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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Preeclampsia early induction or Csection?

41 replies

OnMyJourney · 28/10/2023 20:35

Hey,

So I'm 36 weeks pregnant today and at 35+4 I was told I have preeclampsia and the last few days have been such a whirlwind of news and information and scary topics!

My community midwife picked up my high BP and protein in my urine, I was originally told it wasn't horrible and I could go home on Labetalol the next day I came back for further monitoring to be told I needed to be admitted which really upset me, she said if my blood pressure was stable I could go home today but so far no luck it's been so jumpy and I'm on 300mg of Labetalol 4 times a day and I'm on nifedipine twice a day and also a blood thinning injection once a day. I'm gutted as I really want to go home.

My BP is all over the place so far nothing has stabilised it, I think the only solution would be to have the baby which they said we would start induction process on Friday/Saturday next week, but I'm worried about my BP, being in hospital is stressing me out and the thought of potentially having a long 24-48+ induced labour stresses me out and I feel like could end in an emergency c section anyways, would it make sense for me to just request a C-section to save myself the hassle of the potential failed induction? I'm already really scared and anxious especially as my partner can't be with me all the time and medical settings make me nervous, should I skip the faff and request a C-section?

Any thoughts/opinions are really appreciated ☺️

OP posts:
hellohellothere · 28/10/2023 20:38

I had a c section at 34 weeks with my son due to preeclampsia. I wasn't given the option for induction as I was so unwell they were worried it wouldn't work. I had a c section within 36 hours and it went really well. Was relaxed and calm. Recovery was quite easy too.

hellohellothere · 28/10/2023 20:38

If I have another child I would elect for a c section again

Twimum23 · 28/10/2023 21:26

I had a emergency c section at 33wks everything was fine in theater and in recovery within half hour went really quick

DuploTrain · 28/10/2023 21:30

In your shoes I would have a c-section.

I had a spontaneous labour and it was quite difficult enough, the thought of my body being forced to do it artificially when it’s not ready scares me to be honest.

I think mental attitude and resilience is quite important in coping with labour, and it doesn’t sound like you’re in the right place for a potentially very challenging experience. Not a criticism - I wouldn’t be either.

Thegirlhasnamechanged · 28/10/2023 21:36

I would definitely see about a C-section if you can.

I was in your shoes when pregnant with my first and after a week admitted started induction which ended in a crash section. Especially since you are unlikely to get any rest in the time you’re in the ward waiting for your induction date given they’ll be waking you up every 2 hours to check your BP (at least that is what they did with me!)

LBOCS2 · 28/10/2023 21:39

I was induced due to preeclampsia with my first at 37 weeks - went on mat leave at 36 weeks and spent the next week in and out of hospital (including one overnight stay to try and get my BP under control). I was having 48 hourly checks and I got as far as 37 weeks and was told to go home, get my bag and come back as I was being induced in the morning.

It was fine. I had the pessary at 10am, my waters went spontaneously at 10pm which put me into labour without the drip, and I had DD1 at 10.30 the following morning. I was encouraged to have an epidural to keep my
BP stable but there was no escalation of intervention. DD sailed through her checks and was 7lb 3oz so a perfectly healthy size.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Schum · 28/10/2023 22:32

I had a section at 34 weeks. I’d had high BP/protein since 28 weeks and been in and out of hospital. They didn’t give me the choice as I was too poorly, I had about 5 hours notice of delivery in the end.

IhaveanewTVnow · 28/10/2023 22:38

I had emergency c section at 34 weeks because of pre-eclampsia. If I was you I would choose a c section. It will be calm and controlled. my son was 5.10 lbs when born. He is now 21 and is in the military. He had no complications from being born 6 weeks early except being smaller in infants and a summer born. Good luck.

Pacificisolated · 29/10/2023 01:10

I think opting for a c-section rather than induction at 36 weeks is very reasonable. It is statistically very likely that induction would fail and you’ll have an emergency section when you are totally exhausted.
You may have to be firm. “I agree delivery of baby is the best course of action but I do not consent to an induction because I am uncomfortable with the risks. I will however consent to a c section’.

Dyra · 29/10/2023 01:11

Sorry to hear you didn't get to go home. I was just wondering how you were getting on.

I chose to be induced both times, but my BP was relatively stable, and I was on the minimum dose of labetalol. Other than obviously missing home, I was in a good place mentally as well.

It sounds like your BP still isn't under control, despite being on a very high dose of labetalol. You're stressed, and you could have another 6-7 days of 4 hourly (or even more frequent) checks ahead of you. Nevermind any potential delays that seem prevalent in inductions of late. I'm more surprised the obstetricians haven't been the ones to suggest having a C-section first. I would have an honest and frank discussion about how you're feeling with the obstetricians at ward round in the morning.

Best of luck. ❤️

hollydoll27 · 29/10/2023 01:40

I had an induction with my first child and elective c section with my second. My induction took 5 days and ended in an assisted delivery which I found very hard to recover from. My second birth was an elective c section which was incredible. I was up walking less than 24 hours later and found my recovery much easier. This is of course only my experience, but I would never accept an induction again. Wishing you all the best for your delivery, whichever way you decide is right for you :)

ElleCapitaine · 29/10/2023 01:46

I was induced at 38 weeks after a month of bed rest in hospital for preeclampsia. It didn’t work so I was given a C-section and that was a dream. Recovered quickly, baby was fine and is now a strapping 17 year old.

mathanxiety · 29/10/2023 02:48

Definitely request the CS. I'm not sure why they are faffing about, frankly.

Dyra · 30/10/2023 22:52

Hope you're doing okay @OnMyJourney ❤

Original poster
OnMyJourney · 31/10/2023 23:14

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and stories ❤️

@Dyra thank you! ❤️❤️ I'm struggling if i'm being honest, I was admitted Thursday night and im still here, they tell me everyday I might be able to go home if my blood pressure is okay and my blood pressure was fine all of yesterday and today but they won't send me home because they need another night to look at my bloods and they want to do a second growth scan tomorrow, everyday they wanna test for something new, which I understand is supposedly in my best interest but being in hospital is draining me. This morning when they told me I couldn't go home I burst into tears, I feel like I'm sat in a hospital bed like a lemon, they also lost track of what meds I should be taking and when, they stopped recording it, they gave me my blood thinner injection late twice, when I asked for new compression socks they said the ones I have are fine (same ones from Thursday disgusting!). For some reason my veins are really tiny so it's hard to get blood from me, me and my partner have counted they've stabbed me with needles 27 times for the sake of 3 blood tests and 1 cannula, I told every person that tried that they need an ultrasound machine to do it but none listened, now I'm covered in bruises all up and down my arms. I'm sat in hospital by myself most days as we can't afford for my partner to take his paternity early plus we both want as much time together when the baby is here, it's honestly just depressing, I feel like a lemon stuck in bed. I felt more free during lockdown. I physically feel fine but either way this baby is coming this weekend and I feel like being in the hospital is ruining my mental headspace, I'm so excited to meet my baby girl and I love her so much already but this experience has absolutely ruined my pregnancy for me to a point where I don't think I ever want to do this again

OP posts:
NameChange30 · 31/10/2023 23:23

Pacificisolated · 29/10/2023 01:10

I think opting for a c-section rather than induction at 36 weeks is very reasonable. It is statistically very likely that induction would fail and you’ll have an emergency section when you are totally exhausted.
You may have to be firm. “I agree delivery of baby is the best course of action but I do not consent to an induction because I am uncomfortable with the risks. I will however consent to a c section’.

This.

NameChange30 · 31/10/2023 23:26

OnMyJourney · 31/10/2023 23:14

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and stories ❤️

@Dyra thank you! ❤️❤️ I'm struggling if i'm being honest, I was admitted Thursday night and im still here, they tell me everyday I might be able to go home if my blood pressure is okay and my blood pressure was fine all of yesterday and today but they won't send me home because they need another night to look at my bloods and they want to do a second growth scan tomorrow, everyday they wanna test for something new, which I understand is supposedly in my best interest but being in hospital is draining me. This morning when they told me I couldn't go home I burst into tears, I feel like I'm sat in a hospital bed like a lemon, they also lost track of what meds I should be taking and when, they stopped recording it, they gave me my blood thinner injection late twice, when I asked for new compression socks they said the ones I have are fine (same ones from Thursday disgusting!). For some reason my veins are really tiny so it's hard to get blood from me, me and my partner have counted they've stabbed me with needles 27 times for the sake of 3 blood tests and 1 cannula, I told every person that tried that they need an ultrasound machine to do it but none listened, now I'm covered in bruises all up and down my arms. I'm sat in hospital by myself most days as we can't afford for my partner to take his paternity early plus we both want as much time together when the baby is here, it's honestly just depressing, I feel like a lemon stuck in bed. I felt more free during lockdown. I physically feel fine but either way this baby is coming this weekend and I feel like being in the hospital is ruining my mental headspace, I'm so excited to meet my baby girl and I love her so much already but this experience has absolutely ruined my pregnancy for me to a point where I don't think I ever want to do this again

Sorry you are struggling OP, and sorry you have not been treated as well as you should. Have you considered talking to PALS at all? Being covered in bruises because they didn't listen when you explained about your veins is not on x

Dyra · 31/10/2023 23:29

I honestly feel for you. It really does suck sitting in hospital when you feel fine, but you're not fine IYSWIM.

Have you been getting off the ward at all? They cannot stop you from leaving the ward to walk around the hospital grounds. Ideally you would stick to populated areas, but quite frankly, any bit of outside is better than 4 walls and a few curtains. There should have a sign out/in book at their front desk or near the exit. If they need you back for anything they can phone you. Did me the world of good getting out for at least an hour every day. Also meant I could raid the hospital shops for some much needed treats to boost my flagging spirits.

As for the compression stockings, I can't remember if they should be changed every 3 or 5 days. But since we're nearly into Wednesday, they're definitely due a change. If they're dirty, they should be changed anyway.

Hopefully the growth scan will be a little something to look forward to.

Original poster
OnMyJourney · 01/11/2023 15:26

@NameChange30 I will be making a complaint of some sort I'm not overly happy with how my situation has been handled, some of the midwives have been lovely but just the way things are done is appalling in my opinion! I will definitely look into PALS thank you! X

OP posts:
Original poster
OnMyJourney · 01/11/2023 15:28

@Dyra me and my partner have been going for a few walks but still being trapped inside a hospital is a lot I think!

I managed to get some new compression socks after I asked a few different midwives and one of the student midwife's finally got me some new ones

Growth scan went all good we have a tiny little baby 5lbs 3oz! Tiny girl!

OP posts:
Dyra · 01/11/2023 16:39

Awww. Wee little dot. 😍What centile does that put her on OOI?

Good on you for putting in a complaint. Seems a bit ridiculous to keep subjecting you to attempted blood draws like they have when there's other methods they could be utilising. The compression stocking thing is ridiculous in their part. They should just give you a new pair, not just tell you they're fine. The meds thing is the worrying bit. I can understand things being late, especially if they're busy. But losing track entirely is very poor.

Glad you're getting out at least. I forget it's different for people when they don't work in the hospital. I'm used to spending long, long hours of my life there. 😂While I was admitted at least I could escape to where I normally work to see people. Failing that sitting alone on a bench outside to watch the world go by.

rainbowtea23 · 01/11/2023 20:31

I’d go for the section. I previously wrote on your other post but in hindsight I’m glad I didn’t have the stress of being induced although having baby out within 4 hours of being admitted wasn’t the best either. If you feel it’s the right option for you go for it.

BitofaStramash · 01/11/2023 20:35

I had a section for this at 34 weeks. I was pretty unwell and had to stay in hospital for 10 days post natal.

katem98 · 01/11/2023 20:55

@OnMyJourney Ahh 🥰 My little one was 5lbs 4oz when born via elective c-section at 37 weeks. She didn't end up in NICU just transitional care just in case you were wondering regarding weight 🥰

katem98 · 01/11/2023 20:55

Oh, and I went home with her 48h later!