medical termination

[clarabeth]

why do women have to go through normal delivery if they are having to terminate a pregnancy at 22 weeks gestation due to a severe abnormality and not have a c section?

[boobesque]

Because its a major operation and is not considered the best option in the birth of a very small baby.
Its already a traumatic experience, but going through major surgery which takes a long time to recover from only adds to the stress.

[gleaveyweave]

This is a good question clarabeth, I have often wondered the same thing. I have to disagree with boobesque though - personally I think the trauma of going through all the pain and exhaustion of a "natural" birth, knowing that the baby will not survive at the end of it would far outweigh the operation and recovery of a c section. I hope that this is just a question borne of curiosity rather than a personal situation but if it is personal however, I send you (or whoever is the lady concerned) my sincerest sympathys and best wishes x

[Pippa68]

I agree with boobesque.

Although delivering a stillborn baby vaginally is still traumatic, you have to consider the fact that a C section not only carries more risk to the mother during birth (either live or dead infant) it is also means a much longer physical recovery.

I have never had a C section, but know women who have. A lot of them have taken 6-8 weeks to gain some kind of 'normality' physically. You are also advised not to get pregnant again for at least 9 months after a C section in order for your body to recover and your scar to heal.

I can only imagine that to terminate a pregnancy via C section would be detrimental to the mother, as not only would she be suffering emotionally (as she would if she had a vaginal birth) she could also be suffering the pain & discomfort of C section for weeks.. as well as being told she has to wait to conceive again in the future.

[thingummyjig]

''I hope that this is just a question borne of curiosity rather than a personal situation but if it is personal however, I send you (or whoever is the lady concerned) my sincerest sympathys and best wishes x ''
First, may I echo this statement?
Having been through both situations, I feel it is definitely in the best interests of a woman NOT to go through a c-section; at 22 weeks, a baby is obviously much smaller, making the birth less painful and exhaustion. The trauma is bad enough in itself.

[boobesque]

Sadly gleavyweave, myself and my mum have both been through both of the options and i was told i would give birth and recovered a lot quicker than my mum who had a section.
Had i had to recover from major abdominal surgery as well, there is no way i would have coped. My mum never greived and she nearly missed my brothers funeral. Whereas i was on my feet the next day.
Not to be horrible, but doctors refuse a c section in the event of a dead baby as its seen as not worth it for the sake of a deceased baby.

[Pippa68]

Yes..a C Section costs around �3,000 compared to around �1,500 for a vaginal delivery. Costs also have to be considered, unfortunately.

[tradey]

ive wondered the same,a very good mate of mine last year was 21wks and had to have a normal delivery,she still hasnt got over it now,she said she would have prefered to have had a section than have to go through that ,and women should have the right to choose themselves what they want to do

[helliebobs]

Pippa, my little boy is now 2 weeks old and was born by emergency caeserean. I am up and about and taking things slowly, but thanks, your reply has just reminded me again, that I shouldn't be pushing myself so hard! No idea it cost that much though!

[maggie01]

That happened to my daughter a couple of years ago. The baby had something wrong with it and it had to be terminated. She coped very well but it did seem a bit harsh to have to deliver it that way.

[Pippa68]

Awww hellie ~ hope all is well with you & your little one :o)

It is true, according to my sister in law who has had the 3 C sections...she was up and 'doing' far too early and paid for it later on.

Please do keep well & rest up! xx

[helliebobs]

thanks pippa, we are both fine. As for not doing much, I am currently living back at my parents having split up with my hubby just before baby was born so I am getting waited on hand and foot more or less - meals made for me, no tidying up or housework to do, sat on the sofa with my feet up etc!