Induction or straight to cesarian?

[Buttonmoon84]

Hi all,

I’m currently 25 weeks and exploring birth options.

I’m 40. IVF pregnancy and have low PAPP-A. Although there is currently no evidence of growth restriction (blood flow is fine) the baby’s head, abdomen are normal (around 40 centile). He does have short femurs. This means we having 3 week growth scans as the femurs have bought the estimate weight down to 3 centile.

I also had a cervical stitch put it at 21 weeks. This will be removed at 37 weeks.

Anyway, although I’ve not discussed birth options with the consultant yet, I suspect the risk factors would mean I am likely to be offered an early induction.

I would say 10 out of 12 of my friends who have been induced have ended up having a c-section after a long and enduring labor. Is this actually the likelyhood? Or just bad luck? I’m wondering if I should just opt for a c-section, rather than get induced and end up having one anyway? I have previously had an assisted delivery with my daughter. So I’m not opposed to a vaginal birth if I go into labour naturally.

Thanks all, sorry for the long post!!

[HollyT7]

I was included with both of mine and didn’t end up having a section with either.

[Fertilityjourney]

Hey,

I was induced with my second baby aged 44 and didn’t end up with a c section, I did have an elective c section with my first (as everyone scared me about my age!) and I must say both births went really well.

My VBAC was a balloon induction as I wasn’t allowed the pessary and about 30 mins after an epidural he was ready to make a swift descent!! Xx

[Eloquentia]

Hi! I was induced and ended up with an emergency C-section. If I could go back in time, I would definitely opt for a planned C-section. Much less stressful and painful, I am sure.

[Suz994]

I was induced and it was great right until the end, it got too much, there was no break between contractions and I was eventually given the spinal ready for c-section. When I got on the table they realised I was 10cm and ready but baby had gone back to back so ended with forceps and episiotomy. Given all of that, I’d still prefer it over C-section but it’s your personal choice! ❤️

[Twiglet2]

I went for induction with my first (but ended up waters breaking themselves that same day after a sweep) I was still put on the induction drip though. Natural labour minimal tearing. I’m currently 35 weeks and opting for early induction again (likely around 39 weeks same as last time). Unless they say a caesarean is needed/safer which they haven’t, I’m going to try and avoid if I can again 🤞🏽 xx

[Glaedy]

I was induced with my 1st and had natural birth 🤞

[Allotmenteer16]

I was encouraged to have induction at term in 2020, but don't think my daughter was ready, had pessary on day 1, no change, day 2, tiny tiny bit dilated but then no beds on labour ward to break my waters, two more exhausting days in hospital then got my waters broken, v little progression so they had to put the drip up, after a couple of hours I'd only got to 3-4cm and there were issues with heart trace so ended up going for emergency C-section but by this point the drip was causing intense contractions for me that kept coming, so they weren't able to do a spinal and I ended up having to have a general anaesthetic. With it being COVID times this added quite a bit more stress as my partner and I only got 20 minutes together with our baby before he had to leave.

If I'd known more I'd have tried and negotiated waiting longer before being induced provided everything was looking okay on scans, which it was. I'm 26 weeks with my second and I've basically decided I'm going for an elective C-section as just want a bit more certainty (hopefully!).

You can see here that outcomes are so different from person to person, and pregnancy to pregnancy. Mine was a catalogue of things that didn't go quite my way! It's probably worth trying to discuss the pros and cons with your consultant or midwife and see if that helps you decide. I still keep revisiting my decision to be honest, but in my heart of hearts I personally feel safest with the C-section, although I know there can be complications etc.

Hope you are able to come up with a plan you are happy with, you can always change your mind

[Kate-92]

hello, I had an IVF low pappa pregnancy & my waters went a week before my induction date, but I ended up on a hormone drip anyway due to nothing happening in the 24 hr period immediately following. I had a natural birth, slight intervention but wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. I like you heard lots of negative stories about induction and am glad that I didn’t opt straight for a c section. Recovery from a c section can be tough with complications that aren’t readily spoken about - See what your consultant says - depending on baby’s growth & your later scans they may advise that’s best anyway but you’ll know after the conversation where you are leaning towards x

[Buttonmoon84 in reply to Kate-92]

Thanks for sharing, glad you had a good outcome! Were you being induced due to low PAPP-A? Did you have any growth issues at all?

[Kate-92 in reply to Buttonmoon84]

Induction was because of both ivf & low pappa had I of not been ivf I would have still been induced. Growth scans were fine but he was always on the small side - had long legs but always measured smaller percentile wise on his head & stomach. When he was born he was 9th percentile & dropped to 2nd but now at 6 months he is 76th for weight and 96th for height 😅

I was 39 when I had my son & he was 6lb 6oz x

[Buttonmoon84 in reply to Kate-92]

Glad he’s growing well!! Out of interest, what week were you due to be induced? Just thinking about when to book Mat leave to start!

[Kate-92 in reply to Buttonmoon84]

He was due on the 9th August & I was booked in for the 1st, but my waters went on the 25th July & he was born on the 27th. My mat leave started 15th July so I only had just under 2 weeks before he came. So booked for induction week 39 & he arrived week 38 - mat leave started just under week 37 x

[Kitkat10]

hi, I’ve had two planned inductions at 38+4 and 39 weeks and although they were a bit slow, both births were fine. Had forceps with my son as they thought he was 99 percentile but apparently’just guided’ him 🥴 and he was 70 percentile.

I have 3 friends who refused inductions and ended with emergency c sections.

I was happy with the induction experience, it wasn’t fast but it was about as predictable as these things can be 🤷🏻‍♀️ 🙏

Good luck, wishing you a smooth experience x

[Tnthketnf]

I just had a cesarean. It was meant to be elective at 37 weeks due to my waters breaking pre term at 31 weeks and age and being scared of stories of incontinence issues after vaginal birth too.Doctors were supportive of this although they would happily support a vaginal delivery. I also spent a substantial amount of time in the antenatal ward watching several women coming in for induction and I felt ot wasn't for me. The midwives had a one- fits- all approach to it.The baby decided she had enough at 34 weeks and I went into labour. So they classed it as emergency c section.

I have recovered okish. Minimal pain my wound looks OK so far, some small haematoma I am told goes away on its own. I was up walking holding baby after just 8 hours. A week later only needed paracetamol. Breastfeeding is also not an issue with some support.

However ended up with some pelvic floor issues despite wanting to avoid it. I am told I should be OK in 6 weeks with some pelvic floor exercises