30 weeks - obstetrician wants to book me in for a section?!

JuniperandI · 2025-09-17T15:03:57+00:00

Hello So I have a phone call with my obstetrician on Monday. Having no idea why, I asked a midwife and she says he'll want to book me in for a c-section. I have not mentioned once that I want a section, it has always been a natural birth. This seems like very odd practice, has anyone else experienced this?

MidnightPatrol · 17/09/2025 16:08

Why have you got an obstetrician?

That might be a good start in understanding any apparent complexity…

Original poster

JuniperandI · 17/09/2025 16:28

MidnightPatrol · 17/09/2025 16:08

Why have you got an obstetrician?

That might be a good start in understanding any apparent complexity…

I'm 35 and have an IVF pregnancy

OP posts:

LER2023 · 17/09/2025 16:33

Ive just been to my midwife today, shes told me to question everything im not too sure about and take control over labour and birth, because they will want to take control over your labour and birth. If you didnt get an answer from your midwife, you can try and get answers from the hospital. If your not comfortable with having a csection, you can refuse until you have a definitive answer as to why they are referring you to a csection.

Always ask questions and get a second opinion if you're not sure. Good luck

Bitzee · 17/09/2025 16:37

Is it because they don’t want you to go overdue because it’s IVF so will book a section or induction in case you don’t go into labour naturally before then?

BunnyRuddington · 17/09/2025 16:38

Bitzee · 17/09/2025 16:37

Is it because they don’t want you to go overdue because it’s IVF so will book a section or induction in case you don’t go into labour naturally before then?

I would say the same.

Original poster

JuniperandI · 17/09/2025 16:50

Bitzee · 17/09/2025 16:37

Is it because they don’t want you to go overdue because it’s IVF so will book a section or induction in case you don’t go into labour naturally before then?

I thought so too but tbh that's not a good enough reason to book me in for major surgery without me even indicating I was considering it.

OP posts:

Original poster

JuniperandI · 17/09/2025 16:52

LER2023 · 17/09/2025 16:33

Ive just been to my midwife today, shes told me to question everything im not too sure about and take control over labour and birth, because they will want to take control over your labour and birth. If you didnt get an answer from your midwife, you can try and get answers from the hospital. If your not comfortable with having a csection, you can refuse until you have a definitive answer as to why they are referring you to a csection.

Always ask questions and get a second opinion if you're not sure. Good luck

Yess you're right. I've been researching the induction epidemic but I was a bit blown away that they wanted to book me in for a c-section when I have never mentioned considering one. I feel like they're already trying to control it for their own timings and scheduling, not my body's timing.

OP posts:

LER2023 · 17/09/2025 17:20

JuniperandI · 17/09/2025 16:52

Yess you're right. I've been researching the induction epidemic but I was a bit blown away that they wanted to book me in for a c-section when I have never mentioned considering one. I feel like they're already trying to control it for their own timings and scheduling, not my body's timing.

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Ive never known ivf having to go for a csection, ive seen it mentioned if it was a very high risk pregnancy, they usually just keep an eye on you and baby.

It sounds as though theyre doing it for their own well being and not yours😅

I could be wrong and people may shout at me for being wrong, but its just my own opinion about it and what i thought i knew!

Original poster

JuniperandI · 17/09/2025 18:27

LER2023 · 17/09/2025 17:20

Ive never known ivf having to go for a csection, ive seen it mentioned if it was a very high risk pregnancy, they usually just keep an eye on you and baby.

It sounds as though theyre doing it for their own well being and not yours😅

I could be wrong and people may shout at me for being wrong, but its just my own opinion about it and what i thought i knew!

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Absolutely, I don't think them wanting to book this in is for my own peace of mind. Sounds like they want to tick me off a list!

OP posts:

SockQueen · 17/09/2025 18:32

JuniperandI · 17/09/2025 16:50

I thought so too but tbh that's not a good enough reason to book me in for major surgery without me even indicating I was considering it.

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Maybe the midwife has got the wrong end of the stick? It's very unlikely they'd insist on going straight to section if there's no indication. Just go along and see what they have to say, but you don't have to agree to anything at this stage, even if they do suggest it.

I'd think it's far more likely that the midwife has made an incorrect assumption about your appointment, than that you're being railroaded into surgery.

figgyandpig · 19/09/2025 23:18

I had my ivf baby in March, I’m 36. I’d had a previous c section so the option was there for me to have an elected c section with this one.
I said I’d like to push the c section as long as I can possibly go. They gave me 6 days over due to go into spontaneous labour, didn’t happen so had the c section at 7 days over due.

I think it’s very personal to you and your circumstances. I’ve never heard of an ivf pregnancy going straight to c section….natural vaginal birth is usually the most safest and best for baby & mum. Have another chat with your ob however, I had what they called a
‘consultant lead’ pregnancy, not sure if that’s the same? I also opted for a natural c section, if it does come to that for you, the natural one is very nice. You get to take the baby & bring it up to your chest with longer cord clamping delay, no wiping off the vernix (to help limit infection), no loud talking or chatting between them, soft music and dimmed lights.

I hope your birth goes so well & congratulations 🤍🙏