Can I ask for a c-section instead of induction

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I’m due to be induced at 42 weeks if I don’t go naturally. I’m terrified of induction due to the pain being more intense and I’ve seen firsthand someone being induced so it’s traumatised me. Do I have the choice of requesting a c-section instead of induction?

Yes you can- I asked for same reason, had an elective section booked for 39 weeks, went into labour at 38+4 but still had a section as per initial request- it was an incredibly positive experience.

Just to point out you can ask, but may face difficulties depending on your Trust. You will need to meet with consultant to discusss so make sure you flag up your request to your MW as soon as able. Look at NICE guidelines & Birth Rights website to ahead of this so you are familiar with the guidance around them as this will help you.

Good luck x

Yes, you can. The medics may not like it but, more importantly, you don’t have to consent to induction. So if the baby is better out than in and you’re not consenting to induction, it’s going to have to be a C section… Just remember that. You don’t have to consent to induction. (Or indeed any other medical procedure.)

I am not anti-induction per se. They can save lives and many women prefer to try induction rather than go straight to section. And there does come a point where the baby needs to come out and is safer out than in. But as someone who had a failed induction and ended up with an EMCS, I was shocked that at no point was my consent actively sought (or the risks of induction highlighted) until we actually decided an EMCS was necessary.

As mentioned above, you may encounter resistance but it’s a perfectly reasonable request so worth making it sooner rather than later. Just keep repeating that you would like a section booked for 42 weeks/whatever your cut-off is if you don’t labour naturally and that you won’t be consenting to induction.

I will be doing the same! Baby is currently breech so a section is a possibility anyway but I have a consultant appointment at 36 weeks and I’ll be telling them if the baby doesn’t come of her own accord then I would request a C section over induction. I don’t even want to entertain an induction!

Also remember that “induction” isn’t one thing - it’s a pessary (usually), and if that doesn’t kick things off a second and third pessary, ARM, drip. It’s fine to consent to some and not all. It’s also a good idea imo to ask after your Bishop Score before any induction - if you’re close to going into labour naturally that’s a very different scenario from your body being miles away from kicking things off itself, and can guide your decision-making.

Ie the latter is more likely to end in intervention after intervention and then an emergency section.

Like you, I was terrified of an induction. I had my 3rd baby in May this year. 13 days overdue with no sign of anything happening. I ended up with an induction. I had a pessary put it at 1.40pm and nothing happened until 10.30pm where my waters broke and everything went very quickly from there and my DS was born jury 1hr 27mins later. It really wasn't any worse than my previous two labours (which started naturally) and I experienced the same level of pain. You hear of these horror stories with them but I found it a pleasant experience as I did the first two times.

YES YOU CAN.
And if that's what you want don't take no for an answer.

Thanks all. This has made me feel so much better. I will update once I’ve requested it.

That is really good advice to ask for your Bishops score before making a decision - it’s about how ready your cervix is and if the answer is “not very”, it’s less likely an induction will work.

Thanks all, so my next midwife check up is this week, should I ask for my bishop score? And what will they check to determine what the score is?

I think your bishop score is how ready your cervix is for labour. If it’s soft and thin that means you may go into labour naturally in a few days and may not need to go through induction. Definitely ask for a c section though if you want one x