Spontaneous, C/S or Induction?? Press your button now!!

[pie]

Well I just had my 36 week check at the hospital. Didn't see a m/w, saw the doctor. They want me back there in 2 weeks with a decision. I can have an iduction, a c/s or wait.

He said he would be a bit cautious about a c/s because I wouldn't be very mobile due to SPD so would have an increased risk of DVT, but that I could have a c/s if I wanted.

They could induce, the reasons in favour he gave would that, the staff would know why I was there, the SPD, and have been prepped on the precautions, rather than an agency m/w of short staffed if I go in spontaneously in the middle of the night kinda thing. And that I've suffered enough and having a date might make me feel more positive (same reason for c/s), also the baby would be slightly smaller which might make the labour easier for me.

Or I could just let nature take its course.

He said that given my past birth experience there is every reason to think that a would have a relatively straight forward vaginal birth, with no intervention.

I asked about induction being more painful, and he said that it doesn't have to be if they take it very slowly and don't just whack a drip in.

I'm leaning towards and induction. Actually I'm leaning towards going into a coma and not having to deal with this anymore, I'm getting seriously depressed with everything and HATE being pregnant now.

I'd welcome all votes and especially any experiences of induction (which I know statistically gives me a greater chance of interevention anyway)

I promise to leave you all alone with my SPD problems after, esp if your as sick of it as I am.

I hate making decisions.

Spelling is bad today isn't it?

I dont feel in a position to offer advice as I've been induced both times but what ever you decide I'm sure will be right for both you and baby.

Good luck.

pie, I had an induction first time round when I also had quite bad SPD (not like yours though). In my case it wasn't a good choice and I wish I'd waited. The main problem was that it took me four or five doses of prostin pessaries to get going and the insertions were absolutely excruciatingly painful - felt like a train had driven through me after each one. No one seemed to give a hoot about the fact that my pelvis was unstable and you couldn't just roughly shove your arm up there every ten hours. It sounds like your hospital is more enlightened though and will take good care of you!
I also have the option of a c/s this time round but my mw and consultant both say that it's probably not a very practical thing to do when you've already got a child/children who need lifting, driving to school etc., so that's something to consider, too. Good luck and I hope it all works out ok - not long to go now.

I have another question as I'm here.

I saw the physio today as well. She told me that there is some evidence that estrogen injections can help post birth for SPD as it encourages muscle tone, and will negate the effects of relaxin (which she said is untraceable by 6 months). Anyone heard/tried this treatment?

Pie - you know that I encourage women to wait rather than be induced but that is when there is no good reason to intervene. I think you have a really good reason to be induced. I went into labour naturally first time round. The next 3 babies were induced because of me developing antibodies. The first induction at 39 weeks, labour was started by a sweep of the cervix. I was supposed to get prostin gel but went into labour before I was given it.
Next baby was induces at 35 weeks and 4 days. Again I was supposed to get prostin but all the fiddling aroung trying to get a special catheter in opened my cervix so I had my waters broken at 0900 and was immediately started on a drip. I was continuously monitored and I can honestly say that I didn't find it much more painful - I just used gas and air. I delivered at 18.30 but it took a while to get going because I was preterm really. I think the fact I knew what labour felt like since it wasn't my first, made all the difference. Next time I was induced at 37 weeks and had prostin gel at 06.30. Went to labour ward at 09.30 and had my waters broken. Contractions started fairly quickly - did not need a drip. Baby delivered 12.08 with only a few puffs of gas and air to deliver the head.
Being induced does not necessarly mean that you will have a horrendous labour. You can be more 'gently' induced with repeated doses of prostin which is probably what your doctor was referring to. HTH.

Sorry Pie - haven't heard of that. Would not be recommended if planning to breatfeed I wouldn't think. Oestrogen affects milk production.

Sorry Pie - haven't heard of that. Would not be recommended if planning to breastfeed I wouldn't think. Oestrogen affects milk production.

I had a wonderful induction with my 2nd child.

First child was a 22-hour affair resulting in a forceps delivery. No 2 was induced a week early for a couple of reasons - a) my worsening SPD and b) DS was an "unstable lie" and was transverse/breech until fairly late. At 38 weeks, I was scanned for positioning and found that he had turned head down and both the consultant and myself agreed on induction.

Although I was warned it could be a lengthy labour as my cervix wasn't "favourable", I didn't have a drip. I had one dose of Prostin at 12.00pm, started niggling almost immediately, transferred down to the labour ward at 3.15pm. Requested a bath then, so my fabulous midwife filled the birthing pool in my room (HAD NO INTENTION OF A WATERBIRTH!!), got in and immediately my waters broke. My little boy arrived minutes later at 3.55pm - I ended up with a waterbirth after all

With No 3, my SPD was horrendous, but unfortunately I had a different Consultant who was all for natural labour, regardless of the fact I was begging for an induction - and he let me go 16 days over My induction was booked for Day 18. My 3rd birth was the scariest out of the 3 and I was found to be fully dilated on arrival at hospital - I was needing to push on my way up to the delivery suite (never seen the Porter run with a wheelchair so fast )

My induced birth was my best and most positive experience - hope you have the same

Pie

Just read your message about oestrogen - I haven't heard of that.

My last child was born nearly 4 years ago and I would say in the last 6 months I am now pain-free. Up until then, I would still be stiff and suffer some pain first thing in the morning. It would also worsen the week before my period - my Physio said this was due to the rise in progesterone, which makes SPD worse.

I was desperate to have 4 children - but I can still remember the horrendous pain, lack of sleep and unable to move about properly so vividly that sadly I can't bring myself to have another baby

My SPD wasn't diagnosed until my 2nd baby although I had problems with my first. I was told it was normal etc and part and parcel of pregnancy. Unfortunately, DD1 was born using forceps, obviously with me in stirrups and my midwife has since told me that it was the worst thing that they could have done to an SPD sufferer.

Thanks mears and slinky...

After reading about m/w shortages I can't help but think that if they book me in with a m/w with SPD experience (which is one of the things the OB said they would do) then I might mentally feel more supported, even if the physical experience is, shall we say less than ideal.

DH is doing the weekly shop and I can imagine the looks he is getting, trying to understand why I would rather induction or spontaneous labour than c/s whilst throwing fresh pineapples by the dozen in the trolley!!

2under2, when the time comes really really do get in touch with the Pelvic Partnership, they have had so much info and given me phone numbers of people to talk to. They also produce leaflets for professionals. Being induced with no-one taking precautions for your SPD sounds terrible! Also isn't induction meant to be 'harder' if its your first?

Hi Pie

I am not pro induction eithet but I have to agree with Mears... and the Dr actually... IF THEY DO make sure you are treated correctly ! And getting good labour support will help with that I think IYKWIM.

I think at this stage you have put up with much more than most women.... I do think a 2nd time around induction if well done can be quite easy and not require more management... maybe you could make a deal with the hospital... if they induce you want the possibility of using the birthing pool... some hospitals are against it in inductions others are more open minded... I think SPD is a good example where water WILL make a difference.

I think your pregnancy needs to come to a closure.... physically and mentally!

BTW - your Dr is right " He said that given my past birth experience there is every reason to think that a would have a relatively straight forward vaginal birth, with no intervention. "

With no medical or personal experience whatsoever, I'd say induction. It sounds like your hospital is geared up for this and can allocate you an appropriate midwife and as you say, your baby will be smaller. From what you say, there don't seem to be any downsides to the induction - it seems like a good compromise to "natural" and c-section.