Should I have an elective Caesarean?

I am pregnant with my first baby and would like to have an elective Caesarean section but the doctor is advising against this.  Why? A Caesarean is major surgery, and you may need to stay in hospital for three or four days.  It will hurt afterwards, even making small movements such as coughing and laughing, and lifting your baby may be too much.

‘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.

One reason is the increased risk of uterine rupture.  That means your 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 Prof. Brocklehurst.

Womb rupture occurs more frequently in women who have had a previous C-section.  The risk increases with each subsequent C-section, according to a recent study funded by Wellbeing of Women (www.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 that may need a hysterectomy and placenta praveia, a low-lying placenta that can block the baby’s route out.  More on nice.org.uk, in caesarian section Information for the public.

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 vaginal 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 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,' he adds.

JOG WITH YOUR DOG

Dedicated dog walker Helen, YOU Magazine's art editor, is now a rapidly-getting-fitter dog jogger courtesy of the Dog Walking Belt, which is actually designed for you and your dog to jog or run together. ‘Having Rupert, my Staffie cross, attached by a Mutley leash to the belt allows me to be hands-free.  It 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 responded to voice commands and doggie treats and loved the running.’  Mutley Leash, £12.20, and Dog Walking Belt, £24.99, are from www.petspyjamas.com - who also offer a free workout regime, which helped Pets Pyjamas co-founder Denise Elphick lose a stone in six weeks, or a one-to-one master class with Dog Jogger Barry Karacostas, £100.

IN:SPA'S SPA WISDOM

Readers 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.

Businesswoman Mary, 57, goes annually for health maintenance. ‘I always find new healthy habits, like giving up caffe 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.’

Anne, 48, a working mother, found her three 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.’  www.inspa-retreats.com (call 0845-458 0723), are from £2,195 per person for two people sharing, for seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation.

For healthy stay-cations, 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 foods.

• Limit yourself to two caffeinated drinks a day.

• Find a fitness buddy:  human or canine (see above).

• Do short bursts of yoga often.  Follow Sharon Gannon’s Jivamukti Magic Ten (minutes) on YouTube, which works the whole body.

SUPERSNACK!

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 almond butter to bind.  Optionally add a superfood powder - for instance spirulina.  Roll into balls.

Here's how to find the products mentioned in this week's column...

•  Mutley Leash at www.petspyjamas.com/£12.20 - buy here

•  Dog Walking Belt (from website as above)/£24.99 - buy here