Induction or Planned C-Section?

Hey ladies, just wanted to share and hear some experiences! I’m currently 31 weeks and have had a bit of a whirlwind recently. I’ve been classed as high risk for a few reasons — I have gestational diabetes, a history of going into early spontaneous labour with my previous babies (both at 32 weeks), cardiac surgery, and this week I’ve started showing borderline signs of preeclampsia / HELLP (raised liver bloods, protein in urine, raised BP, vision changes accompanied by sudden violent vomiting, swelling, and low (30) but positive PIGF markers). I also had a growth scan today and baby has dropped from the 93rd (he’s been tracking around the 90s consistently throughout pregnancy) to the 63rd percentile within the last two weeks, so they’re keeping a close eye as they’re concerned about the rapid decrease. I’ve been in and out of hospital being monitored, had CTGs, bloods, dopplers and all sorts. Baby is currently doing ok, but today the consultant said they’re likely going to aim to deliver him around 37 weeks — possibly earlier if the preeclampsia markers worsen or his growth slows more. They mentioned induction but said a planned c-section might also be an option depending on how things go from here. I should know more at my next growth scan in 2 weeks, but I’d like to have made an informed decision before then so I can discuss it with my consultant. I’d love to hear anyone’s experiences with choosing between induction and planned section — what helped you decide, and how did it go for you? Thanks in advance — it’s all getting very real now!

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Hi! I had an induction due to reduced movements at 39 weeks. Everything was ok and was vaginal birth. That been said, at the time I asked if I could go for a C-section as I couldnt handle anymore the pain. Looking back I think it was my mistake not going for epidural sooner and I think that was one of the reasons why I was in so much pain. The recovery was great compared to other ladies on the ward that had a c section. Whatever you choose you will be fine x

Thankyou for sharing and so pleased everything went well for you 😊. I’m fine with either vaginal or section tbh. (Slightly worried about the spinal - I have a fear of damaging my spine 🙈😂 won’t go to chiropractors or outside if it’s icy incase I fall and damage my spine 😂). Previous two births were vaginal (without epidural for the same reasons haha) so not worried about the pain etc. But as I’ve always gone naturally early I’ve never had to be induced and heard it can slow the labour. Don’t want to go through hours / days of labour only to end in a section anyway. But on the flip side don’t want to have a section unnecessarily and not be able to do much after he’s born. Obviously in the moment I’ll do whatever is necessary to get him out safely - just wanted others experiences so I can try and make a (very flexible) plan 😂 xxx

I had the same thought that’s why I avoided the epidural 😂 but the worse part was that I was allergic to the dressing, so i had big blisters on my back for days and super itchy! Even when you try to plan very well there are things out of control, just go for your instinct - very easy to say, but few months ago I was panicking 😂 The induction takes a while, is never less than 24 hours I believe. Usually is 48-72 hours I believe xx

Ouch! That sounds painful bless you! Yeah I’m totally flexible when it comes to a plan - after two labours at 32 weeks I know how quick things can change 😂. I think it’s more that if I get asked which I’d prefer at my next appointment I want to have considered options based on others experiences (as I’ve never been induced or had a section) rather than just giving an uninformed answer then regretting it if that makes sense. I’m sure whatever happens I’ll be absolutely fine either way, just nice to have some understanding of what to potentially expect xxx

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