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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Can you opt for a C-Section over an Induction?

59 replies

sunshinecitrus1 · 01/07/2021 11:48

It is something that is playing on my mind at the moment. I still have a few weeks to go before due date but I really don't want to be induced. (It might not even come to that but you know how your mind likes to run wild!)

Can you opt for a C-Section over an Induction? I am guessing the midwives try and encourage you otherwise (especially if you have had a low risk pregnancy like I have so far) but I just wondered whether anyone else had asked this question to their midwife before.

Thanks!

OP posts:
BastardMonkfish · 01/07/2021 11:52

Yeah you can definitely try. The resistance you get generally depends on your reasons why eg if you're trying for a VBAC they definitely would allow you to avoid induction.

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 01/07/2021 11:52

in the UK?

yes. you should be able to. you don't need a reason other than "I want a C-section".

what might cause an issue for you is that you only have a few weeks left - elective C-sections are typically booked in advanced (unless there are last minute, unforseen issues) so I just don't know what your options are right now.

I doubt you can rock up on the day of induction and request an ELSC.
so contact your midwife or consultant asap and book it.

Fartymcfart · 01/07/2021 11:56

I have elected to has a cs over an induction and am booked in for 2 weeks time. I just stated my reasons to the consultant, he gave me all the risks and made sure I was aware of them and was fine with me then being booked in. I guess how much they fight you will be what your reasons are.

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 01/07/2021 12:01

how many weeks pg were you when you booked it @Fartymcfart?

just out of curiosity!

with DS4 everything was fine at 32 w, but at 36w scan they found out that he had turned and was footling breech. went back a week later to book ELSC (they tried ECV first) and consultant got visibly angry with me for trying to book it so late.

I told him that we didn't know until a week before, how could I have possibly booked it earlier? bloody moron
he didn't even apologise🤬

Fartymcfart · 01/07/2021 12:06

I was put on waiting list at 35+2 after my growth scan but it had been discussed at previous appointments but we said we would go with a wait and see approach - nearer the time.
They phoned me the next day with a date.

Sussexmidwife · 01/07/2021 12:13

The most important principle to remember is that it is YOUR body which is being discussed. It is the role of health care professionals to provide information and they may suggest or recommend a course of action, but it is your right to decide if you give consent.
If it is suggested to you that your baby needs to be born, before you naturally go into labour, start by asking why the recommendation is being made. If they honestly believe that it is needed for the safety of you or your baby and you agree the principle but do not give consent to a induction, it is fairly clear that a c/section should be offered. If it isn’t, you have to question the original advice to hasten the birth of your baby.
There are lots of pros and cons to be considered and I suggest to my clients that they read Sara Wickham’s book Inducing Labour.

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 01/07/2021 12:25

@Fartymcfart

thank you for sharing.
I hope all goes well, wishing you a safe delivery. not long now, how exciting!

(3 of mine are July babies, nice month if not too hot!)

Chelyanne · 01/07/2021 12:30

You have the right to choose these days.

I have already opted for an elcs over induction if they decide to bring baby, measuring very big so looking likely. It has not been questioned for me but I have been given the option from the start as I had an elcs with breech twins last time.
I am perfectly capable of birthing a big baby unassisted as I've done it with 9lb 10oz & 10lb 12oz babies before. I had a full induction with my 1st (an average 7lb 7oz), needed intervention due to fetal distress and it was more painful than the spontaneous labours too.

Chelyanne · 01/07/2021 12:35

@ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba our twin 1 turned breech between 32+5 & 36+5, I was given the option of elcs 3 or 9 days later. Opted for 9 days to give her chance to turn, my consultants were fab.
Sounds like you had an arsey consultant who needed a head shake.

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 01/07/2021 12:40

@Chelyanne

he was a dick.
given that he had the notes to look at (because of course why would he just believe what I said?) he could've realised the actual facts.🙄

yepitsmey · 01/07/2021 12:46

Yes, absolutely.

Original poster
sunshinecitrus1 · 01/07/2021 14:16

Thank you for all of the advice ladies! Flowers
I am a FTM and so far, my pregnancy has been a low risk one so the only reasoning behind me wanting a CS over an induction would be because ideally, I would want to go into labour naturally. I don't like the idea of my body being "forced" into it and me ending up needing more intervention because of being induced. I just feel that a CS would be my personal preference over induction (even though I know this is major abdominal surgery).
With that said, I know that people do have positive experiences with inductions. I guess it is just a fear of mine.
Who knows, I am 35 weeks today and my body may be good to me and go into labour naturally in the coming weeks Smile X

OP posts:
ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 01/07/2021 14:48

your feelings are valid. you have a right to ask and I hope you get what you want either way!

But on purely philosophical level I just want to ask what the logic is behind an induction being a forced action but a C-section not?
out of the 2 induction is by far the less invasive option and the birth is still likely to be so much closer to as nature intended.

you can first ask for a sweep (sweep of the membranes to encourage the cervix to ripen) & you can have a pessary put it with gel before progressing onto an IV drip.
all of these are just helping to encourage labour as opposed to replace it.

there's nothing natural about a C-section, 1 minute baby is inside, the other it gets yanked out. you know what I mean?
please don't be defensive, I'm not attacking you. but I'm curious.
and you don't have to answer x

AntiStars · 01/07/2021 14:53

I am due to have balloon induction tomorrow at 38+5 so will let you know how it goes if that helps? I’ve written in my birthing plan that I wish to avoid a prolonged labour due to post Covid fatigue and have requested a c-section at 36hours rather than instrumented delivery if we are approaching that point. I have my doubts that all of the above will happen as am aware that it will be be a weekend which is bound to have an impact but that’s the plan.

sarah13xx · 01/07/2021 14:55

Yes, I’m opting for c-section over anything so you can definitely get one if the only option is induction! Just quote the NICE guidelines and have a look on birth rights if they give you any hassle. Hopefully it won’t come to that

Littlegoth · 01/07/2021 14:59

Yes you can and you have a right to do so (as my consultant told me when I asked him the same thing).

I’d had a bit of a battle getting this through to registrars so frustration dumped it into an email with my reasons (many of which were I’m a grown up and I’ve got a right to make important medical decisions for myself).

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 01/07/2021 15:03

best of luck @AntiStars, hope it all goes smoothly for you.

I had EPIDURAL with massive red letters on every page of my birth plan with DS5.
that's all I cared about by then.
midwife was hilarious, she read through notes, turned to me and asked "so have you considering pain relief?"🤣🤣

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 01/07/2021 15:03

*considered

Pigeonorcoot · 01/07/2021 15:08

Yes absolutely. Obviously they have to fit you around people who are booked in and emergencies.

Make sure you have an honest and thorough conversation with your midwife/consultant and get your preferences written up on your birth plan. Also make sure your birthing partner knows how you feel.

Fyi I was induced at 41 weeks due to measuring small. I was determined that I would rather s c section than a drip induction but I said I'd try with the gel first (that's the first step, at least in my hospital). The gel worked first time and they only just managed to get me off the antenatal ward and into a delivery room before baby arrived Smile

AntiStars · 01/07/2021 15:12

Thanks @ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba but I’m more worried that baby will try and make an appearance during the England game to be honest...that’s one way to endear us to the medical staff

Devondonkey · 01/07/2021 15:12

If you get to the induction point, ask about your bishop score before you get started.I had a v low bishops score and induction turned into EMCS. I wish I’d known beforehand that a low bishops score means you’re nowhere near spontaneous birth. I wouldn’t have started induction process if I’d known that.

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 01/07/2021 15:13

@AntiStars

Thanks *@ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba* but I’m more worried that baby will try and make an appearance during the England game to be honest...that’s one way to endear us to the medical staff
🤣

you could coordinate so instead of shouting "push" they could yell "it's coming home!!!!"
wouldn't that be awesome?

sarah13xx · 01/07/2021 15:14

@Littlegoth 😂👏🏼👏🏼 When people ask why I’m having a section that’s what I feel like saying! Then they tell me why they think I shouldn’t. Eh did you not hear me say I’ve decided and I am?! 🤔 I’ve only spent the best part of ten years looking into it, my mind is made up 🙈

Original poster
sunshinecitrus1 · 01/07/2021 15:26

@ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba I completely understand your points about a C Section being a forced action too because of course, the baby is physically in your belly one minute and not the next! I think for me, an induction makes me worried because the thought of my body going into labour (not naturally) could potentially mean a more painful, longer birth along with more need for medical intervention... I think that's what my trigger is. After doing Hypnobirthing over the last couple of months, I really want a birth with as little intervention as possible (don't we all, I hear you say Smile!) At this point, for me, there is no reason why I can't have that right now as I am only 35 weeks and yesterday when I saw my midwife she was really happy with how things were progressing so fingers crossed it works out. But if I get to my due date and nothing has happened, if I am induced, there is various directions the birth could go (medically!) where as with a C Section, I know what I'm getting if that makes sense?

@AntiStars Good luck for tomorrow, I hope everything goes well Smile - Yes if you could let me know how you get on that would be great!

OP posts:
Mlsweetpea · 01/07/2021 15:28

I did not want sweep or induction if it came to that. It was a low risk first pregnancy with no present issues.
I had a bad family history of vaginal births and big babies. I told my midwife if baby decides to come on her own I am happy for a vaginal birth but if it comes to a decision between induction or csection I want to opt out for c-section. They agreed but booked the c section on the 41+6. My waters broke on 41+4 and I started to have contractions at 3:30 AM. I waited until 9:30 AM and phoned triage, they told me to go in there for a check as I had GBS as well and needed antibiotics. They confirmed my waters broke but my cervix was way back and barely 0.5 cm open, I told them I had a scheduled section 2 days later. Midwives still said I can try for a vaginal birth with induction if I prefer but I said I wanted a section at that point.
Nobody tried to push me towards vaginal and I totally felt it was my decision in the end.