Doctor refusing to do c section?

Question

my friend is having a baby that has a condition that means it will die during or soon after birth.Do you think it is an reasonable request for her to ask for a section as research has shown babies with this condition have a lot more chance of being born alive and living for longer if born this way.Her doctor has refused her on the basis the operation wont do mother or baby any good but all thats keeping her going is the chance of having time with her baby.

Answer 1

What we think doesn't matter. Have her get another doctor, or take a pile of medical literature proving what you said is true, and a lawyer, to doctor #1.

Answer 2

It's certainly reasonable of her to ask for it, but it's also reasonable of her doctor to refuse. She wants anything that will give her even a few extra minutes or hours with her precious child. As a mom who lost a child, I understand this completely. But her doctor wants the best possible outcome for the mom, since the child is not going to make it no matter what is done. Sad, sad situation.

A c-section is a dangerous surgical intervention, and her doc is unwilling to put her at any extra risk. This makes sense. And the doc has to do what he or she thinks is best. But if she really wants to try to get that extra time, no matter how little, she should search for a doctor who will do the c-section. I'm sure there's one out there. Her emotional needs are important, too.

(What her doctor probably understands is that your friend is desperately trying to fight against the inevitable. No matter how she gives birth, or how long the baby lives, the end will be devistating. Even though she thinks deep down that the c-section will make things better, it really won't.)

Different docs will have different viewpoints. neither would really be right or wrong. (There will be no perfect solution in this case.)

Afterward, however, please be there for your friend. Losing a child is probably the most difficult thing I've ever experienced. It takes a long time to feel better.

L.
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Answer 3

First off, please know how very heartbreaking it is to be in this situation. Your freind is going to need all the support in the world.
Here are my thoughts, having been through 4 vaginal births, the last one minutes away from a c-section. I actually changed Drs midway through my pregnancy when my Dr wouldn't consider a vaginal birth. Most of the problem was that he didn't EXPLAIN the complications to me....he just said NO.
#1, your freind needs to find a more compassionate Dr. One that explains every aspect of her difficult pregnancy and the complications of a vaginal birth versus a c-section.
The main reason I didn't want a c-section is because unlike a vaginal birth, you can't hold your baby right away. The surgery isn't finished when the baby is delivered. There is still 30-45 minutes left on the operating table, then the recovery room, where babies aren't allowed. Your freind might lose all the precious time with her child if the baby doesn't live that long. Also, it's major surgery, which means a longer recovery. With my vaginal births, I literally reached down and helped deliver my babies, and cuddled and bonded with them immediately. I was able to rock them, and nurse them within minutes. Maybe this is what your friend's Dr is trying to give your friend. She will not get that experience with a c-section. Ultimately, it is your friend's decision. She should research as much as possible, and find the right Dr. for her circumstances. Please let her know she will be in my prayers.

Answer 4

Regardless of your baby's current estimated size (measurements via ultrasound can be WAY off) your baby is considered preterm for 4 more weeks. Your Doctor will not induce you due to a minuscule condition (painful as it is) such as SPD. The risks of voluntarily inducing a baby that premature are simply too high. I dealt with terrible SPD throughout the latter half of my pregnancy. I too was in serious pain, I couldn't find comfort in any position and had to have my husband help me walk. Most nights, I had to keep a bowl by my bed to pee in because with my husband sleeping or at work, I couldn't make it to the bathroom. I was 39 weeks, 5 days when I had my daughter, My labor was extremely fast (only 4 hours from start to finish) and in all honesty, pushing her out was a relief on my pelvis. I went without an epidural too... It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Painful yes, but compared to the pain of my SPD and with how fast my labor was, pushing her out was a breeze. The pelvic pain was gone after she was born. Having a wider pelvis may actually help you get your baby out easier. You just need to get through the next few weeks of 'the bowling ball between your legs' sensation and the pain. It will be over before you know it. Vaginal delivery has a much faster recovery time than c-section (I was back on my feet after 3 days, running errands and doing housework!) and induction oftentimes is ineffective requiring c-section. Best to let your body and baby decide when it's time... Until then, try an ice pack!

Answer 5

Having a C-section carries a risk of death, that is the bottom line. There is a higher risk of developing a DVT or PE (I have experienced this and I can assure you it is not a good thing) a risk of infection and a risk to future pregnancies. The doctor is doing his job and that is to protect the life of the mother first and foremost. The outcome of this birth is going to be the same no matter what, maybe it will be delayed by a few moments, maybe a few hours but from the doctors perspective that is not worth risking the mothers life. I think because so many C -Sections are carried out these days that we forget that it is major surgery with a risk of fatality. Your friend needs to realise that the doctor is looking after her best interests and not trying to be cruel. Whatever happens I wish your friends lots of luck in the future. x

Answer 6

There are too many C-sections being done in the USA. If the baby is going to die anyway then doing a C-Section won't help the baby. If the mother is in trouble then a doctor would consider a C-section when the time comes.

Its going to be a terrible loss and will take forever to get over, but most women go on to have a successful pregnancy later on.

Answer 7

So your friend thinks she knows more than the doctor? Then have her prove it to him. Provide evidence that a c-section would prolong this doomed babies life. Maybe the doctor is trying to protect your friend. I'm sure he has seen many women go through this same situation with the same hopes your friend has. Only for them to be shut down when the baby doesn't survive the operation. The doctor may be saving your friend from a lot of heartache by refusing to c-section it. Sometimes babies have to die, it's a sad part of life but it happens. This experience will only make your friend stronger and ready to face another pregancy with as much gusto as the last one. Not every tragedy has to be life-ending. They can also be life-affirming.

Answer 8

Tell your friend to get a second opinion, and stick with her "gut" feeling (no pun intended). My son was born with bi-lateral vocal cord paralysis, and had a limp epiglottis. The doctors at the NICU in the childrens hospital he was at were insisting on doing a tracheotomy before sending him home. After 2 weeks, I knew I saw an improvement, but they insisted on scheduling a surgery. I started doing research on his rare condition, and found that there was a group of world renowned ear, nose and throat specialists at a childrens hospital only 60 miles away. That night, (this was 3am, by the way), I called the NICU insisting that they prepare to transfer him to the other hospital that morning. I received a lot of resistance from the nursing staff, as well as his doctors, but I wouldn't back down. That morning he arrived at the new hospital at 9am, Dr. Cotton saw him at 11 am, and immediately ruled out the need for surgery, and said as soon as we were able to get my son to take 5 consecutive 4oz. bottles, he could go home. He came home 36 hours later. Tell her to do not back down, it is her body, her baby, and she has a right to do what she feels is best. Good Luck

Answer 9

A second opinion here would be needed along with the source of the information suggesting a c-section is beneficial.

I had to have a c-section and the recovery is quite unpleasant. If your friend has lost a baby at birth or has an ill infant a c-section will make things extra difficult.

Answer 10

It's a difficult one, but the doctors priority has to be the mother, especially if he knows that the child is unlikely to live very long after birth. Remember that if the mother has a C-section she is sedated, and therefore would take time to recover from that, and it is a very invasive procedure. It puts the mothers at high risk, and is still stressful for the child. If you look up a video of it you will see how it's not as straight forward as you think. If she is able to give birth to the child the normal way then she will be involved much more, and be able to see the child straight after.

Answer 11

She could get a referral from her GP or go to another hospital where they are willing to do the C section.
However, assuming that her doctor is an educated man he is probably making the most logical choice for the sake of the mother and the baby. I doubt very much that he is not allowing the C section just to be cruel.
It must be absolutely awful for your friend but if she is determined to have a C section then she may just have to argue it out with her doctor and even go to a private hospital.