Induction vs c-section at 39 weeks

[PregnantQuestions]

I’m currently over 36 weeks and need to make the decision on whether I want to be induced or have an elective c-section at 39 weeks. This is due to the baby potentially being too big for me. I don’t have any other health conditions. I’ve been looking at pros and cons for both and I’m still unsure. I would love to hear your experiences!

I had an induction and was in for about 3 days before labour started. I had pessaries and eventually a balloon which broke waters. All through my time with every examination the midwife would comment in surprise that the baby’s head hadn’t dropped down. I just had a feeling it never would but not being medically trained I just continued on as I thought they would tell me if I needed or had option of c-section. Once in labour baby still hadn’t come down and so it led to emergency c-section.

For me I’m going for elective c-section with second but it doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for you however I do regret not requesting one with first when things weren’t going well. So if you do go for induction don’t be afraid to request one if you change your mind.

I had an ELCS at 39+5 with my second baby. Baby was measuring big, no gestational diabetes but concerns over possibly shoulder dystocia and how big DS would be at full term. I was offered induction or section, it really was my choice. They reeled off a list of possible complications with induction, both for me and baby. I asked what risks there were for baby if I had a c-section and they basically said nothing but obviously it’s major surgery so recovery for me would be potentially more full on.

In my mind I didn’t want to risk DS’s health so I went for a c-section. It felt like an easy decision in the moment. I’d already had a “natural” birth with DD so it wasn’t like I felt like I would be missing out on experiencing that. DS was born a big boy and I have zero regrets. I fear he would have gotten stuck if I’d gone natural.

It is an incredibly personal decision. C-section isn’t the easy way out and I did find aspects of recovery hard. It is also more medicalised. With DD I got to use the birth pool, have twinkly lights, music etc. But it still ended in an intervention with a ventouse it’s not like my

posted too soon!! I meant to say so it’s hot like I had my perfect birth plan birth anyway!

I suppose second time around I’d also heard some pretty worrying induction stories from friends and on balance it just didn’t feel like the right thing for me.

Thanks everyone! @MummyJ36 I've opted for an induction which is in a couple of days. I'm surprised that your OB reeled off the negatives of an induction but not for a c section. It was the complete opposite for me. Loads of serious complications with a c section but not many with an induction. I will be having the gel as my form of induction.

I'm telling myself that childbirth comes with complications no matter how the baby gets out! Natural labour can be super long and painful (especially for a FTM) so that doesn't scare me with the induction. I'm hoping labour and delivery will go smoothly 😊

Ah yes, I mean complications were definitely mentioned but it felt more that they were to do with me than DS. They said he could get a scrape on his head but because he was full term and a very good weight there weren’t any further concerns per se. But the onerous was definitely on me having a more full on recovery period.

So glad you’ve come to a decision that you’re happy with. Every birth is individual (and special as a result!) and every birth decision is individual. Absolute best of luck and enjoy all of the amazing baby snuggles!!! My DS is now 9 months and I can’t believe he was a newborn even a few months ago!