C sect due to weight?

Hi,
I am a little upset at the moment, as I really would like to VB my first bub, adn my OBS has only just told me that the chances of me having a c sect due to my size, are high.

I am not completely against c sects, and I understand that if its safer for me and bubs, then it's the Best option, I would just like to birth my first child vaginally.

I was wondering if there were any larger mums out there that were told they were highly likely to have a c sect, due to their size, only to have a vaginal birth with no probs... or minimal probs.

I just thought that someone may be able to give me some adivce on how to avoid c sect as best I can, or even how to prepare myself for a c sect.

I have only been told about the c sect possibility at 35 weeks.... so a little miffed as to why, if it was all due to my size, they didnt try and tell me earlier....

The obs mentioned that they will try and let my have a vaginal birth first be he really thinks I will end up having a c sect.

I would appreciate any feedback... but I really don't want anyone to think I am anti c sect... I am just scared about having major abdomianl surgery at my size

Thanks in advance

I would be really asking alot of questions why.... it doesnt really sound like they have given you a deffinate reason for a c-sect.. only a you probably will....


Have a good think about what you want to know & write down your questions.... make an appt to go & see your ob & get some answers....

Better to have all the information available to you...

I think it is funny that he has said he will let you try for a vaginal birth, but doesn't think it will happen. So in other words, there really is no reason, he just doesn't think so. I say prove him wrong!!! Obviously if they are going to let you try then there isn't any reason why you can't. I know plenty of 'bigger' women who have birthed vaginally!!!

I've usually seen it the other way around - they don't like anaesthetising "larger" women and so prefer them to VB - thats from friends I know anyway.

I'd get a second opinion, its not too late, I changed OBs at 41 weeks.

Squishee...my old Ob. recently told me I probably needed to have a c-section but due to some previous surgery...

It was quite a shock...I've since changed Obs only yesterday at 32 weeks (long story!) but did a post a few weeks ago, where many amazing women gave incredible advice about getting ready for a c-section...

Here's the link...

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...ad.php?t=38717

Also...I found a book called "Delivery by appointment" by Michelle Hamer which was very informative regarding what to expect, etc. It's not really pro- or anti- c-sections, just stating facts...

I'm sorry but I don't know anything about size and c-sections...

Wishing you all the best

Hun im huge... i never thoguht id be able to fall preg.. let alone carry DD to term.. and then fall preg again so quickly. I had a vaginal birth, 10 hours, minimal drugs (gas but rarely used it), 2nd degree tear and nooooo problems!!

SO size/weight is not a factor....i was never once told id need a c-section... it was never bought up, other then when i said 'induce me i cant stand being pg no more' and i was told if i was induced then the possibility of needing a c-section would increase.

ETA: I agree RayRay.... i was told the bigger you are the less likely they want to do epi's and spinals cos it may not be as effective. I guess thats why some hospitals have BMI restrictions in place as well.

I've just had a quick look at your pics and you're NOT BIG - well IMO anyway - I'd say that you're pretty average size - well the point I'm trying to make is that if you want a VB I'd stick to my guns about it - if they can't give you a definite reason besides 'maybe you'll need a C-sect" - i'd insist on wanting to atleast try for a VB - we're all at risk of having C-sect but from the looks of you I wouldn't say that your size would be that much of an issue - btw I'm also pleasantly plump (size 16ish - depends on how much lycra lol) and I went onto have a VB and my size was never mentioned - not once - i wasn't even weighed - all accept for one time when this idiot doctor who i had never seen before insisted on it - but then again he was an idiot and asked DH to leave the room whilst he took my blood pressure - so do i really need to say anymore.

Stick to your guns and be confident in what you want - go prepared and ask a million questions as to why they are doing certain things etc - but most of all have faith in your self - you can do this and there is no reason why not

Goodluck :)

I am not exactly little and I had a run of the mill VB with no problems. I was never told that I would have to have a c/s due to my size. If I were you I would at least go and get a second opinion. :)

My sister in law looks to be about the same size as u and she had a VB. Nothing was ever said about a c-section or anything. The first baby was with drugs and the second baby was without drugs and all was good. I thinks u might want to think about changing OB's. Its never too late. U can usually talk to their receptionists to see if they have problems with larger woman having VB. Are u going public or private? My sister in law was public and I was private and when u look at the albums and pictures of births in my OB's office about 90% are c-sections (I had a c-sections but we knew that had to happen due to previous medical condition). I wonder if some OB just prefer to do c-secitons for some reason.

Thanks everyone....
I probably dont look what I weigh... lucky me. lol

I am over 120kgs. I Am going public, and there are a total of 5 obs for the entire pregnant population at the hospital.
I am not so much worried about the c sect itself...... just the after affects.... scar infections etc. I am also a little worried about the drugs side of things too.

My BP has been excellent all pregnancy, all my blood tests have been perfect and I've had no major dramas at all. It's so hard when you have never been pregnant before and you have NO IDEA what to expect.

Thanks to everyone who has replied.

Unfortunately, I don't think I can change the OBS that has been 'assigned' to me. No wonder so many people go private:)

I have another appt in 2 weeks time, and I'm bringing my mum.... boy will she get stuck into him if I don't get the answers I want.
I will also be stating (abruptly if I have to) my preference for VB.

I am not against cesarian at all, and I don't think I would think any less of myself if I had one, I am just worried about my well being afterwards.

Again, thanks for your replies, I really appreciate it!

Nicky

Hi Nicky,

i was a public patient and I did.
Kelly (BB) will probaby have a good idea, maybe you could email her?

U possibly might not have ur 'assigned' OB the day u have ur boy? I know in my hospital we get the OB on duty for the day/night. Dont worry bout being 120kg... i tell u im bout that too... but it hasnt stopped me. Push for VB as much as u can.. its your body so dont let anyone tell u wat to do...unless it must happen (due to complications etc).

Hugs hun... stand by ur wishes!!!

Good Luck with it all Nicky - your body can do this :)

BTW - Love your Son's Name

i was wanted to add to the rest - i know a lady who is very big, and she had all her 3 girls vb. You are super model compared to this woman that know.
I would also like to say that you dont look huge, so dont be to hard on yourself. Me, i am weighing in at nearly 110kg atm and no one has ever mentioned me having to have a c/s due to my weight.

Hello, even if you are a public patient, and you have had an OB assigned to you, you are perfectly entitled to a second opinion from another OB on the staff there. It is normal practice to ask for a second opinion if you disagree or something does not make sense. So, maybe as first point of call, get more info from the OB you are seeing, then get the second opinion. I for one have never heard of anyone being told they will need a CS due to size/weight.

It's ok if, once you are fully armed with information, you do decide to go ahead with a CS, because that will be an informed choice by you. But just doing 'because the OB said so' doesn't really seem like enough justification for major surgery! (BTW I am not pro or anti CS, I just think you need more information or you are likely to come out the other end disappointed and disempowered).

Good luck! :)