How do i get an elective caesarian?

[boobesque]

Hi, i have a very risky past pregnancy history, and due to an incompetant cervix i have had a cervical stitch, my consultant is insistent on them taking it out at 38 weeks for me to have a natural labour, i have what is called a true incompetent cervix that dilates in one contraction, i do not want another natural birth as my son has severe cerebral palsy and a natural birth cannot be controlled as i have no control over what happens to my body, needless to say i am petrified of having a natural labour as i dont want another baby with a head injury. How can i get what i feel would be best for myself and the baby?

[noxlumos]

My suggestion is that you telephone your consultant, tell him that you would like to schedule a meeting with him regarding an elective caesarian and explain your concerns thoroughly.Ask him why he thinks a natural birth is better, and remember that caesarians have their own high risks too and see if you can't sort it out with him amicably.Ask for him to state his reasons in writing and he might give in and let you have a caesar. If not ask for a transfer to another consultant and see what he says. If they are both in agreement then you have little option but to either take their advice or go private ( assuming you are not already) and see what the private sector has to offer. It may be that your understandable qualms about it are unfounded, and I can't imagine that a consultant would suggest a dangerous birth, as the repercussions for the hospital and for himself would be dire financially and reputation wise. All that being said, we went privte with the birth of ours because we wanted to be treated as we felt new parents should and not in the way that we'd both experienced previously.Hope you go on alright and keep us informed.

[Pippa68]

I agree with noxlumos ~ everything he has said is good advice..a chat with your consultant is the way forward.

My first baby was born at 42 weeks and was almost 10lb. Her shoulders got stuck & she sustained two broken arms, nerve damage & later on was diagnosed autistic (don't know if this is connected to the birth though!) I had to have a long & drawn out blood transfusion too..so when I got pregnant again 3 years later I was determined to have a C section. In the end I had a natural labour at 39 weeks (too quick to arrange anything else!) BUT I was in constant talks with both midwives & consultants who totally understood my concerns & agreed that if my baby hadn't arrived by his due date I could have an elective C section.

As nox has quite rightly pointed out, C sections don't come without risks to both you & your baby (they say there is more risk than a natural birth) all will be explained to you, & a decision can be reached. However, I am pretty sure that they will go with a C section if that is what you want ~ considering your history.

Keep well :o)

[boobesque]

we saw him on tuesday and he was very steadfast about it, my gp is going to write him a letter but if he still refuses i will have to change hospitals and i cant be too far from my son, its very frustrating!