avoiding a c-section following induction

JJ1973

I'm going to be induced later this week at 39 weeks, due to high bp issues. Originally, I had an unmedicated birth plan, but that has gone out the window. I'm fine with that, as I understand the importance of the induction from a medical perspective Now, my only concern is avoiding a c-section, which is obviously more common with induction (I've read 50/50). From what you know (those of you who have researched this), is there anything that can be done to reduce the chances of fetal distress thus a c-section during the course of an induction? Also, are there other variables which lead to a c-section (convenience issues for the hospital, doctor, etc.) that I should be aware of? I'm delivering at a hospital with a relatively high c-section rate, which worries me. I can't control my body and how it responds, and I can't control the baby's response, but I'm hoping to be well informed on the other aspects of this process which contribute to such decisions.

 

VandRicky

I would say that the best way to avoid a c-section is to NOT get induced but in some circumstances, like yours, you don't have much a choice.

Unfortunately, I don't think there is much you can do at that point. Just relax and enjoy the ride. Don't get fixation on not having a c-section (because you might end up truly disappointed like I was) but more so on the little bundle of joy you will be holding.

I will be having my 3rd c-section on Friday and I can't begin to tell you how much I hate c-sections. My first was after failure to progress after an induction ( I was nearly 42 weeks when I got induced), Sometimes I feel sorry for myself, for not being able to experience a normal birth. I still tried to convince DH to support to go for a VBAC!

But then I remember the feeling I had the second I laid eyes on my boys, the first time my lips touched their skin... and I forget about everything else.

Good luck sweetie!

Mrs.Rose

I went for about 45 hours before c/s was even mentioned during my induction. (at around 39 weeks for high BP also)  It was mentioned first because DS's heart rate was getting tacky.  Then a couple of hours later, it was clear I would not progress much past 8cm, baby was face up, and my water had been broken for a long time.  My midwife and I had a very good discussion where she said I could try for 2 more hours, but at that point I was so exhausted I opted just to go for the surgery.  She told me that as a midwife, she never pushes anyone into a c/s unless it was necessary, and for me, it was necessary.  They had seriously tried every trick in the book to dilate me, move DS into a better position, etc.

I honestly think there is not much you can do except advocate for yourself, and have a provider you trust there.  Sometimes your body is just not ready when you have a medical induction. 

Good luck! 

bmk112302

You should really discuss these concerns with your doctor so you know what to expect going forward. In certain circumstances, there would be no choice in a c-section (i.e. baby in distress, mother in distress, or your water has broken). I had a failed induction but was given the choice to go home and come back again. Due to some issues I was having I was not comfortable with that option and chose a c-section which my doctor was perfectly fine with.

JJ1973

bmk112302:

You should really discuss these concerns with your doctor so you know what to expect going forward.

I, of course, am discussing these things with my doctor. However, I also like to gather input from multiple sources to aid in asking further questions.

MelH926

I agree with sharing your concerns with your doctor.  I also don't "believe" in birth plans... and that's great that you're not beating yourself up for things not going how you wanted them to.  In some cases, like your own, things just don't go as you had "planned".  I just want what's best for my baby and me.  BUT I also don't like the idea of a c section for the doctor's convenience.  See what your doctor says about your concerns, and what his plan will be and make it clear that you want him to do everything possible before going for the c section.  It sounds like you're doing everything you can on your end to learn and be well informed.

KathyStraw

Like you said you don't know how your body will react or how baby will react, so you won't know if you will need a csection or not but the same could be if you were to go into labor on your own (you could still end up with a csection.

I have had 4 inductions and have not had to have a csection once, with my 3rd baby did have some heart decelerations but was able to move to bring the heart rate back up.  and with my 4th she had the cord wrapped around her neck twice which we didn't know until she was out.

Every labor is different so there is no telling if you will end up needing a csection or not.

K.a.T.e

There is absolutely nothing you can do to avoid a c-section, you can't plan the way the baby will or won't deliver after you are induced.

Good luck and I hope that you have the experience you are after but don't beat yourself up if it ends up as a c-section.   

astroMom

I haven't heard anything to do to avoid distress (after induction), but I would juts really try to walk around as much as possible before your epi and move positions as much as possible.  Do you know when they are going to break your water?  If they hold off on that, then your 24 hr clock doesn't start.  My sister had to have a c/s due to high BP, though, so I agree to be psychologically prepared for it.

jazzyexpo

My mom was induced with both pregnancies and never had a c section. I guess it just depends on people's bodies.

TColeman

Agree with pp, my best friend was induced, due to BP issues, and she didn't need a c section. I think it just all depend on you and the baby and how they react. My friend had no real issues after the induction. They induced at 8 and said her baby would be here by 5pm, she had him around 4:30.

HorseyMama08

I was induced with DS at 39 weeks for BP issues. I'm not sure what type of induction you are having but if they're going to use pitocin you are still able to move around in the early stages of labor. From everything I've experienced keeping yourself moving and changing positions can make a huge difference. I was able to do this for about 5 or so hours before the contractions got too hard to bear and I opted for an epidural. The nurses even let me get in the whirlpool tub even with the IV and monitors on.

SuperCuteBenz

K.a.T.e:

There is absolutely nothing you can do to avoid a c-section, you can't plan the way the baby will or won't deliver after you are induced.

Good luck and I hope that you have the experience you are after but don't beat yourself up if it ends up as a c-section.   

This exactly.

I was induced at 40 weeks, 1 day. My labor progressed quickly. I was started on pitocin around 7 am, and by 11 am I was fully dialated and pushing. DD's heart rate started to drop, so they had me try different positions for pushing, etc. Finally, they decided that I needed an emergency c/s. I was terrified. It all happened so quickly. It turned out to be that DD's cord was around her feet and it was preventing me from pushing her out. Her heart rate would drop each time I pushed.

It was a very traumatic birth experience, but obviously not one that I could have done anything to prevent.

ougrad1

I was induced and it ended in a section.  There's really nothing you can do about it if the time comes and they can't get the baby out.  There just isn't.

 

Manderlin923

YGPM