Elective C- Section- when do you have it confirmed?

[maryberryslayers]

I had a really traumatic birth with DS and am still in significant pain from it now, 2 years later. I'm 16 weeks with my second baby and am consultant led as I'm high risk due to to an underlying medical condition. I let them know at my initial meeting that I'll definitely want a C-Section this time which was noted, but I just wondered when it's confirmed for sure?

I'm worrying a lot about them trying to talk me in to a natural birth. I can't even discuss my first birth without crying and have done so twice at the hospital. I just can't go through that again.

I had a traumatic first birth and requested a section this time at booking in. Had a virtual appointment with consultant at about 28 weeks to discuss. I cried at the meeting but I read the NICE guidelines in advance, wrote my notes a night or two before and just read out what I'd written down. I was very firm that I would not consider a vaginal birth again as there's too much risk to my physical and mental health. All approved in about 15 minutes.

I also had my section confirmed at 28 week consultant appt. I suffer badly from HG, the whole way through, so mentally need a fixed end date.

In my trust you tend to have a birth options appointment at 28 weeks, then at 34 or 36 weeks a follow up to confirm the plan and actually order the cesarean. You might not get an actual date until a week or so before.

Thank you, that's really helpful. I see my consultant at 28 weeks so I'll address it then.
That's really good advice about writing it all down as I turn in to a complete wreck when I have to speak about anything to do with birth and forget everything.
I don't mind about having a date set, I just want to have it confirmed and know that no one is going to try and talk me in to a natural birth.
I'm usually so assertive but I loose all my confidence at the appointments. It's worse as DH can't be there.

I raised it at booking in and raised it again at subsequent appointments. Got it put in my notes at 28 weeks (completely supported and no lectures and nobody tried to talk me out of it). Have been told they'll book me in and give me a date at my 32 week appointment as mine will be between 37-38 weeks.

Your reasons seem really valid. I was really worried about them trying to talk me out of it or putting pressure but I was told 'you are clearly well informed and we will support you'.

They should have your notes from your first too so you might not need to go over everything - the consultant mentioned how my first had gone before I did.

Mine was just booked in for 39 weeks following a call with the consultant today, I'm 16 weeks so I was quite very that they booked so far in advance but relieved and glad that the consultant was happy to support the choice.

Meant to say quite surprised not quite very.

Mine was booked at my 36 week appointment, and I’m having it at 39 weeks x

I got mine confirmed with a date at 17weeks (just this week). Thanks to a very understanding consultant. I appreciate this is extremely early and unusual.

I attended a face to face appointment without DP present.
Please ask away if there's any thing I can help with.x

Good lord I'm jealous of all of you. I'm
Almost 29 weeks and have only just managed to get referred to birth choices, despite raising it at every appointment so far.

I made a presentation at my 28 week consultant appointment, at the end of which the consultant sat back and said, "well.....I am surprised you didn't cite the references MrsJiL.." When I delved into my file and put the PDFs of the papers in front of him he just laughed and said "I knew you would". Signed on the dotted line for 39 weeks - even though I pointed out that every birth in my family happens at 37 weeks. At 37 weeks I duly turned up at the hospital 10cm dilated. Even then, the midwife said "You know you could get this baby out yourself in about three hours...no c section at all". And while I couldn't at that stage remember my speech precisely, I knew there were bloody good reasons for my decision and so stuck with it. Textbook c section two hours later.

I had it confirmed and was given the date at my 20 week appointment.

@janinlondon

I made a presentation at my 28 week consultant appointment, at the end of which the consultant sat back and said, "well.....I am surprised you didn't cite the references MrsJiL.." When I delved into my file and put the PDFs of the papers in front of him he just laughed and said "I knew you would". Signed on the dotted line for 39 weeks - even though I pointed out that every birth in my family happens at 37 weeks. At 37 weeks I duly turned up at the hospital 10cm dilated. Even then, the midwife said "You know you could get this baby out yourself in about three hours...no c section at all". And while I couldn't at that stage remember my speech precisely, I knew there were bloody good reasons for my decision and so stuck with it. Textbook c section two hours later.

I have a similar essay, with references, but can't seem to get anyone to hear it. I'm so frustrated and frightened in case I go into labour before it's sorted

Had it agreed at 16 week appointment with the consultant. I went armed with info but they didn't even try to talk me out of it.

Got date confirmed at 36 weeks for 39+1. But had it brought forward to 38+5 for reduced movements.

I had an emergency section with DS 10 years ago due to long failed induction and significant fetal distress. Ended up with a spinal puncture headache due to the aneathetist butchering my back for the epidural. It was a very stressful surgery and no-one would speak to me.

From my phone booking appointment the midwife quite happily agreed and I saw the consultant after the 12 week scan and there were no issues with talking them into it. She said due to the nature of the previous birth they would recommend a calm planned section.

Fast forward to growth scan at 33 weeks and I got a registrar rather than the consultant. She hadn't opened my notes and when I mentioned booking a date for my section she looked at me wryly and said "oh why do you think you are getting a section?" She then tried to talk me out of it saying if I got pregnant again I couldn't have a 3rd section which is total nonsense never mind the fact I am 41 and this is last baby.

I was completely livid. I stayed calm but very firm and I think she realised I was seriously pissed off and left the appointment with my section booked for 39 weeks but she added that I could go into labour before then and have it naturally. 😡. I just said, "well you will be taking me straight to theatre if that happens"

Saw my midwife ytday and had a rant about it. She said not to worry and I was def booked in. Only way it won't be a section is if I change my mind or I arrive at hospital 10cm with the baby pretty much hanging out 😁

Takemetoyourliar - send your case in a letter to your consultant and cc the head of Obst&Gyn at your hospital?

@janinlondon

Takemetoyourliar - send your case in a letter to your consultant and cc the head of Obst&Gyn at your hospital?

Good idea thanks, no idea of contacts but I guess if I send it to pals they can send it on