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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Can you ask for a c section?

18 replies

mustbemadno3 · 13/01/2010 21:54

Can you actually ask to have a c section? I know it sounds terrible to want one, as natural births are lovely and painful!. ( Ive had 2!) But I need to be organised for the birth! My youngest child is epileptic with other problems and is on a lot of medication. I don't really have much family and I am worried who I will leave them with and who I will trust enough to administer his meds. At least if I know when the birth will be and how long then I can get something organized for that particular day. My placenta is low lying and I have to be re-scanned at 34 weeks, so I am secretly hoping its still in the way so I have to have a section.
Should I ask the mid wife or is this out of the question and selfish?

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pregnantpeppa · 13/01/2010 21:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

peppapighastakenovermylife · 13/01/2010 21:58

To be honest I would think they would say no. C sections cost a lot more for the NHS for a start and to give you an operation when you dont need one would probably not be recommended. I however have no idea. Maybe your placenta will dictate

How would having a c section affect you coping with 3 dc's after the birth? Would you regret it if you knew you had chosen it (rather than had to have it).

I am not sure about induction - would they agree to that?

peppapighastakenovermylife · 13/01/2010 22:00

Alternatively could you perhaps hire a doula to be with you at the birth rather than your partner (presuming you have a partner no one is mentioned)

PacificDogwood · 13/01/2010 22:01

Of course you can ask!

I would not bother the midwife with this though, but ask for an appointment with your consultant.
Go well prepared and explain your reasons. Be prepared to be told all the downsides to having a CS in great detail.

I have had 2 vag deliveries with 1 emCS in between and personally am hoping to have another normal delivery with currently expected DS4, simply because physical recovery IME is so much quicker after a vaginal delivery rather that abdominal surgery. Consider that you will have to go home to 2 other children and look after a newborn. Also your hospital stay is likely to be longer.
My DH was all for me having an elCS for No3 because of planning issues with his (rather involved and complex) work.

If your placenta turns out to be in the way (this was the reason for my CS, BTW) then the decision is made for you.
Just do not take it to be the easier option.

But, to come back to your question, of course you can ask for it.

Meglet · 13/01/2010 22:11

The problem with a cs is that while the birth is only the one day the actually recovery is a least 2 weeks and you should really get some help during that time, 6 weeks to get healed up properly & safely IME. I found the more help I had the better I recovered, no picking up my toddler for 2 weeks, no full day on my own for 6 weeks (family would pop by during the day) and not driving until 6 weeks. Even if the hospital said yes to a cs do you have the help at home?

MumNWLondon · 13/01/2010 22:14

With my DS I was in hospital for a TOTAL of 10 hours.... I don't know anyone who had a CS who was there for less than 3. Plus after a CS there is a long recovery time...

Its unlikley you'd get a CS on NHS unless there is a medical need. It might be that your placenta is still low and the decision is made, but its not necessarily the easy option.

EmilyStrange · 13/01/2010 22:14

Yes you can ask, it is within your rights but ask a consultant, not a midwife.

happywheezer · 13/01/2010 22:17

Yes, you can ask. It's a birth choice after all.
I asked and I got one, not for any medical reasons either.
I would have a CS again,and ask for one again. It sounds like you have reasonable grounds to ask for one too.
What I would say is that I agree that you need to think about the recovery. I was in hospital for 2 nights and could drive again after 3 weeks. Earlier if I pushed myself to do so.
Please think carefully!

BabyGiraffes · 13/01/2010 22:18

If the placenta is not in the way you can ask for a planned induction and they should be okay (might have to be quite insistent). I had the no family and complicated work pattern of dh with my first. When I wanted to discuss an elective section the (very young, childless, female) registrar was incredibly rude to me. At next appt I discussed it with the consultant and he listened to my concerns etc. and we finally agreed on an induction at 38+ weeks (he would also have agreed to a c section but after discussion I realised I didn't have to go for surgery to get what I wanted). I was very happy with that and although the hospital bumped me off the list on the chosen day and I got in the next day, everything went really well.
So what I'm trying to say in a long-winded way is don't be fobbed off by a negative response to your request because 'family reasons' are just as important to ensure the health and wellbeing of both yourself, the bump and your existing children as clinical reasons!
Very best of luck...

PacificDogwood · 13/01/2010 22:19

Depending on hospital trust the CS rate in Britain is somewhere between 20 and 25% - not all of these are done because of medical need. Social considerations do come into it as well, as does maternal preference. Cost, on its own, is not a first consideration IME.

Having said all that, I'd still go for careful planning and normal delivery if at all possible.

But do ask. Whatever the decision then is, you will never have to think "what if?"

Momdeguerre · 14/01/2010 03:17

If your placenta moves then would a home birth be a good option? Probably tough on you as you won't get a break but, maybe if you got someone to stay they could help out and you could do thethings for your DC which you are worried others cannot?

neume · 14/01/2010 07:45

I've had both a natural delivery and a CS. I had some complications after the CS...nothing dramatic but quite disruptive. This is also something to consider - a CS is major surgery and there is always the chance of problems aftewards. In most cases these are not medically serious, but if you are trying to minimise disruption I would definitely keep it in mind. As others have mentioned, the induction route may be a better solution.

Original poster

mustbemadno3 · 14/01/2010 09:00

Thank you for all your replies. Beginning to think asking for a section is a no no. Sounds more complicated than I thought!!! I do have a dh think my message reads as if I dont, but I do want him with me at the birth. My son only got diagnosed last May, he is still uncontrolled even on medication he suffers from lots of different sezuires, but the worst is when he gos into status. We then have to administer emergency drugs and its all very messy and complicated if you dont know what you are doing, and scary. So not many people understandably are willing to be left with him. I haven't left him overnight since this has happened and I suppose I'm just worrying about him instead of whats best for baby and me. Sure my placenta will decide for me!
Oh the joys of children.....why am I doing it again!! lol

OP posts:

fernie3 · 14/01/2010 09:12

Hi could you ask for an induction instead? I would think a c section would make things worse because of longer recovery time etc. TBH though I doubt they would agree to either - no harm in asking though.

MumNWLondon · 14/01/2010 09:40

re: the driving - even if you could drive after 3 weeks, most car insurances will not cover you for 6 weeks after. i know a number of friends who were fine to drive but when they checked it out they were not insured!

also wanted to say that if you go into hospital as late as possible, you might find that your DH can get home within only a few hours... with my DS he was born within 2 hours of getting there so my DH could have been home within 3 hours if it has been necessary.

Original poster

mustbemadno3 · 14/01/2010 13:47

MumNWLondon very true it maybe quick birth with any luck! Dc1 was over 3 days so I guess I am just thinking the worst. DC2 Was 4 hours. I am just worried if its middle of the night and we have to rush off. Maybe its all my hormones making me think irrationally! After reading all your posts I think it would be better to try and have a natural delivery. Dont think I thought about life after a section! But thank you everyone your posts have been most helpful

OP posts:

heliotrope · 14/01/2010 16:17

Home birth could be worth considering if you had a nice quick birth with DC2? Then you'd be able to have your partner with you but still there in case there's an emergency with DC2 - most babies come in the night don't they?
But I guess you'd still need someone who could take them out for a while if birth happens in day time.

Am hoping to stay home with my second baby, due June - haven't thought about who will take DC1 yet though.

Good luck!

MamaLazarou · 14/01/2010 17:59

Have no useful advice to offer, I am afraid, but wanted to offer my very best wishes and good luck to the OP.

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