can you choose to have a c section with your second child if the first child was born that way?

Answer 1

I think it's basically up to you. I'm having same dilemma - only 16 months between my last and next one. If you are making an informed choice then they should let you. I found the following web page useful http://www.nice.org.uk/pdf/CG013quickrefguide.pdf
It's guidelines for obstetricians apparently repeat c/s is safer for baby 1 in 10 000 chance of death compared to 1 in 10 000 for VBAC (same as first time delivery apparently). However it is far more dangerous for Mum. VBAC isn't normal birth by all accounts and the medicalisation of this type of delivery (fetal monitoring, time limits on labour, not safe to be induced) is more likely to lead to an emergency c/s anyway. Don't want to go through that to have an em c/s at the end!!! Statistics vary but there is apparently a 50 - 75% chance you'll achieve a VBAC.

However each c/s leads to more likelihood of difficulty in subsequent pregnancies. So if you plan on having 3 or more kids VBAC is best otherwise it's your choice.

I'm 16 weeks pregnant with baby 2 and seeing consultant on Friday hoping she'll support me.

Answer 2

Don't know why you would want a C-section again just because your first was that way. It will depend on if the doctor thinks you need it. Why not consider going the natural way! Most people are disappointed that if they had to have a C-section on their first child. My daughter in law had it with her first she was pretty upset that she wasn't able to have it the natural child birth. So if you are lucky to have this second child the natural way I would go for it. So hopefully you'll have it natural. Well good luck either way.

Answer 3

Hi my name is Angel'
And about the C-section? yes you can choose.I have only 1 month to go for my second child and I am going to have another C-section even though my first was a C-section my doctor gave me a option of having her normal or C-section and I chose C-section because my first daughter I had some problems and I was hoping to have this one normal but I was to afraid to have her normal so I am having her on March 22,2007 at 7:30am with a C-section preparation instead of normal all you would have to do is discuss it with your doctor because a mother always have the right to choose how she wants her pregnancy to go so I hope I have helped you out and good luck to you.
Sincerely Angel

Answer 4

In the old days, if you had a C-section, you had no choice - all of the rest had to be born via C-section. Childbirth would put too much strain on the old scar.

Nowadays, they make the cuts in the womb/abdomen perpendicular to each other and many women do have a choice on subsequent births. Depends on how the operation healed after the first one.

Answer 5

I don't think so, but it probably depends on what part of the country you live in and what your local NHS trust's guidlines are. I know that when I was pregnant with my second child, (My first was born by emergency C-Section at 34 weeks), I was practically TOLD that I would be having a natural birth. I wasn't too bothered, I figured I would have to do labour at least once in my life. Ironically enough, after 13 hours of full on labour my son hadn't moved an inch so I had to have a C-Section anyway...hahaha!

It's probably best to ask your GP or midwife.

Answer 6

Are you in the UK? I elected for a c-section with my second after an emergency section with my first. However, I had to fight like mad to get it - the NHS were really unhappy with me. I had to use the phrase: "I insist" and I had to keep on "insisting" until they gave me the c-section. Ironic thing is, I would have ended up with another emergency c-section anyway so no harm done. Just remember to "insist" and be prepared for a battle!

Answer 7

My cousin did - her first born was by c section and she had another 2 the same way by choice

Answer 8

It all depends on what kind of incision you have. If it is vertical you need another c-section and if it is low transverse you can usually try for a vaginal which I did and was successful and would fully recommend it to anyone. It also depends on your doctor. Some of the older docs are lazy and don't want to mess with it so they just wanna schedule you for another surgury and the younger ones will usually encourage you to atleast try vaginal.

Answer 9

Yep. Most OBs won't due VBACs, actually (vaginal birth after cesarean) because of the increased risk to the mother.

If you had #1 via c-section, chances are that you'll have #2 that way, too. At least, in the U.S., that's how it is.

Answer 10

Thats generally what will happen anyway... whether you want it to or not. Well here in the UK it does anyway. As the stress the existing wound would be under would mean risk of it opening.. so you may find it would have to be a c section second time round.