mrschompy.
8 years ago I had first c-section, apparently 2weeks overdue was told I had to be induced. Pumped full of drugs constant medical intervention after approx 10 hours dialated to 2cm decision made by medical team to have an emergency c-section. 2nd birth 19 months ago was told due to my advanced age at the time I was 36 and being very obese having had prior c-section I had to have c-section again. 3rd baby due June 2001 now I am being told must have c-section again due to high risk of rupture. No evidence is being produced specific to me all evidence based on statistical data. I am refusing to have c-section for a third time. Does being 38, obese but very healthy no problems at all, previous babies weighed in under 4kg predispose me to having a rupture and "dying" as being a real threat? How can doctors guess who will have problems and as I have no problems and natural birth has never really been attempted how can they tell me I am high risk? Why?Many thanks
Anna
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Dr David
Moderator Posted 11 May, 2001.
Anna “How can doctors guess who will have problems…” This is the dilemma we all face in our lives in determining what is a “safe” behaviour or course of action. Everyone’s definition of “safe” or “high risk” can only be determined by their own analysis of the risks versus the benefits of a particular action, treatment or plan as it applies in their own situation. The chance of a woman with 2 previous caesars who tries for a vaginal birth actually having a vaginal birth is in the order of 65-75%, with resultant benefits to mother and baby. The trouble is, we cannot know which one out of three or four women will be the one who needs the unplanned caesar, nor the one in about 50 to 100 woman who will suffer a uterine rupture. We can say what is likely to happen to the group as a whole, but we cannot predict the outcome for an individual. So Anna, statistical data gives you average likelihoods of particular outcomes for a previous group of women in a similar situation to you. Other women’s stories (such as in birth stories on this website) may give hope or courage to you. But neither the statistical data, nor those stories can predict your outcome. What many lay writers suggest is that if you make your own decision about birthing, whatever that decision is, it will be the right one for you. Do lots of reading, talk to the experts – other women and doctors – weigh up the information carefully, then make your plan. Good luck.
Dr.David
DISCLAIMER:
This advice is of a general nature to help in decision-making. It
does not constitute recommended treatment for an individual. You must
consult your health care provider for individual
advice.