Fibroid + elective C-Section ... or Natural Birth

[FLYMO]

I am new to mumsnet and not sure of etiquette re: posting on two topics but I wasn't sure whether this was best under pregnancy or childbirth, so I've done both and hoping that's OK. Anyway, I wondered if anybody could share their experiences on vaginal birth versus c-section, with a fibroid? I have one (over 10cm) on the anterior wall. At the 20 week scan they said it wasn't blocking the cervix, so shouldn't cause a problem, but I have a scan booked for 36 weeks (I'm now 32), to determine where the baby is in relation to the fibroid, and whether I will need to have a c-section as a result. My main concern is that I don't want to try for a natural birth, and then end up with an emergency c-section (for whatever reason), largely because I think(?) c-sections with fibroid can be more dangerous? I don't really understand how it works (this is my first) but say an emergency c-section was needed in the middle of the night who would be available to do this!!? And how would they know where the fibroid is etc etc? I think I am being quite paranoid about this and it's probably nothing to worry about at all - but I'm just wondering what I need to ask the consultant at the 36 week scan! Thanks in advance for any info!

Some natural births with fibroids can be dangerous, rather than the other way around, because the fibroid can bleed out.

They should be able to see the fibroid at the 36 week scan and measure it.

Hi Flymo

I had 6 fibroids (a few around 12 cm round and some smaller ones) and it was thought throughout my earlu pregnancy that I would be better off having an elective c section.

However, I was scanned regularly and none of them were near the "exit route" so my consultant encouraged me to try a natural birth. To be honest, I wasn't keen on the idea and like you, dreaded the thought of doing all the labour stuff and then having to have an emergency c section

Anyway - long story short - I had a natural birth and everything went really well. (9lb 12 oz baby with gas and air only and I promise I am the world's biggest wuss when it comes to pain )

There is a higher risk of post partem bleeding, but your consultant will be aware of this so you will be given a drip straight after the birth to help your uterus contract. I had also read that fibroids could mean that your contractions are less effective in the first stage of labour but my consultant didn't believe that to be the case and it certainly wasn't true in my case (about 10 hours of contractions in total and it was my first so slightly shorter than average)

ANyway - hope that's helped. Let me know if you have any more questions