induction vs c-section

I had similar, she kept dropping centiles and was on the 4th and measuring 4lb 9. My consultant advised C-section because she wouldn't have the reserves to cope well in an induction and it would likely end in an emergency C-section anyway. She arrived via C-section and was only 3lb 12 so I'm glad we did what we did.

my little boy was measuring below the 1st centile when they eventually turned round and said I needed to be induced (they never mentioned I could’ve gone for a section and I hadn’t done enough research to object to an induction) but during the induction process he didn’t cope well and his hate rate started to drop and they could tell he wasnt doing okay so was rushed in for an emergency c-section. after the whole induction process i was exhausted and if I could go back in time I would’ve pushed to just have an elective section to save myself all the extra stress and hassle the induction brought. having an elective would’ve been such a more calming situation than the induction that ended in an emergency c-section anyway

Of course you have to take any advice and combine it with any professional advice and what your heart is telling you. However, I would absolutely go for a C section. Inductions are so stressful. Your body goes from nothing to contracting quite fast and I fear that it could end up in an emergency C section anyway. Especially if it’s an induction because they’re small, not just an induction cause they’re overdue. But I would hate to think I’m telling anyone what to do. Just my advice. My induction was hideous. I have my C section booked at 36 weeks this time as I have placenta Previa. Good luck 🙂

I was induced due to gestational diabetes at term. Had I understood the length of time the induction would take then I would have opted for the c section. Ultimately my 3 day labour ended in a c section due to an infection from my waters being broken and heart rate drops with my baby. I know people who have had natural births after a c section delivery with their first, so I’d discuss future options with your care team to understand your personal situation. If you opt for induction, I would suggest an epidural before starting the hormonal drip. It can be painful and I’m pleased I took the advice of a friend as I was able to sleep through the first part of dilation. Good luck!

If you have a solid plan for an induction, it can go well. If you do a cesarean, you can have a VBAC in the future but you would need to discuss that with your OB so that the cesarean is done in a way that would favor a VBAC and you’d need an hospital and OB that supports VBACs and is experienced in them

I’ll throw my story in just so you have the opposite perspective ❤️ I had an induction at 37 weeks. My son was born without any complications only 12 hours after the start at 4lbs 10oz. I was only in active labor for 7 hours and pushed for 12 minutes 🥰 everyone’s different but it went so well for me. Minimal discomfort, only a micro tear that didn’t require any stitches. My recovery was so fast because of how smooth everything went. Within two weeks I felt essentially like myself again. I would absolutely do it again. Whatever you decide is what’s best for you and your baby!

Honestly I think you just need to go with your gut feeling. I would much prefer to be induced and have a natural birth than a c section but in my honest opinion I think you should go for a c section. I don’t want to really scare you because what happened to me is incredibly rare and the outcome was so severe because of medical negligence. I went into Labour 40+5 my baby was only 5lb 13oz (not picked up on growth scans) my baby didn’t have the reserves to cope through contractions and came out with brain damage. He is severely disabled & blind. If this happens & it’s noticed & your baby delivered then this isn’t likely to be the outcome (my ctg was misinterpreted for 8+ hours) but I can’t see a post like this & not share my experience because I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, my life has been truly ruined & this wouldn’t have happened if I had had a c section straight away 🫶🏻

I had a similar experience to @Harley. I was induced at 37 weeks due to GD and baby in 1st percentile. Aside from being constantly monitored and not able to walk around, the process went well for me. Total time was around 16 hours with only about 5 minutes of pushing. Baby boy was 3lbs 15oz. I had minor tears with one stitch and recovered very quickly. No one can tell you what to do as everyone has different experiences. I would talk to your doctor to see what they recommend. I also wonder if the reason behind your IUGR makes a difference in how your baby will cope. In my instance, it looks like I just make genetically small babies 🤷🏼‍♀️ but for others there could be issues with amniotic fluid, etc.

@Georgie I’m in the same position as you and it’s great to hear the responses as I have the same question.. although I’m only 28 weeks now. The specialists have said if my baby’s weight stays under 3rd percentile they will induce me at 37 weeks or I can elect for a c-section. All the doctors seem to be going more towards a c-section as small babies don’t like labour and the majority of inductions don’t sound the greatest and end up in c-sections most of the time! Please keep me updated as I’d love to know how things go and what you decide.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to share your stories and thoughts, I really appreciate it and it’s helping me feel more confident in making a decision ❤️ Eve, particular thoughts to you and your little boy 💙

@Georgie how are you and baby doing?