Elective vs cat 3 c section- advice

[MP729]

Looking for any advice/ insights.

I’ve started induction of labour but progress has been slow/ minimal so far. I’m hoping progress picks up and I can have a natural labour but if not I have the option of stopping induction and booking an elective or cat 3 c section which will go for over potentially 3-4 days of induction just to end in c section anyway. But I’m not sure which list to go on!

As I understand it elective I can wait at home and come in on the day, which I would prefer, but obviously it could be a longer wait and I understand it could be pushed back for cat 1-3s/ they might not have space on the elective list as I’m already 40+ weeks.

If I was to go on the cat 3 list, I would have to wait in hospital and basically be called up when there was space, as I understand it there is no set timeline for when a cat 3 has to be performed but it looks like it is normally done within 24 hours but this seems vague and not a hard rule?

I would like to be on the wards as little time as is possible both before and after c section but especially before.

Has anyone had to make the same decision/ have any insights?

Thank you

Not sure if this response will be relevant now as it is a fair few hours after you posted but to start with for me it could depend on why you are being induced and whether you would be safer waiting in an environment where you are monitored.

In my trust it can often be difficult booking an elective at 40+ weeks as the slots are booked weeks in advance. Can the staff give any advice as to how long you may wait if you stay on the cat 3 list? I know they can't give you any exact details but they may be able to hazard a guess. There is no hard rule for timing for a cat 3 as it just means an unplanned c section but where there is no immediate risk to mum or baby. Either way I hope you have your baby in your arms soon 🤞