Elective section

Is there any other reason medically that you need a c section? Because your weight is not a justifiable excuse or reason to push you to have a c section. UK size 16 approx 15st and gave birth vaginally with an epidural no issues x

@Naomi yes I want a c section. I have hyperemesis and been in bed all pregnancy so don’t feel like I can get through labour. They are trying to deter me though because of bmi

I’m surprised they are advising that. I am a uk 20/22 around 22st and when I saw the anaesthetist there was no concerns with placement although granted I did not have a C-section

I am a UK 22/24. Had an epidural with first labour (not c section) and seen anaesthetist this time and no mention of any issues. They did ultrasound of spine to make it easier.

To be honest it is a risk they do have to mention to you in order for you to make an informed decision. It is a risk with anyone having a spinal for a c section. Having worked in theatres I have seen failed epidurals a handful of times during electives and usually if it fails at least in my hospital they will offer you the choice of general anaesthetic or an induction. I would speak to your consultant and just ask if you could have an ultrasound of your spine or an appointment with an anaesthetist to discuss it further.

was a size UK size 18 had an elective section zero issues

Thanks everyone. Those who had c sections, did your babies have to go into special care because of their lungs/breathing? I was also told that my baby will need this because that’s what happens after a c section. And how did you find recovery and taking the blood thinning injections?

My BMI was 36 and I’m a size 16. Never advised for a c section, advised against it if anything. But I’ve seen and know so many women who have higher BMIs than me have no issues with the spinal at all but all got told what you did and were so worried. I ended up in an emergency section and had no issues doing it on me. Anaesthetist will likely do a pre op with you, and feel your spine and back to make sure they’re confident in being able to do it. It’s good they’re telling you possibilities but I think it puts the fear in people. Hopefully it’s successful and you meet your little one as you hope ❤️

Well his talking a load of BS . Tell me he doesn't find your sickness a big enough reason but tbh having a section can also make you sick due to the anesthesia. You can always ask for a 2nd opinion. I had to have an emergency with my first as my labor didn't progress aswel as other things. I plan for a vbac this time but if baby isn't here by my due date then booked a section on my due date.. A section is a hard recovery and major surgery but if it's what you want then push for it. You really need a good support system around you with a section aswell.

Ive never known someone get told this unless baby is premature. They may only need special care if thats the case. I had mine at 37+3 after failed induction and he was absolutely amazing. Induced as he was measuring big, and he was 9lbs1oz, so big but healthy. But he did get jaundice which meant we ended up staying in hospital for a week. But 37 weeks is deemed full term so baby should be ok. Sometimes baby is really small they need extra support x

I had worse of a time getting the spinal in at a uk18 than I did with my twins when I was more like a 22. I will say though the recovery was HARD! I did have the anaesthetist come round and explain limitations/risks due to high BMI

I’m a uk 20/22 was told I would have no issues having a spinal I did end up with an emergency c-sections but that wasn’t due to my bmi or anything

I’m a size 18 and have had two electives c-sections both maternal choice,no reason, but own informed decision making and there was zero problem with the spinal or either babies. Best decisions I have ever made. People talk in absolutes when it comes to so much with this journey. Yes, recovery MIGHT be hard but it also might not be. I was up the same night with both, showered and life pretty resumed as normal in terms of my mobility, zero issues with recovery. Your recovery MIGHT be better with a vaginal but for lots and lots of women it isn’t. The blood thinning injections were the worse part of it for me but I’m a wimp and due to age and BMI ( I was over 40 with both babies) I had to have them for 6 weeks.

I had an elective c section (UK 18-20) and they didn't warn me about the potential issues of the spinal, although they did try to put me off in practically every other way they could think of. They pushed very hard for an induction, despite my needing to have the baby at 38 weeks. I told them I didn't want one that early because my concern was, if my body wasn't "ready" the induction would fail and I'd end up with an emergency c section anyway, after potentially several days of labour pain. They still pushed, and only finally caved in when I asked them outright whether or not an induction would work if my body wasn't ready. They said it wouldn't and went into a lengthy explanation of what happens to the fibres of the cervix when the body is ready for birth. So then I asked them if there was any way to tell whether those fibres had changed and they said no, at that point I could tell they knew they'd sort of talked themselves into my point of view, and they booked me a section 😂 TBC...

Despite the lack of warning, they did have some trouble getting the spinal thing in, but it worked eventually. It took several attempts but honestly it wasn't even really uncomfortable, it was more tricky having to hold myself in a weird position for half an hour while they attempted to get it in. They said afterwards that if it had been an emergency section and I was in full-blown labour they'd have had no choice but to give me a general anaesthetic so I'm extremely glad I stuck to my guns. My recovery was excellent, the worst part was the blood thinners but they were still bearable. The first few days were a bit painful, but not so much that I felt like I needed to take the morphine they'd sent me home with, ibuprophen & paracetamol was enough. You soon learn to move around in such a way that it minimises the pain and I felt well enough to drive after 10 days. Pretty much back to normal by week 3. The bruising lasts a long time though!

Oh and I was really quite (irrationally!) worried that the stitches hadn't worked so my insides would fall out when they took the dressing off but that too was absolutely fine and everything remained where it should be 😂

This only happens if the baby’s lungs are not matured enough which shouldn’t happen as I don’t know any surgeon that would book an elective c section for a woman and baby under 38 weeks 37 at a push unless there is a medical need that baby needs to come early in which they usually would offer steroids to mature babies lungs for premature babies but I’ve not known it to happen to full term babies just because it’s a c section as opposed to to vaginal delivery Recovery will be different for everyone some need 6 days some need 6 weeks some need longer it depends on your body. It is major surgery in which surgeons have to cut through 7 layers so it is worth bearing that in mind. But stay on top of pain meds etc should minimise that.