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Childbirth

Would non dilation happen again?

11 replies

helsi · 27/10/2004 14:43

I was induced at 40 wks due to a complicated pregnancy. I started with contractions and got to 4 centimetres dilated. 18 hours later I was still at 4 centimetres and the baby started getting distressed so they gave me an emergency C-section.

DD is nearly 2 and I am that stage of wanting to think about having a 2nd but I am worried that the same will happen again. If I do decide on another should I just book an elective c-section?

is it probable that I won't dilate again?

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helsi · 27/10/2004 14:59

bump

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midden · 27/10/2004 15:12

Sounds to me like your pregnancy was not ready to end and your baby was not ready to be born. A very high percentage of inductions end in sections for various reasons (needing more pain relief to cope with the contractions the drip causes - rollercoaster of intervention etc) , but the one that makes sense to me is that if your body is not ready to birth your baby then it very often will not comply with gels, drips and artificial rupture of membranes.

I know you say there were complications and thats why you were induced, next time its unlikely as its not advisable to induce women who have previously had a section. So your 2nd labour will hopefully start on its own, and you will already be on the right tracks for a quick and easy birth.

Also your uterus will be more efficient this time round having coped with contractions before.

NICE guidlines do state that having your baby at home lessens your chance of needing a section, maybe its worth thinking about a homebirth?

If you need to talk about your first experience, there is an organisation called "birth crisis" you can talk to somone and share your traumatic experience, this might clear the way for you a bit.

Keep bumping this up til mears sees it, she will have some useful info and advice I'm sure.

Best of luck x

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michellep · 27/10/2004 15:16

Hi, I had DD1 by c-section after 28hr labour, got to 9.5 cm, but wouldn't dilate any further. DD1 was back-to-back, which apparently slows down labour. A woman from my ante-natal group also had the same first birth, except she didn't dilate at all. We were both due second time round one week apart. Once you have a section, you have a 36 week appointment on your next pregnancy, and at mine they told me that I had to have a section because my pelvis was too small for birth (could have told me first time!!), but they said that she could go ahead for a normal birth, which she did successfully. It all depends on the reasons you didn't dilate, and you don't need to make your mind up until 36 weeks (you'll probably change your mind about the type of birth a million times before then!).

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mykidsmum · 27/10/2004 15:17

Beat me to it Midden all very good advice, induction of labour can often lead on to failure to progress as your body simply wasn't ready. I would advise against elective section on these grounds as long as these are your only worries. As midden said Birth crisis are a fab organisation who work with people who have had a traumatic birth experience, if you talk through any worries it will emotionally clear the way to having a more positive experience next time. Also what about a Doula if you feel it may be emtional support you need this may be a very valid option for you. Much Love xxxxxxx

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mykidsmum · 27/10/2004 15:20

I too had problems with progressing due to a back labour, I progressed just very slowly. Sorry to hear you had a section after all that hard work did they try any different positions at all??

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midden · 27/10/2004 15:23

find a doula here never thought of that mykidsmum and I am one!

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mykidsmum · 27/10/2004 15:26

me too just starting really, no clients yet but i don't live in London XX

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helsi · 27/10/2004 15:33

No they didn't try any alternative positions I just laid on my back for hours waiting to dilate. I had an epidural as I was wanting to push at only 4 cms. never progressed any further than that.

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mykidsmum · 27/10/2004 15:39

hi helsi, I really think you need to decide what is best for YOU. But make that decision by getting as much information as possible so you are satisfied that you have explored the options. Much love and good luck xxxxxxxxx

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midden · 27/10/2004 15:45

helsi it might be worth looking at doing some active birth classes time round or some other kind of birth preparation. As mykidsmum said - to be well informed.

mykids mum are you in scotland ?