C Section called into question

sunnyplaces

Hi all,
I'm due Jan 17 with my first. I had a submucosal fibroid removed from my ute this winter and was told by my surgeon that I must deliver a baby via c-section because of the size and location of the fibroid. I was disappointed at first and sought other opinions-a nurse and my OB (not the surgeon). They confirmed that a c-section was required.
Well tonight I spoke with my SIL who is a doc (not OB) who has had continuing ed. exposure to OB medicine and her friend is an OB. She believes that I can refuse a c-section, that many women with fibroids have natural births, and that I'm experiencing a cultural tendency that exists in many states (I'm in CA) toward surgery. She believes that, were I to live in the Midwest for example, I would not be told that I MUST have a c-section.
I'm left feeling confused. The most important thing is the safe delivery of my baby but I'd much prefer to deliver vaginally. Any thoughts or suggestions? I'm just curious to hear feedback.
Thanks!

KatelynEA90

I would consult another OB and see what they say. Do some research too. Like you said, the most important thing is a healthy baby and mom.

JaneW2

It might vary from one case of fibroids to the next.  Your OB referred to the size and location of the fibroid, right?  And your SIL probably hasn't seen all your records.

Ask another OB, possibly one who prefers to avoid C-sections whenever feasible.  See what they say.

PrincessSillyPutty

If you are feeling like you want to try delivering naturally maybe get another opinion. It might be worth finding an OB with a lower c-section rate to get a different opinion. If they still come up with c-section then you know you tried. Also, I had some docs disagree on whether a c-section or vaginal was best for me. What I finally did was ask if they would talk to each other. They did and now we have a plan they all agree on.

knottie3c0525a8a3c64eaa

Did they see your ultrasounds to understand the exact location of the fibroid? That makes a big difference. Also, to me, its a red flag that your friend is telling your doctors are wrong if she is not a specialist or haven't seen your exams. These are my 2 cents. Plus, csections are not the end of the world (coming from a person who will have a second one come January too)
Good luck

yogi1012

It is not worth risking the health of your baby if it is not being recommended. I am sure they are nervous about your health as well. Be happy you are pregnant and will have a baby. Who cares that you don't get a vaginal birth? Having an emergency situation during labor will change your mind and you would forever feel guilty about not having a planned c/s.

sugarland726

I agree with @JaneW2 and @icoelho. While I think your SIL's opinion can give you pause to consider another opinion, the fact of the matter is that she is not your doctor, she is not a specialist in OB, and she hasn't seen your charts. My advice to you would be to research some VBAC friendly doctors and bring your charts to them to see what they say.

LadyJ2949

sugarland726 said:

I agree with @JaneW2 and @icoelho. While I think your SIL's opinion can give you pause to consider another opinion, the fact of the matter is that she is not your doctor, she is not a specialist in OB, and she hasn't seen your charts. My advice to you would be to research some VBAC friendly doctors and bring your charts to them to see what they say.

Totally agree with Sugarland. I am also having a c-section for the same reason. I had a grapefruit sized fibroid removed about 2 years ago. Each of the doctors I have consulted, including the fertility specialist who performed my surgery, said that if the fibroid was that large and/or entered the uterine cavity, you should have a c-section. If it helps, the doctors I consulted were specialists in both New York and Connecticut. I would listen to your doctors and not someone who isn't an OB or reviewed your records.

aessary03

I don't think it's so much a cultural trend as it is a liability trend.  OBs have to carry pretty hefty malpractice insurance.  If you're upset by what your doctors have told you and you are wanting to see what another doctor would say, then seek out a second opinion.  That's what I did.  I've now seen three different OBs who are all pro-VBAC.  They've all echoed that I have to have a repeat c-section.  Why?  The scar on the outside of my body from my emergency c-section is the bikini cut, but since my daughter was so premature, the scar on my uterus is the classic up and down c-section cut toward the top of my uterus.  Due to this, I will never be able to have a vaginal birth, because of increased uterine rupture.  It might depend on where the fibroid was removed on your uterus that could put you at higher risk for uterine rupture.  Have them thoroughly explain to you WHY you can't have a vaginal birth.  It might help you to better understand their reasoning for a c-section being the safest option.

I feel somewhat jipped not being able to have a vaginal birth, but a c-section is definitely NOT the end of the world, either.  In the end, you get to hold your beautiful baby.

Piach

It really comes down to whether you trust your doctor. If you don't, I would recommend getting a new doctor. But trusting a doctor and getting the doctor to agree with what you want are two different things.

I trust my doctor - she told me that I was not a good candidate for a VBAC. Not what I wanted to hear, but I scheduled my repeat C-section because I trust her and believe that she has my best interests & baby's health in mind.

petitmonstree

sugarland726 said:

I agree with @JaneW2 and @icoelho. While I think your SIL's opinion can give you pause to consider another opinion, the fact of the matter is that she is not your doctor, she is not a specialist in OB, and she hasn't seen your charts. My advice to you would be to research some VBAC friendly doctors and bring your charts to them to see what they say.

I completely agree with this!

I know how scary a c-section seems but if it's honestly the safest route for you and baby it might be the best option. I wouldn't go solely based on what your SIL said because like others have said, she's not an OB and not your specialist. But definitely try to find a doctor who doesn't do very many c-sections or those who have had successful VBACs and get their opinion.

rowanthefrog

Certainly its worth getting another opinion, but your SIL doesn't necessarily know the ins and outs of your medical condition. If a 3rd OB says they would prefer to do a C-section then I'd probably listen. You can look on the ICAN website to find an OB that has a low C-section rate, is VBAC friendly and get their opinion.  https://www.ican-online.org/

A C-section is not the end of the world. Sure, most would prefer to avoid them if possible, but your safety and the safety of baby is paramount.

I think the ideal situation for going into a C-section is knowing you will have one ahead of time. Then you can prepare for it and find out what to expect ahead of time.

A

sunnyplaces

Thank you all so much. I really appreciate the support and feedback. I will talk to my doc Tuesday and likely seek another opinion but I had settled into the idea of a c-section so if that's the end result (and it likely will be) I'll be fine. And when this little buddy is cuddled in my arms I am sure I'll have zero regrets.
Thanks again!