Early induction vs c section

[Hannabee123]

I might be having my baby early as they think she's too small

I've heard horror stories about long early inductions resulting in c sections and I've heard people say they wish they went straight in with a planned.

Can I have advice / experiences

This is my first child and quite frankly I'm starting to become terrified 😭

[Hannabee123]

I suppose I won't care at the time. I'm thinking of leaning towards induction to start with over c section just because I'm terrified even more at the thought of being cut open.
I'm not feeling at all excited just overwhelmed and a little sick reading about my options. I know it's best to be safe than sorry I guess not everyone can sail through these things

[cheesydoesit]

In my experience they don't let you go home after you have been induced. I had an induction at 39+5 due to high blood pressure, reduced fetal movement and baby measuring small and it ended in an EMCS. I was hoping for a water birth! It was scary but all over so fast and resulted in a tiny but perfect baby. This time with DC2 I am also measuring small and waiting for a decision to be made at my 36 week scan next week as the consultant has said she might deliver at 37 weeks if baby hasn't moved up the charts. I am opting for a c-section this time as I honestly didn't feel supported by the ward staff last time, not necessarily their fault as it was a busy night but as soon as I had to be wheeled I to surgery the mood changed and the team were just so competent and calm it made me feel a lot safer. I hope it all goes smoothly for you no matter what you decide.

[VulgarWheat]

37+5 for DS
rapid labour, early epidural (thankfully) and apart from a haemorrhage brought on by medical issues no problems. From first contraction to baby

[Athome77]

I knew for two weeks before that he would be induced on his due date if he wasn’t out. I think it helped me prepare mentally

[Athome77]

My first was induced at 40weeks, I ended up having the drip and pethidine, went in at 8am baby born at 930 pm. Wasn’t as nice as my second birth (Home birth, 41 weeks, 9 lb baby), but it wasn’t as bad as I expected.

[JohnLapsleyParlabane]

Our circumstances are different but I chose to decline all pharmaceutical induction when I had DD. She was born by emcs in the end and I don't regret it. However she was born at 42wks and so that may change the risks.

[DuggeeHugs]

It is scary facing birth and getting more information might help. You could try this website: www.which.co.uk/birth-choice
It gives you stats on how well your labour ward performs, including things like inductions and CSs. It might provide you with some reassurance. The RCOG website also contains useful information and risk data on inductions and deliveries. I found this really helpful.

I was 'lucky' in that I had no warning of my induction - I was admitted straight from clinic to labour ward HDU and they were getting on with it before I'd caught up with what was happening. I didn't get to go home once they started the process so you may find that you don't have to worry too much about going back and forth.

If it comes to a CS you may find that it isn't as bad as it sounds - this was certainly my experience. Like you I was a first timer who had never had any surgery before. The CS was surprisingly relaxing; I got to do skin to skin in theatre and was breastfeeding in recovery. It was a positive experience, so much so that DC2 was delivered by ELCS 4 months ago.

That said, what's right for me may not be right for you, but fingers crossed it gives you a little hope that if it comes to a CS that doesn't automatically mean it's a bad thing

[Hannabee123]

I'm 36 weeks and might be induced as early as next week I'm just worried about a long painful induction and the hospital is an hour away from us so it's alot of hassle if were being sent back and forth.
The idea of a c section terrifies me as I've never had any kind of surgery in all my life

[DuggeeHugs]

DC1 was an induction at 39+2 because of gestational hypertension. On 40+0 it was declared a failure and I had a (lovely) EMCS.

If I had my time again I'd refuse the induction and go straight to CS, but I didn't know I was allowed to do that. My advice is to remember that you can say no at any time and that you don't have to consent to every suggestion they want to try.

Good luck

[grasspigeons]

I had an early induction instead of a c section, but it was my second baby so probably not the same. My first had been a natural delivery so I guess my body knew what to do, even if it wasn't ready to do it for another 5 weeks.

Basically it was fine. I had heard lots of horrors stories but it didn't seem that different than a normal labour. I wasn't that keen on the pessary which gave me a constant dull ache, but the drip bit didn't go from nothing to full on contractions like I had been led to believe. It built up slowly.

Anyway, get good advice and good luck.

[RandomMess]

Well it's worth trying induction as c-section is a major op.

Do thorough research and make a decision you feel happy with!