C-Section (worried about birth)?

Question

Im 18 and i will be 4months pregnant on saturday. The thing is im quite tiny, im a size 8 with a tiny pelvis n waist. And I dont think I cud physically go through labour! Can u request to have a cesarian? Or do the hospital decide them kind of things?

Answer 1

Hi there,

I was really pleased to see your question, I have a real phobia about being pregnant and the thought of giving birth scares me to death (I've even had 2 terminations as I was so scared) there is a very small possibility that I might be pregnant at the moment, and I am really worried.

I did enquire at the family planning clinic as to whether or not I could elect to have a c section and they seemed to think that you can now, in-fact they prefer it because they can give you an allocated date and time, rather than wait for you to go into labour at any time of the day or night, they did suggest that I talk to my doctor about it but couldn't really see a problem.

Good luck to you.

Nina x

Answer 2

There is NO WAY if you can tell if a woman's pelvis is too small to birth a baby until she is pushing. Your pelvis has a joint in it that makes the outlet larger when you labor. There is tiny women that give birth to 10 pound babies. Nature would not have you grow a baby that is too big for you to birth without some huge contributing factor like gestational diabetes. CPD (cepalo pelvic disproportion) is often sited as a reason for a c-section.That means that 'baby is too big to be pushed out' When in reality CPD rarely even exists. I have talked to many many women that CPD with a baby (dr. demanded a c-section) and then went on to have a baby later that was even larger than the baby the had a c-section with.
Having a mother push her baby out while on her back actually hinders the pelvis from opening up all the way. An upright (squatting) position or an all fours (hands and knees) position would allow the pelvis to open up 40% more. That is a lot. I do not understand while most modern hospitals still demand that women push while on their backs.
Congrats to you on your pregnancy. Pick up as many books as you can on pregnancy and birth. It is not something to be scared of. Try the book "Active Birth" to learn more about positions in labour and birth. Read books like "Journey into Motherhood" that is nothing but birth stories to get rid of the fear. The more positive birth stories you read the less the fear will be there.
Some hospitals might give you a c-section just because you ask but it is way too risky to you and to your baby. It is was scarier to be cut open than it is to birth. When I hear people say "it is not worth the risk...I am having a c-section" I get angry and confussed. They are willing to risk a c-section? A c-section is not without it's risks.
Again...good luck. You will do great.

Answer 3

I know it sounds daft but what size feet do you have? I always thought it was an 'old wives tale' but apparently not - the size of your feet are directly proportional to the size of your pelvis, therefore if you've got small feet for your height you'll probably end up with a section.

Alternatively - you can 'INSIST' on a cesarean. I had my first by emergency c-section and 'insisted' on another for my second. (As it transpired I would have needed one anyway but that's by the by.) There are very few NHS hospitals that would deny you a c-section if you 'insist' (and you have to use that word). Reason being, if you've 'insisted' (might be an idea to put it in writing as well) and anything should go wrong during a natural birth, the hospital will be held responsible and they're very unlikely to take the chance. It's not a nice thing to do and I certainly wouldn't advocate it for everyone - but it worked for me.

Please ignore 'Professional'. Labour can be a lot longer than a few hours - can be extremely traumatic and I've actually known women suffer from post traumatic stress following a very 'un' natural labour. I have (faded and very small) scars from my c-sections but couldn't care less - they're far better than the horror stories of natural births.

You go for it if it's what you want. Very best of luck to you.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, the hospital will decide whether it is necessary or not for you to have a c-section. I was 19 when I had my first child, and I had to have a c-section b/c my pelvis was too small. And I was a size 8. But my sister, who is 3 inches shorter than me, and a size 4, had both her kids naturally! So, you never can tell.

If you are small boned, then more than likely, your baby will be too. So you may have a small baby to go through your small pelvis. And having natural delivery as opposed to c-sections is much better. I've had 2 c-sections, and they basically cut the muscles in your stomach in half. My youngest is 4 now, and I still can't do a full sit up, and it's a nonstop battle against the 'pooch' that a c-section creates, not to mention the whopping scar. You shouldn't be scared, it'll hurt, but it's nothing you can't handle. A c-section will hurt just as bad, just afterward rather than before.

Answer 5

First of all... Don't be afraid. Real labor is nothing like what you see on TV. I've been in the room during two vaginal births this year. Personally I was terrified of "going into labor". I have had 2 babies in the past two years, both by C-section due to complications during my pregnancies. I will be honest and tell you that a C-section is no picnic. Both of my bestfriends recently had vaginal births and they recovered MUCH more quickly and with less pain. They were given excellent medications and the only part the found uncomfortable was the actual urge to push. As soon as the meds wore off they were taking showers and nursing their babies. I couldn't get out of bed (and didn't want to) until the next morning. Walking, bending, even trying to get comfortable in the bed was a real challenge. There just isn't a nice, clean, pleasant way to give birth... But I promise it's well worth it either way. It becomes a distant memory when you are rocking your new baby in your arms.

All of this aside my advice is to voice your concerns to your doctor. One of my friends was 4'11 and she highly recommends smaller women asking/insisting that their doctors do an ultra sound (during the 9th month) to determine if the pelvis and other parts are big enough to handle to upcoming baby. Bottom line... It's your body and you should feel comfortable asking your doctor questions and discussing your fears. If your doctor doesn't seem sympathetic or interested in helping you cope, find a new one. Doctors are there to serve you, so don't take any crap. Be in control soon to be Mommy its a long road ahead!

Answer 6

The hospital will decide if you need or would be better to have a C section. Its something you should really discuss with your doctor or midwife. If you let them know your worries they can start thinking about it and how to help you sooner rather than later.

I am worried about labour, I'm not very good in scary new situations, I'm terrified of throwing up and I hate hospitals. But then again having a c section means major surgery and staying in hospital longer. I've been discussing my fears with the consultant midwife at my local hospital and she's been really good. You really need to discuss it with someone .

In the UK most hospitals won't let you "choose" a c section. They only do one if they feel you need or or if the benefits of having a c section would outweight the risks for mother and baby. But they will monitor you in your pregnancy and if they really think that you won't be able to deliver naturally (if the baby is particuarly big for example) they will suggest a c section.

My cousin is tall and big boned but she had a c section because her son was 11 pounds and they knew it would be really difficult for her to give birth to a baby that size, so they decided the c section would be the best thing for both mother and baby.

Answer 7

please dont worry yr body is designed 2 give birth no matter what size ur i am a size 8 and i had 2 babies both weighing 7lb plus both labours were over in less than an hour and no stitches im not saying it will be that easy 4 u but i would go 4 a natural birth and see how u go if there is problems then u and the midwifes can then choose the c section trust the midwifes they wont put u or yr baby at risk

Answer 8

You can certainly request it. No responsible hospital will agree, but there are certainly some *irresponsible* ones out there. Whether you'd want to have major potentially life-threatening surgery in an irresponsible hospital is a question only you can answer.

Remember, labor is a few hours. Damage from a cesarean section can scar you for life, and even just the pain from it lasts for weeks. It's really not a good trade.

Answer 9

I was and am again a size 8, had a cesarean but because i had problems.
your are at the beginning of your pregnancy as far as your body changes are concerned. everything will fall into place and by the time your baby is due your body will be ready for birth. if it is not you will have a c - section. but i am not sure that nhs will arrange for one without a good reason.
good luck

Answer 10

Unless you are willing to go private, or there is a medical need, you wont be allowed a c section. It puts a lot more strain on your body to have a c section.
I was a size 6-8 and was able to give birth normally.
If you are worried talk to your midwife.