I'm 20 years old, and currently 17 weeks pregnant with my first child. I am a very small build, weighing a steady 48 kgs before falling pregnant, and wearing size 6 clothing. I am terrified of labour, and even more so of having the baby via vaginal birth. I am afraid of tearing, and I have a very low pain thresh hold. I also have a partial Biocornuate uterus, which means that my uterus is shaped more like a love heart than an upside down pear. I read a lot on Google that the chances of a baby coming breech with this kind of uterus is about a 50-80% chance, and on top of that my uterus is also retroverted! I live in NSW, and I don't have private health care, and I have heard the bad and the good of having a baby via vaginal birth vs c section, and I am leaning much more towards a c section! I would just like to know if this will be possible for me, or can a doctor refuse my choice?
9 Replies
I am not normally for opting for c-sections over vaginal births as I don't feel for one minute that they are any easier. That being said my one and only birth was a caesar after a very long and difficult labour because my baby was improperly positioned, and had I known what I was going to be in for I would probably have opted for a caesar straight away. I think you have some very valid reasons for wanting an elective c-section, not least your fear of the process itself.
Definitely talk your OB and midwives about this. If they don't listen, find someone who will.
Just something to keep in mind, in regards to pain threshold. A c-section recovery will require days even weeks of pain while recovering. Its major surgery and definitely not an easy option. As for you're a small build, i was a size 8 55kgs and gave birth to a 10lbs baby (first baby) His birth has completely damaged my vagina, to the extent i need surgery to fix it. If i knew what i know now i think i would have opted for a c-section. I've went on to have another two very easy vaginal births. Good luck with your decision, i think your reasonings are very valid. Just keep in mind recovery for c-section.
It's a shame you didn't have private health as you could have your birth any way you like than. I would discuss your options with your doctor and midwife
That's not true at all. Most OBs won't perform major surgery on a person without good reason - health insurance or no health insurance. And a pretty unhelpful comment, tbh.
Yep, you don't need private health insurance to have the birth the way you want it - that's what midwives and obs can help you with.
But that said it is preferable not to have to undergo surgery if you don't have to.
Talk.to your midwife or doctor. Open your mind to natural birth too. The idea can be scary but the reality of tearing and birthing and all of it is not the nightmare you're imagining. I can't explain why not, it.just isn't. It's natural and your body can do it. Stop googling and finding more.reasons to be scared, instead talk to.your health carer. Talk it out, your fears, risks, options. Read about hypnobirthing, it shows you how child birth can be without the fear. Good luck.
If you discussed this with your midwife and doctor, the risks involved they may agree to an elective c section. Just because your are not a private patient doesn't mean you can't have a c section
Perineal massage.
Google positioning, there are ways to guide or encourage the baby into certain positions in the months prior to birth by how you lay and sit. It helps.
Look into movement in labour as a method of reducing pain. I laboured on all fours. Due to those issues if the baby is due and in the right position or able to be moved they may induce the labour to ensure it is as low risk as possible. My 2nd was going to be breach and c section would have been high risk through the placenta. She turned on the day she was due do they induced before she could change her mind.
With my first I was 45kgs when I fell pregnant . Have a retrograde uterus. I had a 3.7kg baby who was prosterier (came out facing up) I had an episiotomy. There are lots of pain relief options available. If baby is breach the doctor will know closer to the date and can make a plan with you. Try not to stress your body is made for having babies