Pregnancy after EMCS

[raevans]

Hi,

I am looking for any experiences or advice really…

I am nearly 7 months postpartum and ended up having an EMCS after a very long inducation. Cervix got to 10cm and after 2 hours of pushing they realised baby was coming down facing sideways. Ended up in theatre where they tried to vaginally turn baby but that didn’t work so ended in EMCS.

I was in hospital 4 days after the birth due to baby being in the NICU due to trauma from the birth. There were never any issues flagged with my scar etc and was never advised on when to try and conceive again.

Done a lot of research where having an EMCS when fully dilated can lead to premature birth in following pregnancies etc. I’m definitely not planning on trying in the next couple of months but was thinking potentially around the 9-10 month mark.

Also concerned that my first baby (girl) weighed close to 9lbs and whether getting pregnant too early could cause a scar rupture. I’m assuming that any future pregnancy could also be a high birth weight which could also affect scar?

Just looking for anyone with a similar birthing story or just any advice in general regarding this.

Thanks in advance 🙏x

I had a VBAC with a big birth weight baby. I decided to try for a VBAC as long as I went into labour naturally before 39 weeks. If I not had DD by 39 week I would have had a planned section.

You can request a birth reflection meetings to discuss your concerns about future pregnancies/birth.

@Iwishiwasasilentnight I didn’t realize that was something I could do, would be really helpful! Who do you usually contact to arrange that?
Thanks so much x

Hi there, I am a midwife workingon thelabourward. Sorry to hear you had a traumatic experience. Some babies do get into an awkward position and don't always turn. I am sorry to hear your little one was admitted to NICU it's not common. You can definitely request a debrief from either a Consultant midwife or a Consultant obstetrician, you need to write or email your maternity department and request one. The standard advice after a CS is to wait at least 12 months before trying to conceive ideally at least 18 months. In our hospital all women who had a CS at full dilatation get referred to prematurity clinic at the booking appointment to monitor the length of the cervix. Some women, not everyone, need a stitch to strengthen the cervix at around 16-18 weeks. If you try VBAC in the future your labour will be monitored very closely. Any delay and you would be offered a CS in labour to minimise the risk of the scar rupture. Women can give birth to big babies, however if the baby is big and/or in awkward position this causes delays which you experienced in your first labour. The labour has to proceed smoothly for a safe VBAC. Still 3 out of 4 women would be successful and even if the scar ruptures the outcomes are usually good - you will need to be counselled appropriately on this point, you will need either 1 to 1 appointment or a group session depending on what your hospital offers. Getting to normal BMI , eating sensibly in pregnancy and exercise are usually but not always very helpful for a successful VBAC. I hope it helps

@Kosenrufugirl thanks so much for your long reply and detail you’ve gone into! I’ll definitely get in contact with my maternity unit and request a debrief. Really appreciate your response x