37 weeks and need c-sec - too late to go private?

[litdog]

I am 37 weeks pg with my third baby and it is transverse, plus I have mild polyhydramnios.

My second child's birth was horrible as he had shoulder dystocia, ie he got stuck basically. He's ok now but it was terrifying.

Both my children were born vaginally but this time around the docs are saying I should have a c-section because of the baby being transverse (risk of cord prolapse) and because of the risk of the shoulder dystocia happening again.

I have health insurance through DH's job, and suspect it will cover me for a private c-section if medically necessary.

I have to go into the day assessment unit tomorrow for a scan to see if the baby is still transverse. If it is they say they will keep me in and then give me a c-section in ten days or so.

Am I too late to go private? I don't know where to start - suspect I will see a MW (rather than consultant) tomorrow and they may not know.

Can anyone help?

Thanks!

Is there any reason why you don't want a NHS section?

Yup - the aftercare in my local hospital.

I had my two babies there and while the antenatal/labour care was great, the minute you get put on the post-natal ward it is horrendous. FILTHY bathrooms with crusty blood all over the floor, terrifying midwives (esp the night ones) who refuse to help you, etc.

None of this is a major prob if you've delivered vaginally, but if I am slightly incapacitated after a CS I really don't want to be dependent on these ogres to help me look after my baby. The day time won't be such a prob as DH/friends etc can come in, but the nights are something else. I had a catheter after one of my children was born and the day doc told me a night MW would take it out. But the night MWs totally refused, saying they were too busy, even though they were sitting at teh desk doing sudoku all night. The next night, when it had been removed and I needed help walking, they refused to give me a hand to the loo, and I ended up peeing in my bed because I was so desperate adn they wouldn't come to me.

And yes, there IS the odd nice one, but they are few and far between on the night shifts, and the hosp has a dreadful reputation for this locally. If I can go private at all I would leap at it. Just not sure of how to...

Fair enough - and sorry, I realise my post was abrupt to the point of rudeness. Best wishes for whatever you do anyway.

I thought private didn't do birthing. probably best place to start is to dig out the helath insurance documents and have a read through them, or just phone them straight away, explain situation and see what they say.

litdog - where are you based? Depending on this I may be able to help with some answers.

Thanks BIOTB - I'm in central/SW London. Any good to you?!

OK so I had DCs privately in London. It's very easy to book in privately although you will be dependent on availability. I'd phone around all of the places now and ask about availability this month (explain you are most likely looking at a C section). Places to try (no's available from google) are; the Portland, JOhn and Lizzies (closing in June but still open now), and the private wings of NHS hospitals. Off the top of my head, I know that St Mary's has a private ward (the Lindo Wing) - lots of others do too.

FWIW I gave birth at John and Lizzies and can honestly say it was the best experience of my life. I have never experienced such genuine kindness and warmth. They are closing because they aren't making enough money on the birth unit (because, I think, of reduction in people booking in) so they may have availability this month.

I'd call around tomorrow am (not today as the receptionists won't be working on bank holidays). But essentially, you just self refer and if they have space and you can afford it, you're all set.

You are never too late to go private - the portland in London will take you for about £5k if you live in that area? However, I think your medical insurance is V unlikely to cover it. We have totally comprehensive private health insurance, the top level of cover BUPA do, and they won't cover any maternity costs except if you have a miscarriage which doesn't pass properly and require a surgical evacuation of your womb, in which case they cover that. We don't live in London otherwise I would go to the Portland.

The Portland I would think is your best bet i would give them a call

Cant hurt to ask

best to call your insurer before you go for the scan and ask

you can have a private C section at most of the NHS hospitals in London - C&W, St Thomas, St Marys

My insurance covered my entire birth; some do (especially if you need a c section for medical reasons).

Thanks all - info and tips v much appreciated. I will ring the health insurance people tomorrow (need DH to dig out our ref numbers etc from work) and see what they say.

No idea about the c section but just keep an eye on baby's movements.

There was a chance I'd need C-section because of tranverse lie with DD. DH insurance through work (quite a high level of cover - BUPA) did cover it if was planned and necessary. Kingston have a private section.

BTW a chiropractor managed to turn DD. He's very booked up but would you like his details?

Most health insurance companies man phones nearly 24/7. I'd give them a ring first and they may be able to give you some options.