Requesting C Section

[SnooperTrooper12345]

This is my first thread.

I had a traumatic birth with my first.
I also had a bad third degree tear with terrible bruising where I couldn't even stand.
If anything, the recovery pain was worse than the actual birth.

I'm at 28 weeks currently and started having panic attacks about the thought of giving birth again.
A friend told me they requested a c section.

Now, I know a csection is major surgery and isn't something I'm taking lightly but I am curious if anyone has requested one and how they went about requesting one ect.

It feels to just go into my consultant appointment and just request one.

It feels strange* that should say

Hi Op,

I also had a very traumatic birth with my first DS that ended in me having an emergency c section anyway.
This time round I straight away told my midwife at my first booking appointment I will be going for an elective. She said that was fine and she would organise for me to see the consultant at around 28 weeks.

Although I've already had a c section so easier in terms of requesting another, I do know it's common for ladies who have had traumatic births with vaginal deliveries also request them and be granted.
Are you midwife lead at the moment?

I requested a section for my second due to traumatic first and poor recovery. Requested at booking in and spoke to consultant for agreement at about 28 weeks and agreed to section at 39 weeks. Remained midwife led throughout and that was the only time I spoke to the consultant until I met the obstetrician on the morning of my ELCS.

It was by far the best option for me, recovery has been much better than last time both physically and mentally.

I am actually consultant led already and have an appointment with her after my growth scan next week!

Thinking about mentioning the panic attacks ect then and see what she says!

In my head it feels so weird going in and requesting one. I'm not sure why. I think it's because of the stigma around it I think and people choosing C sections thinking it's the "Easy way out"
I by no means think that's the case at all!

Thank you for your responses!

I just asked. Pretty early on but there was nothing confirmed until around 34 weeks I think? I had a traumatic first birth. The c section was fine but the recovery was not. If I have another, I will try to go for a vbac.

I had a similar experience with my first born, it was horrific, my mum was with me and she’s had 5 children naturally and said she’d never experienced anything like it!
Second time round I was super nervous like you’re feeling now, understandably, but the birth was amazing, no problems at all and was born within half an hour of arriving at hospital.
Third time round my baby was breech so had no option but to have a c-section.
I pregnant again with my forth child and I’ve opted for a natural birth. After having both I found having a c-section much worse afterwards, suffering for about 6 weeks and not being able to do everything for my baby that I could even after having such an horrific birth the first time round. Just thought I’d tell you my personal experience, I completely understand your worry xx

I requested a c section for my second and now for my third, this was also after a traumatic birth. I've had my consultant appointment at 20 weeks and was booked in for my c section. She gave me a leaflet about natural birth following c section and the pros and cons of each. I very politely put the leaflet down and stated again that I knew that I wanted a c section and that's when she phoned to make the date. So I am now 23 weeks and know the date that we should meet baby number 3. I think OP that they are more open to mothers choice than many are led to believe. Good luck

I told my midwife at booking I wanted a C section I had my appointment with the consultant at 20 weeks then saw him again at 34 to get my date for surgery. It went absolutely perfect and I’m 100% happy right decision.

It sounds like you're getting caught up on the word request. If you tell them how you feel, your thoughts on wanting a c section and about the panic attacks I'd be surprised if they didn't just offer you a c section.

I told them I wanted a c section due to emergency c section first time and they were fine with it. They offered me counselling with no waiting list which I accepted which really helped too. ( I still had an elective c section)

Good luck

Op I have anaesthetised hundreds of woman for c section with a similar story to yours. No one will (or should) bat an eyelid about you wanting one for your entirely valid reasons. Personally I think, "I have looked into The advantages and disadvantages of C-sections and would like one" is a perfectly valid reason to be granted one.
Good luck, don't feel awkward.

Thank you everyone!
This will definitely be my last as I wasn't even sure on having another after the trauma of my first so I don't have a worry about another pregnancy after this.

I really appreciate everyone's input!
I will fully discuss it with my consultant when I see her next week.
I have spent week residing up on pros and cons ect
I had already discussed my fears with my midwife at my booking appointment as I still often get pain 3 years later from the tear too and it took a good 4 or 5 weeks just to be able to sit or stand for longer than 20 minutes at a time.

Thank you again everyone!

Just wanted to say I've been reading a bit about this recently and it is absolutely your legal right to give birth how you want to. I think the NHS is wonderful (in fact I work for it!) But I also think that women are often presented options as if they're not a choice but they totally are! Your body, your right to choose! Of course a doctor/midwife can give you important information and an expert opinion but ultimately still your choice and you are well within your rights to ask for the research to back up their opinion! Good luck!

You already have good advice - just wanted to say that it’s quite likely you will find the CS is offered to you, without you having to request it as such - it is standard practice to discuss CS vs vaginal with previous 3rd degree tear, there are pros and cons either way but it sounds like CS is right for you - you shouldn’t find it’s a difficult discussion at all. Your choice :) hope you find this birth much much more straightforward

Thank you everyone.
It's been constantly on my mind. Even been dreaming about it haha!