Induction or C-Section?? HELP!

stefrobb

Hello, I am currently 37 weeks and 5 days. My 1st baby was induced just after 40 weeks and was 8lbs 10oz. The shoulders got stuck on the way out but she made it with minimal tearing. I had a growth scan yesterday for current baby and she is already measuring 8lbs! My doctor strongly suggested inducing at 39 weeks or maybe even scheduling a C-Section. Baby’s belly is measuring big so my OB is concerned that I may have a hard time pushing. I’m really at a loss and I don’t know if I should schedule the induction or c-section…advice please! 

kbru88

Out of curiosity did you have an epidural with your 1st baby. Honestly they don't know when shoulder distocia will be an issue. It can happen with small babies and large babies. I've birthed 9 lbs babies and 8lbs babies. I tore horribly with my smallest, and not at all with my largest. But I've never had an epidural so I was always able to move around and get baby into optimal positioning. 

lizzzy217

If given a choice I would choose induction over c-section. If you induce, then you have the option of a vaginal birth but emergency c-section is still possible if it really is necessary.

I know some people think c-section is "the easy way out" but it is a significantly more invasive surgery, has a higher risk of infections and other things going wrong, and the recovery time is generally much longer. I would choose induction just to keep open the option of vaginal birth.

You and your doctor know your situation better than me though, so you should choose what's best for you. If natural birth seems too risky for your situation then it might be best to just schedule the c-section so you can start preparing for the recovery.

maggiemadeit

This is a tough one. My first was an induction that ended in an emergency c section (10.5 pounds). My second was a natural delivery that ended with shoulder dystocia and a 4th degree tear (11+ pound baby). And my last baby was a planned c section. The shoulder dystocia was terrifying and with the size of my babies and the extent of the damage, they told me I should never have another vaginal delivery. But the recovery, even with a 4th degree tear, was a cake walk compared to recovery from a c section. If your medical team is willing to give you a chance for a vaginal birth with an induction I would go for it.