Induction or planned caesarean?

I had an induction with my first and whilst I have nothing else to compare to, I'd be fine to have another one

I was induced for my first pregnancy and ended up having an emergency c section. Opting for an elective for my second pregnancy now because of it.

No advice but had an emergency c-section with my first. The first couple of weeks are quite tough and it’s important you try not to do too much too soon or you risk rupturing/ damaging your wound. You’re not allowed to drive until cleared by the DR at your 6week appointment. If you choose to drive before this and have an accident your insurance is invalid so be aware of that. (I didn’t take the risk) so it’s pretty inconvenient and trapping. If you get induced you can still choose to have an epidural/ whatever pain management you would like. Personally, if I had the choice I would choose to be induced. I have to have an elective c-section (I physically can’t give birth naturally due to pelvic anatomy). X

I did the 3 day induction and it sucked but I would rather that than deal with the c section recovery ❤️‍🩹

I've been induced twice and the second was easier. Everything happened quicker and a lot less painful, because I knew that being on the ball and walking up and down the stairs helped I was prepared. Induced for reduced movements with the first, induced because of gestational diabetes with the second. At the moment I've got the all clear to wait for labour to happen but if I had the choice I'd induce over c section. I've also go in with no plan. Literally said to the stay to do whatever needs doing, go with the flow kinda thing

My induction was cancelled with my first due to covid. I really wanted to have this one go naturally at the same hospital, but we found out at our anatomy scan that she will probably have to have surgery after birth. The children's hospital is over an hour away. I'm looking at the same decision (section vs induction). It's so hard and I'm not a fan of either.

@Cheryl the dr can clear you before your 6 week appointment. It doesn’t instantly make your insurance invalid, you can phone the insurance and they will tell you their policy, usually it’s ’once you’ve been cleared by a dr’ and if you phone the dr they’ll usually say ‘as long as you feel ok’ the 6 weeks is a guide/recommendation, not a hard and fast rule.

I was induced with my first as I’m type 2 diabetic. Took 6 days and ended in an emergency section, so this time round I’m opting for a planned c section as will help with childcare but also won’t waste half my partners paternity leave.

My sister was induced and she said her contractions became one long contraction with no breaks. I had the oxytocin drip with my first and it was the worst pain. I’ve opted for c section this time.

Was induced with my 1st I LOVED my birth 2nd was a emergency c-section that went ok but as good , this time round I’m having another section due to health issues but feel calmer as I’ll have a date upfront and not be rushed x

@Allana yea I have heard this so many times from close friends. It feels like there is no easy option though whichever way we opt for!

@Kirsty I think I like the idea of the c section being a calmer experience and not rushed but then worry about recovery time, pain and potential complications afterwards x

I had previous birth complications, They recommended to me to have a c section, that’s what I’m going for. I had an induction with my daughter I was in for a week getting induced because I went into labor, and it was painful (not like I remember it too much) but I do remember just wanting it over, the c section is a slightly long recovery time it’s completely up to you, if you have the support around you to have a c section as well as you’ll need help especially with another little, lots to take into consideration write a list of pros and cons and just remember every birth story is different x

Induction which led to a semi traumatic emergency c section with my 1st, chosen elective c section this time round 😊😊 obvs feeling tad nervous about recovery with a toddler, but have been reassured that recovery should be a bit easier than last time 🫶

@Millie I have also heard of a few inductions ending in emergency c section. I had a 49hr labour with my first which ended up in shoulder distosia (he got stuck) and I needed a ventous. Have been advised that this could happen again but less risk due to baby being smaller as I won’t be carrying to full term.

@Liah that’s a long time to be induced for. My parents have said they’ll help but they live far away so not sure how that will look like and how regular they can be with me. My partners paternity is also only 2 weeks although he can use additional annual leave on top.

I had the choice of induction or section due to pre eclampsia. I chose c section as I just wanted baby here quickly and safely and I knew statistically I’d more likely require emergency section or instrumental delivery by being induced and I just thought I may as well have a planned section and have it more relaxed and controlled environment x

Hi, I had my second baby 2 days ago by elective c-section after being offered that or an induction. My first child's birth ended up in an emergency c-section so I was hoping for a vbac this time, but the elective was the best option for us due to baby's size and other risks. I have to say the difference between those two types of cesarean are absolutely huge. Yes there is a longer recovery period with a c-section but this time around I was more well rested and prepared beforehand so I am hoping the recovery is better. The staff in hospital were just phenomenal too, really respectful and listened to our preferences etc. It was such a positive experience. Good luck in whichever you choose x

I was induced with my little boy and it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. However baby did go into distress so had an emergency c section. Yes the recovery is tough but if you keep on top of your pain meds and take it really easy, it's not that bad, and i have a really low pain threshold. If i have another baby I'd definitely have a planned c section

You can say no to both!

I've had 2 c sections, never had complications during recovery. You just have to listen to your body and take it easy. First time round, I felt good to do anything by about 4 weeks and the second one, I felt like I could walk straight away if I wasn't hooked up to the catheter, drain line and mechanical compression bands - if you get induced and have complications, you'll go for an emergency c section or you might get through it okay. Having an elective c section - if there are any complications, they've got you on the table from the get go to fix it

I was also induced ending in an emergency section, opting straight for the c section this time as I won’t put myself or baby through that again 😬 yes recovery is hard, it was made harder through the multiple epidurals which failed which I needed as my contractions had gone back to back causing back problems for months, and not sleeping for days before baby’s arrival was rough with the post surgery pain. (No infections though!) So this time knowing i can rest before, know it’s just the spinal blocker is more reassuring 🙂

Yhh I’m worried about that too . I have a 21 month ok so I’m his climbing frame he won’t understand he can’t jump on me I’ve already warned everyone in the house their not to raise their voice to him out of concern for me as he don’t understand why he can’t jump on me I’ll just put a pillow infront of me xx

@Kirsty same! I have a feeding pillow that I barely used last time, but it ties around your mid section so I plan on using it as my defence against the little wwe wrestler 🤣

@Megan haha aww you have a little wrestler too ♥️ the things us women have to do hey 😆 xx

I was induced, I had the tablets, the peseri and the oxytocin drip which turned into an emergency c section. After all of that I’d go for an elective in the future. It was painful but there are things to help with it, my son was back to back too so that was something else again to contend with. Recovery wasn’t too bad, the first couple of weeks were the worst. I’ve felt really good in January and I had my son in November.

Failed induction with gd last pregnancy so ended up in C-section. This time gd again I’m hoping for a vbac however if I don’t go into natural labour I’ll be having a C-section ☺️ so far I’m diet controlled still so hopefully all will go well! My csection was a good experience and recovery wasn’t too bad just need to keep on top on pain meds. My induction was started at 36.6 and section was at 37 weeks! Good luck 🥰

@Sarah I had almost a 10lb baby last time with almost 4 1/2 of pushing and he got stuck and ended up with shoulder distosia and delivery ended in a ventous and episiotomy. I have gestational diabetes and baby is already measuring big with 8 weeks to go so they want to avoid complications in childbirth if I were to carry to full term with risks of baby being too big again x

Thankyou for your messages everyone! It’s so great to hear everyone’s experiences. I’m surprised at just how many inductions have ended up in emergency c-sections! I think I am swaying towards a c-section in the hope it will feel more planned and calmer and eliminate any anxiety about it ending in an emergency c section. I appreciate everyone has different experiences and preferences so there are no right or wrong choices when it comes to childbirth as long as feel we are making the right decisions for ourselves x