Chances of ELCS?

[grosgirl]

Will try to keep this brief. Had DS nearly 5 years ago. Vaginal birth with second degree tear.

At some point after, developed a prolapse/ rectocele. Was referred by GP to gyne and had a telephone consultation. Was then referred to general surgery and after a series of cancellations, saw them a couple of weeks ago after 20 months of waiting.

However, I'm now 9 weeks pregnant so not much they can currently do and the doctor has rearranged the appointment for 12 months time, referred me to pelvic floor specialist nurses and told me to ask my midwife about an ELCS.

I had my booking in appointment this week and they had already seen the referral in my medical history and have requested my pregnancy be consultant led so I can discuss the possibility of an ELCS.

I'd like to hear other women's opinions really. Is this something I should be pushing for or could a second vaginal birth not make much different to the existing issue?

If there is no way to tell, is it worth the risk or would you take an ELCS just in case?

I'd prefer to have a midwife led pregnancy but I'm not really sure why?! And I think I'd prefer a vaginal birth but maybe because that's all I know and the actual experience last time was positive.

Words of wisdom greatly appreciated.

TIA

I should add, I'm not even sure it's something the consultant will entertain! I've no idea if an ELCS is something routinely offered to women with prolapses.

Maternal request is a valid reason for ELCS. If you want one, they should offer you one. You sound a bit unsure though so maybe good to talk it through with a consultant and a midwife to make an informed decision.

You have a maternal choice for ELCS. The consultant sound support this or refer to one that will.

I had a third degree tear with DS. Double prolapse. My consulate said he will support whatever choice I make this time. I'm 14 weeks

I requested a cs as I’d had an emcs first and was consultant led for my second. I had one telephone appointment with the consultant, the rest of the time it was exactly like my midwife led first pregnancy

I would speak to a women's health physio first. Just to make sure you have all the information you need to make a decision. In my head ( I have a prolapse which I manage with pelvic floor physio, excercise and diet.) I would tvwant major abdominal surgery as it would impact my core strength too much which I really rely on to manage my prolapse.

You cannot be refused an ELCS if that’s what you request.

Thanks so much for the replies. I had no idea maternal request was enough of a reason. Obviously that's totally right but as with everything to do with women's health, I assumed I would have a fight on my hands if that's what I decided.

@Whatelsecouldibecalled do you mind me asking if you've made your mind up? Or what you're currently thinking?

@tothemoonandbackbuses that's great to know. I don't even really know why I feel it's an issue.

@umberellaonesie thanks. If this is something that can be managed in the way you are, that sounds entirely favourable to me but I have very little information regarding the rectocele because I was at the beginning stages of having it investigated. I will definitely contact a physio.

I had my first baby 2 weeks ago as ELCS.
I was nervous but had no issue and at no point was I put off by antenatal teams. Accessing it was far more straightforward than I expected.

The delivery itself and recovery have been textbook and I am thrilled at how it went as vaginal birth was not for me

@grosgirl I'm thinking ELCS as I'm not sure I can go through the trauma of another 3/4 degree tear. Mine was nearly 4th degree.

I had a 3b tear just over 4 years ago with my DD and I'm considering ELCS for this very reason. I've been lucky not to have any prolapses, but I'm concerned about causing more damage if I was to tear again this time round x