in May 2025 Babies 🇬🇧

Feeling so deflated 😞

I really don’t want to be spreading any negative vibes. So in advance I apologise for this gloomy post. But I am feeling so deflated, apart from the expected exhaustion and pain with being 38 weeks, I have had a really bad experience so far with the maternity services. My first baby was born 10 days late by C-section after a failed induction. I was hopeful for a VBAC this time round although I have completely declined induction as the experience first time round was so poor. I’ve been told by the consultant it is recommended I give birth at 39 weeks due to a risk of preeclampsia (I have very raised protein in urine and fluctuating blood pressure). The consultant has been excellent tbf and very open to discussing VBAC with me but he is very clear that there is a very real risk of me developing preeclampsia and they want to ensure both baby and I are safe so c section is being recommended. But I have seen numerous different midwives at the hospital the past few months and it feels like no one speaks to each other. This together with a really poor experience of the antenatal ward during my first birth is making me feel a sense of actual fear going back in to give birth to my second baby. I am disappointed that my chance at VBAC is being reduced due to the raised protein and struggling to get to a point of acceptance. And I think this together with tiredness and aching hips etc is getting me down. Not to mention, I am still working albeit just for another week.

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It's a tough situation to be in, considering previous experiences but just think about what's best for baby and it'll hopefully all be worth it x

I know what you mean with losing faith in the ward which causes worries over going in for birth. I definitely don’t have full faith in them and after being failed during my first birth that’s even stronger. Every appointment they asked me how I wanted to birth even though I was already booked in for a section. The last OB tried to offer me a lower dose of my BP medication when she was meant to be increasing it and I had to correct her and get her to double check. I was also told to ask for an MRSA swab ahead of my section at my scan but the OB was certain they did it at the pre-op. After asking around she was supposed to do it! I know they are busy but it does make you worry and you really have to speak out and keep on top of things yourselves so they aren’t missed/wrong. Which I don’t think is right as we are here coping with lots of things and shrinking brains! Good luck. I am sure it will all work out for you. Once preeclampsia is on the cards they do take things seriously x

I understand ❤️ very similar situation here. Failed induction last time resulting in a C-section. I've completely refused induction this time round and am booked in on Wednesday for a C-section at 41+2. Was so hoping for a VBAC but as the days go by, I feel less and less hopeful for the redemptive birth experience I wanted. It's really hard to come to terms with so I get you ❤️ I really hope you get the VBAC you want, but even if that doesn't happen, I hope you are able to make peace with the way things turn out and that your experience this time is much more positive ❤️

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