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Original poster

Induction or c-section?

16 replies

worried88 · 07/04/2020 10:22

I’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 36 weeks, which from what I’ve read, means I may have to have an induction or c-section at around 38 or 39 weeks before the baby grows too big.

Is it likely that I will be offered a c-section in this instance or is it basically not an option?

If it is an option, I was wondering what the pluses and minuses of both these options are - and which would be best to go for, assuming I’m given a choice?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

OP posts:

mamaskelz · 08/04/2020 00:55

Hey @worried88

I had an emergency C section with my first and even though it wasn’t planned it was fine really. I don’t remember taking many pain killers as it wasn’t too bad afterwards, I just needed help getting up and around for the first few days. It was hard to sit up in bed when I got home as I was stiff and a bit sore as you can imagine but it was manageable as my husband was there. I don’t know your current circumstance but I think it would have been difficult if I was on my own as I couldn’t really get up very quickly or pick the baby up by myself for a week or so.

I’ve heard planned C sections are better and easier than an emergency one, quite a few people have told me that and said they could move around ok after a few days.

There are a few things to consider with a C section as it is a major operation but I do think it’s all very manageable just from my experience. The main issue I had was not being able to move much for the first few weeks but I had lots of help so we managed ok.

I’m pregnant with my second and I’ve been offered a C section but would prefer a VBAC if I can purely just because I want to be up and about quicker this time.

Good luck xx

Keyboard91 · 08/04/2020 07:26

I was induced with baby number 1 nearly 4 weeks ago , was a really positive experience and I’d do it again quite happily. Really quick recovery.

You will get people who had positive and negative experiences for both on these threads. Things I’d consider at the moment are:

Induction- you’ll have to go through alone until active labour when birth partner can join you due to covid. Can likely go home soon after. Quicker recovery at home.

Section- will likely have to stay on post natal alone after the birth. Obviously will have no family support in recovery at home other than people you live with. Partner back at work in 2 weeks for example could be difficult to manage.

MrsB2019x · 08/04/2020 07:31

I used to be a maternity support worker - first port of call was always induction if I remember rightly.

After having cared for women who have been through both, I would probably say my preference would be induction. Some women really struggle with having a C-Section and not being able to be up and about and caring for their baby in the way they would like to be. It is major abdominal surgery and shouldn’t be taken lightly imo ☺️

screwcovid19 · 08/04/2020 09:06

Personally I wouldn't take an induction early. From my reading the less ready your body is, the less likely it is to work and for you to have complications and need an emc anyway.

screwcovid19 · 08/04/2020 09:06

Everyone I know that had a planned c section had a really positive experience.

Charis1503 · 08/04/2020 09:13

If you are planning on more kids id be hesitsnt to have an unesessary c-sec. I believe this csn increase you chances of needing a csec next time... and that could be a right pain with a toddler!!

I was induced at 37 with my first ( currently 23weeks with my second)

My induction was lovely - slow, but lovely and i had a very positive experience.

Me personally id opt for induction. There is always a risk that inductiond end up with a csec anyway.

Best of luck

grandmasterstitch · 08/04/2020 09:13

I had an induction which led to an emergency c section. If I had the choice again I would 100% pick elective c section. No way am I doing that again. But I know lots of people who were induced and it was fine. I'm glad I choice induction in a way because I feel like I gave my body the chance to do it as naturally as possible but it just didn't work out. And that's also fine. Whatever you choose is valid

Solomon1212 · 08/04/2020 09:22

I was induced 3 times at 38wks. I only needed the pessary. I will say ut all wenta bit to quick for my liking and felt a little in shock after, i also had a cervical tear with my 2nd so ended in surgery. If i had another id opt for a c sec because of this.

Original poster

worried88 · 08/04/2020 09:23

Thanks for the replies. It seems there are real pluses and minuses to both.

I think what worries me about an induction is the chance of shoulder dystocia and the baby getting stuck and distressed if they're too big, which would then lead to an EMCS anyway. Whereas with an ELCS, at least I'd know exactly what I was getting and what to expect.

On the other hand I did always want to have a vaginal birth.

It's a difficult one.

OP posts:

JungleGiraffe · 08/04/2020 09:29

I had a failed early induction at 36 weeks, 12+ hours and not a single contraction. I was SO happy when they finally sent me for an EMCS - mainly because I was STARVING since wouldn't let me eat anything the whole time I was being induced!

This time I'm going straight for an ELCS!

Aly92 · 08/04/2020 09:30

Not had a c section but was induced with pessary. I was doubled over in pain instantly. That’s the only negative. I didn’t get a chance to really prepare for each contractions because it just all went so fast. On the plus side I’d had my baby within five hours . I know you can’t hold your baby instantly sometimes after a section and not being able to look after my
Baby after birth would have been really hard. Try induced because once you have a c section it limits you for the next birth.

Newcornishmama · 08/04/2020 09:36

I was diagnosed with GD at 26 weeks. I was diet controlled (did not require any meds to stabilise blood sugars) and I had growth scans which showed the baby was growing 'normally ' i.e. not too big or small. I was tested for GD due to bmi.

When discussing birth preferences with my consultant, it was not a given that i would be induced or require a csection. In fact, in line with NICE guidelines an induction was booked for 40+6 and if I went into natrual labour I would be able to go to the midwife led birth unit and use the pools.

In the end, I had a due date induction but not due to GD (I had substantial bleeding). Delivery was straightforward and normal. I had an epidural.

Please discuss everything with your team and don't make any assumptions as to how this will pan out. Good luck!

Theholidayarmadillo4 · 08/04/2020 09:39

I would never have an induction again. I would have elcs if that was the offer. That bastard drip and ended in emcs anyway. However, discuss all your thoughts with your midwife as every situation is different.

Mimosa1 · 08/04/2020 10:07

Obviously not a doctor, etc. Etc. But I think you'll be out of hospital faster with a planned c section assuming all goes well. I was out in 24hrs. Induction for me took much longer as it took a while after my waters broke for anything to happen.

schafernaker · 08/04/2020 10:23

Personally, I had a failed induction at 34 weeks due to IUGR and it’s put me right off induction so I would opt for a section every time. But I also know plenty of people who have had wonderful induction experiences. Your consultant will advise but please advocate for what you want too

EstebanTheMagnificent · 08/04/2020 11:10

In my experience you are unlikely to be offered a straight choice as GD isn’t usually an automatic reason for a CS. If you want an ELCS you will have to ask for one.

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