If overdue is a c section an option rather than an induction?

[Bea2022]

I’m currently debating requesting an elective c section v trying for a vaginal birth.

I have one fear around birth I cannot shake for all the hypnobirthing, pregnancy yoga and positive affirmations etc.

I’d feel more comfortable with a vaginal birth if labour started naturally. I am not keen on any form of induction/intervention to start labour and I’m also not keen on going more than a few days overdue. It’s not about pain. My gut says c section but my main reservation around this is wanting more than 2 children and the risks of having multiple c sections.

If I went overdue does anybody know if a c section would be a definite option rather than an induction? I’m going to ask for a consultant referral to discuss at my next midwife app but just wanting to gage if it may be so I know how to approach it.

No advice but I feel the same. Been reading that after induction the chances of a vaginal birth decreases to around 30%! Hopefully someone can come along and give more advice. I follow a midwife on Instagram who does a session on induction/risks/positives etc so will book on that nearer the time I think! X

You can always ask for a c section and refuse induction. I had a traumatic first vaginal birth after going two weeks overdue and several days of failed inductions ending in forceps/episiotomy/sepsis. This time I’ve refused to discuss inductions and elected for a section. Consultant was totally fine with it. If they disagree you’re entitled to be switched to another consultant who will agree.

The likelihood of further interventions (including a section anyway) is often not discussed. I. Sure some people have had straightforward inductions but to me I felt like the risks of further intervention were never well presented whilst risks of sections were.

@wishuponastar1988 yes I’ve been reading similar! Good to know I’m not alone in thinking this way too. My midwife is lovely but completely brushed over it when I mentioned a c section so want to go back prepared.

@Pleasejustdropit sorry to hear you had a traumatic first birth and good to know your consultant is taking what you want fully on board. When did you discuss it? I’m 23 weeks and not sure how long I can leave it... Not currently under a consultant. I know a couple of people who had similar experiences and have opted for c sections for their second and had lovely experiences. It’s not my main reason for wanting one but the rectory from a planned c section in comparison to an emergency sounds really manageable too. I want to refuse any induction I’m just worried about going massively overdue and them not budging if not agreed in advance.

@Pleasejustdropit the increased likelihood of further interventions is a big concern for me too, some days I think I’d like to give labour starting naturally a chance but I’m scared about the increase risks if it doesn’t.

I raised it at a midwife appointment around 20 weeks then they referred me to a consultant - I was then given a phone appointment with the consultant and they agreed on the phone to the elective and even gave me a date. It was thankfully really straightforward. I’d raise it at your next midwife appointment

Thanks, my 24 week app is not until 26 weeks as my midwifes on leave so hopefully it’s not too late to raise it then. I raised it at my booking app and she just suggested I do some hypnobirthing (which I have) but I should probably have raised it again at my 16 week app. Suppose I can say I was giving hypnobirthing a chance!

You can make a maternal request for a cs at any point. I did first time round after days of labour. DH did ensure they brought the doctor and got it sorted quickly. If he hadn’t been determined or I had been on my own I would have been left at least another 36 hours

You can demand what you want. And keep pushing and asking for a referral to a consultant who will do your c section. Good luck to you.

I would love three+ kids, but I have to balance that against my extreme phobia of birth, so I know one or two would be a blessing enough.