Induction or ELCS for big baby & GD?

[Mitzymarvel]

I’m 37 weeks and have been told that they won’t want me to go past my due date due to GD, big baby and some other factors including too many episodes of reduced movements and a drop off in growth rate.

If it doesn’t happen naturally in the meantime, am I best opting for an induction or ELCS?

I’ve heard some horrible induction stories (more pain, intervention, severe tearing and ending up in emergency CS) but I’m aware getting over abdominal surgery also can’t be a walk in the park.

Any shared experience would be very welcome. Thanks

In my last pregnancy (mid pandemic) I ended up being diagnosed with GD at 37 weeks as baby was apparently measuring big. Worth mentioning that this was a complete error - they said she was over the 99th percentile but when she was born she was actually on the 65th. So growth scans aren't always accurate!

I was induced at 39 weeks and it failed because my body was nowhere near ready. I wish I had known (have since been told by a midwife friend) that induction is only likely to be successful and work smoothly if your body is already ready to go. Maybe ask for an examination to see how favourable / dilated your cervix is when you get towards your due date and they may be able to advise how likely induction is to work. I spent 5 days on the induction ward and had every type going and never progressed past 5cm so ended up with an EMCS after 5 nights of no sleep! This time round I'll be opting for an ELCS as the recovery of the section itself wasn't too bad, it was the horrendous sleep deprivation from the week in hospital that affected me most! A friend of mine with GD opted for an elcs first time and looking back, I wish I had too. Good luck for whatever you decide!!

I’m also interested in this as in a similar situation. Feel like I hardly ever hear a positive induction story!

Thanks @Bootoagoose123 - I’ve decided to opt for an ELCS.

I would have preferred a natural birth but there seem to be too many factors against it - it would seem unwise to go against the advice to not go past due date, and I’ve heard too many terrible induction stories!

The dr says in my circumstance ELCS will be lower risk for the baby but higher risk for me. I struggle to see how it’s higher risk given how many inductions end in EMCS and interventions. But then there are no certainties or risk-free options when it comes to child birth!

I suppose I won’t know if I’ve made the right decision until afterwards - and maybe I never will know for sure.

If that was before mobiles, then I can assure you that things have very much changed now, to make a c section 'experience' better and more nurturing

Sadly not in my case 18 months ago.