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Hi Ceceilia,
I am 34 weeks pregnant now and been advised by my doctor that I should go for c-section as my child is already weight almost 2.8kg now.
How accurate would you think on the ultrasound result as my weight has only increased 10kg since pregnant. What would you recommend?
Try for vaginal delivery first or opt [...]
If you are considering VBAC, it’s worthwhile thinking carefully about where to have your baby. Check out the local maternity units to see how they feel about VBAC, and how supportive they are likely to be.
When you want to have a VBAC after several c-sections, discuss your individual circumstances with your doctor. It’s also a [...]
This is when the scar on your uterus gives way, usually during labor, although it can happen during pregnancy, or during a c-section operation too. Uterine rupture can be life-threatening for both mother and baby. However, it’s very rare.
Your risk of uterine rupture increases if you have a vertical scar, but it’s much more usual [...]
Around 7 out of 10 women who have a c-section go on to have a vaginal birth next time. This is known as VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean). If your section was due to an isolated factor in this pregnancy – a breech baby, for example, or pre-eclampsia – you have every likelihood of a [...]
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t breastfeed after a c-section. But, the pain from your scar may make things a bit more difficult, so keep trying different positions until you are comfortable. Try to have someone around when you’re feeding, so you can get comfortable before you start, and then have the baby handed to [...]
You’ll have the catheter from the epidural left in place for a few hours after the c-section, so that top-ups of painkiller can be given when you need them. It’s vital to have good pain relief, so do talk to your doctor if you feel uncomfortable.
However hard it seems, do try to move. About 6 [...]
Emotionally
Most women are just glad and grateful when it’s over. You may feel delighted, or you may be disappointed that you didn’t manage to give birth to your baby vaginally if that is what you were hoping for. If things changed very quickly during your labor, you may still feel traumatised by the shock of [...]
Even though having a c-section is unavoidable in certain cases, there are some ways that reduce your chances of having one:
Be in optimal condition when labor starts. Stay healthy during pregnancy; eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest.
Maintaining an upright position as long as you can during labor. Walking and standing can hasten the [...]
When you have a c-section, your doctor makes an incision in your abdomen and uterus and removes the baby through it. The procedure is performed in an operating room.
Your husband or partner can be with you during the preparation and for the birth. Only when your c-section is a real emergency, or if you need [...]
Most women hope for a vaginal birth of their baby, but sometimes this is not possible, or not safe. Usually, women who will give birth by c-section know this in advance. But sometimes this decision is made during labor. There are many reasons for your doctor to decide you can’t deliver vaginally.
Some of the conditions [...]
