Do you have to be in labor to get a c-section?

forgiven199

So I'm scheduled to be induced early at 36 weeks in a couple of days. And I'm obviously not going to be in labor yet. Can they give me a regular c-section without being in labor? Because I don't want to be induced by the medicine cytotec. I've heard horrible things about that medicine and they can't use pitocin on me because my cervix had not ripened yet.

Sharon&Paul

Talk to your doctor about all the risk and benefits of each option. Yes, they can do a C-Section without being in labor. However, a C-Section carries a lot more risk than cytotec and is not recommended in most situations.

Count Choculitis

I've never heard anything about having to be in labor in order to get a Csection. I went in at 38 weeks for a planned Csection for my twins and I definitely wasn't in labor! They boys didn't want to come out...might still be in there today, were it not for surgical intervention!

kjuryfl

There are other options aside from cytotech and pitocin to help start labor. I would speak with your Dr some more about the other options.

Ashgal

Yes, you can have a c-section without being in labor. People who have scheduled c-sections(usually for medical reasons) are not usually in labor, hence the scheduled part. 

MommaBre2007

Why are you being induced at 36 weeks? Just being nosy. Most doctors wont until 38.

mhickey426

I was given Cervadil to help soften my cervix before pitocin. I did not have a c section. It it is major surgery. It is not an easy recovery either. Personally, that is that last thing I would ever want.

I am also curious why you are being induced at 36 weeks?

shrkfan

I'm being induced between 36 and 37 weeks too but was told we would try the meds and if needed then a c section..I had complications with my pregnancy though which is why I am going in early

Ndm410

C sections arent really elective procedures most of the time. The only time I've heard of having the choice is when the mom has already had one for a previous birth. Then a lot of times you can choose to schedule one or try for a vbac. They will ripen your cervix before starting pitocin.

nursemom83

Someone I know just had a c section because she refused to go into labor, feel contractions or push.

Uhm. Pissed me off.

No medical reason for the c section. She just had fear. Uhm. Who doesn't??

forgiven199

Thank you everyone for helping me figure this all out! I have to be induced at 36 weeks because I just found out that I have ICP. Which is a pregnancy condition that can harm my baby. I'm so scared in what to do. I really hope there's other options for me to be induced besides cytocil.

sammiewil

Whatever you do, I'd reccomend staying as far away from cytotec as possible. It is a medicine used to treat and prevent stomach ulcers and is a CATEGORY X medication meaning it should not be used during pregnancy. The FDA does not approve the medication for the induction of labor and the risks are substantial to you and your baby. Cervidil is a good way to soften the cervix and hopefully prepare it for delivery.

Here's just one brief description of risks of using cytotec to induce labor. A quick google search will find you a ton of information on it.
https://www.drugs.com/pro/cytotec.html

CivilMommy

I was induced at 39w for both kids for medical reasons.  I started with cervadil overnight to ripen, then when I got to 1cm, my OB broke my water and started Pitocin.  It went fine...it was a 30 hour total process, but baby came vaginally.  The 2nd induction we were able to start Pitocin w/o ripening b/c I was already open enough to break my water.

There are other options for cervical ripening.  Ask about a foley bulb.  There are also other creams that can be used.

Talk to your doctor.

Given your medical condition requiring early delivery - you should also have c/s as an option.  That should be your choice as guided by your medical team.  Obviously a vaginal delivery is typically preferred over surgical - which is why the docs will probably push for a vaginal attempt in lieu of elective c/s.

Talk to your doctor about your options for induction.

guinevereis

People elect to have C-sections all the time for various personal reasons. I am an OB nurse and have seen sections being done for perineal preservation, intense fear, history of sexual abuse, etc-. If you're preferrence is to just be scheduled for a C-section that is a conversation you need to have with your OB, obviously their are generally better respiratory outcomes for the baby with a vaginal delivery and the recovery for you is much easier as well. There are many options for inducing labor and you can even try some stuff at home before even going to the hospital like using a breast pump, walking, sex, etc.