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Original poster

Sterilisation during c section

31 replies

Tinytortilla · 22/09/2022 20:08

Has anyone managed to get this agreed?

I have 3 DC and am unexpectedly pregnant with my 4th despite a coil.

All my babies have been premature and spent time in NICU, I’ve been poorly with all of them, a heart attack with my second!
in my last pregnancy my consultant understood my reasons for wanting to be sterilised but due to my circumstances she couldn’t get consent on ethical grounds, I was 30 weeks, severe debilitating pgp resulting in crutches, having only weeks prior lost my dad suddenly. I under why she thought I wasn’t of sane mind to make such a decision and she offered a coil at the time of delivery instead.

I’m terrified of being pregnant again, of dying during my c section, having an incredibly poorly baby again, it just wasn’t meant to be this way. I’m sure I cannot do it again, I intend to mention sterilisation at every single midwife and consultant appointment so they know I’m not just “fed up”, but has anyone ever actually had sterilisation in c section agreed as I know it’s not commonly done anymore

OP posts:

FriedasCarLoad · 22/09/2022 20:10

Do you know why it isn't usually done any more?

(Sorry, I know I'm not actually helping, although I really hope you're allowed it this time).

MeridasMum · 22/09/2022 20:15

I did, however, this was 9 years ago so things may have changed.

I mentioned it at every appointment, then at the last moment when you have a 'chat' with the surgeon (about the risks etc) I said it again.

He was absolutely fine about it - he was surprised in an "oh, ok" kind of way. I was worried (and annoyed) at that point as my many mentions of it were not in my notes, but he immediately agreed it was fine, I signed consent and that was it.

Peapop777 · 22/09/2022 20:16

Yes I had this after 3 c sections, had no problem with the doctor agreeing to it.
I'm a type 1 diabetic, 3rd pregnancy, all pregnancies were good, no problems and I was 27 so was worried they would say I was too young.
This was 17 years ago so maybe things have changed since then but can't think of any reason they would not let you be sterilized.

ijustneedasleep · 22/09/2022 20:20

Sorry you're going through such a rough time OP, pregnancy is hard at the best of times without all that extra stress.

I've had 3 c sections and was sterilised during my last. I mentioned it to the consultant each time I saw them and while they had to tell me about how it's not 100% effective etc, they were all okay with it going ahead, even though I was only 31.
I think I remember a consultant once saying I had to have mentioned it twice before they could properly talk about it, so just keep mentioning at your appointments.

They did say that it wasn't always possible during the c section, as everything is swollen, so they would see on the day but with mine they managed it, and obviously they'll let you know if they did it didn't manage.

I should say as well that it didn't make any difference to my recovery either so if it's definitely what you want then advocate for yourself.

By the sounds of things though a vasectomy is the way to go, if it's possible. Sole responsibility is not on you!

Feel free to ask any questions! Hope you're doing okay

SantaCarlaCalifornia · 22/09/2022 20:21

I had it done during a c-section 4.5 years ago.
I wanted it done but didn't bother saying anything during the pregnancy as I was high risk anyway so I thought they'd say no.
Luckily on the morning of the operation, they asked if I wanted a coil put in during the op and I said no because DH intended to have a vasectomy soon after. They asked if I wanted to be sterilised and I jumped at the chance.

SantaCarlaCalifornia · 22/09/2022 20:22

BTW I was 37 and on my 3rd c-section.

TheWayTheLightFalls · 22/09/2022 20:25

I was offered this while literally on the operating table, in 2021. I assumed it was routine (or maybe it's just for twin parents who would usually avoid trying for another!).

No advice but wishing you well.

theginge · 22/09/2022 20:26

I asked when I was booked in for my section 2 years ago and the consultant got me the forms to sign there and then, no arguments (3rd baby). I didn't end up having a section so obviously didn't have it done but they were more than agreeable when I asked!

syntoandtoast · 22/09/2022 20:28

I work in obstetrics theatres. We do sterilisation post section nearly everyday of the week!

Arwen7 · 22/09/2022 20:30

In my trust the Doctor operating will offer it beforehand if it's a 3rd csection or more. But definitely ask for it if that's what you wish.

zebrapig · 22/09/2022 20:33

I had it agreed for my second section 5 years ago (4th preganancy, 2 miscarriages). Ended up with EMCS at 33 weeks so they wouldn't do it. I was so disappointed.

Original poster

Tinytortilla · 22/09/2022 20:35

Thank you so much, this has given me so much hope I won’t be immediately shot down!

All 3 previous babies were c section so hopefully there won’t be too much of a fight

OP posts:

Original poster

Tinytortilla · 22/09/2022 20:36

@zebrapig did you ask and did they give you a reason why?

all of my sections were planned and scheduled for 38/9 weeks but became ‘emergency’ due to waters breaking/labour starting/unhappy baby beforehand

OP posts:

Pheepa · 22/09/2022 20:55

I’m 26 weeks and was offered the choice at my 20 week consultant appt when she wanted to talk about contraception after birth. I hadn’t even considered it as an option but think I will opt for it over DH having the snip as was the plan. It is my 3rd section and I’m 39 so not sure if age/number of sections played a part

zebrapig · 22/09/2022 22:07

@Tinytortilla I was so taken aback by DS early arrival that I didn't really question it. I think because we were both at risk, the main thing was to get him out quickly. Also it was 8pm on 21st Dec and heading towards Christmas they had timed everything for shift handovers because they were concerned how he would be. I was really I'll having DD and was just glad to be avoiding that the second time.

Bicthebiro · 22/09/2022 22:11

My friend did. But it was 7 years ago. It was her fourth baby and fourth csection. She was actually advised to have no more babies due to the number of sections she had and complications she had in each one (which resulted in still birth of her first baby)

Chdjdn · 22/09/2022 22:18

When I had my baby by elective section in 2020 they were offering it to the women who had 3 or more sections so I thought it was standard

starflake · 22/09/2022 22:24

I’m in Ireland and having this done at my section at 39 weeks which will be in 6 weeks. They offered it to me at my booking in appointment when I asked for a section.

THNG5 · 22/09/2022 22:28

I had it done 3 years ago during my c section of my third . 6 months later, I was pregnant. Although I was told of the failure rate (1 in 200), I found out after that the failure rate goes up if done during a section as everything is swollen.
If I'd known, I would have done it at another time.

RebeccaCloud9 · 22/09/2022 22:33

When I had my 2nd in 2017, the woman next to me was advised strongly to have it done because of how many sections she'd had and how many complications.

I'm about to have my 3rd but we are going for the vasectomy route rather than me, because of how much more effective it is, and the risk of ectopics after sterilisation.

user9825401 · 22/09/2022 22:37

I did when I had dd.

The dr wasn't keen because of my age and did the whole "if the baby dies, you might want another" but I brought it up at every single appointment with my consultant.

I was taken in weeks early due to pre eclampsia and told the staff on the ward I wanted to be sterilised and they got a consent form very quickly.

You can smell burning when it's being done.

I've had 2 high risk, difficult pregnancies and my planned cesarean nearly killed me so I'm glad they at least agreed to that after what they put me through during the delivery.

junkdrawer · 22/09/2022 22:48

I had a planned c section almost a year ago to the day. They actively asked me if I wanted sterilised - it was my second baby. I declined but things must now have changed.

Pheepa · 23/09/2022 08:21

Does anyone know if there are tests afterwards to check it has worked like there is with a vasectomy? My sister also keeps mentioning how she would prefer to stay on the mini pill because of how it could help with menopause symptoms and reduce the risk of female cancers so I’m not sure which way to go. I thought I wanted to come off hormonal contraceptives as I’ve been on them all of my adult life but now I’m not sure!

THNG5 · 23/09/2022 09:33

Pheepa · 23/09/2022 08:21

I did it as I was fed up of taking contraception.
So apart from falling pregnant after (obviously not great!), I've actually gone back on the mini pill as my periods were getting so bad. I don't know if this was due to sterilisation, my age (40), or something else but I was having very heavy periods which lasted 7+ days. So after 2 years, I'm back on contraception! It's great though as now I have no periods.

Comz · 29/09/2022 12:29

Sorry to jump on this but I’ve had the go ahead to have my tubes fully removed during my planned c section 2 weeks today (pregnant with twins and 35). I checked with my midwife about hospital trust policies as some don’t like to do it but mine does so she put it in my notes, I then spoke to my consultant about it and then again when I signed the consent form for the c section and it was added to that too. They don’t like to do it through a c section due to the risk of failure being 1/100 due to swelling of pregnancy (if you have clips or a small section removed). Where as standardly it’s 1/200. My friend had hers done through c section at the same hospital 9 months ago and it was all over her paperwork and she still had to tell the surgeon on the day to do it and they asked how permeant she wanted it (clips can be removed, small sections of tubes can be rejoined but a full tube cannot be replaced. Age and how many children you have is a big factor for most hospitals 4 or more babies under 35 is when they like to agree sterilisation without too much fuss. It’s a big decision to make, I’m definitely done populating society plus I can only take one form of contraception and if that fails I’m not allowed to take anything other.

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