Think I want an elcs after emcs last time

[maisie78]

I am almost sure I want an elective section this time. I had a failed home birth with my daughter. 24 hours at home, 24 hours at hospital, put on a drip, given an epidural then finally an emcs after only getting to 4cm and dd went in to distress. I have a high bmi (42) which already shortens my chances of a vb and I just don't want the same thing to happen again. It was so awful :'(

But I know that here in the UK they will try really hard to persuade you to try vbac. Am I going to have to fight for a elcs do you think? Barely 5 weeks and I'm already getting in a tizz about it

Tia x

 

[RaspberryMini]

Don't have any advice I'm afraid but I feel the same as you, I had an EMCS after overreaction to induction meds which caused fetal distress. I know that might not happen again but it felt scary at the time, and I'd rather just feel in control. I recovered really well last time too, was out of hospital within 24hrs. Though I appreciate it'll be harder with a toddler!

 

[Citrine]

How old are you? I have heard the older you get the harder it is for cervix to soften and dilate. Maybe u could use your age as part of your argument? I also had an EMCS after being in labour for 37 hours. They gave me morphine which totally shut me down when I was contracting every 2 minutes. Another story.. Anyway good luck with the cs. I will probably be trying to get one too in febuary.

 

[maisie78]

Hi Citrine. I was 34 with my first and will by 36 by the time I have this one so will be considered an older Mum. Maybe that will go.in my favour.

 

[ispeakinsongs]

I am in the same position, had an EMCS last time and will want an elective this time for various reasons. I think as long as you are assertive and stand your ground you will be fine. x

 

[supertabby]

I had an emcs the first time and elective the second time. I didn't have to fight for it, the doctor talked me through pros and cons of both options and it was my own decision. Even if your doctor is very pro VBAC they still can't deny you a section on nhs if you've previously had one. They do have to legally tell you the risks though so it might sound like they're trying to scare you off section, but they have to state all the risks and you also have to read them before signing consent. There's risks to both options though too.

 

[SillyMoo1983]

I had an EMCS first time round and an ELCS secons time round. The doctor was fine about it, didn't push me either way, just said it was totally my decision. I asked lots of questions and we had a good chat. BTW, I found recovery much better having not gone through labour second time round. Days with no sleep followed by an EMCS was not good. With the elective I got to sleep the night before so had much more oomph to deal with baby.

 

[maisie78]

Had my booking in appt with the mw today. She is the one as I had with my dd and so knows the birth issues I had and is now up to speed on dd's health problems since she saw us. I told her I was considering elcs and asked if she thought I would have to fight for it as I had heard of other women being pressured to attempt VBAC. She really didn't see why it would be a problem and apparently Nottingham PHT even do an ante natal class for mothers having an elective so I am feeling much better now. Obviously I have to hope the consultant I get is as relaxed about my choice but so far so good

 

[RaspberryMini]

Thanks for the update. I'm booking in tomorrow so I'll see what she says!