Requesting a Caesarian?

Question

Just wondering what people’s experiences are of asking for a Caesarian within the NHS, when they’re not classed as high risk and technically in need of one?
Basically I have severe anxiety and labour has always scared the crap out of me, but obviously I want a baby and know I’ll have to give birth somehow..... I just feel hours of labour and pain will cause my anxiety to shoot through the roof and my blood pressure and pulse will go mad, which isn’t good for me or baby, so thinking a Caesarian would be best for both of us? Controversial- but my ideal scenario would be a Caesarian under general anaesthetic because I just want it to be over with without me being aware, in pain and really stressed!
It’s something I’ll discuss with my midwife as I’m only 7 weeks so very early, but my awful anxiety is trying to plan ahead 😅🙈

Answer

Hello, I completely understand your anxieties, and while people may try and tell you that it's not a valid "medical reason" anxiety in pregnancy and around child birth is being taken more and more seriously. As others have posted the NICE guidelines state you're entitled to one if you choose. However, you are likely to face a strong push back at every stage. But do your research and if your mind is made up and you're aware and prepared for the risks of the surgery, then absolutely stick to your guns.
Now, the process can be tricky. I have having an elective c section, partly medical reasons, both physical and mental. Although none of mine are high risk, together it's a bit of a nightmare and I won't go in to it, but just... No. I want a c section.
Birth and delivery is not usually discussed until your 34 week appointment, which is likely to freak you out! I'm 33 weeks now and have brought it up at my last two appointments. The answer from the midwives is always "we'll discuss at 34 week appointment and refer you to consultant at that point". Then I assume I will have my appointment around 35 or 36 weeks, at which point, if the consultant agrees, they will schedule the section for around 39 weeks. I have been assured this is a completely normal process, they don't book them very far in advance as a lot can change in your pregnancy up to the 34 week point.
Your difficultly may be as it's a complete "maternal request" for c section is that although the NICE guidelines state you're entitled to one, your consultant may disagree. At which point you will need to be referred to a different one for a second opinion or to a different hospital. They may insist you see a Councillor to discuss your anxiety around child birth for instance to make sure you've weighed it all up.
My advice, bring it up early and often, even though it's not normally dis ussrd until much later, it will be easier if your midwife is aware you wish for maternal request for planned c section and it won't be such a shock and she hopefully won't be a hurdle to you at the 34 week appointment.
Good luck, whatever you decide. x

Answer

Hope you get through to someone.
That said, don’t be scared of labour, it’s not always awful. I had a really positive experience - five hour labour, only gas and air and I’d say it was intense rather than painful. Don’t watch videos or listen to people’s’ horror stories about birth or caesarean as everyone’s experience is totally different!

Answer

You are able to request one but they will try to talk you out of it. However the NHS can’t actually refuse one anymore. I just found this online...

Answer

Hey Hun X most importantly I would right a pros and cons list for natural Vs csec X I would also bring up Ur mental health struggles and see if you r eligible to be referred to the perinatal team which are mental health/support midwives X Im seeing my midwife tomorrow who I will be asking to re-refer me (I was under talking therapies first time and can't be under both) X I know it's slightly different but I had my first by emergency csec so I requested planned with 2nd they did want me to try vbac but after seeing I had done my research and created my pros and cons list they soon took me seriously and booked my csec in X as long as they can c u have done ur research and understand the risks involved I can't c y they shouldn't take ur request seriously x I am seeing consultant next month at 21 weeks and will most probs get my csec date for this baby then X u might not get urs as early but do ur research X also I recommend not going for general (haven't personally had one) but my planned csec was so relaxing and such an enjoyable experience and hearing their first cry and meeting them straight away was magical X was also able to do skin to skin and a bit of delayed cord clamping while in theatre XX here if u have anymore questions Hun xx

Answer

As there's no medical need, you'll probably face a lot of push back as they generally don't like to do them unless they have to; however you do have the right to one, you just have to stick to your guns.

Answer

The healing process after a c-section can outweigh the pros of having one... it can be an awful experience healing from major stomach surgery.
Outweigh the pros and cons for both and give your body some time adjust to being pregnant too; you’ve got a long way to go and your body may start to relax at the thought of a natural birth. Good luck to you x

Answer

I was told to bypass the midwifes and request a c-section straight from the consultant.

Answer

I broached the subject with my midwife and got quite a strong response of “you are obviously very anxious and struggling you should try hypnobirthing” no further conversation! 
I’m not overly anxious, I just feel like it’s my choice and want to take away the unknowns and ambiguity so the whole experience is as calm and safe for myself any my baby. 
Shouldn’t be this way with the new guidelines, but I fear it will take ALOT to change practise to allow us to request a c-section with no strong medical reason.

Answer

Thank you all for your comments, they’ve been so helpful!
I do have other illnesses additional to Anxiety and Depression- including ME and Asthma. Again they don’t make me ‘high risk’ for vaginal birth per se, but I feel all of my illnesses together would just be completely unmanageable in a prolonged vaginal birth!
My GP already suggested that my midwife will refer me to the consultant due to my mental health alone as I’m still on medications so I’m hoping I can discuss it with them too. It’s all so stressful 😟

Answer

You can ask but you will most likely be told no depending on your hospital.
I begged for one I knew i wouldn’t be able to give birth without help I was high risk anyway and the consultant still said no 
I had my reasons and after the birth ( I won’t scare you) the consultant actually came to me on the ward and said how sorry she was that she had said no, lucky my son was ok.
I believe if you’ve got a medical condition you should be given the choice but if it’s just because your scared of giving birth then no.
It’s a wonderful thing and you knew what getting pregnant would mean..... you have to give birth

Requesting a Caesarian?

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