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Original poster

C-section rights - what are they?

11 replies

robinp66 · 15/02/2022 12:22

Hello,

This is a little bit embarrassing, but I have the HSV virus and often have outbreaks. I am worried about passing this onto baby during delivery, even though the doctor tells me the risk is 0-3% if an outbreak is present. To me - this is still a risk and I would like to request a c-section.

What are my rights to do this in the UK? Can the doctors say no to a c-section? Thank you.

OP posts:
ChittyBangs · 15/02/2022 12:23

You absolutely have a maternal right to request a section.
Some try to talk you out of it, some don't.
If you want one, stick to your guns.
Tell your MW and she will get an app with consultant sorted.

theruffles · 15/02/2022 12:30

You have a right to give birth how you would like so you can request a c-section. You may find that the midwife/dr will try to talk you out of it - c-sections are more costly for the NHS - but stick to your guns and ask to speak to someone else if they try and dissuade you.
I wanted an elective c-section with DC2 and went in fully expecting to have a battle on my hands but it was actually very easy and they listened to me and booked a c-section with a consultant there.

Original poster
robinp66 · 15/02/2022 12:33

Thank you @theruffles - that makes me feel a lot more confident. I have a fear that my midwife will push me the other way and I won't have the strength to say no that's not what I want!

OP posts:
Original poster
robinp66 · 15/02/2022 12:33

@ChittyBangs

You absolutely have a maternal right to request a section. Some try to talk you out of it, some don't. If you want one, stick to your guns. Tell your MW and she will get an app with consultant sorted.
Thank you. I have messaged my midwife :-)
OP posts:
Maui69 · 15/02/2022 12:54

Have you been offered aciclovir from 36 weeks OP?

LaBellina · 15/02/2022 12:56

Do no harm is the most important rule that doctors have to follow - if a C section is safe in your position then you should get one on your request.

N0va · 15/02/2022 13:08

I had a semi elective emergency c section. I made the decision in hospital after being in a few days to be induced. The consultant came and spoke to me and said he wouldn't recommend it for my age and first baby but he was happy that it was right for me at that time (lots went on, I had my reasons for requesting) and just explained the risks. I felt at the start he was trying to talk me out of it but the midwife explained my reasons as I got upset and he was very understanding.

cherryblossom01 · 15/02/2022 15:39

@Maui69

Have you been offered aciclovir from 36 weeks OP?
I have been taken this since about 25 weeks as I was getting recurrent outbreaks. Still getting outbreaks however due to lack of sleep / being run down so much
Maui69 · 15/02/2022 15:55

Sorry to hear that cherryblossom01, I guess some people are just more prone to outbreaks unfortunately. Some people never have an outbreak after their initial one. If you have an outbreak in the last 6 weeks of your pregnancy, you should be offered a c-section anyway I think.

satelliteheart · 15/02/2022 16:05

It will depend on your nhs trust how easy/difficult it is to get one. In my trust it's relatively easy, you do need to see a consultant to be sure you fully understand all the risks but they are big on maternal choice so if it's definitely what you want you will get it. My friend in a different part of the country had a real struggle to get an elective c section and really had to fight for it. But the nhs are supposed to allow maternal choice so just keep pushing. Good luck. I hope you get the birth you want without too much stress

Ifailed · 15/02/2022 16:09

just keep pushing

Hmm, there's a joke in there somewhere.

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