Automatic C-Section?

Question

When it comes to a c-section shouldn't I have a choice? I'm 12 weeks so I have a ways to go, but at my appt. this morning my doctor said I'd have one like I didn't have any other alternative. I had an emergency c-section with my middle daughter and a perfectly normal delivery with my last one, why all of a sudden a mandantory c-section? Do I have the option of saying I don't want one?

I'm not asking for medical advice, just opinions and maybe someone who has been there.

Answer 1

This is controversial issue since many people think a vaginal birth is “natural” and therefore better. 50 years ago in the US, and even today in third-world countries, they are a lot more “natural” then we are today in the western world and they have a much higher rate of pregnancy complications and deaths as a result.

Many people have great experiences with a vaginal birth after a C-Section, but some people have serious problems which can cause all kinds of health issues for the parent, and especially the baby. I would try to find out the risks first, and make a decision if it’s worth it, rather than just looking for a doctor who will do what you want. Is the risk of a complication 1 in 10? 1 in 100? 1 in a Million? Ask and learn.

OB-GYN Mal-Practice insurance for is the highest cost of any specialty in the health industry. Your doctor’s insurance may not cover a vaginal birth in someone who has had a prior C. Insurance companies are heartless to be sure, but you can bet this means that there are less problems with C-Sections then Vaginal after a C.

Bottom line: After you get all the facts, make your decision based on what’s best for the baby.

Answer 2

unfortunately in this country, vbacs are a very touchy subject amongst obgyns. they seem to be divided into two equal groups. half say that vbacs are an unnecesary risk that shouldnt be taken, the other half say that theres a higher chance statistically of a problem in the OR than there is of euterine rupture. all agree that wether or not a woman should try a vbac varies greatly according to her particular situation. if you are seeing a different doctor than the one who allowed the vbac last time, then hes probably of the opinion that a c section is safer. if you are seeing the same doctor, then he or she likely has a very good reason for ordering an automatic c section. if you are seeing a different doctor, my advice would be this: calmly and confidently explain that you had a vbac with your last birth, and need to know if there is any serious medical reason hes ordering a c section with this one. if he has no medical reason, and he argues anyway for you to have a c section, then you may want to consider a midwife or another doctor. if he has a sound medical reason, then you either accept a c section, or seek another opinion. here in california, even the midwives will do a vbac is all the conditions are right. i personally would do everything possible to have a natural birth free of any interventions, but each woman is different. now doctors are offering ellective c sections to women who have normal pregnancies. all you can do is find out if there is a medical reason, and if there isnt, then stand up for what you want. one more thing, my second birth was completely natural, and the one thing that made it that way was taking a bath during labor. this took the pains away so completely, that i almost didnt make it to the hospital in time. (sephira was born literally 5 minutes after we entered the hospital.) if you feel comfortable with a midwife, i would seek one out and talk about a water birth. i wish you good luck, and congrats on your new addition.

Answer 3

I went through this. My second child was an emergency c section. when I got pregnant with my third i asked if I would have to have another one. They said no at first. then the local hospital changed thier policies. They said that because of the risks involved with a v-bac ( vaginal delivery after c section) that they couldnt take the risk. It has something to do with the hospitals insurance company. If you live in a small area that is what most hospitals are doing. They told me the only way around it would be to go to a different hospital ( like one in a major city or a university) or to go through most of the labor at home and get to the hospital after it is too late to do a c section. I considered that option but I am diabetic which presents complications during pregnancy and delivery so I didn't feel comfortable not being monitored. So i had my third...and fourth child by schedualed c section.

Answer 4

Yes you have the option...but if this is a different doctor, he may have a policy against VBACs. If he does, I would suggest you switch doctors, maybe find one that will take you as a succesful previous VBAC. If you have already had one normal one after the c-section, you should be a fine candidate for another one. Don't just go along with what he says, ask him why. If he won't, I would suggest finding a different doctor. I am also 12 weeks and switching doctors because of policy differences. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Having a VBAC really depends on why you had the c-section and what type of incision you had. They ususally don't want to stress a vertical incision by letting it go thru labor, but most people have horizontal incisions these days. If you have placenta previa totalis it will be necessary and unrelated to you having a c-section before. So many people I talk to that have had one c-section choose to have a scheduled c-section for the next baby just because it's easier to plan and they've already done it once before. Maybe your doctor sees this so often that he is just assuming that you are one of those that wants another c-section because you've already done it once. It will be most informative if you directly ask your doctor what your exact situation is. He may be very open to the idea of VBAC. Good luck!

Answer 6

Your doctor may not be willing to do a VBAC or he may not feel comfortable doing it due to your age, weight gain, or other factors. You should ask him why he's saying a c-section is your only option, especially since you're already had one VBAC.

You may or may not have the option of choosing your birthing method. You may have to switch doctors and hospitals to have a VBAC. Some hospitals are not equipped or will not allow a VBAC.

Either way, be sure to read up on the risks of VBAC. Even though you already had one safely, doesn't mean that the second will go as smoothly.

Answer 7

If you had a VBAC with no complications, you should be able to do another VBAC. Get another dr. opinion. It may just be protocol for this specific dr. Let him know you don't want one. Then, if he still presses it, that would be the time to get a new dr.
I'm preg with my 2nd. I had an Emergency c-section with my daughter. And I havent been to the dr. yet. I go Nov 20. So, I'll find out what they plan on doing.

Answer 8

Run far, run fast from this doctor. DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT go back he is dangerous.

Contact your local La Leche League, see if you can find a local VBAC group. Find a doctor or midwife who has a history of sucessfull VBACs.

Also, if you can not. If no local hospital will do VBACs anymore, if no care provider does births outside of a hospital, consider birthing at home - alone (research UC - unassisted childbirth, you will be surprised how safe and prevelent it is. You will think it is nuts at first but give it an equal chance and a little time for research.)

Answer 9

I can't see why you wouldn't be able to have a natural delivery. My first son was delivered by c-section and like you wasn't really given a choice. I've had alot of trouble falling pregnant the second and was sent to see a gyno/obst. After talking to him about my concerns he sent me for a scan to determine bone structure. The results showed there to be no reason why I shouldn't be able to have a natural birth second time round. So if you aren't happy with your doctor seek a second opinion as everyone has their own preferences, includes doctors. Congratulations on you pregnancy and best of luck.

Answer 10

Id just find another doctor if he is not willing to give you a choice. I dont see why you have to have a c section if you had a normal delivery with the last.