Elective last pregnancy. Can I request another one?

[Spockette]

Hi girls,

I had an elective section with my first child due to her being breech. Considering it was major surgery, the experience was a very good one. I went in on a Thursday and was discharged Friday late afternoon. I had no other issues at all and recovered within two weeks.

I'm thinking about what to do with this one. I've heard so many nightmares about natural births from friends and family and not one bad experience with regards to elective C - Sections.

A part of me wants a VBAC but I've been really put off by it. Not by the pain but the fact that so many people I know end up with deep tears, EMCS anyway, distressed babies etc.

If I request an elc, will they give it to me? Or am I being pathetic?

Thanks so much x x

 

[tristansmum]

Where do you live. I had emcs with my first and vbac with second. Fir me a vbac was very important and thankfully I achieved it and it was a positive experience. Here in Southampton they are very pro vbac. I was asked what I wanted this time but it was really stressed that natural was best.
Looking at my paperwork if I'd requested an elcs then I would have been referred to a consultant to discuss it. I suspect if you really want another you will get it. Good luck with whatever you decide x

 

[Spockette]

Thanks Tristansmum. Well done on the VBAC. Always good to hear positive stories

I am a Londoner and I think my hospital is very pro VBAC too. I think I'm just going to have to have that talk with the consultant. I don't know why, but I always think a VBAC is more risky for the baby compared to a C-section. I would rather the risk be with me.

Of course this is only my view but I'll just wait and see.

Xxx

 

[tristansmum]

Do some research about the risks etc. The risk of uterine rupture is incredibly low but it is there. But then there are risks in all births and labours. For me I was worried about needing another emcs but I felt I'd forever regret not trying. My first section was a 10cm due to baby's position so I knew my body could labour fine. It was just bad luck that he was brow presentation and the forceps couldn't deliver him.
I hope you get the birth you want. I'm sure you can get a section you just might need to be strong if they try changing your mind. X

 

[Spockette]

Thanks so much. Xxxx

 

[tinkerbelle93]

I thought that in the UK if you've had a previous section you are automatically entitled to choose another one if you want xx

 

[Spockette]

That's what I presumed too Tinker, but when I spoke to the midwife at the booking appointment she did say that I could go for a vaginal birth. Think I will be encouraged to do that.

Thxxx

 

[Noo]

You should be able to request a repeat section though they may request that you go see a consultant in the VBAC clinic to make sure you're fully aware of your options prior to making a decision but if you still want a section after fully discussing your options and the risks (as well as the pros!) of the surgery then your request should be respected.

 

[DaisyMai]

Hi Spockette,

Your feelings sound similar to mine,I too had a section with my first pregnancy due to our son been breech and also small and growth had stopped.
I also would much prefer a repeat section for various reasons,but am scared I will be bullied into a vbac.My partner is supporting me all the way and won't let them make me do what I don't want.
How are you feeling about it all?

I understand c section is major sugery I'm not silly but things can go wrong either way.I've always had a feeling that something would go wrong with a natural,people may think that's rubbish but I knew something wasn't right when our son was 2 days old and it wasn't.He ended up in intensive care and later diagnosed with metabolic disorder.so I just got with my gut feelings...

X

 

[tinkerbelle93]

That's what I presumed too Tinker, but when I spoke to the midwife at the booking appointment she did say that I could go for a vaginal birth. Think I will be encouraged to do that.

Thxxx

I think you basically have the choice of both, may be encouraged to try out vbac but ultimately you will have the choice. xx

 

[Spockette]

Thanks Very much for the reassurance girls

DaisyMai, I am so sorry to hear what happened to your LO and I hope he is well now? I, too, am aware of the risks involved with a C-section but I am also clued up about the risks involved with a VBAC (however small). I'm not afraid of pain but I would rather the risk lies with me and not my child which is why I feel the c- sec is the right way for me. I feel a VBAC could potentially put us both at risk, more so than a c- sec.

Hope that makes sense. I have my appointment on the 18th Oct to discuss this with the consultants so I'll see what happens then xxxxxxxx

 

[Noo]

If I was to become pregnant again (would be unplanned) then I think I would want a repeat section over a VBAC. I don't regret my decision to have an elective section at all and my worst nightmare would be to attempt a VBAC and end up labouring then having a section anyway in a less than calm manner. I have to say that it is a very personal choice and most people would be shocked that I'd discount VBAC so quickly but that would be my choice and my choice alone... as it is your choice and your choice alone.

 

[cat123456]

Iv been told i need two consultants to say yes to my elec csection iv got one iv got appointment with the second next week. I have two previous vbac births and the first was straight forward. The second millies heart rate kept droppin id been in pre labour fr two days so i was knackerd and i had an accident which humiliated me this time i dont want that drama. Plus my hosp has TERRIBLE reputation for neglect and not noticing when things r going wrong but never heard anything bad about sections x

 

[DaisyMai]

Its nice to hear that im not alone on my feelings on vbac's.It does upset me when people judge me because i want another section, its my body so why should it matter to anyone else?!
Ive yet to have the discusssion with a professional about my thoughts, and am dreading it! My partner is very supportive of me and said we wont let them bully me.

Please let me know how you all get on with your appointments....

I try not to think about it too much but time is flying by, i am 30 weeks tomorrow so i cant bury my head in the sand much longer

 

[cat123456]

Im dreading my appointment with th other consultant tbh iv not met him i just hope hes not a vbac lover lol.. People think im mad now to b afraid on my third baby but hey ho its not their bodies or baby.. Im scared of a section tbh afraid hm it will hurt and that tugging feeling people keep telling me about xx

 

[Spockette]

Thanks girls.

Daisy, I will definitely let you know what is said and please let me know too. You should never let other people make you feel bad in your choices. Natural or c- section you still get to hold your baby in your arms

Cat, you poor thing. That must've been a nightmare for you. Personally, if I had an experience like that I would want a c-sec too! I think if you tell them you feel psychologically scarred by it all they should sit up and listen. Your body, your baby!!
A c-sec is not doom and gloom as you would imagine. An elective one is a pretty calm procedure (although still major surgery) You are completely numb so you won't feel anything. The tugging feeling is a weird sensation because you know they have cut you and are trying to take baby out but yet you can't feel a thing apart from feeling like someone is doing the washing up in your tummy

Xxx

 

[Desi's_lost]

I'm from the US and had a section with my daughter. I have no intention of a VBAC. My section experience was good, baby was healthy and happy, I just see no reason to go a different way when everything went so well.

 

[DaisyMai]

Hey,

That is a good point Desis lost,I don't think I'm bothered so much about what people think but dread the conversation of why I want another c section.When I mentioned it to the midwife she looked a bit disgusted and asked `why?!`she is into hypnobirthing so its all got to be natural in her eyes.

Have any of you ladies spoken to your midwifes about it yet?

X