Advice please. Delivery by 40 weeks (risk of induction or c section?)

[FernaFrey]

Hi all. This is my first child and it's an IVF baby so my consultant said the IVF rules are to have delivery by 40 weeks (due to the placenta degrading / baby getting too big etc).

This means:

1- I go into natural labour before then
2- I need induced
3- I can opt for an elective c-section.

I don't want to be induced. Presently, I am thinking that I hope for a natural labour and have a c-section book for 39+5 if natural labour doesn't occur.

I've heard too many bad stories about inductions resulting in an emergency c-section. After everything we have been through to get this baby via IVF I want to eliminate any risk or distress to baby.

What do you think?

Thanks!

Childbirth is an incredibly individual choice, there is no right or wrong 😊 if you're satisfied that the data shows you shouldn't go over 40 weeks (I say this as I was induced for a big baby prior to realising this in of itself is not a reason to induce), then there is nothing wrong with having a section planned and skipping induction.

You're right, induction does increase the chance of a section which is what happened with me. I've known people to choose ELCS for both physical and mental reasons, so if that eases your worry then go for it! Best of luck ❤️

I had two IVF babies and opted for ELCS at 39 weeks both times.

Hi @FernaFrey - I would agree with @ThelastRolo20 - it's such a personal choice and the only right answer is the one which feels right to you.

I was advised to be induced by 40 weeks due to gestational diabetes (which carried a similar risk of placenta failing if overdue etc). I tried all the traditional methods of kicking things off but none of them worked, however they may still have been beneficial as my induction at 39+6 was very easy (as easy as labour can be). I only needed the gel to get things going and had a very positive birth experience.

I was open to having a c-section if my induction wasn't going well, the plan was to give it 24 hours and then ask for one if I wasn't progressing. I had heard a lot of stories of people with long inductions who were exhausted and ended up needing a section anyway. I'm glad I didn't need one though, my recovery was really easy.

Whatever you decide, I hope it all goes well for you.

I think people don’t tend to talk about the good inductions because it feels a bit like gloating but there are good induction stories out there. I had one at 38 (with a failed sweep) which was absolutely fine.

You can start an induction and switch to a c-section at any point though. My point of switching to a c-section was if I needed the drip as I felt if everything else hadn’t worked by then, it would likely end in a c-section. If you want to go straight for the elective, then that’s fine too. I personally opted for the induction first as I wanted a chance to avoid surgery if possible but I also wanted to go into the operating theatre under my own steam rather than being taken down on the doctors say so, which is why I had a cut off point way before the NHS cut off point.

Hi have you already spoke to ypur midwofe about getting a c section booked in just incase? I am currently 39 weeks and 4 days and I don't want to be induced over 40 weeks and I'm thinking the same can i speak to midwife and get c section booked in

I had a planned c section and will be having another one soon. Due to previous miscarriages, I wanted to give birth in the safest way.

I can understand people wanting to avoid surgery, but often a vaginal birth ends with surgery (due to tearing) and can result in long term problems. It’s not guaranteed that a vaginal delivery will be easier to recover from.

a planned c section is much easier to recover from that an emergency one, I was sent home the next day and could shuffle around after 6 hours, and was sort of back to normal by day 5 (although you still have to take it easy, stay on top of pain killers and look after your scar x

Hi- I spoke at my 28 week appt and she was extremely kind and said it's all YOUR choice. She told me to book in at my 36 week appt because so much can change anyway (breech, large baby). She said there is zero harm in booking a c-section appt then cancelling!

Definitely speak to yours- it is your choice. Good luck! You are so close :) :)

Thank you all so much for your comments, really appreciate them all! I have 7 weeks to decide and I think I'll follow my gut. Book a c-section 39 + 5. I'll be bouncing on lots of balls before then! xxx

Hi Op

i am only 16 weeks at the mo but in the exact same position, and with the same concerns. This thread has been very helpful, thanks for posting.

i am heartened by the previous poster who said that it’s possible to attempt induction but request c section after an agreed amount of time. I didn’t know that and I will definitely be raising that at my obstetric appt.

personally I hate the idea of being stuck on a monitor and not being able to mobilise, which is what has happened to several friends.

I would like to avoid surgery as well if possible, but I know of 4 or 5 people who have been induced, had a crappy drawn out experience and ended up with a c section anyway. I would rather a planned section than that option.

I have read positive induction stories, but unfortunately many more negative ones. Still not sure what to do!

And good luck!