Baby number 2 at 41 after traumatic birth?

[Monkeyhead67]

Hello,

I gave birth to my first child 8 months ago at the age of 40. It was a slightly traumatic birth. They sent me home after doing a sweep at 2cm dilated and I progressed to 9cm during the journey home and back again. I was then pushing for 3 hours (My fault, I pleaded for a natural birth) without pain control before it was found baby was back to back and shoulder dystocia. I ended up in operating theatre with spinal block, forceps delivery and loss of 2 litres of blood. I still haven’t fully recovered as I suffered a bowel prolapse plus my coccyx is still quite painful.

Anyway, I love being a mum to my little girl and would now love another baby. I wasn’t sure for a while as my partner and I were concerned about another birth plus our (well my) age. I’m 41 and realise this could mean heartbreak through heightened risk of pregnancy problems. Also, as I’m still not healed would this injure my body more?

We are thinking of trying next cycle. I guess I’m wondering if anyone else experienced a difficult then more straight forward birth? Also, how was it conceiving second time round at an older age?

Thank you.

@Monkeyhead67
Golly your birth sounds horrific, but glad that you love motherhood. I say just go for it with a second, don't let your first birth put you off. And don't let your age put you off either - pregnancy/complications isn't a sure thing if younger anyway.

I was desperate for a natural birth, and after 40 hours, it resulted in a csection. Although the op went well, I'm suffering daily from it months after. Sometimes I'll just cry from dwelling on it too much or worrying what the next birth might be like.

But I'd prefer another child and regret a possible birthing decision, than regret not going for it altogether with another pregnancy.

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