Elective section vs inducing?

[vintagecaravanhirelady]

I'm new to all this mumsnet thing, so bear with me!

I'm coming up to 30 weeks and they've just found antibodies c and E in my blood, both of which can cause anaemia and jaundice in my baby. A scan Friday showed that she's unaffected so far so they'll monitor blood levels and probably opt to get her out at 36 weeks.

I had my first pregnancy end in termination at 26 weeks due to massive abnormalities, my second was trouble free (have a beautiful five year old son), third was a miscarriage and so this happening in my fourth is freaking me out - and no, I'm not barmy enough to be getting pregnant again after all that ;)

So I'm pretty nervous in terms of what can happen with these antibodies despite the consultant being very confident that it won't be a problem and that they'll monitor continuously. And despite being married to someone who spends most of his life working in hospital I'm dreading any long term stay (bad memories). So, at 36 weeks what experiences have others had? Would you try for an elective CS? Or is that asking for an extended stay in hospital? If I'm induced is it likely to fail due to the baby being four weeks early? My son's birth was spontaneous and very easy, I know this isn't going to be similar but trying to make it as easy as possible.

Any advice?

I would wait until the time they want to induce you and see how favourable your cervix is at that point. If they think they can easily break your waters then I'd give induction a try. If my cervix was closed and posterior I'd tell them I'd like a section.

But it depends really how bothered you are about having a vaginal birth or vice versa. Even if your cervix is posterior you could react well to propess/prostin and progress well.

There's no way of telling.

At 36 weeks you could well be looking at a hospital stay of a few days anyway to make sure baby is feeding ok, etc.

another perspective is to look at all the options and weigh them up. See if you can find information on the likelyhood of needing interventions with an induction and weigh up the pros and cons of an emergency c section with an elective.

I would arm yourself with lots of knowledge to make this decision as it is easier to get what you think is best for you and baby.

just had an ELCS was in hosp for op day, plus 2 more days. operation day = day 0, they let you out here on day 3, so had 2 nights in hosp, but that was a CS at 39+1

on my mini ward were 2 other mums one who had an induction ending in an EMCS and she was in for longer; only because the induction took longer, after her CS it was the same 3 days, they need the beds.

I would be planning for 3-5 days in, probably, whichever way you go for it, agree research the different methods,
and good luck!

With previous vaginal births an induction is much more likely to be successful, I would opt for an induction if necessary.

I had an ELCS on Friday, was out of hospital on Saturday and feeding ducks in the park with both DCs on Sunday. Doesn't have to mean a long recovery/hospital stay xx

Mummyluce you've made me feel way better with that one! Best case scenario they are saying the baby will need to be in for a day for light treatment for jaundice, so it could be that long. My husband is a doctor so they're also more likely to entrust him with my care!

Idaclaire, I did wonder whether it was more likely to be ok. Was induced for my first stillborn baby but wasn't sure if that was partially done to my body knowing that the pregnancy had ended.

Thanks everyone else. Really appreciated x