When do I request an elective c section?

[blebbleb]

I'm only 9 weeks in my second pregnancy so obviously have plenty of time, but I was wondering when they go through birth choices? I had my son at 34 weeks via c section due to preeclampsia and I'm very sure I want a c section this time round. They said they would book me in with a Vbac midwife around 36 weeks but that's not why I want. When do I start pressing about booking a c section?

It should be easier to get a c section the second time round - on your next appt make it clear you want a section and they should book it in for you - they did with me anyway

Got push back first time but none the second

@PennyDeadful thanks I'll mention it next time. Got myself all anxious about it earlier but I have plenty of time I guess!

I just booked in for an elective section (37 wks) as things had changed with my birth plan and i just wasn't happy. In our trust you have to ask the midwife to refer you to the birth preferences consultant who will have a series of meetings to establish why you want a section and to make sure you're fully informed in your choice, then they book you in. I imagine you don't need to do this if you've been medically advised to have a section. I found i had to really get into it with the midwife which was a bit upsetting as I wasn't fully prepared for that but when I saw my normal consultant she was totally lovely and booked us in straight away. Still haven't got a date to meet the birth preferences consultant yet.

I wanted an ELCS for my second following birth trauma with my first. I just mentioned it at every appointment (including booking in) and asked the midwife at every appointment “has the process for booking me in for an elective section started yet and is there anything I need to do at this stage to make sure that happens”. Had to push a fair bit, not that anyone seemed particularly anti me having an ELCS but just more that I needed to make sure everyone was doing what they needed to to make it happen, but got there in the end!

I talked about my first birth at my booking in appointment and midwife was supportive of an elcs. I've got a telephone consultation with a consultant at 23 weeks which I assume will be to discuss it in more detail.

Given you've already had a section of just mention it at booking in.

It might not be until after 20 weeks that anything gets firmed up, but given your history you should get your date quite easily.

I mentioned it at my first appointment and was told at 20 weeks they'll schedule appointments with a consultant and VBAC midwife, I have a 16 week appointment in two weeks so will remind them!

I 100% want an elective so will be pushing for it

At our hospital if you’ve already had a section before you’re automatically booked in to see a consultant at 16 weeks to discuss your choice of birth this time with them. I had an emergency section first time after a terrible time and had absolutely no resistance for an elective 2nd time I just couldn’t decide myself which I’d prefer at the time so never decided fully till 36 weeks. With my 3rd pregnancy (after 2 csections) they recommended another csection and probably would have put up a bit of resistance had I suggested I wanted a vaginal.
im now pregnant with my 4th, a vaginal birth is completely off the cards to be honest, the option has never been discussed with me.

If you are certain it’s what you want and you have had one previously it’s unlikely they will object. Just be sure that’s what you want and think about future pregnancies too (if you want any) as after 2 sections your unlikely to have a vaginal birth and the more csections you have the higher the chances of you having complications become.