Induction or c-section? Any advice?... so confused :(

[Sammy592]

Hey guys.

I have been told my baby is small and needs delivering next week! I will be 36weeks on Tuesday.

They have offered both induction and c-section to me as they are concerned small baby's can't cope with labour? Also inductions can be unsuccessful in first pregnancy and end up in emergency c-section anyway? So now I am confused and panicked about what is best for my baby..?

I would love a natural birth but am nervous it will all end up not working and we will be rushed in for c-section!

Anyone had any similar situation's? ? x

[ScarlettFreestone]

I can't advise you what to have, that's for your doctor to do.

I was induced and it didn't work and I had to have a c-section.

There was no rushing, no panic. It was all fine.

[Semaphorically]

I would have a c-section but I was petrified of induction. They end in fetal distress far too often for me. That said, some people have perfectly problem-free inductions, and c-sections are not risk free themselves.

No birth option is completely risk free so make a decision with the help of your medical team, but don't worry that you're making the wrong one.

You can ask the consultant what the risk (per thousand births) is of fetal distress, fetal hypoxia and birth injuries for both options? If it will help you decide?

[HeyCat]

I've had both and would choose a planned c section over an induction, especially as your baby is so young. Inductions can last a long time and put a lot of strain on both you and the baby. C section will be a calmer easier experience for you bothz

[Writerwannabe83]

Two of

[ButtMuncher]

Personally in your situation I'd take the section. There are risks, but it removes the unknown of how the induction will go. Inductions tend to be less successful the earlier you are induced as simply put, baby isn't ready to come. This then increases likelihood of section and if you've already gone through the trauma of a failed labour having a section on top will be a harder recovery.

Your little one is likely to be in NICU at 36w as is routine with observing premature babies. I think taking the section will ensure you can plan and be prepared for your new baby perhaps more so than the ambiguity of induction (which can last anything from hours to 5 days!)

Good luck

[SoAngryArghh]

Having been in a very similar situation. Late onset obstetric cholestais and high liver levels that couldn't be brought under control I was advised to go for an induction at 37 weeks. It didn't work. I needed an emergency section. It went fine BUT I was not given steroids for lung development for the baby so please ensure you are given steroids. Personally if I had my time again I would go for steroids and a section.

[Farfromtheusual]

I was induced (at 40+3) and it ended in an emergency c-section. I desperately didn't want a c-section and was hysterical being wheeled to theatre. But next time, I will be opting for a planned c-section and will refuse to be induced. It was horrific.

[wowbutter]

C section all the way.
I had a three day labour after being induced, it was horrific. Then an emergency section.
The first oessary didn't work, hurt like hell going in, then continuous monitoring, no moving, so much intervention. It was really bad. I wish I had just had a planned section, as mine was an emergency and really scary.

[Writerwannabe83]

I was offered an induction or ELCS and chose the latter.

In the last 10 weeks two of my colleagues had to be induced, one lasted 3 days and the other lasted for 5 days and both resulted in emergency c-sections anyway.

[Neverknowing]

I would personally go for the cesarean because then you can plan and know exactly what will happen with the birth. The recovery time is fairly easy too, maybe more difficult if you had a toddler running around but with a Newborn it's okay

[Robin7]

Just as a counter view, I had an induction (first baby) which was absolutely fine and I had a normal delivery. I was however 40 weeks.

You really need to talk to your obs team some more if you're undecided. Important to ask how high they think your risk of emergency section is and why (ie, exactly how small is your baby - just under 10th centile on a customised chart, or significantly small by any standard. Are fluid and blood flow through cord normal etc as if those parameters are abnormal could increase risk of fetal distress. Do you have any other specific risk factors which tip balance one way or another. Are you planning lots of kids - in which case might be more inclined to try to avoid section).
We can all give you opinions and our personal experiences/anecdotes but you need a discussion with an obstetrician which is specific to your situation. Agree steroids prob a good idea regardless of what you go for. Some benefits for your baby in terms of reduced breathing difficulties if you labour, but steroids help reduce this if you don't. (COI - work in maternity)

[Sunnie1984]

I've had three amazing inductions (all at my request!).

In your scenario, with a small baby, I would take the c-section

If there is a reason your baby is small, he/she might struggle with labour.

Listen to your doctors. Xx

[Robin7]

PS I sometimes think Internet forums are a bit like trip advisor - the extreme experiences are the ones which stand out and you remember! Seriously though, it can be hard to take everything on board in a short clinic appointment and think of all the questions you might have so don't be afraid to get more info at the hospital before you make your decision. Best of luck!

[hollygolipo]

One failed induction, two successful sections here... there's no perfect solution but whatever you decide don't feel guilty - focus on the end game and not the way you got there. Best of luck x

[Sammy592]

Thank you so much for sharing your stories with me it really does help.

I have had steroid injections already so her lungs will have a better time with birth.

I am nervous but It has to be what is best for my little girl I can't risk her being unable to cope with labour.

I'm just hoping recovery isn't as bad as I imagine xx

[Loungingbutnotforlong]

Planned c section x 2- recovery was just fine.

[ButtMuncher]

My recovery from section was remarkable - I still marvel at modern medicine. It's more psychological in some respects - you can't believe it's right to stand up a day after you've been operated on, but you can and once the pain eases, you'll be fine just make sure you have added support in place for things like lifting etc.

[Sammy592]

Yes lots of people around me when baby is here so that's something I have to thank for I won't be doing anything strenuous.

I'm hoping my recovery will be as good as u guys experience. :) xx

[DoctorMonty]

I hope the doctors have told you about the pros and cons of each option, so really the advice on here (including mine) is more of a "what would you do"?

Personally, I'd choose the caesarean. Lowest risk to baby, and getting you into labour at 36 weeks with your first is quite likely to be hard work.

They would not be suggesting delivery at 36 weeks and offering caesarean if this was a borderline case - clearly they are quite concerned about how small your baby is, and this does indicate it may not cope with labour well.

Hope it all goes well

[Sweets101]

I would go for c section in your situation too. Re recovery i found recovery from the c section easier then from subsequent births. Actually DD1 was born at 36 weeks by c section after failed induction (bit of an emergency but not terrible i was awake etc and DD fine, the induction was no bother just pointless) Excellent care, pain relief, everything. DD2's natural birth was the shocker!

[Sammy592]

Thank you genuinely do feel more relaxed about the c - section now. Obviously still very nervous but I'm no longer crying continuously about it. I have been thinking all sorts about the op but I can't keep thinking the worst it will only make me cru again haha x

[raviolidreaming]

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/2884750-Scared-of-having-C-Section

There's a thread in pregnancy at the moment which might help ease your mind

[thenewaveragebear1983]

I would go for the elective section. I may be wrong on this, but I was told by a midwife after my first, failed, induction at 37wks that the pessary is purely to open your cervix enough to break your waters. If you are 36 weeks, it is less likely that this will happen because the baby is not 'ready to be born'. In my first induction they couldn't break waters because the baby wasn't engaged so it resulted in a section anyway. At least you will be able to plan and make arrangements for the time afterwards. An emergency section is a whole different experience to an elective. Good luck op!