Don't think my body can give birth?

DustyLee123 · 19/12/2024 16:49

No I’ve not been in your situation, but I do know that a planned section is better than emergency.

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 19/12/2024 16:52

Not me but a friend, she's tiny and her circs were similar. She wanted a VBAC and eventually that went to an emergency c section. In your shoes I'd go for planned. But listen to your gut and your midwife!

LifeExperience · 19/12/2024 16:55

I had a c-section and then a vbac for the same reason as you. Choose the c-section. I had to be induced and the vbac was awful. I also had to be cut all the way up inside my anus to get the baby out due to size. It was a nightmare to keep clean.

Bluemaid3 · 19/12/2024 16:58

In other countries they actually consider this, they measure your hips and the size of the baby, and recommend C-section if you're too small. Not sure why this is not done in the UK? I'm 5ft 3 but maybe 'big boned' rather than petite, still my 8 pound baby took 4 days to be born and was close to an emergency cesarean until last minute they decided on forceps. Never tried again... but if I did would probably go for the planned C.

Viviennemary · 19/12/2024 17:01

Why don't you talk it over with your midwife. I think it all depends on the individual. Some quite petite women have larger babies without a problem.

Sunseeker83 · 19/12/2024 17:02

I had a planned c section with my second. I didn't have trouble getting this, I had a number of physical reasons from my first birth, but the consultant I spoke to me told me the most compelling reason for me to have a c section was that I didn't think I could give birth. She said if you have a mental block, your body won't produce the right hormones (oxytocin) and things become very difficult and often end up in emergency c sections anyway

Miyagi99 · 19/12/2024 17:18

Mumsthewordl · 19/12/2024 16:48

I'm only 5ft and my first was a ten pounder. Second is already measuring big and due in two months. I can feel my baby is running out of room in there already.

I don't know whether to even bother considering a vbac and just go straight to c section. First ended up in an emergency c section as she got stuck. Scared to go through it all again to end up rushing into the surgery room. I just don't think my body can give birth. Not only am I tiny but I'm really petite. My hips are narrow and I just can't imagine my body being able to successfully push a baby half the size of me out. Has anyone had the same situation and what option did you pick?

Have they offered you a caesarean, if so I’d take that option. If not I’d ask to discuss it with my consultant.

TreesWelliesKnees · 19/12/2024 17:44

I was in your situation, but no one had explained to me the root cause of why my first had ended in an emergency c-section. Second time around I opted for vbac, but it ended in a c-section as well. And a 9lb9 baby! I was glad I chose to try again because it answered the question for me. I always would have wondered otherwise. Both babies were huge of head and I am narrow of hip. My body couldn't have done it and I am very grateful for modern surgery.

NotVeryFunny · 19/12/2024 18:15

"Natural" birth is not all it's cracked up to be. Just go for the c section. Planned ones are calm and based on everyone I know who has had one a lovely relaxed way of bringing a child into the world.

I am incontinent because of childbirth. And I am still slightly traumatised by the experience. Even though my birth was technically normal with no interventions.

Plus I was out of action for a long time afterwards due to getting an infection in my stitches. So it doesn't always mean a shorter recovery time.

I'd have the planned c section if I were in your shoes. No question.

C152 · 19/12/2024 18:55

I echo the other posters - go for a planned c-section.

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 19/12/2024 18:59

NotVeryFunny · 19/12/2024 18:15

"Natural" birth is not all it's cracked up to be. Just go for the c section. Planned ones are calm and based on everyone I know who has had one a lovely relaxed way of bringing a child into the world.

I am incontinent because of childbirth. And I am still slightly traumatised by the experience. Even though my birth was technically normal with no interventions.

Plus I was out of action for a long time afterwards due to getting an infection in my stitches. So it doesn't always mean a shorter recovery time.

I'd have the planned c section if I were in your shoes. No question.

I agree. I was in observation whilst pregnant and a lady was put on my ward who was coming in for a planned cs- no idea why, none of my business, we had a brief chat before she was wheeled away, and in no time she was back with her dd. Cool as a cucumber. Think her dp was affected more than she was!

wigsonthegreenandhatsforthelifting · 19/12/2024 19:00

I'd definitely go c/section! Three inductions failed with my first so I have never been in labour. Went straight to c/s. Consultant said I could only go vbac if I had a smaller baby - 2nd was bigger, and the 3rd bigger again, so elective c/s each time.

hithere4 · 19/12/2024 19:05

Go for the planned c section. Bigger babies add extra risks to a vbac.

NotVeryFunny · 19/12/2024 20:00

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 19/12/2024 18:59

I agree. I was in observation whilst pregnant and a lady was put on my ward who was coming in for a planned cs- no idea why, none of my business, we had a brief chat before she was wheeled away, and in no time she was back with her dd. Cool as a cucumber. Think her dp was affected more than she was!

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Yes I know someone who had a planned c section sailed in and out quickly. All very relaxed and chatting with staff and was up and trekking around central London with small baby within a week.

buckingmad · 19/12/2024 20:04

I had EMCS with my first, VBAC with my second. Both within a oz of each other (7lbs), I’m 5ft1 and petite framed. Was fine! I loved the VBAC. Recovery was tougher than c section as I had an episiotomy and was a bit battered and bruised down there but I had a toddler to run around after and pick up which was easier with that than a c section.

justasking111 · 19/12/2024 20:06

Same size as my DIL emergency c section first time. Planned the second time. I would 100 % go for the planned c section.

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 19/12/2024 20:08

NotVeryFunny · 19/12/2024 20:00

Yes I know someone who had a planned c section sailed in and out quickly. All very relaxed and chatting with staff and was up and trekking around central London with small baby within a week.

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Exactly. And also, really sorry about your traumatic birth experience. I'm not well and not thinking straight.

NotVeryFunny · 19/12/2024 23:48

Wavescrashingonthebeach · 19/12/2024 20:08

Exactly. And also, really sorry about your traumatic birth experience. I'm not well and not thinking straight.

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Thank you, that’s very kind.

Nerdynerdynerd · 19/12/2024 23:55

Another one for a planned section, I've had 1 and it was the loveliest experience. I love thinking back on it and it was virtually pain free.

RabbitsEatPancakes · 20/12/2024 00:04

I'm 5ft, very petite and had 2 natural births with no tears but my babies were small/ average. 10lbs would terrify me, if you're measuring the same as the first I'd opt for the CSec. 10lbs for a 5ft woman is waay different than for a tall, broad lady. And you've already had 1 csec so you know what to expect.

What's your shoe size? A consultant asked me and said he recommends size 2 or below ladies get csec as there's a foot/ pelvis size correlation.

Carouselfish · 20/12/2024 00:05

Planned csection for sure.
Know a woman who had a fractured pelvis.

MummyJ36 · 20/12/2024 13:21

My DC2 was nearly 10lbs was an ELCS…and I’m 5’7” and pretty strong built so I don’t know if I’d risk it if I were you! I have a friend who is 4’10” who seems to make massive babies and she had an ELCS second time around after an emergency first time.

MummyJ36 · 20/12/2024 13:23

My DC2 was nearly 10lbs was an ELCS…and I’m 5’7” and pretty strong built so I don’t know if I’d risk it if I were you! I have a friend who is 4’10” who seems to make massive babies and she had an ELCS second time around after an emergency first time.

LetsNCagain · 20/12/2024 13:27

I had a planned c section with my second and I'm so so glad I did.

My first ended in EMCS because my cervix did not dilate, no matter how long they tried to induce it to.

I know my own body. My cervix does not do dilation.

With my second, I was actually told I was at risk of cord prolapse (which could end in stillbirth) due to my son's position (transverse, face down). If my cervix had dilated, the cord could have got stuck cutting off oxygen to the baby. They wanted to admit me as inpatient for the last two weeks. I declined. I knew my cervix doesn't dilate. They taught me an emergency position and to call 999 if it happened... but, as I expected, it didn't and my ELCS went perfectly as scheduled.

You know your own body. If you reckon your hips can't let a head through, ELCS is a great option

caramac04 · 20/12/2024 13:28

I think I’d go straight for c-section. I don’t say this lightly as I’m not a massive supporter of them ( narrow-minded, opinionated as I am.
However, I’ve seen a vbac go to theatre for forceps and still end up with a c-s.
I really felt for the mother.
A planned c-s means you can be prepared without the worry that might accompany an emergency one.
Ultimately do what you think is best.