I want to request a CS very late in pregnancy

[Pramtastic]

Hi has anyone requested an elective caesarean very late in their pregnancy and if so how?

I’ve been holding off as my DS1 was small (3%) and they wanted extra scans and hadn’t decided what to do re inductions etc. At my 36 week scan the scan lady said DS2 is way bigger already and is in the 90th percentile.

I’ve tried to speak with the hospital consultants and/or midwives but they aren’t forthcoming so I’m not sure how to progress my request as it’s so late (it didn’t help that I moved and had to switch hospitals at 32 weeks). It feels like they are avoiding me as they know what I want.

This isn’t about natural v caesarean as I’ve researched that fully and know the pros v cons.

If anyone has suggestions on who to talk to about CS please let me know.

Ring the maternity ward today and ask for a pma to call you today if not speak to most senior midwife on duty. Tell when in uncertain terms that you want a section.

How many weeks pregnant are you now?

When's your next appt? Can't you say it then?

Hi thanks for the replies,
I'm 36 weeks.
I did push to speak to someone after the scan (i had been told I was seeing the consultant afterwards but the hospital didn't have it logged).
I then asked for an appointment with a consultant and they said they were full until after my due date.
I will call the hospital again today and try to speak to the midwives. I assume there is no point trying my community midwife?
Half the battle seems to be finding the right person / team to speak too.

Hi!

I discussed with my midwife when I was around 38 weeks what my options were if baby ended up being "overdue." She mentioned that my local hospital's policy is that they would look at induction around 40+12 but I could decline the induction if all was OK with myself and baby.

I had discussed with her also (at 38 weeks) that I really didn't want to be induced due to the labour being started artificially and potentially opening myself up for a more difficult labour and more need for an instrumental delivery. (I know many people have positive induction stories but this is my personal decision!)

Fast forward a couple of weeks... I am currently 40+4 today. I saw my midwife last week and she said that if I have not had baby by our next appointment (40+6), then she will refer me to a consultant to discuss Induction vs C-Section. She also told me that ultimately the decision is my choice but it gives a consultant the opportunity to state the pros and cons of both options. However, the bottom line is that you are able to decide on either - It is your baby and your birth.

I am not sure of your reasons behind wanting a C-Section but I would contact your midwife again and push this, it is not too late for them to organise a consultant meeting. Good luck

Thank you @sunshinecitrus1
They initially said they wanted to induce me even if he is normal size due to my age. I really don’t want an induction (for similar reasons to you)

I had interventions during my first birth and was minutes away from an emergency CS and didn’t recover for a year (and that was with a very small baby). Now I know DS2 is already approximately 1lb bigger than DS1 was at birth I'm really worried about even worse "damage" this time.

I know a CS is major surgery but for me the recovery seems more manageable and is something I can plan for.

@Pramtastic This will be my first baby and my birth plan is to have him naturally via a water birth at our local MLU. I am still going for this option as I would like to experience a natural birth especially as I am low risk. I know that a birth plan doesn't always go to plan and who knows, I may need the interventions etc. that I am worried about however, it would be too late by that point if that makes sense.

The fact I am overdue is when my plan changes because then the natural experience is replaced with either an Induction or CS and my preference out of the two would be CS so I completely agree with what you are saying in terms of planning for it, it just gives you that sense of control doesn't it? Of course it is major surgery and not something to be taken lightly but to me, an induction opens up so many different possibilities that I just don't feel comfortable with.

Did you manage to speak with the hospital today yet?

@sunshinecitrus1 I've left a few messages so hoping I get a call at some point.

Hope baby arrives soon and that you get to have a natural water birth. Its definitely good to have a "backup plan"

Thank you @Pramtastic - Hope the hospital calls you back soon. You will have to keep me posted All the best!

And good luck to you!! Let me know how it goes

@Pramtastic Hi! I just thought I’d update you on how my appointment went today. Saw midwife this morning, baby all fine. We discussed induction and she knew I was against the idea so booked me in to see the consultant luckily for this afternoon. The consultant was really nice and listened to my concerns, didn’t come across too pushy at all. He has put me in for a C-Section on Monday (got to wait for a call tomorrow to actually confirm it as booked in) so if baby doesn’t come on his own beforehand then I kind of have a Plan B! Any update on your situation?

@sunshinecitrus1 that's great news are you pleased / relieved?

Unfortunately the hospital didn't return my calls but I spoke to my community midwife today and I've requested that if it comes to it rather than being induced I would like an elective CS. She's noted my concerns over size due to issues last time.

The community midwife is arranging for me to see or speak to either a consultant or a senior midwife next week to discuss my "birth options". Im going to have another scan beforehand to check size etc

Fingers crossed the appointment goes ahead I get to see a consultant like yours.

I will keep everything crossed for you, by this time next week you definitely will have a little one. Exciting times xxxx