Advice Please....Nervous, FTM.

dchasteen1

Hi ladies. I just found out yesterday that I might be a candidate for a csection. I am 40 weeks, my body is not progressing like it should be. I am not dilated, effaced, my cervix isn't soft at all. My doctor said he could possible induce me if I wanted, but his concern is that I would lay there in labor for hours and may have to end up with a csection anyway. I am a FTM and wasn't not planning on this being an option. I am not sure what to do. Like he said, my water could still possibly break tomorrow or who knows what will happen. But he is giving me till my next appointment which is Tuesday to check my progress and he said we will go from there. I am not sure what to do or what to think? I am nervous to have one. I guess because it never entered my mind that I would be a candidate for one. I had just planned on an old fashioned, painful labor like everyone else in my family had! I am also concerned with breastfeeding now. In my class I spaced out during the csection and breastfeeding part. Stupid me.

jb2rn

No, no, no, you are NOT a candidate for c section! You know you are not "overdue" until 42 weeks, right? Unless your BP goes up or there is a medical reason, do not induce, please.

I went into labor naturally at 40w6d with my son. And we had been charting, so I was sure of conception date. You might not really be "late" unless you are sure of your dates, and even then, many women go 41 plus weeks w/o issue. You just need to see the OB more frequently, maybe have some non stress tests, etc.

I had a c section after a long labor, that ended with me getting a fever and my son had a high heart rate and was in distress. It sucked. So don't even put yourself in that situation to begin with, say no to inducement unless your baby is starting to not do well.

 

rockychryslerb2010

This sounds like what happened to me, but for a different reason.  DS measured extra large in two late growth ultrasounds (12lb 14oz) which led my midwives and OB to recommend c-section (he was 11lbs 4oz at birth). I had been planning a natural birth and the thought of a c-section never crossed my mind.  DH and I also spaced out at the c-section part of our birth class.

We ultimately elected to have the c-section, because it was the safest option for both DS and I.  My advice is to think about your options, but do what is best for you and your LO.  DH and I did a lot of last minute research on c-sections and after speaking with our OB about our concerns we were comfortable with our decision.

For me, the c-section recovery was much better than I was anticipating.  The first day was the worst, but having DH around to help made it bearable.  I did not have any problems with breastfeeding (this was a concern for me too).  I was able to start breastfeeding DS in recovery, less than 40 min after he was born.  He latched on right away and we have a great breastfeeding relationship now. In the beginning, it was hard to get DS positioned correctly by myself, but with DH or the LC we were able to make it through the first few days.  By about day 4 or 5, I was feeling much better than was more comfortable position him by myself.

ChiTown Bridget

If it were me, I would opt for the induction. Also, my ob/gyn doesn't consider you overdue until you are past 41 weeks so I am not sure at this time if you are considered a c/s candidate. Good Luck on your decision!

linzica

yeah, your ob sounds like he's just being lazy. Alot of woman aren't progressed by 40 wks, and have very normal deliveries with an induction. Hell, my mom was induced at 43 wks with me.

I went into labor at 40 wks 3 days, and after pushing for four hours DS hasn't budged. That's when they performed a c-section on me.

AHogge2010

I went for my 40 week appt the Monday before my due date.  I was only 1 cm and 80% effaced, also baby was still high. My doctor sent me for a growth ultrasound. Baby measured 9lbs 12 oz. I went in for a scheduled section the following Thursday on my due date, 12-8-11.  When she was born, she was 9lbs 7oz. 21 1/2 inches long.  Sometimes those growth u/s can be close!  I am very thankful for the c-section as I think I would have had a hard time delivering vaginally.  

 I was extremely nervous about the section.  I never thought during my pregnancy I would have to go that route.  It really isn't so bad.  After two weeks I was feeling very good.  I still am taking it easy until I go back for my 6 week checkup, but for the most part I am thankful that was how I delivered!  Don't worry, you will be fine!   Stay on top of your medicine, get up and move when they allow you too and let others help you.  Your only job the first couple of weeks is to take care of baby!

 

Good luck! 

pepomntpat

As long as you and your baby are healthy there is no reason to induce or to have a cesarean at this point. Tell your doctor your baby will come when s/he is ready!

Jcraul

pepomntpat:

As long as you and your baby are healthy there is no reason to induce or to have a cesarean at this point. Tell your doctor your baby will come when s/he is ready!

I wish I would have done this.  We went for an induction & I was very up front that I DID NOT want a CS.  They explained if the induction did not work and my waters were still in tact they would send me home.  I went in at Thursday at 8am and they started the process.  I labored w/ no drugs until 3 am and made it to 5 cm which at that time my water broke. 

Oh Crap was all I could think cause I really wanted to go home at this point.  I made it till Friday at 9am and got an Epi.  At this time I was still 5 cm & they were pushing for a CS.  Again, I DID NOT want one.  They uped the potosian throughout the day to the max level & my LO was born at 7:18pm Friday night by CS.  I wish I would have waited it out until 42 weeks before going with the induction.  I know it is hard and you feel very big & tired but wait it out.  You'll be happy you did in the long run.  Recovery from a CS is no joke and having a LO to take care on top of it.

Good Luck!

Jcraul

pepomntpat:

As long as you and your baby are healthy there is no reason to induce or to have a cesarean at this point. Tell your doctor your baby will come when s/he is ready!

I wish I would have done this.  We went for an induction & I was very up front that I DID NOT want a CS.  They explained if the induction did not work and my waters were still in tact they would send me home.  I went in at Thursday at 8am and they started the process.  I labored w/ no drugs until 3 am and made it to 5 cm which at that time my water broke. 

Oh Crap was all I could think cause I really wanted to go home at this point.  I made it till Friday at 9am and got an Epi.  At this time I was still 5 cm & they were pushing for a CS.  Again, I DID NOT want one.  They uped the potosian throughout the day to the max level & my LO was born at 7:18pm Friday night by CS.  I wish I would have waited it out until 42 weeks before going with the induction.  I know it is hard and you feel very big & tired but wait it out.  You'll be happy you did in the long run.  Recovery from a CS is no joke and having a LO to take care on top of it.

Good Luck!

satama

I don't see how you are in any way a candidate for a c-section at this point. You are not even at your due date yet. As long as you and the baby are not having issues there is no way I would consent to a section. If your doctor is pushing you, ask for non-stress tests once you are past your due date and then tell him you will revisit the possibility of induction at 41 and then 42 weeks. I have no idea why a doctor would suggest this to you. It is just not correct that you need to have a c-section in your situation.

pitterpatter129

I had an induction at 41 weeks and if I could redo it, then I would wait it out longer.  It honestly didn't occur to me that I could say no to it.  Never would I opt for an induction again if it wasn't absolutely necessary.  I think the induction was the direct cause of my needing a csection in the end and that's something else I wouldn't wish on anyone.

MrsSarahL

I was in a similar situation.  I was almost 2 weeks late with DD.  At 41w 4d I was 0cm and my cervix wasn't effaced at all, my dr called it "soft".  I chose to be induced, but my body didn't respond to the pitocin after 14 hrs.  At that point I asked for a c/s.  My LO just didn't want to come out.  Go with your gut and good luck!