Got my first appointment with consultant on Tuesday due to having a c-section with DS - what should I expect?

[ceebee74]

Am 12 weeks pg - do I need to go prepared with anything? Do I need to make a decision about VBAC/c-section now?

[jeanjeannie]

Hi ceebee - I didn't make a decision until 34 weeks!!!

Turns out they didn't want me to - ran through the pros and cons of c-section over VBAC and then left it up to DP and me to mull it over. Have to say the consultant was more pro VBAC than any midwife I've met - which seemed odd. There was no pressure either way.

I opted for a c-section simply because of a number of factors in my case would have led to a significantly high chance of another emerg - and I didn't think I could do that again. All medical people have been really supportive.

However I suspect all hospitals/consultants etc are very different....so good luck!

[calvemjoe]

It's different at each hospital, at mine I could change my mind at any point, I decided to go for a VBAC at 40 weeks after changing my mind on numerous occasions. At my 1st meeting my consultant went through what went wrong 1st time round and why I needed a section. I ended up having another energency section but my hospital was fab, they didn't push me in any direction. HTH x

[Snaf]

Gosh, that seems early. What was the reason for your section with ds?

[pinkyminky]

Ceebee- no you shouldn't have to make any decisions now - but if you think you may want the option of a VBAC (or conversely an ELCS), now is a good time to make that known- to the midwife you see first, that way you'll get the consultant and not one of his/her minions, and you will see how he/she reacts. This way you can gauge to some extent whether you are happy with your consultant or not. It wont bind you to any decision now, you wont have to make a decision until 34-36 weeks. You can also ask to see your first set of notes if it's the same hospital.
HTH

[ceebee74]

Snaf - I thought it was early too! The midwife who referred warned me that it would be weeks off from then - in fact it is only 4 weeks since I saw the mw!

Reason for section with DS was because he was back-to-back and got stuck - I had been in labour for 24 hours by that stage - and they were worried his head was going to get damaged. It wasn't a real emergency section as they told me I needed one and we would have to wait for a slot - I think the op happened about an hour later (I had lost all perspective of time by that point ).

[pinkyminky]

Snaf- I had first appointment with consultant for this preg and the previous one after 12 week scan- must be current policy?

[dizzydixies]

ceebee can I ask why you're considering a CS - is it your choice or theirs?

just had a 29wk apt and consultant says I don't have to make up my mind until my 35wk apt and its due to 2 previous horrible labours

I will be thinking long and hard but won't be going against my lovely consultants medical advice

I would think you don't have to decide this soon unless its a medical problem with either yourself or the wee one

congrats on your pg by the way

[ceebee74]

Dizzy - I do not have a strong preference either way tbh so am quite open-minded about which way to go.

I have pros and cons for both a VBAC and a c-section so I guess I am just waiting for some more information (presumably from the consultant) which will sway me in one direction.

[dizzydixies]

just remember then to get all the answers to everything you're wondering about

if it helps, write it all down and don't let them rush you

such a huge decision and will affect future choices/healing etc

having done it both ways I can't give you an opinion as I'm still trying to make up my mind

[pinkyminky]

If it was just down to the position of the baby, I would expect he'd favour a VBAC. But have a good look over your notes with him.

[ceebee74]

Pinkyminky - lol, it is a woman

I guess I just wasn't expecting to be faced with this so early on.

[dizzydixies]

you don't need to make any firm decisions at this time and don't be made to feel bullied into it

write lists/ask questions/ make sure you understand the answers before she moves on to something else

[pinkyminky]

You know, I put he/she right through my first post (don't know if you read it) but slipped because I was thinking of my consultant. I was so relieved to have him. The other conultant left at my hospital is a woman and she tried to bully a friend into having a normal delivery, despite her having had a 4th degree tear delivering her DD!

[ceebee74]

Pinky - that sounds awful - my friend had a 4th degree tear with her DS and they told her immediately afterwards that it was very unlikely she would be able to deliver naturally again.

I guess I am just a little nervous as I am hoping she is a nice reasonable consultant rather than an overbearing bully! Am not very good when faced with those kind of people

[dizzydixies]

ceebee think of it this way, it will be nice to be FACED with her rather than waiting until she's having a look up your fanjo trying to work out the best way forward

you'll be prepared for all eventualities

this is the first time I've met my consultant prior to them all having a good old ponder half way through a labour

[pinkyminky]

That's why it's good to see her so soon- you can begin to decide if she will help you to get the best birth for you and your baby, if you don't trust her, you can change.

[Snaf]

Well, it sounds as if a VBAC would certainly be an option for you, if you want it. We don't give VBAC clinic appts until 26+ weeks but every trust is different, I guess.

As the others say, don't be pushed into making a decision either way right now - give yourself time to think. You have plenty of time yet to research your options.