Discussion
My wife was due to give birth last Thursday, the 17th of May. She's having contractions and everything fairly normal for late term pregnancy, but still no baby.
I'm not unduly worried myself, having read that up to a week is quite normal, and even up to 2 weeks is not usually problematic, however the doctor seems very keen on doing a Cesarean, and says that since it appears to be quite a large baby and my wife is quite small, this would probably be the best option anyway.
Obviously I want what is best for wife and baby, however I can't help feeling that this is quite quick and an apparently low threshold for undertaking a pretty major operation.
A couple of points which the cynic in me says may matter - we're in Thailand in a private hospital, and a cesarean is significantly more expensive and can be scheduled at a predictable time. Secondly, my wife being Asian and bonkers is quite keen to have the baby on an auspicious day, so seems quite ok with the idea of the operation.
Now I'm obviously not going to say I know better than the doctor, or indeed my wife who's having the baby. However I would be very interested in other opinions based on expertise or experience. What are the normal conditions in which a cesarean is used? What are the risks of leaving it say 10 days over the due date, compared to the risks and downsides to a cesarean?
FWIW, I am convinced by the arguments in favour of a cesarean instead of induction, but I'm strongly in favour of a natural birth unless it's really not feasible for some reason.
Thanks in advance.
I'm not unduly worried myself, having read that up to a week is quite normal, and even up to 2 weeks is not usually problematic, however the doctor seems very keen on doing a Cesarean, and says that since it appears to be quite a large baby and my wife is quite small, this would probably be the best option anyway.
Obviously I want what is best for wife and baby, however I can't help feeling that this is quite quick and an apparently low threshold for undertaking a pretty major operation.
A couple of points which the cynic in me says may matter - we're in Thailand in a private hospital, and a cesarean is significantly more expensive and can be scheduled at a predictable time. Secondly, my wife being Asian and bonkers is quite keen to have the baby on an auspicious day, so seems quite ok with the idea of the operation.
Now I'm obviously not going to say I know better than the doctor, or indeed my wife who's having the baby. However I would be very interested in other opinions based on expertise or experience. What are the normal conditions in which a cesarean is used? What are the risks of leaving it say 10 days over the due date, compared to the risks and downsides to a cesarean?
FWIW, I am convinced by the arguments in favour of a cesarean instead of induction, but I'm strongly in favour of a natural birth unless it's really not feasible for some reason.
Thanks in advance.
Although a c section is a major op, for the staff it's as easy as changing a car wheel 
my partner had one 3 weeks ago and was on her feet 2days later. She said she'd probably go straight for a c section next time!
If it puts your mind at ease, we had a Thai nurse who said that the standards of the NHS disgust her and are terrible compared to where she came from!
my partner had one 3 weeks ago and was on her feet 2days later. She said she'd probably go straight for a c section next time!If it puts your mind at ease, we had a Thai nurse who said that the standards of the NHS disgust her and are terrible compared to where she came from!
Not going to comment on your individual situation but my daughter was two weeks overdue....for much of that two week period my wife appeared to be in labour (she had frequent check up's) with the midwices saying they though the baby would arrive in "the next 24 hours".
I think a lot of it is down to protocol at indivudal hospitals and countries...I believe in the US they do a C section/induce after a week. Talkign of which why aren't they saying induce your wife rather than go straight to C section.
Anyway the hospital where my wife gave birth UCLH is pretty much the centre of excellence in the UK for maternity (they fly in emergecny cases/complciated births from all over the country) and they don't induce if it's a normal birth until two weeks past due date. My wife went into labour normally on the day she was due to be induced.
I think a lot of it is down to protocol at indivudal hospitals and countries...I believe in the US they do a C section/induce after a week. Talkign of which why aren't they saying induce your wife rather than go straight to C section.
Anyway the hospital where my wife gave birth UCLH is pretty much the centre of excellence in the UK for maternity (they fly in emergecny cases/complciated births from all over the country) and they don't induce if it's a normal birth until two weeks past due date. My wife went into labour normally on the day she was due to be induced.
OP, don't panic is the first thing. When my 'young 'un' was born, he came a month early. Doctors said the date of expected arrival is just an educated guess based on what Mum tells them.
Second, is Mum getting anxious? If so have you/she thought this may not be helping.
The Doctors are the experts and I would let them guide me if I were you. But a C Section as I understand it involves a pretty large cut to the stomach area, which is something that I would want to avoid were I in that position.
Second, is Mum getting anxious? If so have you/she thought this may not be helping.
The Doctors are the experts and I would let them guide me if I were you. But a C Section as I understand it involves a pretty large cut to the stomach area, which is something that I would want to avoid were I in that position.
As said the expected date is little more then a guess (both ours were wrong), as for the C-section. Both our kids were born this way, one was an emergency, and was a rushed f
k up from start to finish, 2nd one was planned in conjunction with the hospital and could not have been easier. Wife and Baby were home 36hours after the op, and would have been sooner had it not taken 5 hours to get the doc to sign her out.
If I were you, i'd take it, but that just me.
k up from start to finish, 2nd one was planned in conjunction with the hospital and could not have been easier. Wife and Baby were home 36hours after the op, and would have been sooner had it not taken 5 hours to get the doc to sign her out.If I were you, i'd take it, but that just me.
Thanks for the replies, all.
I'm not too worried about the standard of the doctor or hospital. Not a dig at the NHS either - it's costing me a fair chunk of cash either way, which I've had 9 months of warning for so not really an issue.
I guess I'm just quite strongly in favour of natural myself, unless there is a really compelling reason for another course.
Regarding induction, we talked about this and the doctor quite strongly advised against it - his reasoning being that the drugs used for induction only partially work, and usually don't tackle the root cause of why labour hasn't occurred naturally. Quite often either a long and complex birth or a cesarean follows anyway. This reasoning seemed sound to me.
Why a membrane sweep hasn't been suggested I don't know, and the doctor didn't really elaborate on much when I asked. He just said that it's not recommended in this case. Possibly partly linguistic difficulty, though his English is pretty good and my Thai is coming along too, it's not quite enough to clearly understand everything. There's also a cultural gap, very Asian, it's not really the done thing to question the Doctor here. So my wife tends to just accept what ever is said.
I can accept his experience and knowledge, but I really would like to know why, and where the balance of risks lie. Blind trust in experts is not really my way, as I know that experts in all fields are divided and don't always have the same criteria for arriving at these decisions.
And in that sort of cathartic way that internet posts sometimes do I guess I've answered my own question, I really need to ask him, not you guys!
But thanks for listening anyway, glad to know it's worked out for many of you.
I'm not too worried about the standard of the doctor or hospital. Not a dig at the NHS either - it's costing me a fair chunk of cash either way, which I've had 9 months of warning for so not really an issue.
I guess I'm just quite strongly in favour of natural myself, unless there is a really compelling reason for another course.
Regarding induction, we talked about this and the doctor quite strongly advised against it - his reasoning being that the drugs used for induction only partially work, and usually don't tackle the root cause of why labour hasn't occurred naturally. Quite often either a long and complex birth or a cesarean follows anyway. This reasoning seemed sound to me.
Why a membrane sweep hasn't been suggested I don't know, and the doctor didn't really elaborate on much when I asked. He just said that it's not recommended in this case. Possibly partly linguistic difficulty, though his English is pretty good and my Thai is coming along too, it's not quite enough to clearly understand everything. There's also a cultural gap, very Asian, it's not really the done thing to question the Doctor here. So my wife tends to just accept what ever is said.
I can accept his experience and knowledge, but I really would like to know why, and where the balance of risks lie. Blind trust in experts is not really my way, as I know that experts in all fields are divided and don't always have the same criteria for arriving at these decisions.
And in that sort of cathartic way that internet posts sometimes do I guess I've answered my own question, I really need to ask him, not you guys!
But thanks for listening anyway, glad to know it's worked out for many of you.
AJS- said:
I guess I'm just quite strongly in favour of natural myself, unless there is a really compelling reason for another course.
Try pushing a melon out yer butt and see if you favour it then.Sorry small attempt and humour there.
I was also VERY keen at a natural birth, I was induced Tuesday, Wednesday and it all kicked off on the Thursday. After 30 mins of the drip going in I screamed for an epidural. 12 hours later and I was so exhausted I did not think I could even push. Turned out the little one had different ideas dropped her heart rate and I was rushed off for an emergency section.
I had a fair amount of pain after but in all honesty I would have another section if I had to.
Best wishes with it all going well but the docs know best so go with them.
Sir Bagalot said:
jagracer said:
The doctors will do what's best for the baby and your wife listen to them and not what your read in books or the internet.
No they won't. They will do what's best for them.Congrats to the OP though.
Obstetricians get sued more than most (or all?) other specialties. They train in risk management using the same theories as the aviation industry and they all seem to worry about 'the one they might get wrong' (as anyone would). I believe that 99.99999% of NHS obstetricians would definitely NOT do what's 'best for them'...they do what is based on evidence and experience, and just want a successful outcome of a healthy mother and baby.
I suppose it might be different in 'paying' cultures, I've no experience of that.
I suppose it might be different in 'paying' cultures, I've no experience of that.
Thanks all.
Just to be clear, I do know that there are times when a C section is necessary, and hugely beneficial for both mother and baby, and am happy to use it then.
My query was really just around the time frames, and apparent willingness to use this option. Having seen her next to my wife though, I don't quite know how she managed to fit inside for so long!
Just to be clear, I do know that there are times when a C section is necessary, and hugely beneficial for both mother and baby, and am happy to use it then.
My query was really just around the time frames, and apparent willingness to use this option. Having seen her next to my wife though, I don't quite know how she managed to fit inside for so long!
jagracer said:
Sir Bagalot said:
jagracer said:
The doctors will do what's best for the baby and your wife listen to them and not what your read in books or the internet.
No they won't. They will do what's best for them.Congrats to the OP though.
Midwife wispered to Lady Bagalot that she could have a natural birth if we wanted and she was willing to help us if that's what we wanted. 30 mins later with guidance from the midwife Lady B gave birth.
Whilst I will readily admit that sometimes a C section is absolutely the best course of action, there are other times when it is merely the easiest way out for the hospital. Problem is that the majority of the time you're asked to make the decision whilst your OH is about to give birth.
Congrats to OP, and enjoy
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff