Why shouldn’t I have a caesarean? I am pregnant with my first baby and would like to have an elective caesarean section, but my doctor is advising against it. Why?
A caesarean is major surgery, so you may need to stay in hospital for three or four days.
It will hurt afterwards, and even small movements such as coughing, laughing and lifting your baby may be too much for several weeks.
‘I advise women to avoid having a caesarean if possible,’ says Professor Peter Brocklehurst of University College London.
Of the one in four women who have caesareans, a significant number have no medical reason.
A caesarean increases the risk of uterine rupture (that means the womb tearing open) during labour if you have a natural birth subsequently.
It is rare, but can be very severe and even life-threatening for mother and baby, says Professor Brocklehurst. The risk increases with each subsequent caesarean, according to a recent study funded by Wellbeing of Women (wellbeingofwomen.org.uk).
Womb rupture tends to occur along the ‘fault line’ of the caesarean scar, where the tissue is weaker. Additionally, inducing labour in women who have had a previous caesarean, or using the hormone oxytocin to increase contractions, are also linked to a higher risk.
Other increased risks of repeated caesareans include bleeding after the birth, which may necessitate a hysterectomy, and placenta previa – a low-lying placenta that can block the baby’s route out. (For more information visit publications.nice.org.uk/caesarean-section-ifp132.)
Women who have a caesarean are advised to wait at least 12 months before conceiving again, to give the body time to recover.
If you are worried about a natural birth, discuss your concerns with your midwife or doctor. Consultant gynaecologist Mr Michael Dooley says, ‘You may know women who have had difficult deliveries, have had a trauma yourself, or some other factor that is a real concern and should be recognised.’
If you feel you are not being listened to, ask for a second opinion. Some hospitals recommend that patients talk to a counsellor.
Any birth has risks. ‘It is important to discuss your personal situation so you can decide how best to have a safe and happy birth,’ says Michael.
In:Spa health and fitness holidays, which offer yoga, personal training, nutrition consultation, hiking, massage and detox menus in sunny locations such as Marrakech, picturedRETREAT TO A HEALTHIER, HAPPIER YOUReaders tell us they return time and again to In:Spa health and fitness holidays, which offer yoga, personal training, nutrition consultation, hiking, massage and detox menus in sunny locations such as Marrakech, above. Mary, 57, a Businesswoman, goes annually for health maintenance. ‘I always pick up new healthy habits, such as giving up caffè lattes (which saves me £600 a year), starting yoga, taking vitamins and cooking with coconut oil. I see it as an investment in my health.’Elena, 48, a working mother, found In:spa breaks re-energised her through a divorce and house move. ‘Before, I was exhausted and unable to focus. I came away thinking anything was possible.’ Seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation for two people sharing, from £2,195 per person; inspa-retreats.com, tel: 0845 458 0723 For healthy staycations, the In:spa team recommend:• Eat a palm-sized portion of protein at every meal, to give you better blood sugar control and keep you feeling full.• Cut out refined carbs (sugar and flour) and processed food.• Limit yourself to two caffeinated drinks a day.• Find a fitness buddy: human or canine (see below).• Do short bursts of yoga frequently. Follow Sharon Gannon’s Jivamukti Magic Ten (minutes) on YouTube, which works the whole body.• WHIZ UP your own (freezable) protein snack balls in a food processor or blender with two parts nuts and seeds plus a generous one part dried fruit, and any nut butter to bind. Optional: add a super-food powder such as spirulina. Roll into balls.
The Dog Walking Belt allows you to be hands-freeJog with your dogDedicated dog walker and YOU art editor Helen is now a rapidly getting-fitter ‘dog jogger’ – courtesy of the Dog Walking Belt, which is designed for you and your dog to walk, jog or run together.
‘Having Rupert, my staffie cross, attached by a Mutley Leash to the belt allows me to be hands-free.
The belt holds my mobile, keys and cash, plus wipes and poo bags.
It’s ideal for open spaces and parks, but probably not for roads where you need complete control.
Also, it might be dodgy with a large boisterous dog, but Rupert responds to voice commands and loves the running.’
Dog Walking Belt, £24.99, and Mutley Leash, £12.20, from petspyjamas.com.
The website also offers a free workout guide, which helped its co-founder Denise Elphick lose a stone in six weeks, or a one-to-one masterclass with Dog Jogger Barry Karacostas, £100.
Email your questions to s.stacey@you.co.uk
All products mentioned, unless otherwise specified, are available by mail order from Victoria Health, tel: 0800 3898 195; victoriahealth.com
