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• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 06 >> She considered trying a vaginal birth after her previous caesarean, but decided to have another caesarean.

First pregnancy through ICSI IVF. Experienced hyper ovarian stimulation. Induced at 42 weeks with birth by emergency section. Second pregnancy occurred naturally 7 months after birth of first child.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 55 >> She felt under pressure to have an induction when she wanted to wait. If the baby was at risk, she would rather have had a caesarean.

Persuaded to have induction in first pregnancy; felt unsupported by staff. Labour was long and painful. Second birth, refused induction, insisted on additional checks instead. A better experience, with a doula (birthing attendant). More of this interview can be seen on the DIPEX antenatal screening site as Interview 02.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 19 >> She felt keeping fit in pregnancy helped her recover from her caesarean section.

Successful pregnancy after an early miscarriage and blighted ovum. Caesarean due to baby lying breech. Lack of support for breastfeeding in hospital due to pressures on staff.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 01 >> The baby was quite large compared to her pelvis size. She decided on a planned caesarean and was happy with her choice. (Read by an actor.)

Normal pregnancy apart from episode of severe pain (suspected ectopic) and high blood sugar. Caesarean birth. Was not able to breastfeed. Recovery from caesarean took longer than expected.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 01 >> She was surprised how long it took to recover from the caesarean, and thought women should be told more about what to expect. (Read by an actor.)

Normal pregnancy apart from episode of severe pain (suspected ectopic) and high blood sugar. Caesarean birth. Was not able to breastfeed. Recovery from caesarean took longer than expected.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 01 >> She was surprised how long it took to recover from the caesarean, and thought women should be told more about what to expect. (Read by an actor.)

Normal pregnancy apart from episode of severe pain (suspected ectopic) and high blood sugar. Caesarean birth. Was not able to breastfeed. Recovery from caesarean took longer than expected.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 01 >> She did not know that having an elective caesarean might affect her milk coming in, but she was happy to change to bottle feeding (including some expr

Normal pregnancy apart from episode of severe pain (suspected ectopic) and high blood sugar. Caesarean birth. Was not able to breastfeed. Recovery from caesarean took longer than expected.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 33 >> She needed to avoid getting too exhausted in labour in case it triggered an epileptic seizure. She knew she wanted an epidural.

Mother who has epilepsy, cared for during her first pregnancy by a Special Pregnancy Unit. Developed pre-eclampsia and had induction with epidural at 37 weeks.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> She had bleeding from a low-lying placenta. She stayed at home apart from two short stays in hospital, and was able to have a vaginal birth.

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 65 >> A midwife upset her by saying she was not coping well with the pain. At one point it was discovered the pump on the epidural had stopped working.

Third pregnancy, after two miscarriages. Baby diagnosed antenatally with heart problems. Baby born by emergency caesarean after a long and painful labour. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 07.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> After a long, tiring labour, she felt calm and relieved making the decision to have a caesarean.

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 20 >> She was so exhausted she wanted an emergency caesarean, but wondered if labour might have been easier if she had stayed at home longer. (Read by an ac

Single mother. First pregnancy miscarried. Second pregnancy was normal and straightforward. She planned to have a natural birth, but after a long labour chose to have a caesarean.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 19 >> During the caesarean the baby's position caused some problems, but it was generally a good experience.

Successful pregnancy after an early miscarriage and blighted ovum. Caesarean due to baby lying breech. Lack of support for breastfeeding in hospital due to pressures on staff.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 19 >> Postnatal support has been very good. Her local postnatal group has covered lots of useful childcare topics.

Successful pregnancy after an early miscarriage and blighted ovum. Caesarean due to baby lying breech. Lack of support for breastfeeding in hospital due to pressures on staff.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 20 >> It was demoralising to be told she was only just in established labour when she had been having contractions for thirty hours. (Read by an actor.)

Single mother. First pregnancy miscarried. Second pregnancy was normal and straightforward. She planned to have a natural birth, but after a long labour chose to have a caesarean.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 06 >> The decision to have an emergency caesarean happened very quickly when the baby became distressed. She felt it was the right decision.

First pregnancy through ICSI IVF. Experienced hyper ovarian stimulation. Induced at 42 weeks with birth by emergency section. Second pregnancy occurred naturally 7 months after birth of first child.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 18 >> Her second labour was long and stressful and communication with staff was poor. She had an emergency caesarean and the baby needed special care. (Read

Two normal pregnancies followed by two emergency sections. Second one occurred after a protracted labour. Communication with hospital staff was poor.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 18 >> Her husband could not find out what was happening and was afraid she might die. They decided not to have more children. (Read by an actor.)

Two normal pregnancies followed by two emergency sections. Second one occurred after a protracted labour. Communication with hospital staff was poor.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 65 >> She would have liked a caesarean earlier but thought staff were reluctant because they were trying to keep the hospital's caesarean rate down.

Third pregnancy, after two miscarriages. Baby diagnosed antenatally with heart problems. Baby born by emergency caesarean after a long and painful labour. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 07.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 04 >> An obstetrician turned the baby from breech position to head down using external cephalic version.

Normal pregnancy. Breech presentation resolved through successful ECV. Induction at 42 weeks. Forceps delivery. Difficulty with breastfeeding. Importance of managing expectations of pregnancy and birth realistically.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 11 >> She went into labour early and had both babies by emergency caesarean. She did not like the sound of forceps.

Multiple miscarriages and a late termination due to reciprocal balanced chromosome translocation. Healthy twins born using pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 11 >> Seeing other mothers with their babies while her twins were in special care was very upsetting and brought back painful memories.

Multiple miscarriages and a late termination due to reciprocal balanced chromosome translocation. Healthy twins born using pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 60 >> The baby's heart slowed right down and the doctors decided to do an emergency caesarean at 33 weeks. She was afraid he might not survive.

After four miscarriages, baby in fifth pregnancy diagnosed with heart condition. Mother (who is diabetic) had pre-eclampsia and emergency caesarean. Severe sickness in every pregnancy. Interviewed during sixth pregnancy, and again after a stillbirth at 36 weeks. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 29.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 17 >> An elective caesarean for her second baby was a happier experience than the emergency caesarean first time.

Single mother of two. First child born by emergency caesarean, second by elective caesarean. Faced unhelpful assumptions because she was young and single.

• Topic
• >> Pregnancy >> Looking back- caesarean birth >> Looking back- caesarean birth

Looking back - caesarean birth

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Looking back- caesarean birth >> Looking back- caesarean birth

Looking back - caesarean birth

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 01 >> The baby was quite large compared to her pelvis size. She decided on a planned caesarean and was happy with her choice. (Read by an actor.)

Normal pregnancy apart from episode of severe pain (suspected ectopic) and high blood sugar. Caesarean birth. Was not able to breastfeed. Recovery from caesarean took longer than expected.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 05 >> Her original plan to have a home birth changed when she found her baby had a heart defect. She decided to have a caesarean and has no regrets.

First child had heart defect detected antenatally and long period of critical illness after birth. Mother had reactive depression in response to his illness. Second child healthy. Mother had postnatal depression related to extreme worry about her health.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 31-33 >> Interview 01 >> She did not know that having an elective caesarean might affect her milk coming in, but she was happy to change to bottle feeding (including some expr

Normal pregnancy apart from episode of severe pain (suspected ectopic) and high blood sugar. Caesarean birth. Was not able to breastfeed. Recovery from caesarean took longer than expected.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 19 >> During the caesarean the baby's position caused some problems, but it was generally a good experience.

Successful pregnancy after an early miscarriage and blighted ovum. Caesarean due to baby lying breech. Lack of support for breastfeeding in hospital due to pressures on staff.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 49 >> She was expecting a caesarean because both her twins were breech, but now one has turned and she could try a vaginal birth.

Seven and a half months pregnant with twins conceived by IVF. Would have liked antenatal classes designed for people having a multiple birth. Hospital birth planned. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 14.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 19 >> She had a planned caesarean because her baby was breech and she was told it was risky to turn the baby so late in pregnancy.

Successful pregnancy after an early miscarriage and blighted ovum. Caesarean due to baby lying breech. Lack of support for breastfeeding in hospital due to pressures on staff.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> After an emergency caesarean first time, she wants to try a vaginal birth next time.

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 06 >> She considered trying a vaginal birth after her previous caesarean, but decided to have another caesarean.

First pregnancy through ICSI IVF. Experienced hyper ovarian stimulation. Induced at 42 weeks with birth by emergency section. Second pregnancy occurred naturally 7 months after birth of first child.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 17 >> An elective caesarean for her second baby was a happier experience than the emergency caesarean first time.

Single mother of two. First child born by emergency caesarean, second by elective caesarean. Faced unhelpful assumptions because she was young and single.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 18 >> Her second labour was long and stressful and communication with staff was poor. She had an emergency caesarean and the baby needed special care. (Read

Two normal pregnancies followed by two emergency sections. Second one occurred after a protracted labour. Communication with hospital staff was poor.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 11 >> She discussed birth choices with her doctor for her IVF twins. Their safety was the most important thing.

Multiple miscarriages and a late termination due to reciprocal balanced chromosome translocation. Healthy twins born using pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 11 >> She went into labour early and had both babies by emergency caesarean. She did not like the sound of forceps.

Multiple miscarriages and a late termination due to reciprocal balanced chromosome translocation. Healthy twins born using pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 60 >> The baby's heart slowed right down and the doctors decided to do an emergency caesarean at 33 weeks. She was afraid he might not survive.

After four miscarriages, baby in fifth pregnancy diagnosed with heart condition. Mother (who is diabetic) had pre-eclampsia and emergency caesarean. Severe sickness in every pregnancy. Interviewed during sixth pregnancy, and again after a stillbirth at 36 weeks. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 29.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 18 >> During her first labour it was discovered the baby was breech. She was advised her pelvis was too small and she had a caesarean. (Read by an actor.)

Two normal pregnancies followed by two emergency sections. Second one occurred after a protracted labour. Communication with hospital staff was poor.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 34-36 >> Interview 65 >> She would have liked a caesarean earlier but thought staff were reluctant because they were trying to keep the hospital's caesarean rate down.

Third pregnancy, after two miscarriages. Baby diagnosed antenatally with heart problems. Baby born by emergency caesarean after a long and painful labour. More of this interview can be seen on the Healthtalkonline antenatal screening site as Interview 07.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 18 >> Her husband could not find out what was happening and was afraid she might die. They decided not to have more children. (Read by an actor.)

Two normal pregnancies followed by two emergency sections. Second one occurred after a protracted labour. Communication with hospital staff was poor.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 18 >> Her second labour was long and stressful and communication with staff was poor. She had an emergency caesarean and the baby needed special care. (Read

Two normal pregnancies followed by two emergency sections. Second one occurred after a protracted labour. Communication with hospital staff was poor.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> She was pleased to experience a vaginal birth with ventouse at the end. Recovery was much quicker than after the caesarean.

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 20 >> She was so exhausted she wanted an emergency caesarean, but wondered if labour might have been easier if she had stayed at home longer. (Read by an ac

Single mother. First pregnancy miscarried. Second pregnancy was normal and straightforward. She planned to have a natural birth, but after a long labour chose to have a caesarean.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> After a long, tiring labour, she felt calm and relieved making the decision to have a caesarean.

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 06 >> The decision to have an emergency caesarean happened very quickly when the baby became distressed. She felt it was the right decision.

First pregnancy through ICSI IVF. Experienced hyper ovarian stimulation. Induced at 42 weeks with birth by emergency section. Second pregnancy occurred naturally 7 months after birth of first child.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 25-30 >> Interview 20 >> It was demoralising to be told she was only just in established labour when she had been having contractions for thirty hours. (Read by an actor.)

Single mother. First pregnancy miscarried. Second pregnancy was normal and straightforward. She planned to have a natural birth, but after a long labour chose to have a caesarean.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 03 >> Her waters were broken during an induction, and suddenly there was a lot of blood. Staff suspected vasa praevia and did an emergency caesarean.

Apparently normal pregnancy, after problems with endometriosis. Vasa praevia discovered during labour. Baby needed resuscitation and intensive care, but recovered well with no long-term problems as originally feared.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 03 >> The baby needed resuscitation immediately after birth and there were concerns she might have brain damage. (She is now five and developing normally).

Apparently normal pregnancy, after problems with endometriosis. Vasa praevia discovered during labour. Baby needed resuscitation and intensive care, but recovered well with no long-term problems as originally feared.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> After an emergency caesarean first time, she wants to try a vaginal birth next time.

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Age 37-39 >> Interview 06 >> She considered trying a vaginal birth after her previous caesarean, but decided to have another caesarean.

First pregnancy through ICSI IVF. Experienced hyper ovarian stimulation. Induced at 42 weeks with birth by emergency section. Second pregnancy occurred naturally 7 months after birth of first child.

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> The epidural meant she couldn't feel the contractions and had to be told when to push, but she felt it was the best option for trying a vaginal birth

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 40 + >> Interview 09 >> She was pleased to experience a vaginal birth with ventouse at the end. Recovery was much quicker than after the caesarean.

First pregnancy normal, emergency caesarean after long labour. Next two pregnancies ended in early miscarriage. Now pregnant again and planning vaginal birth. (Interviewed again after vaginal birth).

• Pregnancy & children >> Pregnancy >> Aged 24 & under >> Interview 17 >> An elective caesarean for her second baby was a happier experience than the emergency caesarean first time.

Single mother of two. First child born by emergency caesarean, second by elective caesarean. Faced unhelpful assumptions because she was young and single.