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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

C section IVF

32 replies

Reddy01 · 20/08/2024 21:11

I am just wondering how many IVF couples ended up being told or recommended to have a C section? I only know a few natural conceptions that have had natural births but IVF seems to always be a planned C section. Does anyone have any experience of this? Anyone told to have and they refused and all went to plan?

We are IVF and I am just trying to plan ahead. This pregnancy has gone really well with little to no symptoms nor complications so far but I feel it is a bit presumptuous to have to have a C section just because of the IVF stats that we might not fit into?

Any advice etc welcome!

OP posts:
2mumlife · 21/08/2024 10:01

Please please please address the biggest issue here - the feeling / assumption medical staff 'tell you' what you can/cannot do. Its your body, and YOU must give CONSENT to anything. This attitude is so pervasive and its horrifying that so many women talk about their medical choices as if medical staff get to decide and they don't need to give consent (sorry rant over! Just hate the idea of woman walking around feeling unempowered!).

I'm on my second pregnancy, both after success FETs. I was advised by consultant to induce at due date with my DD, told him politely absolutely not as no medical reason to do so other than method of conception. I had a very easy pregnancy, no medical issues with myself or baby. I declined all interventions (no sweeps etc) and went into spontaneous labour at 41 weeks. I wanted aa non-medicated labour as possible, so used birthing pool and gas and air. Eventually moved to a (non-emergency) forceps delivery due to a long labour and long pushing stage. I'm very pleased with the choices made throughout. This time around consultant has been far less pushy about induction as knows my views. We're currently planning for a home birth, as again there is so far no medical issues with myself or baby.

I've had additional growth scans in both pregnancies due to method of conception. Research is interesting actually, as last time I looked whilst there was evidence that babies born from fresh embryo transfers were on average smaller than babies conceived naturally, actually babies born from frozen embryo transfers are on average larger than babies conceived naturally.

I think as with any decisions in pregnancy you need to look at your own circumstances and risk factors. I feel confident in waiting for spontaneous labour, but I'm in my mid 30s, have no medical issues, and used IVF due to needing donor sperm. I've had 1 easy pregnancy with no complications, and a birth with minimal issues. My DD was 8lbs 7oz. In my current pregnancy, again there are no known medical issues, and this baby is currently following same growth trajectory as DD, so I'm assuming will be of a similar size. If my personal circumstances were different, and risk of complications higher, I might very well make different medical decisions.

Hopeful16 · 21/08/2024 10:26

I was told that the risks were due to the placenta breaking down past the due date more within IVF but also my midwife said that she was unsure how the baby/ my body knew it was IVF once implanted- something that I found strangely comforting.
My first IVF birth was natural and I was told by the doctor on duty it was 'textbook'. My second was induced at term - boy baby who was far too comfortable! Personally I'd have been happy waiting a bit longer but they wouldn't let me.
Best of luck.

Peonies12 · 21/08/2024 10:29

Farmhouse1234 · 20/08/2024 21:24

Can I ask, how is ivf a risk factor? Genuinely interested, not being narky!

I had ivf and planned c-section. I had other health concerns but got the impression that the ivf bit also contributed to the agreement for c-section.

I don't actually know, I was just told by a friend who had IVF that it 'counted' as a risk factor, when she was having her antenatal care.

Peonies12 · 21/08/2024 10:30

OP, please remember everything is advice and everything is an offer. You can't be told what to do. The BRAIN decision making tool is really helpful, if you know about that.

TuVuoiFaLamericano · 21/08/2024 10:31

Personally never heard of this before. I had a natural birth with my icsi baby. No complications, all fine.

Reddy01 · 21/08/2024 11:20

I don't want to tag you all but I honestly can't thank you all enough for this advise and stories. I am open to c section if it is needed but I just feel like if there is nothing wrong then why not treat it like a normal pregnancy. Interesting to hear of those that have issues/problems/different diagnosis in later stages still not getting c sections unless necessary. Great to know! I will be doing a lot of research so I know how to stand up for myself but it is very much unknown since it is my first baby and i just want to do whatever is best for baby. Thank you all, I mean it!

OP posts:
2mumlife · 21/08/2024 11:46

OP can recommend the "Give birth like a feminist" book - I don't agree with everything in it, but its a good read to make you angry every time anyone suggests that they don't have a choice in their pregnancy care. Also this site is a good place to start when you want to take time to decide the potential benefits and risks of different options during pregnancy and birth: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/

Home - Evidence Based Birth®

https://evidencebasedbirth.com

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