My waters broke this weekend at 35 weeks, I’ve been in hospital for two nights having steroid injections and antibiotics and they’ve booked me in for an induction for the day I hit 37 weeks if baby doesn’t come of her own accord first, however I’m unsure whether to go induction or ELCS.
I had an induction with my daughter, which wasn’t a great experience (that’s an understatement) but did work. she was born via ventouse delivery and I had a second degree tear, episiotomy and I’d say a bit of birth trauma. It took 36hrs from start to her being here.
My reasons for considering an ELCS this time are:
- calmer, nicer birth experience to counteract the last one!
- less time away from my DD (I’ve been in the induction ward this weekend and some people had been there over a week and they kept hitting pause on inductions because delivery was so overwhelmed, though this is counteracted by the fact that I would go through as a priority - still imagine there’ll be quite a wait though!)
- I feel like there’s probably a higher chance of ending in section anyway as it’s so early (though my body has done it before)
my cons are:
- recovery with a two-year-old at home
- I believe being born vaginally is better for baby’s lungs, especially when early (but in contrast, would an induction be more distressing for baby)?
The hospital has told me they would do one gel then I’d go on the list to go down to delivery, where they’d break my waters and put me on the drip. I think at this point I’d ask for an epidural - I did it on gas and air last time, which was fine, but the drip is meant to be really quite painful, especially so early!
What would you do? I’m so, so confused. I’m changing my mind every two minutes! Any insights very welcomed. Thank you.