Can I refuse a c section?

[smileygirl1995]

Title says it all, so I have my anaesthetists phone call in the morning and I know because my bmi is higher that's why they are calling, I've actually been good and lost weight since I first found out (not on purpose, mainly due to sickness at the start and now feeling fuller quicker) so I am actually lower bmi slightly to when I first found out, at my last scan baby boy is potentially measuring big I have another scan next week, it might have been a growth spurt and he's levelled out but he might be bigger again I'm a tad nervous....
Anyway I'm really against having a c section I'd prefer to go completely natural (I have nothing against sections at all it's just personally not my cuppa tea) so no judgement from me and if I need to I will, but can I refuse one if they suggest it....I want to know I will be listened to?
As I say if I have to if he's in distress etc or it's will cause him harm I will but I just wondered if it's purely because I'm bigger then can I say no....?

I mean, except if there are risk factors (baby being breech, low lying placenta, etc) then having a c section is optional. In any case they can't force a c-section on you (though obviously you should have one if medically indicated).

Long story short, I don't believe they can force you to have a c section just because you have a higher bmi, but you should speak with whoever will be delivering your baby so you can make your wishes clear and rest easy (or change doctors, although I don't think it'll be necessary).

Yes of course you can decline anything, it’s your body and they have to have your permission to do anything to it not the other way round.

the best thing you can do is seek balanced information and make the best decision for yourself with everything considered.

You can always refuse.
The consultant should go over which risks increase because of your size and any other circumstances. If you still choose to rfeuse they should work with you to identify a plan you both find acceptable.

But I don't know that that's a conversation for the anethatist.

I think you only have a pre birth conversation with the anethetist if there is a risk of the anaesthetic or epidural not working for you so you need a plan in advance. This doesn’t mean you need to have a caesarean. You can refuse an elective caesarean but it does not sound like you have one booked in. You could probably refuse an emergency caesarean too but then what would happen.

The anaesthetist probably won't be suggesting you have a CS - this appointment is for them to gather a bit more information, and to discuss options and risks of anaesthesia for whatever method of delivery you go for. You don't have to accept any intervention that you don't want, but it's worth listening to what they have to say to help you make a realistic plan.

I felt the same as you. C-sections terrified me and I was more scared of them then giving birth (fear of surgery basically). However when it came to it and my baby was stuck I simply didn't care. The drs knew I was terrified and where very supportive. Just listen to the professionals

You can always refuse surgery. Just listen to what they say and make sure baby is safe.

I am also pregnant with a higher BMI and have an appointment with the anaesthetist in a couple of weeks. My consultant told me not to worry about it and I shouldn't read too much into it, it is purely so they can make a plan in advance in case I need to be anaesthetised during labour eg if I need an emergency c section. They may, of course, recommend a c section in advance if it looks like the safest option depending on what happens with the baby's size/positioning etc and should go through the risks of the options with you, but have others have said, the decision is ultimately yours.

If you look at the labourpains website there’s an info leaflet explaining some of the reasons that it’s a good idea to speak to anaesthetist ahead of your delivery (think it’s called ‘high BMI and anaesthesia’ or something like that). HTH.

Thank you everyone! Completely forgot I posted this so apologies I have only just read the replies, as it happens I had nothing to worry about and the lady was absolutely lovely, due to covid rules it was all done over the phone so not an in person check up which I feel might have been better but I still got some answers to a few of my worries, and she was so lovely and understanding, I think I've read so many horror story's of higher bmi people being pushed into things I've almost had my walls up from the start, this has been something I've wanted for a long time and it might be the only time I get to do this so I want to remember it all even the painful parts (I'll remind myself of that at the time haha 😆) but it seems she's happy with me going natural she just wanted to talk through options and see what I was thinking and explain a few things really. Put my mind at ease a bit on that side of it to so that was good, now I've just got a few more days to wait to see if the little man is measuring big and I might be induced or he just had a growth spurt I'm hoping for the later haha Cx

That's definitely wrong. You can decline absolutely anything you want, for any reason you want. It's your body!

That doesn't mean you should though!