39 weeks pregnant extremely anxious due to previous miscarriages

[Bailey8912]

Hi all,
im currently 39 weeks pregnant and extremely anxious. I had my son 3 years ago naturally with no issues. After that I went on to have two miscarriages which of course opens your eyes to the other things that’s can go wrong in pregnancy and how naive I was first time round.
I’ve booked for an elective c section as I don’t think I could do Labour due to panicking about every little thing.
a few weeks ago I was more relaxed I felt like I could do it naturally now I’m not sleeping I feel sick constantly with worry, I have a week till my c section date but I just don’t know whether to do it.
im petrified of soemthing going wrong in natural labour and me being hysterical and panicky. Then im
worried about a C-section for the baby.
just wondered if anyone has had these experiences and what they did? Or anyone had an elective c section and could share their story? Or just anything really I’m going out my mind with worry and anxiety so like minded people would be great to talk to xx

@Bailey8912 hey! I had an elective c section due to severe anxiety in my pregnancy, to the point where I was havjng counselling as I couldn't picture myself bringing a baby home, even at 38 weeks, I was absolutely terrified, the section most definitely helped, having a plan, knowing what would happen and things really helped me cope, if the section helps you have some control over the situation commit to it in your head and you will feel better once that decision is made xxx

Thank you so much for the reply. I had counselling after my miscarriages but I don’t feel as supported in this pregnancy. I’ve had the consultation about how the day will run if I choose to have it and it makes me feel more at ease, but I’m just worried if I’m making the right decision. I just want to do what ever is best for the baby I don’t care about me.
so when baby was born via c sec was there any concerns? Or were they all ok? Thank you so much again for replying

@Bailey8912 absolutely no concerns at all! The best thing for your baby is that you are in the best place possible, the baby will be born and passed to you straight away etc, you can still do skin to skin breast feed straight away, do not for one second feel guilty about what you need to do for your mental health. Why put extra stress fear and anxiety on yourself. I totally understand how you feel and I think once your decision is final you'll feel so much better, if you have any questions whatsoever please feel free to ask....

I'm currently six weeks pregnant after a horrific miscarriage at 12 weeks and my anxiety and fear is through the roof again, so I will 💯 be havjng an elective c section again xxxx

Do you have any other children? If so how did you cope with recovery? Tbh it’s not the be all and end all for me. As long as my baby is here safely I think what is a few weeks of being uncomfortable when you can guarantee the safe arrival of your baby. im also just anxious I heard that baby can have breathing problems from c section which is the thing putting me off.
the midwife for the c section I spoke to yesterday was lovely and so supportive and said I can leave it till the final minute and change my mind. I have a zoom meeting today then hoping I can make my mind up. But with the anxiety levels at the moment I just mentally don’t think I can cope with waiting or a natural Labour, I was feeling positive about it few weeks ago, but really gone down hill recently.. My midwife actually said to me she has never said to anyone before but she doesn’t thinks I would cope in Labour and c section may be the best.
I get so worked up and hysterically over every little thing like she couldn’t find the heart beat straight away at recent appt and I was beside myself also having my Covid jab I was hysterical hoping I’d done the right thing.
my brain is just driving me mad with worry I can’t sleep and it’s all I’m thinking about.
also so sorry to hear about your loss, mine were also horrific and very long drawn out I had to have intervention both times.. I think that’s what’s made me so anxious it just opens your eyes to you may get a positive pregnancy test it doesn’t always result in a baby and shouldn’t be take for granted. Xx

I had an emcs three years ago and everything went wrong for me. Had an extremely traumatic labour and suffered with ptsd.

I have just had an elcs two weeks ago, and I can't tell you how amazing it was in comparison. I would highly recommend it. It was very relaxed and I'd go as far as saying it was pleasant. I had it at 39 weeks exactly. Baby was born absolutely fine with no concerns. He cried straight away. Had no breathing problems. Because it was planned and not rushed, I think they squeeze them out in a natural type way, so it's not such a shock to suddenly be out.

If I was ever going to have another baby, I wouldn't hesitate to have another elcs. There was no pain and I was up and walking about the same day. Home the following day. I feel really good now and haven't needed any pain relief for a few days. Sometimes I'm a little sore if I do too much, but it's a good excuse to take it easy for a bit.

I think far better for your anxiety to have a planned section, than worry about a natural labour, that could then end up in an emcs situation.

Good luck and hope it all goes well.

Thank you! That’s such a reassuring story to hear. I think I’m swaying more towards it now as my nerves can’t take it any longer. Did you find it difficult caring for your baby when your partner went back to work?

After two weeks I'd say I felt totally fine! Xx

Hi all, I’m starting to feel a bit calmer last 2 days thinking maybe I can do it natural and it will be ok, I just don’t want o cancel my booking and then change my mind.
can I ask how you coped when you actually had the c section? Were you panicky when it was being done? I had a zoom meeting which has scared me about it then keep saying how it’s high risk the baby isn’t ready to be born yet and the risk of fluid on the lungs and resuscitation station petrifies me. I just don’t know what to do again, were you confident in your decisions about having a c section?

@Bailey8912 I was scared going into it but never for my Baby girl, I knew she would be perfectly fine, there was never a mention of fluid on the lungs to me x x