Is it an Elective c-Section?

I'm 24 weeks pregnant and my OB has scheduled me for a repeat c-section a week before my due date.
With my now two year old, I was scheduled for an induction at 39 weeks due to Pre-E. but before the induction was ever started, a BH contraction I had caused my baby's heartbeat to drop to 80 BPM for three minutes. OB ended up deciding that a c-section was best rather than starting the induction.
He told me after the c-section that my pelvis is far too small and that even if it wasn't, once a person has had a c-section a repeat c-section is the safest option due to the risk of the uterus rupturing.
I saw a Perinatologist on Friday to make sure baby is ok, and he asked me how I would be delivering. When I explained to him what happened with my now two year old and my OB's reasoning, he called this upcoming c-section elective and recommended I get a second opinion and maybe even a new OB. He insisted that a vback is my right and also said there is no way to determine on an ultrasound if my pelvis is really too small, so my I only have my OB's word.
I trust my OB and was pretty sure if he said the c-section is what is best, than it must be so. but my mom who is a nurse agrees with the Perinatologist. She had said my BP wasn't high enough to warrant an induction the first time anyway. She really dislikes him for some reason and feels he does things for money and convience.
What do you ladies think?

The pelvis expands during birth. It seems to me your OB has no right to give an opinion on you delivering vaginally because he and you didn't try it before.


I'm attempting a VBAC with this pregnancy. I've learned only 10% of women who've had previous c-sections attempt a VBAC (of those 60-80% are successful.) A LOT of women are choosing "elective" c-sections. It is up to you. If you are okay with it then stick with your Dr.

BTW there is only a 1% chance of uterine rupture.

If its not emergency it is elective.

However it is also medically necessary for you.

I also had pre e with my first LO. Second time around I will be having another c section as well on dr advice.

A doctor can't tell if your pelvis is too small through ultrasound. There are several bones and joints that all open up while you are having a baby. Also, when you are lying down, your pelvis is smaller than when you are squatting or in a hands and knees position. Scheduling a c-section just because you've had one before is elective. I would for sure change doctors. At the very least, get a second opinion.

Quoting Honey&E:" The pelvis expands during birth. It seems to me your OB has no right to give an opinion on you delivering ... [snip!] ... A LOT of women are choosing "elective" c-sections. It is up to you. If you are okay with it then stick with your Dr. "

Oh I didn't know it expands.
My mom says he just keeps making excuses

and that she finds it sickening.
I didn't hate my c-section, but of course would elect to go natural as long as it was safe.
I guess I should mention that I never dialated with my two year old, but my mom said no progress at 39 weeks is normal and that was just another excuse on his part.

If you trust your OB, I'd respect their opinion.

My MFM suggested using this calculator and I I'd it with my OB the next day. Predicts the likelihood of a successful VBAC


https://mfmu.bsc.gwu.edu/PublicBSC/MFMU/VGBirthCalc/vagbirth.html

Quoting Onalee's Mummy:" If its not emergency it is elective. However it is also medically necessary for you. I also had pre e with my first LO. Second time around I will be having another c section as well on dr advice."

My fiance seems to feel it's what is best. He said the perinatologist rubbed him the wrong way. I guess acting like he knows it all and such.

My sister had twins with her first pregnancy so she had a c-sevtion. She said since she had a csection that was her only option with the rest of her kifs. I never really agreed with that but it is what it is
Do what you feel comfortable with and maybe get a third opinion from another doctor.

Quoting Two Princesses:" Oh I didn't know it expands. My mom says he just keeps making excuses and that she finds it sickening. ... [snip!] ... dialated with my two year old, but my mom said no progress at 39 weeks is normal and that was just another excuse on his part."

Obviously you haven't really had the full labor experience - it is hard to tell what your body will do. I think what you need to know if that it is YOUR decision not your doctors. As women we need to take more control of our birthing experience and not what Dr.s dictate.

I'd recommend doing some research and going from there.


I switched from an OB to a midwife at 28 weeks in my first pregnancy.

Quoting Nikita Rowsell:" A doctor can't tell if your pelvis is too small through ultrasound. There are several bones and joints ... [snip!] ... just because you've had one before is elective. I would for sure change doctors. At the very least, get a second opinion."

So ismy OB lying when he says very few doctors will do vbacks?
He said they oftain say they will, but then another doctor like him is left with the delivery because the OB who agreed to it doesn't want to be involved in case something goes wrong.

It is completely normal to have no progress at 39 weeks. Especially with your first. "full term" is any time between 38 and 42 weeks, and Caucasian women actually carry for 41 weeks and 1 day on average. First babies are usually "late".

Quoting clay matthews:" If you trust your OB, I'd respect their opinion. My MFM suggested using this calculator and I I'd it ... [snip!] ... the next day. Predicts the likelihood of a successful VBAC https://mfmu.bsc.gwu.edu/PublicBSC/MFMU/VGBirthCalc/vagbirth.html"

Thank you. I will fill that out and see what it says.

Quoting Two Princesses:" So ismy OB lying when he says very few doctors will do vbacks? He said they oftain say they will, but ... [snip!] ... like him is left with the delivery because the OB who agreed to it doesn't want to be involved in case something goes wrong."

Well, when it all boils down to it, it's your body and your baby. I know in the states it is harder to find a doctor willing to do a vbac because it's more work and less money. Also, doctors are scared, and they hear a lot of hype about uterine rupture and such. You could also go for a midwife, but I don't know how that works where you live. But you are allowed to do whatever you wish, a doctor can't force you to have a c-section (although they can threaten and scare you). Try to find a doctor who will try for a vbac. Also, it is important to understand that c-sections are more risky for both the mom and the baby in a healthy pregnancy.

I'm with your mom and your perinatologist and mom on this one. Having a vance has its risks and not every hospital or doctor allows women to try, but having a c section because "your pelvis is too narrow" is such a load of crap.