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• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 40 and over >> Interview 30 >> She had trouble dilating and had a caesarean when her son's heart rate started dropping. She was pleased staff took her wishes into account and did no

Wanted waterbirth with 1st child, went overdue. Induced at 42 weeks, did not dilate despite interventions. Baby delivered by emergency CS after heart rate dropped. Trusted medical team and feels no regrets, but hopes to have vaginal birth with 2nd child.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 36-39 >> Interview 15 >> Both her sisters had needed caesareans, but she still hoped that she might be able to break 'family tradition' and give birth vaginally.

Went overdue with 1st child and was induced at 42 weeks, but drugs had no effect. Delivered 3 days later by epidural CS. Determined to have planned CS with 2nd child, as felt unlikely she would go into labour. Planned CS was a wonderful experience, far less tiring.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 36-39 >> Interview 15 >> She feels very practical about her caesarean. It was important to attempt vaginal delivery, but she had no doubts that surgery was the only option in

Went overdue with 1st child and was induced at 42 weeks, but drugs had no effect. Delivered 3 days later by epidural CS. Determined to have planned CS with 2nd child, as felt unlikely she would go into labour. Planned CS was a wonderful experience, far less tiring.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 36-39 >> Interview 15 >> She was convinced that she would not go into labour naturally because of her previous experience and family history. It made her confident that she wo

Went overdue with 1st child and was induced at 42 weeks, but drugs had no effect. Delivered 3 days later by epidural CS. Determined to have planned CS with 2nd child, as felt unlikely she would go into labour. Planned CS was a wonderful experience, far less tiring.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 31-35 >> Interview 11 >> Her experience was very different from expected. She spent 3 days in hospital with painful contractions but not dilating. After the birth she had to h

Rushed to have CS after baby passed meconium and stopped moving. Had quick recovery. Keen to experience vaginal birth with 2nd child, laboured for 66 hours. Some complications afterwards but glad to have experienced giving birth both ways.