Would you opt for an induction or c-section if you were me

[TheDairyMilkQueen]

Hey,

I was induced at 40+3 with my first.

In short things spiralled very quickly, my heart rate was irregular, baby was in distress and crash team brought into the room twice.

Second time was rushed to theatre and doctors were going to do an emergency c-section.

At the last moment, they decided on forceps.

I had an episiotomy.

I ended up needing blood transfusions due to PPH, an infection/suspected forceps.

This time I was opting for a vaginal birth, however have been informed due to gestational diabetes I will be induced.

I know I can refuse induction, but I want to do what is safest for DC and me.

Part of me thinks it may be less stressful to opt for the c-section.

I know complications can occur with a section, but my fear is an induction failing and multiple interventions.

Should I just cut out the middle man?

My appointment with the consultant is next week, so I need to make a decision quickly.

Thank you!

Personally I would take an ELCS.

buttt
i generally “like” c sections. I had 2 that were textbook and don’t know anyone who has a bad one in all honestly.
they are super calm, you know what is happening there is a real sense of control. Music is playing, you stay on top of pain meds and rest…. Life is good
A few friends had failed inductions and ended up knackered having a c section which is hard work and not comparable to an ELCS.

my cousins who had successful inductions don’t speak favourably of them. One has 4 children and said the induction was the worst thing she experienced in her life.

that said everyone is different

For you, c-section all day, every day would be be my vote

I had a similar experience.

No 1 42 weeks, foetal distress 36 hour labour and emergency section.
No 2, 42 weeks, 19 hour labour, failed forceps, episiotomy and emergency section.
No 3, 36 weeks, elective section, home within 48 hours, very little discomfort, it was a wonderful experience, my recovery was fast and my son slept from 10pm to 5am from 3 weeks!

It might not need to be a totally black and white decision OP.
Talk to the consultant about what happened last time. Why did your heartrate go funny? Was it a reaction to the synctocin?
It might be an option to try inducing via pessary/balloon/ artificial rupture of membranes but not the synctocin drip for example.
Ask the consultant about what an induction or ELCS would mean for you with your medical history and current pregnancy complications. Other women’s experiences aren’t anywhere near as useful in informing your decision as your own circumstances.

Thank you ladies for your experiences. Definitely gives me something to think about.

@Demelzatheredhaired I will definitely be asking the consultant his/her thoughts based on medical history. I have had previous gynae surgeries, so have already been told if I were to have a section it would needed to be done by someone experienced, however was told it would be unlikely. However, this was before I was diagnosed with GD.

I don't know what caused my heart rate to go funny, so I will ask.

I was given the pessary when I was induced last time. It worked, however DC was not far enough down the birth canal, but I was fully dilated. DC was also back to back.

Once I was in established labour things happened very quickly.

I had a terrible first birth involving rotational forceps and PPH. Second time I opted for a c-section. It was so calm and easy, plus I found the recovery quicker and easier too. I’d definitely opt for the c-section.

DD2 has just been in your situation with GD. Her obstetrician recommended an Elective and she had it at 38 weeks. She is recovering really well and her baby boy is gorgeous 😍

Elcs all the way, inductions are a lottery & you can still end up having to have a section. You can be stuck for ages being induced, a section can be in, done & out within 48 hours.

ELcs if induction is an absolute necessity

Planned section. Better the devil you know.

ELCS.

100% ELCS, I’ve had two failed inductions with GD. I can say the balloon is total bollocks.

Most inductions end up as a c section anyway. I was told this by someone who teaches labour classes.

It is hard OP, what is your gut telling you?

I had an ELCS with DC2, it was a decision between induction and ELCS from the consultant (for different reasons but still technically classed as elective as I could have gone down the induction route if I’d wanted)

Having experienced “natural” birth with DC1 I can say it is quite a different experience, a lot more medicalised but also a lot more managed (you really don’t have to make any decisions once you’re on that pathway). I found the procedure totally fine and it was just as magical as with DC1. Recovery was different and I did find it hard, but I did have crippling SPD all pregnancy so it took me longer to get my strength back. But in the long term recovery was fine and no lasting issues.

Thank you ladies.

I'm going to make a list of things to discuss, just weighing up the pros and cons of each option.

@blackcherryconserve congratulations to you! I hope your daughter is recovering well and enjoying her gorgeous boy.

@MummyJ36 my guy tells me the ELCS is the better option for me. Purely because the thought of a drawn out induction or failed induction terrifies the life out of me. Which could result in a section anyway. I'd rather things be calm and have mentally prepared myself for what is going to happen. Obviously I will go with whatever the consultant feels is the most medically safe option for baby and me.

My gut said ELCS too. Sometimes you just know. And I think second time around we know ourselves a bit better having been through it all before. Best of luck OP, I’d never had any surgery before my section and I was bricking it but honestly everyone is so lovely and nice I only have the most positive memories of it!

Go with your gut feeling TheDairyMilkQueen DD did and it proved to be the least stressful for both her and the baby. Thank you for your good wishes and wishing you all the best too xx

@MummyJ36 definitely! Thank you!

@blackcherryconserve Thank you!

As a dad have very obviously not given birth but have played close attention to 3 including most recently when induction happened for similar reasons. Did not result in emergency CS but did result in finding it extremely difficult to understand what the risk/benefit analysis is when the medics advise induction in the first instance.

Have had two CS on medical advice - decided upon a decent time in advance. Both were magical - happy babies, happy me. No stress, no fuss, no pain, no ifs, no buts. Super smooth. My music playing. People smiling. Calm. Relaxed. Honestly, I look back now, and it still makes me smile to remember how it all felt and how it all went.

First birth was a failed 5 day induction followed with an emergency c-section.

I'm currently 3 weeks post planned c-section and it was a lovely experience and one I'd do again in a heartbeat so if I were you that's what I'd choose.

I'd so go planned c section but I had 2 failed inductions and being alone while being induced and then the spiral of complications was horrible.

However my emcs was harder to recoever from so I'd probably go planned c section but with support in place for that first month.

elective c section for sure

I went in for a planned induction (40 and IVF) but ended up with sudden onset of pre Eclampsia and a cat 1 Emcs. My situation was quite rare but despite it being a life threatening emergency and the procedure being performed in a tiny makeshift room (no theatre available) it was actually a positive experience. I healed well and would have no issues going for a CS again although we are now one and done!