Elective section 1st pregnancy Scotland

[Gemma2021]

Hi wondering if anyone can give me their experiences on if they have been able to have a elected section on a first baby without the usual medical reasons.
I know I have a right to request one but I just don’t know how much of a fight I am going to have when trying to ask for one.
I am currently 30+6 and I have had a horrific pregnancy, been really ill throughout with various things and now at the end of my pregnancy my baby’s movements have slowed down so I barely feel her. I was admitted for reduced fetal movements and because her heart rate was running a bit high, after a scan was let out however still not really feeling her move.
I have also tested positive for group B strep.
I have spoken to my friend who is a lead midwife and she said I am probably going to end up being induced if baby’s movements don’t improve and I have low blood pressure and a very high pulse so the changes of me being able to labour are not very high. I am terrified of going into labour naturally, as in keeps me up at night how scared I am as I know people who have had a stillbirth and honestly if I can’t feel her moving then how am I supposed to know she is okay. I have never had mental health problems before but this pregnancy has sent me over the edge, I’m a mess 24/7 and honestly I can’t do this anymore I’m about to have a complete breakdown.
I have what I think is a pretty solid reason for wanting a section I also want it 37-38 weeks.
I have a consultation appointment on Tuesday at 11:30 so any help or experience would be 100% helpful and appreciates.

DISCLAIMER
I understand all pregnancies are different and some people have had great birth stories, I also understand electing a section is not for everyone and can be a controversial choice however I am asking for advice and support from mums as I don’t have anyone really to talk to in person and I’m not looking for judgement or to be talked out of this thank you

Why 37-38 weeks? Genuinely asking out of interest.

Due to the reduced movements I’ve been advised I would be induced round that time if I continue to have episodes of reduced movements. Also she is measuring slightly big and have rapid growth according to her recent scans so would be likely to be induced earlier because of that.

At the end of the day you have every right to make decisions about your own care. All the recent publications advise that women should be able to choose their own pathway. However, it is the clinicians duty of care to provide you with the relevant information, specific to your case in order for you to make that decision. I would always trust the judgement of the professional. If they felt I was at risk and needed and induction and could provide a clear rational for that then I’d respect their expertise. If they felt there was an indication for a LSCS then equally I’d go with that. It’s important that you have the time and opportunity to chat it over with either a midwife or doctor who can familiarise themselves with your physical circumstances as well as respect your emotional health and anxiety. It sounds like you have made up your mind. It will depend on your trust policies and the individual HCPs you come across as to how easy it is. Good luck.

Reduced movements at this gestation with a healthy biophysical profile wouldn’t be a concern. Your high pulse could be put down to anxiety and low blood pressure wouldn’t cause a concern. Ultrasound weight estimation is notoriously inaccurate. I’m not dismissing your worries but these may be the responses you you have to contend with depending on the team you’re under.

From what you've said I suspect they'll want to do a c section anyway.

I think your friend may have inadvertently worried you without having the full picture. I have naturally very low blood pressure and I find the line about not being able to labour odd.

One thing I"d want to know more about in your shoes is the Group B Strep. I was also positive, and told that I'd get a drip of antibiotics in labour, but if it wasn't in long enough (basically if I came to hospital too far into the labour) the baby would have to have antibiotics directly for 48 hours and we'd be kept in till she finished her course. I have no idea how it would have worked if I had a c-section, maybe they give them to you as part of prep? But its meant to be 8 hours of a drip (memory is hazy) so definitely something to ask about.

In terms of c-section vs induction. there are some things to consider: if its earlier, ie 37 or 38 weeks, the process of going through the birth canal can strengthen the babies lungs, which aren't quite as developed as they would otherwise be. It also reduces, to some extent, the likelihood of allergies - possibly not a concern for you but allergies run in our family and our DD developed a dairy allergy and reflux which meant she didn't sleep for 9 months so I will definitely be considering it when planning how to deliver number 2!

I was induced, but because I was overdue. My preference is leaning towards a vaginal delivery for number 2 but I have the option of a c section due to 3rd degree tear with number one (healed beautifully, no pain) so I'm not 100% sure, however I have a long list of questions I want answering before I make up my mind and lots of them are things I wouldn't have known to ask first time. I think if you sit down with your team and ask them to talk you through what the plans are, whether they would be happy to give you a c-section, what criteria they would have for that, etc etc you'll have a clearer picture. I'd ask them to explain their thinking and answer your questions first. They may have more information that might make you consider other options, or else they may give you more information to back up your request for one.

I think you should be able to give birth whichever way you choose, but I think it sounds like you've had a tough time and haven't necessarily been given a clear picture of what your medical team are thinking and step one should be getting them to talk through your options and their preferences in a way you understand so you can think about everything and push for the right decision.

Thank you so much for all your replies!

Just to add on :
The reduced movements are also joined with er having a higher baseline heart rate which is the main concern, obv this can be linked to my pulse being too high but it’s not linked to anxiety my resting pulse after walking up is sitting too high and when I am a little worked up which happens especially when I’ve just arrived at triage it sits dangerously high. The low blood pressure is a concern as I’ve been known to be kept in and fed fluids ect to attempt to raise it as it can drop below the threshold of acceptable.
It’s honestly a mix of things though and the anxiety of it all is getting to me, I think on Tuesday I need to make my concerns clear and ensure I get a plan in motion as whatever happens I do not want to be left to go into natural labour.