Is this sufficient grounds for an elective c-section? (Anxiety) Now with post haha.
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loeylo
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Just looking for other ladies experiences here.
I have health anxiety - I get really worked up about minor health problems and have myself convinced it is something more serious, and always think the worst.
My resting pulse is on the high end of normal, usually in the mid-high 80s pre pregnancy and in the 90s when pregnant. I have had a few periods of reduced fetal movements, and my pulse has been horrific when I have been in for monitoring (even after finding out all is well) - apparently it was the highest the midwife had ever seen (she helpfully pointed this out to me ...) to the point that I have had 2 ecgs this week alone. My heart is normal, but to give you an idea of my pulse - it was 137 for most of the time I was in today (5 hours) and peaked the other day at 152.
The thing is, in between hospital visits my heart rate is good, so I know it is anxiety. My midwife has already referred me to hypnobirthing etc and to see a specialist who is a midwife for anxious people. Hypnobirthing has helped somewhat, I managed to "breathe" my heart down to 112 today after several hours.
My main concern is that the consultants are worried about my pulse being high during delivery. I will really panic if it starts to happen, and I won't be able to bring it down quick enough, and then they will get all panicked and either use forceps or c-section me.
I'm thinking I just want an elective c section so I am not so worked up beforehand and I know the plan in advance. What do you ladies think?
I have health anxiety - I get really worked up about minor health problems and have myself convinced it is something more serious, and always think the worst.
My resting pulse is on the high end of normal, usually in the mid-high 80s pre pregnancy and in the 90s when pregnant. I have had a few periods of reduced fetal movements, and my pulse has been horrific when I have been in for monitoring (even after finding out all is well) - apparently it was the highest the midwife had ever seen (she helpfully pointed this out to me ...) to the point that I have had 2 ecgs this week alone. My heart is normal, but to give you an idea of my pulse - it was 137 for most of the time I was in today (5 hours) and peaked the other day at 152.
The thing is, in between hospital visits my heart rate is good, so I know it is anxiety. My midwife has already referred me to hypnobirthing etc and to see a specialist who is a midwife for anxious people. Hypnobirthing has helped somewhat, I managed to "breathe" my heart down to 112 today after several hours.
My main concern is that the consultants are worried about my pulse being high during delivery. I will really panic if it starts to happen, and I won't be able to bring it down quick enough, and then they will get all panicked and either use forceps or c-section me.
I'm thinking I just want an elective c section so I am not so worked up beforehand and I know the plan in advance. What do you ladies think?
Sophie1234
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I am suffering with anxiety too, along with health related ocd. I have had 4 episodes of reduced movement and had growth scan. My pulse has also been raised and been sent in for monitoring due to this. I am also suffering with severe palpitations due to anxiety attacks and have to have a 24hr heart monitor fitted on thursday. I have asked for induction and was told no. Even though i explained it would ease my anxiety/ocd to have a bit of control about the situation by knowing when things where happening they just said no as no concerns with baby!
iiTTCii
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When I discussed a c section at my last consultant appointment (I've got the option this time as I had a bad 3rd tear last time), they said they they don't usually agree a FTM a c section of there is no risk to baby, but they will with second pregnancies as they can say they are anxious because of the last labour etc.
Saying that though, if you google the NICE guidelines on c sections, I'm sure every woman has the right to elect so you could always go down that route.
Saying that though, if you google the NICE guidelines on c sections, I'm sure every woman has the right to elect so you could always go down that route.
iiTTCii
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The NICE guidelines state:
Maternal request for CS
When a woman requests a CS because she has anxiety about childbirth, offer referral to a healthcare professional with expertise in providing perinatal mental health support to help her address her anxiety in a supportive manner. [new 2011]
For women requesting a CS, if after discussion and offer of support (including perinatal mental health support for women with anxiety about childbirth), a vaginal birth is still not an acceptable option, offer a planned CS. [new 2011]
An obstetrician unwilling to perform a CS should refer the woman to an obstetrician who will carry out the CS. [new 2011]
Maternal request for CS
When a woman requests a CS because she has anxiety about childbirth, offer referral to a healthcare professional with expertise in providing perinatal mental health support to help her address her anxiety in a supportive manner. [new 2011]
For women requesting a CS, if after discussion and offer of support (including perinatal mental health support for women with anxiety about childbirth), a vaginal birth is still not an acceptable option, offer a planned CS. [new 2011]
An obstetrician unwilling to perform a CS should refer the woman to an obstetrician who will carry out the CS. [new 2011]
Hey hon
So sorry you're feeling this way. I deal with anxiety also, though mine is more of an issue with situations im not prepared for. Can i ask where you're based? My understanding here in the uk is that you cant be refused an elective section. They may try and talk you round to trying natural but if youre insistent then you should be referred to a consultant who is prepared to do the section for you.
I'm on baby #2 and will be having an elective section due to issues i had with my first birth (I'll not bore you with details) and hust about had a break down in the consultants office when she asked if i wanted to consider natural. She didnt need to dig anymore once she saw my face. I told her because of my fears caused by the furst delivery i wouldnt be able to push effectively.
Long story short, is it worth asking to speak to another consultant maybe who supports your decision?
So sorry you're feeling this way. I deal with anxiety also, though mine is more of an issue with situations im not prepared for. Can i ask where you're based? My understanding here in the uk is that you cant be refused an elective section. They may try and talk you round to trying natural but if youre insistent then you should be referred to a consultant who is prepared to do the section for you.
I'm on baby #2 and will be having an elective section due to issues i had with my first birth (I'll not bore you with details) and hust about had a break down in the consultants office when she asked if i wanted to consider natural. She didnt need to dig anymore once she saw my face. I told her because of my fears caused by the furst delivery i wouldnt be able to push effectively.
Long story short, is it worth asking to speak to another consultant maybe who supports your decision?
Regarding the NICE guidelines, I do know in practice that if a consultant is unwilling to perform a c section he/she will refuse. And that does happen. You would then be referred to another consultant, but again, they could refuse to carry out the c section also. I have heard of women who have been unable to have a c section despite the change in guidelines. C sections carry risks and the consultants have to consider these risks when deciding on a course of treatment.
So that's something to bear in mind. It probably depends largely on your hospital though. The fact you have history of high pulse and reduced movements might well be enough anyway.
Have you seen or spoken to a consultant about your concerns? Or supervisor of midwives? (Sorry, this is all assuming you're UK).
Whoever your caregiver is I think you should definitely discuss what would happen if your heart rate is above a certain level in labour. I would also want to know what they would do if your heart rate was very high before or during a planned c section.
Would a less medical setting such as a midwife unit with low lighting etc make a difference for you?
Regarding having a c section date and plan. From. Personal experience I can tell you that I am finding having a date really really anxiety-inducing. I thought it would be a good thing to have it all planned but I am driving myself mad as it gets closer and getting myself extremely worked up and scared.
So that's something to bear in mind. It probably depends largely on your hospital though. The fact you have history of high pulse and reduced movements might well be enough anyway.
Have you seen or spoken to a consultant about your concerns? Or supervisor of midwives? (Sorry, this is all assuming you're UK).
Whoever your caregiver is I think you should definitely discuss what would happen if your heart rate is above a certain level in labour. I would also want to know what they would do if your heart rate was very high before or during a planned c section.
Would a less medical setting such as a midwife unit with low lighting etc make a difference for you?
Regarding having a c section date and plan. From. Personal experience I can tell you that I am finding having a date really really anxiety-inducing. I thought it would be a good thing to have it all planned but I am driving myself mad as it gets closer and getting myself extremely worked up and scared.
loeylo
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Thanks ladies - that's exactly what I was looking for, a variety of inputs and ideas!
Don't know if I made it clear but I actually mentioned my anxiety to my midwife at my first appointment, hence the referral to a specialist midwife consultant. She referred me onto a hypnobirthing course which has helped a bit, but it also had the effect of making me really not want monitoring etc, which isn't really compatible with my pulse so it has almost made it worse - although the breathing techniques etc are obviously still useful, even for a c-section. No one has clean out said no to a c-sect, previously I didn't want one either and I certainly don't see it as an easy option. I just think it might help me get my baby here safely.
Sophie - sorry to eat you are having this problem too. I refused the 24h monitor as I know it would make me panic as I would feel like I'm being "tested" constantly. Have you used breathing techniques? I managed to "breathe" my heart down from 137 to 110 - it did take a few hours though!
Ttc - I don't know if I am considered a ftm or not, they class me as a 0+3 because of 2x miscarriage and ectopic - basically my midwife understands this as the source of my anxiety because I still don't really believe that I will get to meet this baby. I struggled with pain management through my three losses so I know a low pain threshold is an issue (I pass out) - IMO (and the opinion of some of the midwives) is that a high maternal pulse is of concern to baby - but others disagree. I know about the nice guidelines and I don't really think my midwife would object if I really insisted. I just want what is best for my baby!
Mummy m - I'm based in the uk. Sorry you have similar issues - I also seek control (apparently most teachers do!) so I understand. My consultant hasn't directly refused, but I haven't directly asked her either ...
Amelia - I think my pulse might be reason enough. I honestly can see my running out the hospital or something daft if my anxiety gets too much - it has happened before! I have seen a consultant midwife who deals exclusively with women who have good reason to be nervous (eg history of traumatic births, recurrent losses or history of illness) - she was good and understanding and helped me rationalise things, but I feel it is all getting too much again with having been in hospital three times in the past 7 weeks. There are no midwife lead units near me - there is a huge maternity unit in my local hospital with two wards for low risk births and another high risk ward. They have birthing pools available an it isn't really too medicalised, but I would feel safer in the hospital where they have nicu and other facilities on hand if need be.
Don't know if I made it clear but I actually mentioned my anxiety to my midwife at my first appointment, hence the referral to a specialist midwife consultant. She referred me onto a hypnobirthing course which has helped a bit, but it also had the effect of making me really not want monitoring etc, which isn't really compatible with my pulse so it has almost made it worse - although the breathing techniques etc are obviously still useful, even for a c-section. No one has clean out said no to a c-sect, previously I didn't want one either and I certainly don't see it as an easy option. I just think it might help me get my baby here safely.
Sophie - sorry to eat you are having this problem too. I refused the 24h monitor as I know it would make me panic as I would feel like I'm being "tested" constantly. Have you used breathing techniques? I managed to "breathe" my heart down from 137 to 110 - it did take a few hours though!
Ttc - I don't know if I am considered a ftm or not, they class me as a 0+3 because of 2x miscarriage and ectopic - basically my midwife understands this as the source of my anxiety because I still don't really believe that I will get to meet this baby. I struggled with pain management through my three losses so I know a low pain threshold is an issue (I pass out) - IMO (and the opinion of some of the midwives) is that a high maternal pulse is of concern to baby - but others disagree. I know about the nice guidelines and I don't really think my midwife would object if I really insisted. I just want what is best for my baby!
Mummy m - I'm based in the uk. Sorry you have similar issues - I also seek control (apparently most teachers do!) so I understand. My consultant hasn't directly refused, but I haven't directly asked her either ...
Amelia - I think my pulse might be reason enough. I honestly can see my running out the hospital or something daft if my anxiety gets too much - it has happened before! I have seen a consultant midwife who deals exclusively with women who have good reason to be nervous (eg history of traumatic births, recurrent losses or history of illness) - she was good and understanding and helped me rationalise things, but I feel it is all getting too much again with having been in hospital three times in the past 7 weeks. There are no midwife lead units near me - there is a huge maternity unit in my local hospital with two wards for low risk births and another high risk ward. They have birthing pools available an it isn't really too medicalised, but I would feel safer in the hospital where they have nicu and other facilities on hand if need be.
I'm glad you're getting good support in this pregnancy. It can't be an easy decision for you.
You mentioned about hypnobirthing - I used it in theatre when I had my emergency c section (until they had to put me under) so I agree it can be useful in lots of different scenarios.
If you did choose to a vaginal. Birth there are some things you can do in any hospital room to help make it more homely. Dimmed lighting, led tealights, cushions and throws from home, relaxing music etc can all help make it feel less medicalised, which may help?
You could also consider hiring a doula.
You mentioned about hypnobirthing - I used it in theatre when I had my emergency c section (until they had to put me under) so I agree it can be useful in lots of different scenarios.
If you did choose to a vaginal. Birth there are some things you can do in any hospital room to help make it more homely. Dimmed lighting, led tealights, cushions and throws from home, relaxing music etc can all help make it feel less medicalised, which may help?
You could also consider hiring a doula.
Eleanor ace
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. I have a fast pulse, not due to anxiety but a heart condition, so it may well be different, but in my case a vaginal delivery is deemed preferable over a c-section as it reduces the amount of medication needed which can have an impact on maternal heart rate. I was able to opt for a c-section if I wanted one due to complications from my 1st birth but my consultant explained that while it was a sound option based on some factors, for my heart it posed more risks than it solved. he also said that tachycardia can be worsened by fear/anxiety in the build up to waiting fr the c-section and in the operating theatre (although I imagine if you're comfortable with needles/medical experiences that wouldn't be such a risk; I'm a massive wimp about needles and stuff and my consultant knows that 
) and also when the spinal/epidural kicks in. So you might find that your consultant is reluctant to OK a c-section in case it has a negative impact. But if you feel like it is the right option for you I would go prepared with your list of reasons why you feel it is best for you and your LO, and if that doesn't work you are within your rights to ask for a 2nd opinion.
loeylo
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Amelia - those are all good suggestions, most of which I have on my birth plan already. If I go vaginal, I'm hoping to have a birthing pool with dimmed lighting and electronic candles. I also have a lavender scented plugin which I use at home, the midwife has ok'd this for the hospital. I have made a playlist of songs which I listen to whilst doing hypnobirthing stuff too. Plus my oh can do all the massages which we have learned to try and relax me. So it really isn't that I am not open to a natural birth, I ultimately would want one but I am just worried about things escalating and me panicking.
Eleanor - thanks for the input. I have anxiety about hospital in general, so I don't think I will be any worse getting jabbed as I would having a blood pressure cuff on if that makes sense. At least with a c-section I would know what was happening. I should probably add that my hospital has higher than average c section rates and higher than average intervention rates, and they do tend to section ladies quite readily - what worries me is that I am progressing slowly so they section me and I end up with the worst of both worlds. My hypnobirthing class basically told us this is what would happen, as they strongly advocate the natural route. Now I'm really conflicted - I want either totally natural, or a c section. Nothing in between!
Eleanor - thanks for the input. I have anxiety about hospital in general, so I don't think I will be any worse getting jabbed as I would having a blood pressure cuff on if that makes sense. At least with a c-section I would know what was happening. I should probably add that my hospital has higher than average c section rates and higher than average intervention rates, and they do tend to section ladies quite readily - what worries me is that I am progressing slowly so they section me and I end up with the worst of both worlds. My hypnobirthing class basically told us this is what would happen, as they strongly advocate the natural route. Now I'm really conflicted - I want either totally natural, or a c section. Nothing in between!
Mrs G
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Hi
I agree with pp in that having a c section date isn't always great. As much as the uncertainty can be stressful, knowing when baby is coming is equally in my opinion. With dd we had a date, waited in the hospital all say then got sent home as too many emergencies came in. We went back the next day but still some people who were planned didn't have their babies that day either. Might be worth finding out what happens if emergencies come in at your hospital as I doubt elective would get preference. The section process itself is very clinical, and after you are very restricted. I couldn't get up for 12 hrs and was catheterised which made dealing with dd very difficult. Sorry to sound negative but personally I wouldn't choose another section.
Good luck.
I agree with pp in that having a c section date isn't always great. As much as the uncertainty can be stressful, knowing when baby is coming is equally in my opinion. With dd we had a date, waited in the hospital all say then got sent home as too many emergencies came in. We went back the next day but still some people who were planned didn't have their babies that day either. Might be worth finding out what happens if emergencies come in at your hospital as I doubt elective would get preference. The section process itself is very clinical, and after you are very restricted. I couldn't get up for 12 hrs and was catheterised which made dealing with dd very difficult. Sorry to sound negative but personally I wouldn't choose another section.
Good luck.
