36+5 and been told being induced around 38 weeks for new medical reason. Too late to ask for elective caesarean? How long does it take for them to confirm?

[BabyCJuly]

Hi there,

I was in hospital last week and they have told me they will be inducing me at 38 weeks. I have a meeting with consultant on Thursday.

Is it too late to ask for an elective? Can they confirm in the appointment?

Reason being is my heart rate has been a nightmare for the past month and now baby’s heart rate is high when mine goes high. They have said I have postural tachycardia.

If I had an induction these are the things I am worried about:

• both our heart rates
  
• baby going into distress with an already high heart rate
  
• 40% chance of having c section anyway
  
• my heart rate if something went wrong
  
• I can’t stand for longer than around 1 minute or walk further than the kitchen without my heart racing to around 30-40 bpm higher.
  

Thanks so much! :)

[EllieJai44]

I would 100% ask, the worse they will say is no, but if they are already scheduling you for an induction they may be able to find a slot for a c section, so yes ask, you have that right to ask

[SunInTheSkyYouKnowHowIFeel]

I don't think it's too late to request one at all. What will they say if you decline an induction?
Seems like you have some good medical reasons for requesting one. Good luck!

[maria2bela]

Please ask your questions to the consultant..Take your list with you and read through them 1 by 1. I did this when I was about to be induced at 37/38 weeks. Each reason for induction will put a different set of boundaries on what you can and can't do once you've been induced. If your heart and baby's heart races now when walking, I doubt they'll want you doing any walking during labour, this with an induction wouldn't seem helpful at all. Once you've answered all your questions you can make a decision as to whether the induction is for you or not, if you want a c section you have to be ready to push for it!

[BabyCJuly]

Thank you so much everybody! Out of interest... @maria2bela did they let you have one? Xxx

[Stealthynamechange]

Hi

I would definitely ask, i had an induction booked very last minute (24 hours as baby was tiny on 37 week scan) it didnt work & they were going to retry, i asked for a section, they did it 2 hours later & ds was born safely :-)

I hope all goes well, best wishes x

[BabyCJuly]

@Stealthynamechange thanks so much! :):) fingers crossed!!

[ALC1985]

You can request a section at any point, even when in labour (up to a certain point), discuss your concerns with the consultant and I'm sure they will agree and arrange a section for you.

[maria2bela]

@BabyCJuly I didn't have a section I opted for induction as I was satisfied that they'd let me be mobile during labour etc. I had an epidural fitted before they started me on hormones and then only had a low dose of epidural so I could still stand up and help baby to move down etc. I was able to deliver baby vaginally and things were fine, but it really depends on your individual circumstance. Not being able to be mobile and other factors can make an early induction less likely to be successful, at which point you should be able to ask yourself, is it worth going through all that for it to potentially end up in a section anyway? Why not just opt for a section and save yourself the hassle. Of course this is not to say that an induction definitely won't work, you just have whey up the pros and cons x

[autumn1638]

I was admitted to hospital with pre eclampsia a week before my due date. They really pushed an induction, which I refused. They booked an elective section and baby was delivered safely. The only stressful part was refusing the induction. If you really want a section you need to keep saying no.

[gonewiththerain]

You can ask for a c section at any point including during labour. If you don’t want an induction, refuse one and they will have to do a section. If one consultant refuses to do a section then ask to be referred to another one.

[SarH89]

Hi,
I have postural tachycardia as well and know what a tricky one it can be to manage. Just wanted to to wish you luck for the consultant appointment, you have good reason to ask for a c-section. I hope all goes well for you

[BabyCJuly]

@SarH89 thank you xxx mine seems to have come on in pregnancy. I haven’t been told much apart from that I have it but may go after pregnancy. I have been really struggling with it! Take care :)

[SarH89]

Im not a Dr but things that my cardiologist and obstetrician have recommended are compression socks, increasing fluids and increasing salt intake. I also find clenching my fists a few times to increase blood flow before moving from sitting to standing helps a bit. I hope it improves or goes away after your little one is here xx