Large baby - planned C-Section or induction

[CRO2024]

Hi, I am having my first baby - due over Christmas.
I have been told that the scans have flagged up that baby is in the highest percentile for size (which I know are not very accurate) and I've had a consultant appointment who has advised that we will have another scan at 36 weeks and appointment with him, to make a decision on the birth.

I am very well informed, have done a lot of reading etc. and know that I don't have to say yes to an induction at 39 weeks. However, Dr told me that he thinks if I did have an induction, there is a very high chance it could end up in a C-Section, so I am now also considering a planned C-section. Saying that, I have also read that NICE guidelines suggest size of baby is not a clinical reason to have an induction or a planned C-Section.

My original plan, was to try and labour at home for as long as possible, go to the midwife led unit, do a water birth if I felt like it but was open to an epidural/other pain relief and there is always the chance of other interventions being needed.

My concerns around induction (especially early) are that it could easily end up in an unplanned C-Section or other interventions and I can't leave the hospital. Nobody relishes the idea of hospital but I know I will absolutely not be relaxed (I have ADHD which means that kind of environment isn't ideal for me) and am worried I will stall labour.

I was feeling relaxed up until this point and ready to see what happens, but now I am having to potentially make a 'decision' I am finding it very difficult.

Has anyone had a similar experience and chosen an elective C-Section at 39 weeks/regretted it? I also don't want the dates around Christmas to be a factor but equally for many reasons (financially and with support at home) having the baby at 39 weeks would have benefits.

i feel for you- as i was 'thretened' with an induction because of having a large baby and get aniexty when things are not in my control. i was able to delay to my due date and then had a more straightforward induction. but i did seriously consider having an elective c section because then things are in your control and recovery more straightforward. its a roll of the dice as you may have a fairly ok induction or have a difficult induction and end up with a csection anyway which is more risky. so its almost which unknowns are you most comfortable with. many people i know have had an elective csection and felt it went well. all labour wards tend to have a midwife who leads on things like birth trauma and it may be worth seeing if you can speak with them to discuss through the options as its almost a preventative thing from the sound of it about what would be less likely to cause you trauma given your adhd etc.