Induction or C-section at 37 weeks?

[Victoria2002]

My friend is 35 weeks with her first, and has just been diagnosed with obstetric cholestasis. That's a rare liver condition which can lead to still birth and premature birth. She has been told that at 37 weeks they will manually turn her baby (currently breach) and then induce her. Reading online C section also appears to be a common option in the situation but hasn't been offered to her. So, I guess my question is, has anyone any experience having a baby turned, of the pro's and cons if early induction VS early C section? Has anyone insisted on a C section and what was the process?
TIA

Really? Nobody?

I was told I'd deliver at 38 weeks because of an existing (different) medical condition. They offered either c-section or induction, but convinced me to go for induction.

I have several friends who've had very successful inductions, unfortunately I wasn't one of them. It was a long drawn out process which ended up in an emergency c-section. I would go for an elective next time. But everyone's different.

Hi Victoria
I was also in a similar situation at 35 weeks and also diagnosed with cholestatis plus baby breech. I really didn't want to have an External Version to turn the baby as have heard it can be v uncomfortable and no guarantee that it will work or that the baby won't flip back again. Fortunately my hospital were incredibly amenable about me having a planned C-Section if I wished (had a couple of other pg complications) and am now booked in for Weds. It just so happens though that I'm now 38 weeks and the baby has turned head down (your friend still has time for this to happen) but due to the OC early delivery is still recommended. Wasn't keen on induction so am hoping all will work out ok - can't pretend I'm not nervous though as never had an op but just instinctively feel a C Sec might be the safest option for my particular circumstances.
I hope your friend's hosp listen to her wishes.

That's a lot for your friend to think about.

I was induced early for a different reason and had a normal labour after that point.

My understanding at the time was that early induction was less likely to be successful than late induction, but I don't know the stats. I would still choose induction before csection as the latter is major surgery. But I expect lots would disagree based on their experience.

As with most childbirth questions I imagine its about risk and there is no right answer for everyone. If I was your friend I would want to know the relative risks involved with induction or csection including the implications post birth before making a decision. And then be prepared to change her mind when biology takes over.

Thanks so much for all the helpful replies.

I had OC with my second baby and had an elective section at 37 weeks. However, I wasn't able to choose induction, as I had had a previous section (failure to progress after a long induction) and there was a risk of scar rupture.

Having said that, I'd choose an elective over a long induction any day.

However, its a very personal decision. If she opts for section, she'll need to consider what support she has afterwards (for several weeks), as she will need time to recover from the surgery.

Sympathies to her. OC is miserable and often poorly understood.