WWYD?

aander6

So I am now being faced with a very difficult decision and I don't know what to do. With DD I had a fourth degree tear after a very tramatic induction. I was induced from nothing no dilation or effacement and after 24 hours of labor, 3 hours of pushing, 3 failed vacuum attempts and a terrible post birth hemorrhage DD was born at 7lb 4oz.

Now we did an ultrasound last week, 37 weeks, and this little man is measuring really large. Head was measuring at 40w6d and all other measurements were around 40 weeks, weight according to ultrasound which I know can be off was estimated at 8lbs6oz at 37 weeks. I know these can be off either way.

My doctor has decided she does not want me to go past 39 weeks. She is reviewing my records from my previous birth, with a different dr, one more time and she is calling me tomorrow and we are deciding if I should have an induction or a c-section. She says unless there is something that really concerns her in my old records the decision will be up to me. She is very pro vaginal birth. I just really have no idea what I want to do and thought I would see what you ladies thought hoping you may have some insight or thoughts that I hadn't thought of.

MrsSarahRenee

FTM so I have no insight except to say I am sorry you have such a tough decision to make! If your doctor is leaving it up to you, I don't think you can make a wrong decision here - just one you are most comfortable with.

BabyBsOven

I agree with PP. I don't think there is a wrong choice here, just one your most comfortable with.  I an very pro-vaginal birth if its healthy and safe but, like you, I had a traumatic first birth and have contemplated just scheduling a c-section more than once this pregnancy. I say weigh the pros and cons of each with your partner and decide from there or set a limit for yourself with your doctor, like "I'll try vaginal induction but if there is little progression after X amount of hours or other interventions are need, like a vacuum, I want to just be prepped for a c-section." Good luck!

AmandaJean12

I don't have any advice, because I think whatever you choose will be best for you - and that's all that matters. Instead I'm just going to send wishes that your little one and your body decide it's time before you have to make a decision 

aander6

Thank you everyone for the well wishes. I just am having such a hard time deciding. I am scared of the csection recovery more then anything with having a toddler at home and a LO. But on the other hand I am worried about having lasting problem if I have another tear as bad as my first. Which also came with a terrible long recovery. I just hope I go into labor this week and have an exceptionally easy labor and delivery.

BreandMikewedding

Do you know why the induction was so difficult last time? Did they do cervidel and pitocin? (I'm not sure I spelled those correctly) I will probably get flamed for this, but in your situation I would suggest having sex as much as possible from about 38 weeks on to help soften your cervix and get you ready for induction. I've heard (and it was recommended by my dr) that semen helps soften the cervix. I would then try an induction and like pp have said have a point where you opt for a c-section if induction isn't going as planned. Good luck making this decision.

aander6

I had to have the ballon which is absolutely terrible and both pitocin and cervidel with my last induction. I just got a call from my dr and the choice is up to me what I want to do but they are not willing to do any type of surgical intervention to deliver the baby this time (forceps or vacuum) which is fine with me. She said my bishop score at this point is only a 5. She also said I can schedule and induction for this point and we can re check me Monday afternoon and if I am not more favorable or am unsure of my decision I can switch to a csection at that time.

SCMomma

*edit*pffffft, you pretty much addressed everything I thought of in your last post*/edit*

I would look into finding out your Bishop's score first. A higher score might mean a smoother induction..a lower score might help you feel more solid with a cesarean. You could also ask about membrane stripping, bulbs, gels, etc before you go hardcore pitocin. If you happen to go vaginally without an epidural, you could ask about changing positions and waiting for your body's natural urge to push to possibly help baby descend or maybe minimize tearing.

Is there anyone close that could help you out postpartum either way?? Maybe make plans for your toddler to have a couple play dates each week to give you a little break.

aander6

SCMomma said:

*edit*pffffft, you pretty much addressed everything I thought of in your last post*/edit*

I would look into finding out your Bishop's score first. A higher score might mean a smoother induction..a lower score might help you feel more solid with a cesarean. You could also ask about membrane stripping, bulbs, gels, etc before you go hardcore pitocin. If you happen to go vaginally without an epidural, you could ask about changing positions and waiting for your body's natural urge to push to possibly help baby descend or maybe minimize tearing.

Is there anyone close that could help you out postpartum either way?? Maybe make plans for your toddler to have a couple play dates each week to give you a little break.

I do have tons of family near by and both my mother and MIL and I am very close and comfortable with them both. I also have family in town with kids and friends so my support system is there to help. I think at this point I am going to have them schedule an induction and then see where I am at Monday afternoon.

TheOtherJacobsons

This is such a personal choice. I wouldn't know what to tell you. However, I can say that there is no wrong answer here. You have to do what is best for you. If you do decide to go the vaginal route, I would suggest talking to a professional about how you feel so that you don't bring whatever reservations with you to L&D. If you go the C/S route, there is no shame there. I wouldn't fault you for it.

kindacrunchy

Can I ask why you were induced last time? Honestly, it sounds like you and baby weren't ready last time (I understand there could have been extenuating circumstances for the induction I'm not judging) and that made delivery more difficult. Why are they wanting to induce again? If it were me I would I try to wait to go into labor on my own because that would likely make for an easier delivery even with a bigger baby. I'm a bit surprised by your doctor's recommendations here, to be honest, but obviously I don't have all the info nor am I doctor. My DD#2 had a true shoulder dystocia (maneuvers had to be performed) and while there has been talk of a keeping an eye on this ones size there has been no talk of c section or induction at this point. I'm not going to lie I'm pretty scared of a repeat dystocia and as scared as I am of a c section I'm almost more scared of the dystocia. So I think this is a very personal decision that only you can make. After having such a traumatic birth I can understand why you might choose a c section. Good luck and I hope this birth is a much better experience for you!

aander6

@kindacrunchy‌ I was induced last time because I was over 41 weeks. Also this time I am being induced because of how bad my tear was last time and that the risk of having another bad tear that the causes me long term problems doesn't out weigh the benefits of allowing the baby to grow longer on the inside. My doctor is very up to date on the current guidelines so I trust her decision.

Laurenldlw9

I worked in labor and delivery for over 7 years and a lot of the moms who had 4th degree tears went ahead with a c section on subsequent deliveries. I definitely agree with no vacuum or forceps this time. A c section recovery is DEFINITELY going to be easier than a 4th degree tear recovery. I agree with PPs and would ask Dr opinion on it, but if it were me personally and baby was measuring bigger than the last already, I'd go ahead with c section.

ariel06

Honestly I would probably just c/s.  Having done both, I felt worse for the first couple weeks after my VBAC than my c/s.  That said, my VBAC was rough and long and my c/s was planned (for a later date, but I went in labor early and had gotten a full nights sleep because I hadn't had time to worry about it.)  

Maggie6424

I understand your predicament. I had a very rough induction, (about 38 hours) with a vacuum assist and a 3rd degree tear. Kaiser offered me a section if I wanted one, just because of how traumatic the last delivery was. It's such a hard decision, and honestly I really wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I'm still afraid of having another scary experience.
Whatever you choose is right for you, and you shouldn't feel like you have to justify your choice to anyone.