Anyone declined induction and asked for C- Section?

[Darklava09]

Hi everyone

My due date is today and I have midwife on Thursday at 40+3. She said she would
Look at booking my induction for 40+12.

I have shared concerns about going so late due to my severed SPD and not being able to walk, find a position comfortable to give birth in and the increase damage to my pelvis and hips if i get inducted and have an epidural as I won’t be able to feel the pain of my legs. I’m also worried baby might be getting too big and will get stuck so I’ll need intervention getting him out.

I’m starting to get quite anxious over it all and struggling to sleep and getting quite tearful. I have been housebound for 5 weeks, my DS is due to return to school next week and I can’t physically get him there and back due to not being able to manage the walk.

When I discussed concerns last week she said it was too little time to get me in to see the consultant and could only book my
Induction for 12 days after and not a moment before as her hands were tied. She advised me that if I was fed up to go to triage and basically moan and see if they will bring it forward.

Has anyone declined the induction process at this stage and pushed for an ELCS? If so, what was your experiences and was it possible?

I feel like I’m being forced to have an induction whereas now I’d rather push for a section for my own mental health and physical health reasons, had I known my SPD would be this severe I would of asked for it ages ago. Again, I feel let down as the midwife kept saying it’s ok “just keep your legs closed”. The physio who I saw at 37 weeks said it’s a severe case and hasn’t helped being left so long.

Advice please?

Bump

I haven't declined induction but I did opt for an ELCS with my son. It's your body and your choice, you cannot be forced to be induced. Call your midwife today and inform her you'd like an appointment with a consultant to arrange a c-section. Be firm, it's your right.

Best of luck x

Yes, different circs but I was very easily able to ask for and get a section (which was great).

As PP says you have the right to a section for any reason, so don't be shy of asking!

@Zarene thank you for your insight.

How far into the pregnancy did you ask for an ELCS?

I know it’s not the easy option at all. I’ve had several surgeries and ops the last 2 years so know the dangers and how difficult recovery can be however what terrifies me is the damage I could endure to my pelvis. The physio was discussing a lady she had that damaged her pelvis during birth and had 18 months of physio to help… something I can’t really afford to do when I return to work.

I just don’t know if it really is too late to get one ageeed with a consultant or wether to try and just have a pessary and see how that works and if not then ask for a section.

Yes, I declined with my second and had a section booked if she went overdue.

This was due to issues with a previous birth and was decided at around 36 weeks.

In the end the baby came so quickly that they couldn't do the c section and was a natural delivery.

It’s awful to hear how some pregnant women are treated. It’s your body and it’s absolutely your choice not to be induced if you’ve considered it and believe that it’s not the right approach for you. As others have said, you might need to get in touch with the midwife again and be really firm that you’ve reflected on the conversation and do not want to be booked in for induction at that date, they can’t schedule it without your consent.

Are you saying that you would just rather have a C-section than an induction, or would you rather have a C-section than a ‘natural’ birth too? Getting the section booked might be more of a fight but still worth pushing for if that’s your preference over a vaginal birth. They won’t want you to go overdue so if you’re refusing an induction then I’m guessing they won’t have much choice but to schedule the ELCS.

@BigPyjamas I’m probably more relaxed about having a certain part of induction I.e pessary or gel. As I can remain upright, I can walk, I can feel my pain barriers in my hips and can aim for water relief.

If that doesn’t work I don’t want to proceed any further tbh I don’t want the drip, I don’t want an epidural because it increase my chances of intervention, makes me bed bound and also forces me to give birth either on my back or side- neither which I can do really due to my SPD preventing my legs opening to certain angles.

That’s why I’m unsure wether to just avoid it all now and push for ELCS. I mean I could go naturally and avoid it all who knows! But I don’t want to be left at day 12 being backed into the corner I don’t want! Ahh makes me so anxious just thinking about it all.

I discussed this at my 36 week birth chat... explained that if I go overdue I would probably try the pessary but then if that doesn't work I may want a c-section rather than induction with the drip. I specifically asked whether I needed to discuss this with an obstetrician now and the midwife said no, it would be discussed if and when I go overdue. So I assume there is time to arrange a csection after 40/41 weeks.

As others have said, it is your choice and you don't have to consent to induction. Good luck.

@Darklava09

Do you have a physio who can help? I have a close friend who is a hip specialist, she says that labour positioning can damage to hips.

You can ask for a section, you can ask for induction to a point and then section, you don't need to be forced into anything.

If peasant induction isn't working they can't force you onto a drip.

Personally it sounds as if your concerns are real and valid. I would raise it at your next appointment. My experience is that this type of decision is usually sorted towards the end which doesn't help anxiety levels.

Yes. I went in for a scan after two episodes of reduced movements and the doctor scanning me said my DD hasn’t grown for 3-4 weeks and so needed to be delivered. She advised that I would be induced the following morning and I was taken onto a ward. The women on the ward who had been induced looked to be in so much pain that it totally put me off. I’d already had a forceps delivery under emergency circumstances with my DS so I just felt my body wouldn’t deliver without assistance. I opted for ‘semi-elective’ c-section and she was born a day later. I had a really rough time getting the consultant to agree and it was infuriating how infantilised I felt about it. Good luck OP and best wishes to you and your baby.

I don't have any experience with being overdue or having a c-section but my friend was overdue and categorically refused an induction as she knew there was an increased risk of complications. She then got a c-section booked for 40+12, I believe, but went into natural labour at 10pm the eve before! Like others have said, it's your right to choose how to deliver your baby, regardless of how far along you are. If docs can perform emergency c-secs then I'm sure they can also book you in with one week's notice. And fingers crossed, you might still go into natural labour :)

@summerisler I agree. It’s strange isn’t it how we are grown adults yet are made to feel like children. I can’t believe how worried I am to ask for something yet I know deep down I think it’s what’s right for me.

@BigPyjamas I had physio from 37 weeks. She was amazing and really helpful and I had accupuncture. Non of it worked and she said that I should of seen her weeks ago but the referral didn’t go in until 28 weeks and I didn’t get an appointment until 9 weeks later by then the damage had been done she said. It’s to the point where my OH has to lift my leg onto my pregnancy pillow at night and I was sobbing with the pain. Crap tbh as I never had it in first pregnancy but was 9 years ago so not sure if it’s just aging joints although I am under 30

@showmorekindness I did say last week that my biggest fear is laying on my back with the epidural in with legs in stirrups. The only comfortable position where I can get my pelvis open without pain is standing and leaning over the bed, even all 4’s hurts due to the weight in the front of my groin. I will deffo discuss it on Thursday but last week she said “ I doubt I’d be able to get you in to see the consultant now” which is so frustrating!! I hate being forced into something I have very little say in at the moment as such.

I had a 16 week midwife appt yesterday and she asked what type of birth i wanted. I said a csection, due to previous traumatic experience with induction, and she said yep no problem, tell the consultant at 34 weeks and she'll book it for you. I was really surprised that i didnt have to fight for it. Hope you have the birth you want OP

It's really hard, I know, but you have to insist. Familiarise yourself with the NICE guidelines, and go for the birth you want. Be informed and resolute. They have to go through the risks to make sure you understand them (conflating emergency and ELCS outcomes is a slightly devious trick they play) but be firm and have your beautiful baby the way you want. Good luck!

Stick to your guns @Darklava09.
They will change their tune about getting you in to see a consultant if you continue to say that you will refuse to be induced. Even if you didn't have your SPD you'd still be well within your rights to request a c-section.

Also, don't forget that you could ask them to hold off anything for another 1 or 2 weeks of your due date was only yesterday (providing safe for baby and you of course).

I'm just shy of 36 weeks and have made it crystal clear that I will not be induced but asking for a section instead if I go overdue. Had some pushback initially from MW but they seem to be listening now.

Like PP said, I'm so sick of women being treated like they have no individual thoughts or autonomy when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. It's so old school.

Good luck with your next appointment- let us know how you get on.

@LunaDreams thank you. I will do. I will be discussing it tomorrow and asking for a consultation with a consultant to discuss my
Options.

I’m sick of waking up each night and the first thing that enters my head is I don’t want an induction… it’s clearly bothering me a lot. I just feel like I’ll end up missing the timeline for one but we shall see. Our hospital is very busy and over populated. They only have 1 pool for the whole hospital and believe me it’s like gold dust if you ever got lucky to use it so I’m hoping I can see a consultant quickly too!

@Darklava09 how did you get on with your appointment?
I met with doctors today and have agreed c-section at 40 or 41 weeks rather than induction. I appreciate they've got a good bit of notice with me but they were very accepting of my reasons.

I hope you have success with your request x

You're always entitled to a c section

She needs to book you for a consultant appointment

If not then you ring day care and you ask to come in due to reduced movements when you see the consultant you ask for a c section.

You are entitled to one.

@LunaDreams was terrible. She was 1hr 20mins late and was rushed through. Basically booked for induction next week. I said I don’t want the drip and I said what are my options and she basically said well none really If the pessary doesn’t work and your not contracting… i went hmmm really? And she said well our hands are tied really if you don’t contract and have the drip
Then it’s a c section.

Appointment was over. I didn’t get chance to ask to speak to the consultant next week so not sure what to do now?

@cultkid can you explain more what I would ask for if I went in with reduced movements?

I think it's 3 episodes and they induce or deliver by c section but if you want a c section you have to be able to speak to a consultant they need to do this
If that consultant doesn't agree to do a c section on you they are obliged by law to refer you to another consultant

Look up guidelines with the RCOG and NICE and don't let your midwife fob you off because she can't be bothered to make a referral

Call day care and ask for the matron and write to pals.

@cultkid thanks for that. I already have been in once at 31 weeks with reduced movement and I know after 39 they have to induce if you come in with reduced movements.

I think whatever happens I’m putting my foot down. My gut instinct is telling me I need a section and I’ve given birth before naturally but there’s something inside me telling me this is the way. Not sure if it’s intuition but.. we shall see.

You are right though the midwife literally
Couldn’t be arsed and wasn’t up for even it being an option

@Darklava09 I'm sorry to hear that you had such a rubbish MW appointment.

They literally can't force you to have the drip. To say you have no options is really unfair. Trust your gut with this. Can you call and ask to speak to lead MW or matron as PP suggested? I would definitely seek support via PALS as well. Hope you manage to get more support with it x

@LunaDreams I knew it would. She’s wrote in my notes oh she was well today when I was literally shaking and I said I feel anxious? Doesn’t seem well to me.

It was like basically you will have the pessary and then we can break your waters. She said most people only need a little of the drip which isn’t the case as I’ve read the NICe guidelines that states the drip should be increased every 30mins. Unless I am wrong about that I’m not sure if they can just add a little and leave me be. I said again, look if I have the drip I’m going to need a non mobile epidural and she just said well my hands are tied really if you don’t want the drip.
I looked at her and she said the only other option is a section if your not contracting and you don’t want that.

I should of said more but I think I was so nervous anyways and because it was rushed. I didn’t have a sweep either because she said well you’ve had no pains since I did your last one so any changes are unlikely to have happened.

I could tell she just wanted to go home.

Sorry to hear your MW was unsupportive.
I chose a section over induction with my first. I had pre eclampsia, my cervix was unfavourable, baby was early and not engaged. I just knew she wasn't ready to come out and that I'd probably end up with an emergency section if I opted for the induction so I couldn't see the point.
I was already seeing a Consultant because of the pre eclampsia and he was great - said I could choose and that my thought process was very reasonable. Some of the MWs were very "off" with me about it though and the one who took me to theatre was still trying to persuade me to change my mind as I went into the anaesthetic room!
I've had 2 vaginal births since then but I don't regret my first birth at all. It was the right choice in the circumstances.
You are an intelligent human being with the right to make informed decisions about your own health. You cannot be forced into treatment you dont consent to and if you want a Consultant appointment you should be able to. have one. I would second contacting the supervisor of MWs or going through PALS. Your GP might also help but that seems to be a bit hit and miss as some don't seem keen on getting involved in pregnancy issues. Its another possible route to a referral though.
I hope you get things sorted soon.

Absolutely, please advocate for what you want.

I outright refused and induction and had a section at 40+5.

Go with your gut instinct here and use your voice. It's your birth and you want to get your baby here safely.