If I need to be induced, can I ask for a c section when I have this choice this time anyway but want a natural birth if possible?

[CrazyPlateLady]

Am pregnant with DC2. Had a bad tear with DS and they have given me the choice of having a natural birth or a c section this time.

I don't want a c section, I'm going to take my chances and give birth naturally, I have a consultant appointment on the 5th Jan to tell them my decision.

However, if I need to be induced, I don't think I am going to want a natural birth as I know it is a lot more intense more quickly and I feel that my body won't be given enough 'time' to 'prepare' for the coming labour IYSWIM. I don't want to take any risks with tearing again and I have been told that they risk is no greater than someone who hasn't tore before but I feel that induction isn't going to help.

Does anyone know if I can tell the hospital I want a natural birth, but if I do need to be induced, then I want a c section? Would want to avoid either of the 2nd options and let nature take its course and as DS was 10 days early, I am hoping that this is a non problem but I just want to think through every scenario in my head first.

There's nothing 'natural' about an induction! Your plan seems reasonable. If I were you I'd try and book a section at 41/42 weeks. If you went into spontaneous labour last time, chances are that you will again. You can tell the hospital what you want, but they cannot tell you what to do. They can only make recommendations...

Induction often leads to instrumental delivery so would think your request very reasonable.

I'm making the same request. I was induced last time and it was horrendous. I want to have a natural birth this time, but if I go over I am going to refuse to be induced and ask for a c-section instead. I've got an appt with my consultant at the end of January and will be asking him then. Apparently my consultant is a big wuss and if I cry he will agree to anything I want.

It's quite usual for a hospital to want to book an IoL early, e.g. book at 40 weeks for 42 weeks, as it helps them plan. So I would just ask to book an ELCS for whenever your hospital would normally induce because of being post-dates. As an ELCS was an option earlier, it shouldn't be an issue booking one instead of an IoL. Hopefully you'd go into natural labour before then though.

Thats a good point Japhrimel. I can ask they book me for a c section instead of induction, as late as possible as I am keen to avoid either.

Fingers crossed that as DS was early, this one will be too.