Can I ask for a C Section?

[Scotty22]

Hi, I am 34 weeks pregnant at the moment after having many rounds of IVF and early miscarriages and a lost at 19 weeks. I have been trying to be relaxed about labour and go with the flow with whatever the midwife/doctor thinks is best but I had a bit of a melt down at New Year. When all my family and friends was wishing me happy new year and saying "oh so excited now the baby is due this year".

I am now worrying that something goes wrong again and I let everyone down again, I just want the my baby boy out as quickly and safely as possible. Am I able to ask for a section?

Yes you can. Speak to your midwife and they’ll refer you to the consultant to speak to you about it. I had an elective C-section, I had to see the consultant about 3 times in the later half of pregnancy, the date of surgery was confirmed around 35/36weeks.

Of course you can! Speak to your midwife. I had my first like that for similar reasons. You might have to hang about a bit on the day as urgent sections rightly take precedence but it’s v common.

Yes you definitely can. Maternal request is a valid reason for a planned c section. There's info here about this:

www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/#:~:text=Asking%20for%20a%20caesarean&text=If%20after%20discussing%20all%20the,to%20a%20doctor%20who%20will.

You might also be offered counselling from specialist midwives if you'd want to try that first/as well.

Yes you can. You have the right to a c section if that’s what you want.

Thanks everyone, that's reassuring. I have scan, midwife and consultant appointments next week so I will talk things over with them.

I thought I was doing well keeping my head together but I cant shake the panic that something could go wrong and I will loose him.

I think a referral to the counselling midwives might be useful regardless of what birth choice you decide on. It sounds like the whole situation is causing a rise in anxiety for you.

You absolutely can ask, and if your consultant doesn't agree, I believe they have to refer you to one who will. Mine was super understanding, and happy for me to have a section, and I did not have such as strong emotional reason as you do.

Also, please do not think you've let anyone down. Pregnancy loss is devastating for everyone, but I can't imagine anyone feels that you've let them down. The universe, perhaps, or fate, or science. But not you.

Much love.

They may also ask you to speak to the perinatal mental health team which in my experience is very helpful. They were lovely and supported my CS request.

Yes, of course you can.
My sil booked an elective c section, which is where you are given a fixed date to go in for a c section.
She was due Christmas and didn't want the uncertainty of going into labour then so booked a date about a week before.

She recovered really well and much quicker than I thought.

Speak to your midwife about getting one booked in, they can advise you of all the options and how it works.
But yes, you can ask for whatever you feel comfortable doing. You can change your mind, too.

I'd highly recommend looking at The Honest Midwife and the classes. You can chose topic specific ones which are much cheaper than a whole course (around £25) and she answers a lot of questions during the class (online) she's a midwife in the NHS so is fully aware of things (whereas our NCT teacher can't /doesn't really answer the nitty gritty questions so well as she's unaware of specific details)

Yes you can request one, you don't have to make a decision right now either. You can wait and see if you go into labour naturally and if not you can request one instead of an induction if thats what you would prefer.

Have you done a hypnobirthing course? I recommend Thepositivebirthcompany one even if you are completely set on a C section.

Unfortunately C sections don't come without risks and you should be fully informed before you commit to a c section.

Yes, I had an elective c section & under general aesthetic too. No problems.