Elective c-section or a natural birth with induction

[feelingsuperlucky]

I've just had my 20 week scan and everything is looking good and baby looks healthy, with this being an IVF pregnancy the consultant has given me the option of a elective c-section at around 39 weeks or a natural birth with induction if at around 39+5 weeks if baby obviously hasn't already arrived. Please can anyone share their opinion on what they would do? I know it's personal preference and I'll do whatever is safest for baby but interested to know other peoples thoughts x

Why do you only have those two options, can't you do natural without induction? You might be able to but they'd rather not tell you. I don't know enough but maybe investigate more.

My induction was fine. People only like to share the horror stories.

What is the reasoning that IVF baby = needs to come early?

Yes, but she said she cannot go over her dates. Therefore she might well need an induction or section.

Huh, interesting! I found this study, but with only 20 IVF-conceived births included in the sample I feel their claim is a bit of a stretch, especially given that all those births were preterm. They needed more IVF births in their research I think, and to compare to fullterm IVF babies. Mine was just fine at two weeks overdue, baby still covered in vernix too, no problems at all.

First baby pre eclampsia, already in hospital bed rest.. booked cs as LLB. Went into labour,it was horrendous,no surgeons available. I swore I would never have another one. My scar was still really sore a year later, couldn't beat clothes touching it. Was told I would always have to have cs, because of my size. GP male said what did it matter, the end result was the same. It took 6 years to pluck up courage. Luckily I had a albe it,older scarey on gynae with no kids, she said she would do a scar trial. Went into labour with baby 2, at 32 weeks. A month on bed rest, then induction. 3 and 4 when I was 41 all vaginally delivered and last one was the easiest.

Both my children are IVF babies and both times I was induced at 38 weeks to prevent any issues with placenta deterioration (I was almost 39 for my first and 44 for my second so I don’t know if my age was also a consideration alongside the IVF). I had pretty good labours with both, I had waters broken and then onto the drip and both labours were under 12 hours from start to finish with gas and air and paracetamol for pain relief. I won’t lie and say it wasn’t painful, particularly my second birth as DS was back to back, but it was manageable and I recovered quickly afterwards.

Natural birth and induction - it was fine and no forceps needed. I didn’t want surgery because it’s ugly and risky. Obviously some women don’t have a choice and a c section would be safer for them and baby.

Personal choice obv but based on the experiences of those around me I have found it easy to pick an elective c-section. In the same position as you with the options. IVF pregnancy too. Come join us in the IVF Pregnancy Club thread if you fancy :)

I was induced at 40+12 after 3 sweeps.
The drip distressed my baby and I ended up with an EMCS.

2nd baby - elective section, great experience.

I would never go for induction based on my experience.

Why does it being an IVF baby make a difference to your delivery?

Apologies-I see someone has already asked that question.

That's what I had read and queried why my trust didn't induce on due date, I got high blood pressure and needed to be induced 11 days overdue and I do wonder if it was because my placenta was getting tired out!