So confused about making the right birth choice :(

[suzzle]

Really don't know what to do for the best. After a difficult labour & shoulder dystocia with DS1, I was given an elective C-Section with DS-2.

This resulted in MRSA and an altogether terrible experience, which I am not keen to repeat. However, I have been told by my consultant that due to previous dystocia and having had a section I SHOULD have a further section because they won't induce me due to the risk of uterine rupture (last section was 6 years ago).

My MW has said that all going well with this pregnancy, there is no reason why I can't have the waterbirth that I want. The only problem would be deciding how far to let me go 'over'. The Maternity unit is literally 1 floor from the consultant led labour ward so I would be close by if there is a problem.

But then I get to thinking, surely a planned section would be better than an emergency one? I also don't want the 6 week recovery with a 7 y.o. & 6 y.o. While my husband has to go back to work. My parents can't help as they have recently moved away & my dad has just started dialysis so I feel like I would be a burden.

Ultimately though, I want DS 3 to make it here safely without scary things like having his shoulder blade broken for delivery or the stress of a difficult labour?

I really am torn, any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

 

[.Mummy.2.be.]

Just thought id drop a post, I cant really give you any advice as im expecting my first so have no experiance, but i do think whatever your choice it will be the right one for you The thought of a section would scared me but i think your totaly right in thinking a planned one is better than an emergancy one. Atlest you can prepare yourself and not get in a panic when and if an emergancy one happend. I hope it all goes well for you which ever decision you chose and best of luck just sorry you have to make this hard decision xxx

 

[marley2580]

There are all sorts of pros and cons to both a natural labour and a planned section. Just because you had dystocia first time around does not mean that you will have it again, in fact a water birth would make it less likely to happen. An emergency section does not mean a really long recovery time, neither does a planned section mean a short one. I think the best thing you can do is to really look into all the options and their pros and cons before you make a decision. You've got plenty of time yet.

 

[suzzle]

Thank you both for your responses. I pretty much have another 18 weeks or so before it's 'crunch time', but I know is me who will have to make the decision & live with any consequences so it's preying on my mind quite a bit

I agree about the waterbirth lessening the risk of dystocia, so I'm leaning towards that option. I've asked the consultant for growth scans to help my decision, so I'll need to wait for quite a bit anyway.

So, today is a waterbirth day