Can I ask for a c section if i have had an emergency one before?

[mumfor1standfinaltime]

I had very tough birth with ds, dh is thinking we should maybe try for another baby, I am also thinking the same. But the birth scares me to death and I really am scared to do it all again (hence my name) Would I be able to choose to have an elective?

most likely you can , some obs will be more willing than others to schedule a planned c.s

i would suggest that whatever mode of delivery, you deal with the trauma from the first, by contacting either the birth trauma association or birth crisis.

very important to have closure on your feelings re the first birth before you embark on another pregnancy.

good luck TTC

You would need to have that discussion with the consultant. In the meantime, you might want to talk to someone about what happened last time and how it has left you feeling.

I had a horrible labour which ended in an emergency c-section and am terrified of going for a VBAC, so I do sympathise.

i was allowed too.think chat to consulltant then youll know for sure before you start ttc.

Thankyou for kind words and advice. Even though ds is nearly 3 now I still think about the birth and things leading upto the birth on an almost daily basis. I think I may need to talk about it. If ds is misbehaving or not wanting a cuddle etc I sometimes blame it on his birth or blame myself which sounds daft I know.

Please talk to someone. Don't blame yourself at all. After 19 hours in labour, I had to have an emergency CS. Has put me off having more children. Will be trying for one next year and have told GP and consultant who will book me in for an elective CS.

I think I may talk to my gp then for some advice.
I recently had to go for an ultra sound as I have been having problems with periods and having pains down below, my gp sent me for ultrasound and I burst into tears when she said I had to go to hospital, felt like I could have talked to her then but just couldn't let it out!

I had an emergency section and it was a given that I could have another if I wanted too. I had 2VBACs instead.

I guess I will just have to see how things pan out. Maybe it would be best to see how I feel at the time.

checkout the NICE guidelines

"the decision about mode of birth after a previous CS should take into
consideration:
? maternal preferences and priorities
? a general discussion of the overall risks and benefits of CS
? risk of uterine rupture
? risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity."

(section 10.3)

I had an em c/s first time round and was asked whether I wanted an el c/s or VBAC, so it was basically my choice.

I had 17 hours of labour followed by an emergency C section under a general... I've been told I can go for a VBAC or elective... If you go for a VBAC they dont induce you (is this just local to me?) due to your scarring from first time round so you could go over and end up with a c section anyway - having said that I've heard people have nightmare labours and VBAC been fine in comparison!!

Good luck and am sure you'll do fine when the times come - you seem to just find the strength when you need it eh?!!

I'm 7 weeks ish with number 2 now!!

mumfor1, I can totally understand your situation. I had a terrible experience with ds1. I went through cognitive behavior therapy as well as lots of posting about it here - great MN support system! Anyway, when ds1 was about 2 1/2 I felt ready to try again but definitely didn't want anything other than an elective this time around. It all went beautifully with ds2 and has really in many ways finalized the recovery from all of the trauma surrounding ds1's birth.

I have been exactly where you are except I got pg only a year later!
I phoned up the hospital's Birth Afterthoughts counselling dept and asked for an off-the-record recommendation for a consultant who would not try and push me into a VBAC. I cried on my GP a lot and he wrote what must have been a super referral letter because the consultant booked in my elective Csec at our first meeting (about 21wks.) I cried on my way into the consultant's office and on the way out too as I was so relieved. Having my baby my way really cured me. I'm now ready to consider a VBAC with this baby!
In the meantime, do have a look here, you are totally not alone.

Thanks so much for your stories everyone. It has made me realise I am not alone on this and that other people have found ways to recover and get on with their lives.
I suppose I don't want to regret not having at least thought about having another child just because of a bad experience.
Jabberwocky, I am glad you have found some closure .
Good luck clarec22!

PoinsettiaBouquets, so glad you found the strength. Good for you and wish you all the best

I might not have had the courage to have another child had DS not arrived by accident!

In your situation I'm sure any consultant would agree a section would be an option for you. I think it's slightly safer if you've already had one section anyway.
Good luck.

You could be right there PoinsettiaBouquets! Glad it has worked well for you. Thanks to everyone. I shall be taking things one step at at time, it has made me feel better just typing things down.

I am having an elective c/s on Monday next week after an emergency c/s two years ago. The midwife told me at 8 weeks pg that it was my choice and I should not allow the hospital to tell me otherwise. I would have preferred a nat birth this time but as baby was showing 9lbs at 36 weeks and size was a factor in the problems I had first time (9lbs at 40 +6), they have advised a c/s. They told me that 65% of mums who try for a nat birth after an emergency c/s are successful. I didn't think these were great odds (!) and as you would have to have a c/s if you went overdue (they won't induce you at my hosp if you've had a c/s), I have agreed. Speak to your midwife & consultant, I'm sure they will be receptive.

Good luck Spanna07. Don't forget to take some peppermint teabags for the trapped wind.
My elective was surprisingly fun, the most painful part was that one of the needles felt like having holly rubbed in your back briefly.

Thanks Poinsettia, I have re-packed hospital bag tonight so will add some peppermint tea. I don't remember the wind from the last c/s but i was such a cabbage after such a long labour and than an emerg c/s, that I may well have just forgotten. I do remember it took days and days to do a poo though!!!

Good luck with your c section and thanks for the encouragement!
Ds was born at 9lb 12 oz and he was a day early, so another reason for me to consider a c section too! Wish you all the best

lulumama- thanks for the emcouragement - I have contacted the birth trauma organisation and they have been very helpful.

i also had an emergency c-section as my ds was in transverse position, all very rushed and quite a shock as born at 36 weeks. all ok though. i had hoped for a natural birth with my second but was given the option of a section. my consultant adv cannot go overdue, be induced and only allowed to be in labour for max of 8 hours if did go into labour on my own due to previous c-section. However as cannot go overdue i was booked in for a secion 4 days before due date and as hadn't gone into labour the section went ahead. It was all very calm and a lovely experince. Hpe this helps

Thanks kathtwokids, it sounds like you had a lot of help and advice, which is a good thing.
I am happy to stay with just us and ds at the moment but it has made me feel less scared about the prospect of a number 2.