Aibu to ask for an elective section

[Lavender14]

I'm currently 8 months pregnant and have always been very nervous about the idea of labour. I did a lot of work around this with hypnobirthing etc and it did help and I had planned a waterbirth, very natural etc. I mainly just wanted a very calm environment more than anything else. I've just been told that due to my insulin use I cannot have a waterbirth or use the pool and will need to give birth in bed with constant monitoring. I'm to be induced and they've said it's incase I need further intervention due to being high risk. So basically everything I absolutely did not want. I'm now massively anxious, feel like I've lost all control over the birth after what's been a very rough pregnancy and I'm thinking that I would much rather have a planned section if they are foreseeing me needing that much intervention anyways. Would I be unreasonable to ask for this and can they refuse to give me a section? I've cried every day since finding this out and to be honest the way the doctors explained it wasn't very clear and they didn't really explain any of the risks or why this decision had been taken. At the moment baby isn't measuring any bigger than they should be for this stage but I'm just a bit past myself now. Because of the anxiety around it I want to give myself time to mentally prepare for whatever type of birth I have so really hoping they'd agree to it at this stage? Anyone any thoughts or experience with this they'd be willing to share? Has anyone been refused an elective section? Also any advice on who I should ask, I'm consultant led care but apparently my consultant hasn't been in post since the summer when I tried to contact them this week and they couldn't tell me who was overseeing my care?

Definitely request it, you’re perfectly within your rights to ask and they should grant it.

Didn’t even read the details, answer is NO YANBU

The thing that struck me is that you feel the doctors haven't explained what's happening or the risks.

Before anything I'd insist on an appointment where they go through your medical situation and talk through the risks with you on each option.

Then you can make an informed choice

You absolutely need to go with your gut feeling!
I had very similar plans to you and ended up needing induction, I really didn't want one but despite all my reservations I just went along with it. I didn't have a good experience at all.
With my second I said from the very start I wanted a planned section due to the trauma of my first birth and no one ever questioned me, I had no issues being given a section.

You need to speak to your midwife, pretty quickly so you can talk through all of your options and understand the risks of both options.

You could have a lovely birth despite being induced, it's not always bad. But what's important is it happens the way you want it to and how you feel comfortable!

Definitely request one if that is what you want, you have every right to. I would try and contact your community midwife in the morning if you are 8 months pregnant so they can get you one booked as they won't want to book one over dates.
You would need to see a consultant to get booked in so the midwife should be able to get you seen by one who is actually in post.

During that appointment it might be worth asking them to outline what your actual risks are and whether they can make a plan with you to help allay some fears. Ultimately though, if you would like a planned c section then you should be able to have one. Any resistance from the consultant and you go back to your midwife and request to see another one. Stand up for yourself and your preferences if anyone questions it but my experience these days is that most consultants are happy to proceed with an elective c section for women that request this.
Good luck with everything x

You will get your section. I asked for one as I’m late ish 40s and more likely to tear due to my age, the consultant agreed and I was booked in. Anxiety is a v reasonable justification to request a section.

I find that as long as you go in with a sensible rationale, they will grant you what you want. (They actually have to give you a section if that’s what you ask for unless there is a medical reason that they can present that would cause you more harm than a vaginal birth).

If you want an ELCS for any reason (or no reason), you should be given one as long as you have a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of having one. Under your circumstances, I can completely see why you would want one. There are benefits and risks to every mode of birth, and you’re well within your rights to refuse an induction. A high percentage of first time inductions end in a c section anyway.

I would get in a request as soon as possible in view of how pregnant you are. But nobody can make you be induced. You don’t have to consent - and medically you have strong grounds for one.

Ultimately they cannot deny you of a c section of that's your choice. They have to make you aware of the risks, but the decision is yours and if they try and tell you no then keep persisting if that's what you want

Before even reading the details I say if you want one you request one. If you get any push back you request a doctor who will book you in. It’s totally your decision.

Oh OP I’m sorry to hear your plans have gone awry. I had a slightly similar situation with my second pregnancy. First labour with first DC had almost been a water birth and I was adamant I wanted to get my water birth second time around! Alas it was not meant to be and I was offered an induction and told DS needed to arrive before 40 weeks, I refused and got booked in for an ELCS. I do think part of this was me being a second time mum and being more aware that I could advocate for myself. You need to go with what feels right and just know that the ball is ultimately in your court even if the doctors are initially trying to steer you down the induction path.

Hi OP, I found myself in more or less the same situation a few weeks ago. Had always been very anxious about labour/birth but after much research on hypnobirthing, I settled on a water birth at a MLU. Unexpected complications popped up late into third trimester that meant I had to have an induction with likelihood of intervention, I was going past myself with anxiety and eventually decided on ELCS. I was worried I would regret putting myself through a major operation but it turned out to be the best decision for me and helped me feel in control of the situation. I requested ELCS through my consultant and was booked in the following week, DC arrived safe and sound.

As others said above, it is your right to request ELCS. Do whatever feels right for you.

Good luck XO

Just wanted to say a wee thanks to everyone who posted, got an appointment and set a date for section at the end of the month. They barely questioned it and said they could tell I'd put a lot of thought and research in so thanks to everyone who gave advice I appreciate it!