Induction process

[DizzySquirrel90]

Hi - UK NHS

Being induced tomorrow (potentially) due to LGA, however not overly happy about it would rather have a section.

This will be my first child and I'll be 39+5, so I can see the induction process failing and baby getting stressed / ending in a emergency section anyway (i had a failed sweep 5 days ago) was not favourable.

At what point in the induction process can I say right, no more, section please.

Can I do that after pessary number 1?

Absolutely you can - nothing about induction can be done without your consent. If you decide mid induction you won’t necessarily be prioritised for a c/s as there’s no risk to an LGA baby from you staying pregnant longer if you are planning on a c/s rather than vaginal birth. But the obstetricians may suggest that you remain in hospital waiting for your c/s if you have had a pessary. Have you had a sweep yet?

If you would rather have a c/s you can obviously decide that from the outset and request one.

Can’t work out if you’re not happy about it but want to give it a go or have been refused a c/s which is unacceptable.

I have requested c/s twice and been told induction instead

Stand your ground OP. It is your right entirely to have a section instead of induction. Who has told you no, and how did they phrase it?

I would also add, don't let them do the first pessary. I was told if I started the induction process then I would have to continue it to the end. I chose to have a section instead and have never regretted it.

I have requested c/s twice and been told induction instead
Then I would refuse consent for an induction and say I wanted a section instead. And if they aren't cooperative, I'd say "I want you to write in my notes right now that I requested a section and you refused".

Thank you all for the support. I'm really miffed as I have no contact with my midwife nor consultant which means I can't get in contact via phone to discuss anything.

I was effectively told no and that I could be induced just before my due date instead. I assumed that this was protocol, I am clearly being naive and thinking they have my best interest at heart. :( im losing sleep over this now I just want to be able to phone someone and say 'I don't want induction tomorrow please can you book me for section instead'

I think it varies massively according to area (and which person you happen to land in front of) but sometimes you really have to fight for a section. They shouldn't just tell you know - the NICE guidelines say you have a right to request one, and if the consultant you speak to doesn't want to do it they are supposed to refer you to someone else. But sometimes you need to go in armed with a lot of information and be very firm in order to get them to do that. It fucking sucks! I'm not sure the best tactic from the position you're in right now - but it sounds like you're going to need to make a nuisance of yourself. Don't be afraid to be awkward - you should have a choice in this.

*shouldn't just tell you no

I have called and have an appointment at 16:30 to talk to doctor, my partner is coming with me for backup

How did it go OP?

It’s absolutely you’re right to refuse an induction and ask for a section.

I’ll never go through another induction again for the reasons you stated.

You may well have to fight for it however. But when I requested a section (after baby became distressed during induction process) it was because I was worried. Was getting stressed and did not trust the process any more.

You can’t be forced to do anything so please stand up for yourself.

Ps I was 12 hours on the drip when I insisted on a section. So you can do it after it has started yes, but I would recommend not starting the induction process at all If you don’t want to do it.

This makes me so angry. Hopefully you are sorted after your appointment yesterday but in case it’s any use to anyone reading in the future - the standard for informed consent in medicine in the UK is literally named after a woman who accepted vaginal birth of an LGA baby without being informed of all the risks. Their governance team would be very interested to hear about you being refused a c/s under these exact circumstances I am sure.

Unfortunately not sorted! Waited at hospital for 4 hours yesterday only to be told that the doctor didn't have time to see me and sent me on my way. I left there a sobbing mess, I just want it sorted.

Supposedly I will be getting a phone call early this morning telling me when to go down to hospital to speak with doctor. Not holding out much hope as it's 9am already.

:(

When are you due?

Monday 08/11

This sounds so unnecessarily worrying for you. It sounds like they are documenting as you consenting to an induction, despite having concerns about this and preferring an caesarean section. I would use clear and repeated language that you do not consent to an in induction and would like to follow their advice to have your baby delivery now, and hence are requesting a caesarean section. Might able to helpful to present this in written form and ask this to be kept in your notes, being clear you have a copy of this also. Awful it needs to come to this but that's what I would do.

Thank you, I'm still waiting on a call, but I'll 100% write something up before I go to see the doctor. So fed up

Update - I called them as it's now PM, have been told that no one is available to contact me today and therefore I should expect a phone call tomorrow morning - another sleepless night ahead. 40w on Monday. First child, so highly likely I'll be late. But I just don't want to end up going into natural labour. Feeling fobbed off and robbed of decisions over my own body and our baby.

I would contact PALS, now, and copy in both the unit you are speaking to and any consultant you have the name/can find the email of. Complain formally about the fact that a) you have twice been given a blanket no on a section with no mention of referring you on, which is in contravention of NICE guidelines, b) you have been waiting for phone calls that never take place while your due date gets closer - despite THEIR recommendation that you deliver ahead of your due date. Then I would phone them every two hours and say tomorrow is too late to wait and you need to understand NOW why their recommendation has apparently changed.

You don’t need to deliver ahead of your due date if by c/s, the risk is removed if you don’t labour/ attempt vaginal birth. But you do need a c/s date booked (even if eg. 41 weeks) so that you will be delivered by semi emergency c/s if you arrive in labour in the night for example. Just including this for clarity (I’m a midwife). Very good luck to you. As an aside, I always advise women in your situation (reasonably common reason to ring the antenatal ward) to arrive for their IOL appointment and then say that you don’t want it (again, reasonably common!). You are then taking up a bed so a Dr is mobilised pretty quickly to discuss the situation with you! But I appreciate that can be intimidating.

Update - Have c-section booked for 41+3

Really pleased to here it, happy due date today!

The latest NICE guidelines for induction came out last week and are pretty clear that you are to be offered a c/s as an equal alternative. It’s good to see it written down.