IUGR Vaginal vs C-Section

SWA80

Curious for moms with one IUGR baby, did you deliver vaginally or via C-S? I'm on HBR until delivery and had a couple of Drs say that the IUGR baby is often under too much stress during labor for a vaginal delivery. Yet, my MFMs seemed to encourage vaginal delivery. Basically they can induce me and see how B does through contractions or we just plan on a section. Not sure what to do since the doctors can't seem to agree. Anyone have experience with this?

MuseumMaven

My Baby B had unexplained IUGR. I was never on bed rest, but we did deliver at 37 weeks partly because of his size and slow growth.

I was induced. Baby B did end up in distress during labor, but by then I was 10 cm so I was whisked to the OR and started pushing. B was born 5 minutes after A via assisted delivery (the doctor reached in and pulled him down). He was totally fine once he was out and actually had a slightly higher APGAR than his brother.

From what we could tell Baby B's cord was being compressed during contractions. Him being small (4 lb 12 oz at 37w 1d) wasn't the cause, it's just one of those things that happens sometimes. Obviously my little guy handled it ok.

I can't speak to your situation, but for me the vaginal delivery was fine.

Good luck in whatever you and your doctors decide!

SWA80

It is hard to know what to do because it won't be one of my doctors to deliver me, just whoever happens to be here at the time. The one who did rounds this morning kind of made me feel it would be selfish to attempt a vaginal delivery.

MandaS08

My baby A was the IUGR baby and I delivered vaginally. He did great! I had the same concern but my OB told me that I would be hooked up to monitors and if there was any distress they could switch to a C section quickly.

Ruthie04

Both of my boys had IUGR and we went ahead with the c/s. My OB and MFM were not comfortable with a vag delivery or breech extractions, so I didn't push them to try when my water broke at 36w. Additionally, Baby B was a flipping maniac and we had no idea what position he'd get into once A came out. Both of my boys had Apgars of 9 and 9 and roomed in with me. I don't know how they would have tolerated labor and I was very scared to find out. But, I am not a risk taker in any aspect of my life and it just felt like the easier route to go with the c/s. Now, that being said my recovery sucked. I had no idea it would take so long to feel normal again. But, the delivery was smooth as can be and I still feel like it was the right choice with our unique set of circumstances.

It's a very personal decision and I wish you the best of luck in making a choice.

erinruns

One of my girls had IUGR.  The plan all along had been for me to have a vaginal delivery, but she when she went into distress my cervix was long and closed.  My MFM knew that inducing me would take forever, and we just didn't have that much time.  I ended up having a c-section.  For me, everything was about getting the babies out as safely as possible.

SWA80

I now have a definite delivery date- next Tuesday. The plan at the moment is to find out and speak to whichever attending Dr will be on duty that day to come up with a plan that everyone is comfortable with. I am probably leaning toward a c/s.

Caarolann

Baby B had IUGR and we had a C Section at 32 weeks 5 days