What does coming down with a bad flu have to do with needing a c-section? - Page 2

[LaffNowCryLater]

Hmmm interesting. I had the swine flu at 31 or 32 weeks and it was very mild. My 17 month old had a worse case but even then not worth a shot IMO. My older two kids did not contract it.

[MsBlack]

While I can see csec as a 'worst case scenario' as a few have described, I can't see having swine flu in 3rd trimester, or even when you go into labor, as case for automatic csec.

OP, for sure talk to your primary mw about this. It may be that the other mw overstated the case....either because she has a, hmmm, 'dramatic flair', or possibly because she is not yet clear on when csec may be indicated in the presence of swine flu.

I just try to get everyone around me to remember that really--it's just a flu. As with having any other flu, you have to consider whether your symptoms need home or hospital treatment, whether your own particular case of that flu is mild, moderate or severe. This goes for anyone, pregnant or not, though certainly pregnant physiology can impose a 'higher risk' than when you're not pregnant. Still, 'higher risk' does not mean that all pregnant or laboring women are going to need treatment according to 'worst case scenario'.

[wombatclay]

Well, it also sounds like the OP wasn't told she would "have" to have a c/s but that she was at an increased risk for a c/s if she contracted the flu and then went into labor. Which, from the research and comments here, seems to be accurate.

It may also be that practice guidelines would prevent the midwives from attending a homebirth if mama had a condition like H1N1 or other complicating factor. If that is the case then the OP would be birthing in a hospital and that right there would increase her c/s risk.

As for being sick and going into labor... the body might actually kick into labor sooner in an attempt to "save" the baby or maximize resources for mama. I know a few women who have been very ill while giving birth... no fun.

OP- hope you stay healthy and have a fabulous homebirth!

[riverscout]

Originally Posted by wombatclay

Well, it also sounds like the OP wasn't told she would "have" to have a c/s but that she was at an increased risk for a c/s if she contracted the flu and then went into labor. Which, from the research and comments here, seems to be accurate.

That's how I read it too. While I don't think anyone should be strong armed into getting a vaccine, I think it's good to have all the facts. If it is indeed true that a woman is at increased risk for a c-section if she has the flu, then I think a HCP would be remiss if they failed to mention that.