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Original poster

Requesting Elective C section

26 replies

cantthinkofaname2021 · 15/03/2021 13:38

Hello,
I posted a couple times regarding this and got some excellent advice, so just want to ask again!
I am 25 weeks pregnant, last birth 2 years ago was very traumatic (and long), very bad experience. I also have an ongoing mass on my Fallopian tube which was going to be investigated before I got pregnant (unplanned) but it's being monitored, so I'm under consultant led care for this
I decided after research that I really want to have an elective c section, I can't go through natural birth again Sad I told my midwife about the traumatic birth at my booking appointment, she told me that second births are quicker & easier, said I can have a debriefing with the hospital about it (not heard anymore)
I mentioned to my consultant gynaecologist that I want to have a c section, she said that the mass on my tube is no reason to have a c section but if I had to have one for another reason, they would look at it whilst I'm in theatre
I have a phonecall tomorrow with consultant and regular appointment with midwife on Thursday, so I really want to address this issue that this is what I want. How did you go about requesting one, and did anyone say no to you? I would possibly have to have keyhole surgery after birth for the mass anyway so it makes sense that is dealt with at the same time (not the main reason but would help)
Any advice please :)

OP posts:
SnooperTrooper12345 · 15/03/2021 13:54

I brought one up with my consultant as I had a third degree tear with my second and birth was very traumatic. It took me a long time to heal and stated having panic attacks at the thought of it happening again.
She basically said no 😂
So got sent for a second opinion.
He wasn't keen either.

You have to be quite willing to stand your ground (I am not) and say this is what I want. And they have to find someone who will accept you (if we're talking NHS)

WashableVelvet · 15/03/2021 14:00

No advice as they agreed straightaway for mine. But I wouldn’t use the mass as part of your argument for a CS. I have similar and they are definitely not removing it at time of CS - apparently it increases your risk of haemorrhage / losing the ovary etc as everything is swollen and has a lot more blood flow. So that will be totally separate for me. They saw that as a risk factor iyswim rather than as an advantage.

Original poster
cantthinkofaname2021 · 15/03/2021 14:11

@SnooperTrooper12345

I brought one up with my consultant as I had a third degree tear with my second and birth was very traumatic. It took me a long time to heal and stated having panic attacks at the thought of it happening again. She basically said no 😂 So got sent for a second opinion. He wasn't keen either.

You have to be quite willing to stand your ground (I am not) and say this is what I want. And they have to find someone who will accept you (if we're talking NHS)

Oh gosh, sorry to hear that, have you given birth yet or was this in the past? If so what will you do? You must be so worried if so Thanks
OP posts:
Original poster
cantthinkofaname2021 · 15/03/2021 14:15

@WashableVelvet

No advice as they agreed straightaway for mine. But I wouldn’t use the mass as part of your argument for a CS. I have similar and they are definitely not removing it at time of CS - apparently it increases your risk of haemorrhage / losing the ovary etc as everything is swollen and has a lot more blood flow. So that will be totally separate for me. They saw that as a risk factor iyswim rather than as an advantage.
Thank you for your reply, they only said have a look at it didn't mention removing it, I don't know if they would if it looks sinister but they don't think it is. Thank you for your info How far into your pregnancy did you discuss the CS?
OP posts:
SnooperTrooper12345 · 15/03/2021 14:21

I'm currently 37 weeks.
They've offered me a sweep at 38 weeks so baby is a bit smaller but they've never worked for me anyway 🤷🏼‍♀️

Chelyanne · 15/03/2021 14:21

These days it's simply a case of telling them you want an elcs, no reasons needed really. If your consultant will not agree to it they HAVE to refer you to another consultant who will do it for you. You did have to give good reason in the past but things have changed.
I had an elcs last time due to breech twins, didn't want it but it was the safest thing for them. This time I get a choice to go elcs or vbac and have to give them my decision at 36wk. They said I'm a good candidate for vbac as I had 3 good vb's before elcs but there was no pressure to go either way.

Cafeaulait27 · 15/03/2021 14:24

This will be my first baby and I asked for a c section. The midwife was fine with it but just said someone would call me to discuss birth options. I just think they want to make sure you know all the risks. Rules have changed and anyone can have a c section now whether there is a medical need or not xx

CookPassBabtridge · 15/03/2021 14:26

Just keep pushing, be firm, say you have weighed up all the pros and cons of both and for your mental health you would like a c-section. You would find a vaginal birth too traumatic. Just keep repeating. They have to refer you to someone else if they say no.
I had my two children as elective sections and no regrets.

Cafeaulait27 · 15/03/2021 14:37

@CookPassBabtridge it’s great to hear when someone says they had a great experience with elective c sections. I have my opinion above earlier on a similar thread and was surprised to find that some women were a bit mean to me about it! Saying they would be cautious of any woman wanting a c section when she hadn’t any experience of a vaginal birth. As though I haven’t weighed up all the options! Very strange... xx

sproutsnbacon · 15/03/2021 14:46

I had an emcs then booked and elcs. I had to talk to the consultant and they listed all the risks and he did say that they didnt leave second time mothers as long. I still booked the cs. In the end baby arrived a few days before cs and I had a vbac by choice. The care was much much better, the doctor kept popping in whereas first time dp had to demand they got one.
It was quicker for me second time and I'm glad I had a vbac. If I were to do it again it would be vbac unless they suggested induction then it would be cs. I had a large DS first and smaller by a pound DD second and that made a difference.
Go with what you feel is best.

Cafeaulait27 · 15/03/2021 14:46

*gave my opinion

Original poster
cantthinkofaname2021 · 15/03/2021 15:12

Thank you so much for all the insightful replies, so does your midwife just make a referral for a c section to happen?

OP posts:
Cafeaulait27 · 15/03/2021 15:22

Yes that’s what happened to me - she wrote it on my notes at my booking appointment under where I’d want to give birth. I have an appointment 12th April to discuss it, but I think it’ll just be to run through the risks. Hope it all goes well for you xx

WashableVelvet · 16/03/2021 06:36

At my booking appointment. I said that’s what I wanted and asked for an early referral to the birth choices clinic. But it may work differently in different areas.

TheGlitterFairy · 16/03/2021 07:53

Go for it OP. I requested mine at my booking appt then spoke to consultant about it when I saw her a few weeks later (consultant led care for various reasons). She went through the various dangers of cs to which i said I understood and it was still the right thing for me and (1st) baby - she said they’d support my choice and wrote in notes.
Since then it seems I’ve a low level placenta and a second placenta too so an elective may be a moot point anyway as it may be the case of having to have one if it doesn’t move but that’s by the by. Good luck with your discussion. Just be firm with your reasons and your understanding of the risks of the procedure. Good luck

Humpf07 · 17/03/2021 09:04

I requested c section at my booking appointment and met with a very understanding consultant who went through options and my reasons. He called the hospital and booked my elective section there and then which was a huge relief.

I understand that it is not as easy as this for many women and I was prepared to fight if needed. I went with a note book of NICE guidelines, stats and pros/cons to present my case although I didn't need it.

If you really want a section and have done your research, informed and made your decision- go for it.

We had a really positive experience bar the one midwife with an agenda who monitored us due to reduced movements at 37+5 and was insisting I speak to head midwife and consultant as I couldn't have possibly decided on a c section so early after one app! There's always one - stand your ground.

All the best. X

Cafeaulait27 · 12/04/2021 21:26

Hi all just an update - after requesting a c section at my booking appointment I had my ‘birth options’ phone call today.

She just wanted to ask my reasons for having a c section and check I understand the risks, and then she was explaining that I would be booking in at 34 weeks to have it at 39 weeks, and if I went into labour early they would easily be able to fit me in. She was then mostly talking about what the op would involve and the recovery.

She was so helpful and kind, there was no resistance at all. She said the most important thing for them is that women have the right to choose and then they just support them.

My trust is Sussex and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough to be honest.

Wishing14 · 13/04/2021 07:04

When you ask be very clear and confident, you don’t need to give loads of reasons. You can even ask the surgeon “Is an elective c section the second safest way to give birth after a natural birth with no complications?” Which it is. Therefore if you had lots of complications in your first birth it’s understandable you might want a c section. Be clear you have weighed up the options and made your decision. They may try to dissuade you in the chat, but at a higher level they can’t refuse someone who is firm about wanting a c section. They are just able to get lots of women to back down I think. But it depends on the surgeon, probably the surgeons personal background, age and experience etc. They may have legitimate reasons to push back based on what they know. I didn’t have much push back when I asked but different circumstances and different surgeon so you can’t really compare! I had 2 appointments with 2 different surgeons (one by telephone) to confirm what I wanted. Think at 32 weeks and then 36? I can’t remember to be honest! Good luck. And remember, you can do this no matter what happens! My c section is booked just before due date so preparing myself for the possibility there is a chance it ends up being natural birth (although unlikely - they can almost always get you in for an emergency!)

netstaller · 13/04/2021 07:10

I had an emergency c section first time, second time I just asked for one and they were fine with it. But They did try and persuade me second time to consider a natural one - but as I'd had such a hard time first time round and my body didn't respond well to the drugs - to the point the baby was in danger - I stood my ground. Be firm they can't make you have it a certain way.

WalkingThroughTheWoods · 13/04/2021 07:32

Reading through this thread with interest!

I suffered a 3b tear during my first delivery and have an appointment with the consultant to discuss my next birth. I'm 95% sure I want an ELCS but feel like I need to prepare myself for some resistance on his/her part.

Cafeaulait27 · 13/04/2021 07:36

@Wishing14 totally agree - I think with some women they sense they may me able to talk them round to a vaginal birth and so they have a go! Particularly if they’ve done a vaginal before.

I found this article SO helpful. Basically the level of risk between an elective c section and vaginal are now nearly exactly the same. And it can be argued that because some electives will be due to medical reasons, that’s why risks to mum and baby in c sections may still appear slightly higher:

www.theguardian.com/politics/reality-check-with-polly-curtis/2011/nov/23/health

traveller11 · 13/04/2021 07:36

@Cafeaulait27

Hi all just an update - after requesting a c section at my booking appointment I had my ‘birth options’ phone call today.

She just wanted to ask my reasons for having a c section and check I understand the risks, and then she was explaining that I would be booking in at 34 weeks to have it at 39 weeks, and if I went into labour early they would easily be able to fit me in. She was then mostly talking about what the op would involve and the recovery.

She was so helpful and kind, there was no resistance at all. She said the most important thing for them is that women have the right to choose and then they just support them.

My trust is Sussex and I couldn’t recommend them highly enough to be honest.

Are you under SASH or BSUH?

I'm 7 weeks and will be requesting ELCS due to previous trauma, and hoping SASH is as accomodating when I speak to them.

Cafeaulait27 · 13/04/2021 07:40

@traveller11 currently it’s West Sussex trust, but apparently it’s merging with Brighton to become Sussex trust, I got a letter recently for it.

Good luck with your request - just make it clear that you’re sure. Have a read of the article I posted above, it made me feel so much more confident in my decision and I did use some of it when giving my reasons xxx

00deed1988 · 13/04/2021 07:57

2nd births are 'commonly' quicker and easier but not always. Quick and easy does not always mean not traumatic (mine 1st was 2 hours and was very traumatic.)

I am a midwife myself so have some knowledge about it although never worked in community which is obviously where you are speaking to this midwife but I work on labour ward.

You need to ask to be referred to a consultant. If they refuse to refer, get in contact with the consultant midwife or PALs.

Here is a fact sheet from the RCOG regarding requesting a CS.

www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/patient-leaflets/choosing-to-have-a-caesarean-section/

You can also look at:
AIMS
Birthrights
NICE

Which will all give you some information about it. But it boils down to maternal request is considered. They will ensure you know all the risks for the procedure and any future pregnancies as they need to ensure that it is informed consent. If that consultant does not agree they can refer you to another one to assess.

I would try and get referred as early as possible if your trust seems to be difficult.

Elective caesareans are usually very chilled out and I PERSONALLY haven't met anyone who has regretted it (I am sure there some out there) but women are generally relieved that it was over and they had some control over their birth. The physical recovery is generally tougher than a vaginal birth, but with a straight forward elective in my trust we have women up at 8 hours and can be discharged at 24 hours. Elective caesareans recovery is usually much easier than an emergency.

Good luck. Hopefully you start getting somewhere. Just keep asking to go higher.

00deed1988 · 13/04/2021 08:15

Sorry. Didn't see the updates. Had filtered to only look at the OP updates.

I'm so glad they listened to you. Good luck!

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