ruined again. I'm 34 weeks just now, and currently in hosp due to contractions starting and stopping but so far no progression and I'm measuring roughly around 38 weeks sizing.

Any help would be great

Well second deliveries are usually much easier and faster than firsts. If you've had a vaginal delivery before your birth canal is more conducive to passing number two. Regarding the size a 38 week size fetus is perfectly fine to birth vaginally if labour is on its way now. Less chance of instrumental delivery with baby two (like forceps/ventouse). Can you ask to be induced at 37/38 weeks if this is a false labour now? I know you don't want induction but honestly I think your body is more ready than you think. C section can cause bleeding, poor healing scar due to infection, pain, difficulty feeding baby in the cradle position. It can delay your milk coming in. Your baby won't get the immune benefits of vaginal flora. Anyway, that's just my two cents x

@ChatWithMe thank you so much for your reply! I agree that I do think this time around would be easier, I'm more than happy to go any time now to be honest, I know it's still early but baby is absolutely fine and there's no issues or anything with her or me. I asked about starting things early and she said she would sweep at 38 weeks and induce at 40, which to me is leaving the baby too big where I know my body and if the baby is bigger than my first (which is so far predicted to be and my bump etc is really big this time and they said my fluid is fine so it's not extra fluid or something) then I know my body can only do so much but we will struggle as I'm fairly small and what I don't want is to go through inductions and labour and interventions to end up in an emergency section anyway if that makes sense.

I had asked regarding the section which she had said unless any tests come back for diabetes etc (this will be the 3rd round of tests for it) then there's no medical reason for an early section and she won't do it until 39/40 weeks. I had asked then for perhaps sweeps etc from 37 weeks to try go myself, but I'm wondering if I agree to a section for say 40 weeks but I get a sweep done at 37 and go into labour myself can I still have the section at 37 weeks or will then it have to be purely natural labour?

You can push for a c-section, and you are entitled to one. But they will not give you an elective c-section before 39 weeks without a medical reason. I had pre-eclampsia with my youngest and they still held out until he was 38 weeks because it was safer for him to wait.

What actually happened with your first baby if you don't mind going into details. Did you end up having an emergency c-section with them? You really need to know what happened with your first baby, what are the chances of that happening again and if there is anything you can do to avoid it.

I had the hormone drip to induce me with my first. The contractions were too strong and his position meant he was in distress. I ended up with an emergency c-section. I was told with my second that I would not be induced again, because of what happened with my first. So my opinions were go into labour on my own or have a c-section. I ended up with pre-eclampsia and had him at 38 weeks although my original c-section was booked for 39 weeks.

Sounds like a tricky decision mumstheword2904. I think a lot of women have the same worries. Doctors can only advise the safest method and timing. Not sure when they agree to a sweep but in my medical folder it is only for first time mum's for some reason.

@Fatted I was induced at 39 weeks with reduced movements, things went from like 0-100 really quickly and I defo panicked and prob made it worse. She got stuck for about 3 hours of pushing and her heart rate was dropping, got an episiotomy which was fine and she eventually got out but then my placenta ruptured and my uterus stopped contracting so I had a bad haemorrhage lost about 3l and was really ill after had to stay in about a week and have blood transfusions etc. So there's kinda like two worries the blood loss again and the size as she was only 7lb 12 and really it was a struggle. I defo think my panic made it worse, but I thought I had accepted what had happened but as I'm nearing the end it's defo resurfacing and I just don't feel like I can stay calm. I've really been trying hypnobirthing etc and I wanted a nice calm natural hypnobirth but now I think fear and panic is setting in again. The blood loss situ they can just control as much as they can if it happens it happens but my worry now is more the sizing of this baby I feel is gonna result in an emergency section as the first nearly did and if it's gonna he section I'd rather cut out the beginning part and try make the recovery as smooth as possible as this time I have another wee person to look after and don't have unlimited mat leave to recover at my own pace

@ChatWithMe they said they're happy to sweep at 38 weeks with me so if they're happy to do it then I see no difference to do it at 37 as baby is still full term. I dno it's stressing me out 😂🙈 nothing is progressing at the moment so I think I'll be sent home today to wait and see what happens but I just wish I'd go myself soon and wouldn't need the section or anything 🙈

I'm in east anglia and 33 weeks pregnant. I had an appointment with a consultant this week, confirming I would be allowed a c-section at 39 weeks due to traumatic first labour (although with lowest priority and just given the week rather than a date for now). It was strange because they were quite negative about it, saying lots of women have traumatic deliveries and 2and babies are usually easier, but then turned around and said they were happy to grant it. It's ridiculous how it still seems to be some kind of different rules in different location thing.

Fingers crossed you get the birth experience that suits you best

@Somethingvague I know it's a bit mad that you have to plead your case almost when you have a good enough reason to without it. Pretty much said the same thing about 2nd ones being easier, which is great, but doesn't remove my anxiety 😂 I hope it works out all well for you too.

@ChatWithMe thank you!

It might be too late, but perhaps see if your hospital has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS for short in most places I think). Most hospitals have a Birth Reflections service, especially if you are using the same hospital again. They are an opportunity to talk through your previous birth and resolve any issues, which might help you speak to the consultant about your feelings going into this birth. They usually take place with a consultant midwife, who should be able to help with your current birth plan. I'm unsure how it works, but perhaps they could attend a meeting with the Dr who doesn't seem to want to grant you a c-section.

Your feelings of fear and panic should really be acknowledged and listened to. Like a few have said they might not do a c-section early without medical need, but perhaps you could be booked in for one at 39 weeks. I believe you also can refuse induction if you didn't want that to happen again.

I'm 20 weeks and have booked a birth reflections meeting in a few weeks. I ended up with an EMCS last time around, so have a dedicated meeting to discuss birth choices, but wanted some extra space to talk about what happened last time and what I want to try as hard as possible to avoid happening again. I still haven't decided if I want to try for a natural birth again or opt for c-section, but believe having the time and space to talk it through is really beneficial (although hopefully with a balanced viewpoint from the medical staff).

Like a PP said it does seem so much to vary depending on who you speak to/where you are in the country. You could always ask to speak to a different consultant too, I think you are entitled to a second opinion.

@raffat89 thank you so much that's a great help. I have looked up the support service and sent them an email hopefully they'll be able to reply ASAP before I have the next meeting with the consultant next week. Thank you so much for your advice