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Original poster

Refused c section?

70 replies

WindFlower92 · 30/03/2021 15:07

Not happened to me, but I've just read on another thread that someone with a 3rd degree tear was refused a c section and now has to have a vbac this time round. I had a 3rd degree tear two years ago so am having a meeting in two weeks to discuss an elective c section. I know it says that they have to refer you to someone else if they don't agree to it, but has anyone been in the situation where no one at all agrees to it and you have to have a vaginal birth? What happens if no one is willing to perform a c section on you at all? I was feeling quite calm about this as my midwife said a 3rd degree tear was a good reason to request a c section, but maybe it isn't? Aagh and now I'm stressed again, for a change!

OP posts:
TrainWhistleChoir · 30/03/2021 19:22

I'm sorry but I love bitch options. You get to go up a level the more consultants you have to see.... Very apt.

Hufflepuffsunite · 30/03/2021 19:25

I had a 3dt and pph with my first. Got offered an ELCS the second time - no problem at all. Much easier delivery and recovery too - I'm so glad I went for it! It won't necessarily be a battle!

ColourfulElmerElephant · 30/03/2021 19:27

@WindFlower92

Okay so I'm prepared for a fight but determined enough to see every consultant at that hospital if I need to. Will print off all the guidelines I can find and repeat as if I'm a robot!
Also insist that you want it written into your notes that you want a c section if you go into spontaneous labour before your appointment date (usually 39 weeks). If you do go into labour, ring the hospital and tell them that you are coming in and are booked for a c section. This should hopefully minimise the risk of someone going into theatre ahead of you and then there not being enough time for you to have your c section.

Also use PALs if you need to. Good luck.

NameChange74567 · 30/03/2021 19:32

I had a 3rd degree tear with dc1. Dc2 was measuring big towards the end of pregnancy and I was scared of going overdue and having a huge baby. When I spoke to the consultant he said I could have a planned section if I wanted one. I chose to be induced on my due date. DS came early on his own, weighing 8lb 15oz. Out of my 3dc he was the easiest to give birth to, he was the biggest, and the only one I didn't tear with.

Cheshirewife · 30/03/2021 19:35

Just choose a hospital trust that offers c-sections on demand... problem solved!

SnooperTrooper12345 · 30/03/2021 19:51

@Hufflepuffsunite

I had a 3dt and pph with my first. Got offered an ELCS the second time - no problem at all. Much easier delivery and recovery too - I'm so glad I went for it! It won't necessarily be a battle!
My Pph was actually the reason all the consultants said no to mine!
SnooperTrooper12345 · 30/03/2021 19:55

@NameChange74567

I had a 3rd degree tear with dc1. Dc2 was measuring big towards the end of pregnancy and I was scared of going overdue and having a huge baby. When I spoke to the consultant he said I could have a planned section if I wanted one. I chose to be induced on my due date. DS came early on his own, weighing 8lb 15oz. Out of my 3dc he was the easiest to give birth to, he was the biggest, and the only one I didn't tear with.
This was my worry as my baby with my 3rd degree tear was 11lbs. Got an induction set for my due date though so I don't go over!
tinylittleyou · 30/03/2021 19:57

Annoyingly hospitals can vary massively with this, hence why a lot of women have vastly different experiences. Some trusts have are a lot more anti-csection than others, even in scenarios where other hospitals would see a medical need for a c-section.

Hufflepuffsunite · 30/03/2021 19:59

@SnooperTrooper12345 I've heard other people say this. My consultant said a c section would be better as they could have the blood prepared and ready to go if needed. I lost 3.5 litres with the PPH and hardly anything with the c section- can't remember the exact amount but it was described as "minimal" in my notes. Maybe it depends what caused the pph? Not sure.

spookycookies · 30/03/2021 19:59

I had a 3rd degree tear and episiotomy. I was told it doesn't increase your risk of it happening again. I had another with just a graze. I wouldn't opt for major abdominal surgery unless absolutely necessary.

Christmaspuddingsteaminghot · 30/03/2021 20:04

@WindFlower92

Ah that's good to hear *@DuggeeHugPlease*! I'd started to read bad things about them but I need to stop stressing myself out!
My friend had a similar reason to you for wanting an ELCS, she had one no problem at QA last summer. I’m booked at a nearby hospital and have an appointment after Easter to ask for one as I do not want a VBAC. Again a friend had no trouble there so fingers crossed.
TheWhalesOnTheBus · 30/03/2021 20:11

Watching with interest, I had a 2nd degree tear (borderline 3rd) but am still suffering with bowel jncontinence issues 2 years down the line. I don't want to risk worse complications so hoping I can have a c-section this time, not sure if I may have to put up a fight for it though.

maloney123 · 30/03/2021 20:28

Does anyone know what the reason is why you can’t just have a c section if that’s what you want? Like why are they so against them? Is it a cost thing perhaps

SnooperTrooper12345 · 30/03/2021 20:46

@maloney123

Does anyone know what the reason is why you can’t just have a c section if that’s what you want? Like why are they so against them? Is it a cost thing perhaps
I guess the fact that it is major abdominal surgery
Suzi888 · 30/03/2021 20:50

I had a breach baby and sat with a consultant who tried to persuade me to have the baby turned and a vaginal birth. I just said no.
All the nurses I spoke to, sonographer etc said have a c sec and do not attempt to turn the baby. That was enough for me!

Suzi888 · 30/03/2021 20:51

@maloney123 it’s purely a cost thing. I’m sure it’s around £5k....

WaitingForNormality · 30/03/2021 20:51

@maloney123

Does anyone know what the reason is why you can’t just have a c section if that’s what you want? Like why are they so against them? Is it a cost thing perhaps
Well, tbh following the NICE guidelines you can. The guidelines say c section should be granted if trust has explained risks and the mother still opts for section. However, the consultant themselves can refuse but need to pass you to a different consultant or trust that will.

Maternal request c section basically means a section where the mother has chosen to have one without a medical need. It's not always strictly true though - my section is booked as a maternal request but I definitely have a medical issue I'm trying to avoid exacerbating but it's just not a medical issue the trust deem necessitates a section!

The reasons behind trusts generally pushing ladies down the VB route is probably that a straightforward VB is less risky (but no one can guarantee you'll have a v straightforward one!), less time in hospital needed for VB, upfront cost of section is more (though studies show over time VB can cost the same, as later in life Vb can lead to more women's health issues around menopause etc), and then just the general culture here in the UK of natural birth being superior.

MingeOnFire · 30/03/2021 21:31

Does anyone know what the reason is why you can’t just have a c section if that’s what you want? Like why are they so against them? Is it a cost thing perhaps

Can't speak for other hospitals but in mine it's more of a capacity issue. We can do 10-12 planned sections a week, depending on complexity. We can sometimes do an extra session (2-3 sections) if there is a theatre and staff available, and do try our best to accommodate everyone.

maloney123 · 30/03/2021 21:39

Thanks everyone! I’m going for a vaginal birth myself, was just curious about why VB is pushed so much more

BusySittingDown · 30/03/2021 21:49

I just wanted to add my two pence worth (and hopefully ease your mind about a possible VB).

I didn't tear with first DC but I had an extensive episiotomy and PPH. It was a long labour with an OP baby. She was quite big for my size and I was terrified that my second was going to be bigger (as some 2nd babies are) and I wouldn't be able to get her out. My midwife told me to ask for a CS, which I did and was refused. I was so upset.

I left the hospital and ran into my kind friend who said "oh Busy, I tore really badly with my first - had to have physiotherapy and the works." She had a really traumatic experience but she told me that her second had been worlds apart and she had a really easy birth. She made me feel better and, as a not very assertive twentysomething, I didn't fight it, although when I told the MW she was furious.

Anyway, I had a vb with DC2 and I was so glad that I did! It was a much better experience and no recovery time whatsoever. I was told by the consultant that because your body has done it before it finds it easier and it certainly was.

2kool4skool · 30/03/2021 22:07

I had elective CS with DS1.
With DS2 I requested the same. Utter cow midwife gave me long lecture and made clear she thought I was “too posh to push”. I stood my ground, she eventually said fine after leaving me in room alone for 20 mins and then put VBAC form in my notes! I had no idea what it meant until saw a consultant lose to the end. Sure that’s misconduct.
Anyway I got my second CS so F her.

ivfbeenbusy · 31/03/2021 05:37

For what it's worth I bitterly regret my first c section - it left me infertile having destroyed both my tubes (not to mention nearly dying twice from ruptured ectopics) and cost us £35k in 5 rounds of IVF to get pregnant again. I would counsel anyone to think carefully before requesting a c section on the grounds of "maternal request" without medical need for one.

Appreciate my experience is very much worst case but I know probably a dozen people or more who have suffered secondary infertility and Ectopics post c section for a first child

chalktheblockwithglitterchalk · 31/03/2021 06:57

I was going to ask for a c section but have changed my mind after reading about possible complications and the recovery period afterwards.
I've not had a tear but had a big blood loss and severe mh issues after the birth of last dc. The consultant did say i would not be refused if I put in the request but that they really don't recommend a c section unless absolutely necessary.

chalktheblockwithglitterchalk · 31/03/2021 07:01

@maloney123

Does anyone know what the reason is why you can’t just have a c section if that’s what you want? Like why are they so against them? Is it a cost thing perhaps
I'm sure cost has a lot to do with it but also it is Malory surgery with a risk of damage to internal organs plus infection risks and takes weeks to recover , longer if you suffer complications.
peekiboo · 31/03/2021 07:04

I had an EMCS with my first. When pregnant with DC2 I had to also fight for a ELCS. I was 'lucky' not to have to fight too hard but definitely had a battle on my hands. I'm a hcp so know my rights! I had to quote NICE guidelines and basically asked why they weren't following policy Hmm
When this failed I asked to speak to the senior midwife with regards to a complaint - within minutes I had an appointment booked with her (despite being told there was no senior in duty) and a ELCS agreed at this appt.
It's ridiculous we have to go through this
If you have to complain via pals