C-section or Induction?

[ILoveSleeping]

Hi, just wanting to get some advice and opinions from people on what they think I should do..
My due date is tomorrow, went for a membrane sweep today and cervix is very much closed so she couldn’t actually do anything, no signs of baby coming at all.
If she’s not here by Wednesday, which I don’t think she will be then I have a hospital appointment to discuss next steps. They will probably want me to be induced but I have stated to my midwife I would rather have a c section, I had an induction with my DD who is 4 and it was an awful experience, 4 days of constant pain and struggling and I honestly think it gave me some kind of trauma! I know a c section isn’t an easy thing either and recovery would likely be worse but I don’t want to have an induction and possibly go through another 4 days of labour and struggling especially given that baby doesn’t seem to be ready to come at all.
Just wanted any advice from anyone who has been in this situation or can help x

Bump

I don't understand why they have started inducing at 40wks. I was induced at almost 42wks and then went into spontaneous labour after 2 failed attempts of induction peseries and several sweeps beforehand.

Doesn't have to be one or the other. My last birth plan had induction - 24 h - if no sign of progress then go for section. A birth from induction when nothing much is moving is when things tends to be intervention-heavy and difficult, if memory serves.

My birth plan worded it as Examination - Bishop score of 8 or more - induction. Otherwise, section. After discussion with a MW friend.

I don't think you need to make any decisions yet- unless there are other concerns, I'd be asking to wait a bit longer to see if you go naturally

I'm in a similar position (also due this week)! Have been told that an induction with a second baby should be quicker and easier than the first induction so I'm going to go with that & hope for the best (Im quite scared of the thought of a C-section though.)

I have a lot of friends who've had positive C-section births and chosen them over inductions. It's quite a personal choice...

Op is saying her due date is tomorrow and they would discuss induction next wednesday. So nearer 41 weeks. Going to 42 weeks is a lot riskier.

If you want a c section op then go for it. Inductions can also be shit when you left in limbo because there is no room on the labour ward when you need to have your waters broken etc.

I'm guessing delays. Inducing at 41+5 means everything needs to happen within less than 48 hours to avoid going past the 42 week mark. With maternity pressures being what they are I imagine inductions are earlier now to give a little more wiggle room.

@ILoveSleeping I don't think they'll be wanting induce you there and then. Unless there's reason to ofc. As you said it's to discuss your options going forwards, and then make a plan for it. Induction is unlikely to be booked until after you hit 41 weeks, and a C-section would be whenever they can fit you in in the next 12 days. Also, try to remember your sweep was just a snapshot of your cervix at that time. Things can still change, and they can change quickly.

I was induced at 39+2 and didn’t progress so ended up with a c section at 40w.

Induction can be absolutely brilliant in the right circumstances. Reading my notes and having spoken to friends who are midwives, it seems that my midwives omitted information such as the readiness of my cervix and despite knowing it was unlikely to happen, they pushed my to move forward with the induction, breaking my waters on day 4 and putting me on a drip that didn’t work with pain relief that failed multiple times. It felt like the people who were meant to care and advocate for me were so focussed on following a process rather than listening to me and tailoring their treatment accordingly. I would say do your research and make sure you have someone you trust with you to advocate for you during the process.

My C-section was an absolute breeze but I’m a weirdo who heals very quickly so I was up and about in hours. Even after a spinal!

I have a friend with a very similar birth story who is still suffering with their C-section issues over 18 months later.

Like I say, do your research and ask the right questions. It’s all very much dependent on you and what you need at the time and how you progress.

I had an induction with DS1 and it was 4 long days of pain, no sleep and it all ended up being very traumatic. I couldn’t face it again with DS2 so opted for a planned c-section at 40 weeks - which they ended up bringing forward a few days. It was a much better experience in comparison and the recovery has been straightforward - took a little bit longer and was a bit more painful but it was far better for my mental health. I don’t regret it at all, it was a very positive experience.

I was given the choice of an induction or c-section, and my Obstetrician said that the huge majority of inductions end in CS anyway, or instrumental deliveries/traumatic deliveries as a result of prolonged labour (as in labour that goes on or days), and so advised I just cut out the middle man and go straight for CS, and so I did.