Planned C-section vs induction

[i.love]

Hi girls I'm just wondering, am I doing the right thing going for induction? I have Obstetric cholestasis which can make my baby distressed, my baby is back to back and both my husband and I are exhausted with bad colds.

I'm booked for induction this Friday, but maybe it would be better for me and the baby if I have a section? After all, many inductions end with sections anyway, but unplanned sections are so much worse apparently...

Any opinions? X

 

[Cakey]

Obviously I have no previous experience at all as it's my first baby but I've come to the conclusion that if I went overdue and they offered induction or section, I think I would go for section. Mostly my reasons are that I've heard that unless baba is really ready to appear, inductions can be stressful on you and baby. If I was going to have a section I would rather it was planned, I think an emergency c sec would panic me more.
It's your choice Olya and I saw your post in March Mummies as well. No one is going to think less of you if you opt for section, especially if you're not feeling well. Maybe you could give your midwife a ring and speak to them, they might be able to help a bit more. Don't feel pressure from anyone, it's your choice and you need to do what's best for you and your little boy xx

 

[Durhamchance]

Having had an induction that ended in an emergency section after three days, I would choose the planned section, but you will find many mummies that had no problem with induction and gave birth naturally. The recovery is the hard part with sections, it's a difficult one to weigh up x

 

[Toni.C]

I went in for an induction and after the 24 hour pessary and 2 rounds of gel, 2 days later I ended up having a c section and now would chose that over an induction. I never actually went into labour and they we're unable to break my waters due to my cervix being very high up. For future pregnancies I will have to have a section, again due to my cervix. But I would say my section was very relaxed and was a very positive experience, despite being unplanned. I think it's down to personal choice and how you are feeling in your pregnancy. No one will judge you whichever option you chose

I am now 3 and a half weeks post c sec and my recovery has been really good. In actual fact, you wouldn't be able to tell I'd had one and the scar is hardly visible.

 

[i.love]

I had an induction first time, and it was fine, but I was already 40+1.

Strangely enough I WANT to have an induction, as it's the next closest thing to a natural birth. And I kinda enjoyed it in a weird way first time, it helped me to bond with my baby and my partner. Having a baby just cut out of me without any effort on my behalf feels so impersonal... But I don't know what's best for the little one

 

[littlemonkey]

Personally I am choosing elective c-section. But I'm similar to others I didn't have a positive experience with my previous induction. I had too strong contractions on the hormone drip and I've actually been advised by midwives and consultants not to have another induction based on my previous experience.

Having said that, if you've had a previous positive experience with an induction then I'd be more inclined to try another induction. How is this pregnancy compared to your first, more or less complicated?

To be honest the section does require less effort from you at the beginning, but afterwards it really does take a hell of a lot out of you. It is certainly not the easy way out and I really don't think anyone would think less of you for choosing it.

 

[i.love]

Little monkey this pregnancy is more complicated because the baby is back to back and also because I had something like 10 colds in the last 9 months. I'm absolutely exhausted already. Was ill twice in the last month and had no proper rest during my maternity leave so far

 

[littlemonkey]

Little monkey this pregnancy is more complicated because the baby is back to back and also because I had something like 10 colds in the last 9 months. I'm absolutely exhausted already. Was ill twice in the last month and had no proper rest during my maternity leave so far

To be honest, I'm not sure a section would be the best option for you if you're not in the best health you could be. I was totally wiped out after mine for weeks afterwards. How much of that was self inflicted trying to be super woman I honestly can't say. But it was bloody tough. I didn't feel 100 %myself until about 10 weeks. There are plenty of others though who have felt fine after a couple of weeks.

If you do decide on a section, just make sure you have things in place to make sure you have plenty opportunity to rest. My OH is taking a month off work and my eldest is going to the childminders full time for the first month too. I'm banning visitors in hospital and intend to spend at least two weeks in my pj's! Take your painkillers regularly and don't make the mistake I did of trying to get back on your feet overnight.

 

[SpinSugar]

Hmmmm. Tough one. Has a planned section been offered to you? I'm not sure how it works ie you can just ask for one - can you speak to your MW tomorrow?
I've no experience of either however I remember labour being exhausting (3 days and back to back) BUT the moment that baby was out I felt so much better and immediately continued to feel better and better.
A section takes time to heal - it is major surgery - and will make it hard picking up your LO etc. ..but I'm quite negative about surgery as im a very slow healer and if it were me I'd probably be recovering for months.
I think your best bet is to talk it over with a HCP whose looking after you. I can absolutely see both sides though. If only we had a crystal ball :/ are they inducing you because of the OC? Xx

 

[i.love]

Littlemonkey that's an interesting thought... I thought C-sec would be easier if I am tired as wouldn't need to push etc. But didn't think much about the recovery you might be right.

 

[i.love]

Hmmmm. Tough one. Has a planned section been offered to you? I'm not sure how it works ie you can just ask for one - can you speak to your MW tomorrow?
I've no experience of either however I remember labour being exhausting (3 days and back to back) BUT the moment that baby was out I felt so much better and immediately continued to feel better and better.
A section takes time to heal - it is major surgery - and will make it hard picking up your LO etc. ..but I'm quite negative about surgery as im a very slow healer and if it were me I'd probably be recovering for months.
I think your best bet is to talk it over with a HCP whose looking after you. I can absolutely see both sides though. If only we had a crystal ball :/ are they inducing you because of the OC? Xx

It hasn't been offered to me, but apparently hospitals now cannot refuse you a C-sec if you ask for one. They rarely offer one though.

Yes, I'm being induced because of OC. I would love to go into labour before then, but I doubt it's going to happen - I have absolutely no signs of things progressing

Xx

 

[Demaris]

I'm going to give you a positive slant on induction, I was induced with my first took roughly two days to kick in, and I was overdue. With my second he was induced at 37 weeks because he was a big baby (10 lb) he came with no problems after 4 hours! I think your body has memory and knows what to do when it's done it before.

I've not experienced a c section so can't really comment but I would imagine the recovery would be a lot harder if you aren't feeling great.

Follow your instincts I.love and talk to those in the know. Thinking of you xx

 

[Mrs CW]

I was offered a planned c section with my 2nd and asked for induction instead and it was the most amazing experience. It took about 2 hours for the pessary to work and baby was born that evening. I was out of hospital by lunch the next day. I chose induction over c section due to the recovery time with a c section and having a 19month old I wanted to be up and about as soon as possible. Labour is tiring but I think surgery and the recovery from it is too. Obviously if baby was in distress or I needed a c section as it was the safest option I would have had it. The other issue you may find is that they plan surgery lists in advance so the lists for planned sections could be full for this week (I was told they do 3 a day 3 days a week at my hospital) and here you have to go in and discuss a section before it can be booked x

 

[littlemonkey]

Littlemonkey that's an interesting thought... I thought C-sec would be easier if I am tired as wouldn't need to push etc. But didn't think much about the recovery you might be right.

Yup labour is tough, but generally when all goes well, once it's done you're quite quickly back on your feet.

The actual delivery by c-section is easier, but recovery is a hell of a lot harder! Even with a straightforward recovery you're advised to take it easy and not drive for six weeks.

I'd definitely speak to your consultant or midwife about what you're thinking.

 

[Orion]

First pregnancy so no direct experience

However, a c section is major abdominal surgery and generally the midwives try to avoid this route for good reason. The recovery can be longer and harder, more time in hospital, and any surgery comes with its own risks. I know it's been publicised that they can't refuse you an elective c section, but if there's no major medical reason for it they'll make it very difficult. OCs risks to baby are small, lots of babies are born back to back - it's a tougher position but still deliverable, and being run down with a cold won't make a delivery or section any easier but I doubt the hospital will see it as a reason for having surgery rather than delivering.

So if it were me, I'd try the induction and hope to push baby out, but be prepared for an emergency c section as the last resort.

But if you're worried, speak to your midwife/consultant about your thoughts.

 

[i.love]

Thanks girls. I'm also thinking I should stick with induction. I would prefer to in any case. Just want to make sure I'm making the right decision for the little one.

Thanks for all the opinions, they all help x

 

[catherine1987]

I had an emergency c section with my first- I was put to sleep! Which I found out a couple of weeks ago that it was rare to be put to sleep!... Yeah I was shocked at that. I had my boy nearly 3 years ago.
I am currently 24 weeks and the midwife I saw said the I can opt of c section
Tbh this is what I am going for at the minute! I had a induction last time and it ended in a c section. Midwife said inducing can cause you to have a c section which she said is probably the reason I had one last time.
This time I just need to know when he is going to be here that is all I am thinking. I don't want to go over- last time I was 2 weeks over. I dont want to be induced cause the risk of having a c section.
I don't want to go for vbac and then have to go for a c section cause I will be disappointed if that happens when I had a choice. So in my own mind I think c section is the best for me. Midwife said I can change my mind right to the end. I know a few who have had c sections and have said there second one was so much better and calmer and a better experience. This time I will be awake hopefully and will see my little man straight away where has last time I was a sleep for 3hrs after my first was born so I think it will definitely be different experience and I will know everything is planned etc x

The other thing that I was told was that if I went for vbac this time there is a risk of the scar from last time repturing etc and that the midwifes at the time will have to monitor me closely and if they missed it happening then it will result in major surgery straight away .. this is a scary thought.
There is risks with both!

Has for recovery I recovered well last time.
Had baby on Sunday night was out by Tuesday evening.
I was up and about Wednesday. I think the best thing is not to sit around after one just get your self up and about obviously not over doing it though but just be active after I think that helped me a lot and plan on doing the same again

 

[i.love]

Thanks for sharing your experience Catherine! I am hoping to speak to a Dr tomorrow, but it's important I know what to say by then, so it all helps x

 

[Sunbeam638]

Tbh I keep going back and forth in my mind about csection if I go over incase vbac doesn't happen naturally but like last time I had all these ideas of what my birth plan would be ...Listening to relaxing music, Water birth...

Instead I had induction, wasn't allowed off the bed, shared toilet during induction no electrical point for music & emergency section.

This time deep down I don't mind as long as baby is ok, it can come out of the sunroof again if needs be so for you if you are feeling rubbish with OC maybe opt for csection to cut any risks but it's down to you and doc. Hope it goes well xx

 

[TTT]

If your baby wasn't back to back id say induction but with your cold too I think I would be tempted to go for c section. I was induced and was in labour for 42 hours with no sleep for 48. It was completely exhausting.I asked about a c section before I was induced and unless id have licked off like a crazy lady they weren't going to give me one lol. I had a thread discussing this very topic and I wrote a full description of my labour experience if you want to to read it, just click on my user name and click on threads started by me.