Induction (obstetric cholestasis) after previous c-section

[Suckasponge]

Hello, Im booked in for an induction due to obstetric cholestasis at 37+5weeks.

The consultant said there is only a 50/50 chance of induction working due to me having a previous c-section (dc1) On the plus side, I have managed to have a normal VBAC (dc2)

Consultant suggested induction is the preferred option but I could opt for an elective section if I wanted. I have a few days to decide.

I could do with some help weighing up pros and cons. I'm worried about uterine ruption but have to weigh that up against long c section recovery time and other risks, to baby and myself.

What do you think might be the best option? I'm terrified of making the wrong choice!

What methods will they use to induce? How long are they willing to leave it before wanting to do a c-section? How was your recovery after your first c-section?

I think I'd go straight to c-section but that's entirely due to my very easy recoveries from 2 emergency sections and the fact that other than my mother with me, I don't know anyone who has had a straight forward induction.

Thanks, those are good questions to ask! My recovery was okay, long as to be expected, but no complications. I have more help and support around this time if needed. I'll continue to research snd thanks so much for your reply.

Personally, having been induced, it's not something I would ever want to go through again - I was put on the drip and after a very long and painful labour had many complications during delivery followed by a long recovery. I am having an elective c section with my second. However, I do know quite a few women who were induced and everything was fine / straightforward so I was very unlucky I think.

If it was 50/50 then personally I'd skip to elective.

Pros and cons both ways but induction/labour ending in emcs is super exhausting, I'd want to avoid that, recovery from elective wd likely be easier.

I'd skip to c section. I was induced, it all happened very fast and had to go to theatre, ended up with episiotomy. The episiotomy has been a nightmare from a healing perspective and will ultimately take as long as a c section for me to be fully mobile again. X

I've never had a section but have had a OC-related induction. I'd go for the section. The induction was a nightmare, they're trying to get your blood pressure down whilst not letting the baby's dip too much and you won't be able to walk around or labour off the bed, so you're looking at episiotomy and ventouse / forceps. Essentially you get treated as a piece of meat that they're desperately trying to upll the baby out of. I refused to contenance inducement 2nd time round.

If it's a planned section you'll heal more quickly than a mangled induction or a mangled induction followed by an emergency section when baby desn't move fast enough. So long as you have enough hands to look after your older DC whilst you feed and heal, go for the section.

Quite a few women I know ended up with a section after not making enough progress after induction. A couple had the worst of both ie 48 hours of early labour without enough progress followed by a section. Id be tempted to go for the section to avoid the possibility of going through labour and then surgery. With a section the outcome is more controlled and predictable especially as you’ve been given 50/50 odds of the induction not working.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I agree its not worth the exhaustion and unpredictability for induction when there are high chances of a c section anyway. I'm going to ring and try and book my elective section tomorrow. Much appreciated all

Every good wish sent your way for the delivery x