C- section or Induction?

Uiowachick01 · July 2009

My Dr is giving me 2 choices, being induced or having a C-section. I am not 100% on either, and was wondering if anyone has pros and cons to either. TIA

jason&robin · July 2009

When do you have to make your decision? If you are a good candidate for induction, I would give that a try first. If not, I would go straight for the csection. I had to be induced with #1 due to PIH. Thankfully, I was already 80% effaced and 3 cm dilated. I had a very easy induction.

theweathermanswife · July 2009

Why can't you go into labor naturally? Is surgery really necessary?

kle+spd · July 2009

Well it will be the same result right? A C-section no matter what then, right?

When would they induce you? Did they give you a date?

If they don't induce you, are they just going to wait for signs of labor and then you will have a c-section?

I guess I'm confused...

MrsBeckO · July 2009

What are the circumstances surrounding this??

If those were really my only 2 options I would go for an induction without a second thought - if I can avoid the MAJOR surgery and recovery that a c-section involves, I would.?

ETA: It really depends on the circumstances though. ?

smilelari · July 2009

That depends. Why are those your only choices?

ChrissyK88 · July 2009

personally the induction.

google the bishop score!

iris427 · July 2009

You mean medical pros and cons? Didn't your doctor talk to you about those? If not, pick up the phone!

What is your cervix like? Are you dilated or effaced at all?

Induction is more likely to lead to a c/s in fisrt time moms if you have an unfavorable cervix, and they can cause a longer, harder labor than natural labor would be.

On the other hand, a c/s is major surgery. It is riskier than a vaginal delivery. You may have a longer, harder recovery. You may never be able to deliver vaginally in the future because many docs won't do VBAC.

Uiowachick01 · July 2009

Lo is measuring 4+ weeks big. Last week at my apt. my Dr. said I need to choose to be induced at 38 weeks or a c-section at 39 weeks. Lo is estimated to be 10+lbs at birth. We are both healthy, but she doesn't think I will be able to push him down. At 34 weeks his head is already measuring 39 weeks.

My Dr. just wants me to wait for 39 weeks and have the C-section, she is afraid at 38 weeks I will still not be able to get him out and a section will still be needed.

She said it is mine and DH's choice, but we just don't know 100% because I really wanted to go drug-free.

rebus82 · July 2009

I'll probably be making that decision tomorrow. As of my last appointment, my Bishop score (Google it if you're unsure) was pathetic, and there is no way I'd bother with an induction that was bound to fail and result in an emergency c-section. If I haven't progressed enough by tomorrow, I'm going to request a c-section instead of the induction I know they will say I need.?

iris427 · July 2009

kle+spd:

Well it will be the same result right? A C-section no matter what then, right?

No, she could have a vaginal delivery. Where do you see "a c/s no matter what"?

MuckDiva · July 2009

Why do you have to chose? What is going on?

iris427 · July 2009

Uiowachick01:

Lo is measuring 4+ weeks big. Last week at my apt. my Dr. said I need to choose to be induced at 38 weeks or a c-section at 39 weeks. Lo is estimated to be 10+lbs at birth. We are both healthy, but she doesn't think I will be able to push him down. At 34 weeks his head is already measuring 39 weeks.

My Dr. just wants me to wait for 39 weeks and have the C-section, she is afraid at 38 weeks I will still not be able to get him out and a section will still be needed.

She said it is mine and DH's choice, but we just don't know 100% because I really wanted to go drug-free.

In that case, I wouldn't do either. Those measurements can be way off, and plenty of women deliver big babies just fine. Medical studies find that women are better off just left to go into labor naturally, even with suspected big babies.

MrsBeckO · July 2009

Are there reasons other than the predicted size of the baby that is leading your doctor to give you these options.?

First thing that comes to mind is size predictions are NOT an exact science. They can be WAY off.

Second thing, women deliver 10 lb + babies all. the. time. There is no way to know in advance whether your pelvic structure can handle a large baby.. unless there is some underlying condition or trauma.

I would be upset and very perplexed if my dr was pushing one or the other, induction or section, on me based solely on what they predict my baby's size to be. ?

Uiowachick01 · July 2009

iris427:
Uiowachick01:

Lo is measuring 4+ weeks big. Last week at my apt. my Dr. said I need to choose to be induced at 38 weeks or a c-section at 39 weeks. Lo is estimated to be 10+lbs at birth. We are both healthy, but she doesn't think I will be able to push him down. At 34 weeks his head is already measuring 39 weeks.

My Dr. just wants me to wait for 39 weeks and have the C-section, she is afraid at 38 weeks I will still not be able to get him out and a section will still be needed.

She said it is mine and DH's choice, but we just don't know 100% because I really wanted to go drug-free.

In that case, I wouldn't do either. Those measurements can be way off, and plenty of women deliver big babies just fine. Medical studies find that women are better off just left to go into labor naturally, even with suspected big babies.

This was my concern, with my Doctor, but she has sent me for 2 u/s to confirm that my baby is larger than average. The hospital told me the % for error is less than 10%.

margeincharge2 · July 2009

Uiowachick01:

Lo is measuring 4+ weeks big. Last week at my apt. my Dr. said I need to choose to be induced at 38 weeks or a c-section at 39 weeks. Lo is estimated to be 10+lbs at birth. We are both healthy, but she doesn't think I will be able to push him down. At 34 weeks his head is already measuring 39 weeks.

My Dr. just wants me to wait for 39 weeks and have the C-section, she is afraid at 38 weeks I will still not be able to get him out and a section will still be needed.

She said it is mine and DH's choice, but we just don't know 100% because I really wanted to go drug-free.

Did your ob say why she didn't think you could push out a big baby? I'm assuming this is your first. My ob is in line with a lot of ob's in that they really don't know what you can or can't handle until you try. I know quite a few women who have vaginally birthed large babies.

I've also read that those size estimates can be way off. In your case, I would talk to my ob some more after having read up on some of these issues.

My initial thought is that as long as everything is fine, I would avoid an induction and wait to go naturally. If you go into labor and you are having difficulties, they can do a c-section then.

GypsyEsq · July 2009

A 10% margin of error on a 10lb baby is an entire pound either way. You'll clearly have to make your own decision here based on what you feel will be the best for you but there's a lot of medical literature out there indicating that induction for a suspected large baby (or scheduled c-section) isn't necessary and not supported by best evidence medicine. I'd hate to be in your position though. Best of luck.

Uiowachick01 · July 2009

margeincharge2:
Uiowachick01:

Lo is measuring 4+ weeks big. Last week at my apt. my Dr. said I need to choose to be induced at 38 weeks or a c-section at 39 weeks. Lo is estimated to be 10+lbs at birth. We are both healthy, but she doesn't think I will be able to push him down. At 34 weeks his head is already measuring 39 weeks.

My Dr. just wants me to wait for 39 weeks and have the C-section, she is afraid at 38 weeks I will still not be able to get him out and a section will still be needed.

She said it is mine and DH's choice, but we just don't know 100% because I really wanted to go drug-free.

Did your ob say why she didn't think you could push out a big baby? I'm assuming this is your first. My ob is in line with a lot of ob's in that they really don't know what you can or can't handle until you try. I know quite a few women who have vaginally birthed large babies.

I've also read that those size estimates can be way off. In your case, I would talk to my ob some more after having read up on some of these issues.

My initial thought is that as long as everything is fine, I would avoid an induction and wait to go naturally. If you go into labor and you are having difficulties, they can do a c-section then.

She said that she doesn't want me to labor for a long time and then end up with the section, but I know this can happen to any of us for an unseen reason. My plan was to wait unless there is a medical reason for either.

I have another apt tomorrow so DH and I intend on grilling her with a list of questions.

mkrystalkay · July 2009

Uiowachick01:
Lo is measuring 4+ weeks big. Last week at my apt. my Dr. said I need to choose to be induced at 38 weeks or a c-section at 39 weeks. Lo is estimated to be 10+lbs at birth. We are both healthy, but she doesn't think I will be able to push him down. At 34 weeks his head is already measuring 39 weeks.
My Dr. just wants me to wait for 39 weeks and have the C-section, she is afraid at 38 weeks I will still not be able to get him out and a section will still be needed.

This happened to me except I did not get the option for induction at 39 weeks. DD measured 8lbs 5 weeks before my due date and 10+ two weeks before due date. My dr strongly suggested csection as she felt the most comfortable with this due to the reasons you stated above. She did not want complications during labor and need c/s anyway. Well, DD was born at 39 weeks and she weighed 8lbs 1oz. So...I would go for the induction. Those size ultrasounds are not always very accurate.

haleyw458 · July 2009

Personally, I would choose the induction before the c-section. A lot of times doctors are wrong and the baby ends up being alot smaller, or you are able to still deliver vaginally even if the baby is big. DS's head was measuring 2 weeks ahead and he was born 6 lbs 11 oz at 38 weeks. If you go straight for the c-section, you will always wonder if you would have been able to deliver vaginally. Just make the best decision for you, and don't let your doctor pressure you into something you absolutely don't want. Goodluck!

smilelari · July 2009

I'd vote for neither and start reading up on optimal positioning for increasing space in the pelvis during delivery

IselaCid · July 2009

Uiowachick01:
Lo is measuring 4+ weeks big. Last week at my apt. my Dr. said I need to choose to be induced at 38 weeks or a c-section at 39 weeks. Lo is estimated to be 10+lbs at birth. We are both healthy, but she doesn't think I will be able to push him down. At 34 weeks his head is already measuring 39 weeks.
My Dr. just wants me to wait for 39 weeks and have the C-section, she is afraid at 38 weeks I will still not be able to get him out and a section will still be needed.
She said it is mine and DH's choice, but we just don't know 100% because I really wanted to go drug-free.

I would say neither and find a new OB.

JCM083009 · July 2009

IselaCid:
Uiowachick01:
Lo is measuring 4+ weeks big. Last week at my apt. my Dr. said I need to choose to be induced at 38 weeks or a c-section at 39 weeks. Lo is estimated to be 10+lbs at birth. We are both healthy, but she doesn't think I will be able to push him down. At 34 weeks his head is already measuring 39 weeks.
My Dr. just wants me to wait for 39 weeks and have the C-section, she is afraid at 38 weeks I will still not be able to get him out and a section will still be needed.
She said it is mine and DH's choice, but we just don't know 100% because I really wanted to go drug-free.

I would say neither and find a new OB.

Ditto. This whole thread is scary.

MrsS.13 · July 2009

I would go for the induction. At least you would be able to say you tried if it did end up in a c-section, but most likely it won't.

mrsrose16 · July 2009

My dr said my son measured between 5-6 lbs the week before my delivery, and he turned out to be 8lbs 6oz. Then they told me my dd was 8 lbs, and she was 5lbs 15oz. They can be very wrong. Although I had a c/s and everything went well, why not see if you can labor naturally first? I've heard a lot of failed induction stories when your body is not ready to deliver, my sil included.

ToledoDeux · July 2009

As usual, I agree with smilelari, Isela, and JCM. Nothing you have said indicates a need to limit your choices to either induction or c/s. However, if your doc is the type to jump at managed birth like this, I wonder if you will have the support you need to labor successfully, if the baby does indeed turn out to be big.

Like others said, women deliver big babies all the time. And in spontaneous natural labor, with optimal birthing positions and proper support, many have them without episiotomy or even tearing. This is not the standard of care in many hospital births, however. So, once again, ditto smilelari. Yes

Melanie.Brown · July 2009

Uiowachick01:
Lo is measuring 4+ weeks big. Last week at my apt. my Dr. said I need to choose to be induced at 38 weeks or a c-section at 39 weeks. Lo is estimated to be 10+lbs at birth. We are both healthy, but she doesn't think I will be able to push him down. At 34 weeks his head is already measuring 39 weeks.
My Dr. just wants me to wait for 39 weeks and have the C-section, she is afraid at 38 weeks I will still not be able to get him out and a section will still be needed.
She said it is mine and DH's choice, but we just don't know 100% because I really wanted to go drug-free.

I would go for the induction. Keep in mind that those measurements are just estimates. I work in L&D and I can't tell you how many C/S I've done for a "big baby" where the OB says "Oh, I thought you were going to be a lot bigger" when they see the baby and hear the weight. On the other hand I've seen a lot of "oh there is no way that baby would fit through your pelvis" , you just can't be 100% sure. As long as baby and I are healthy I would at least want to TRY for a vaginal birth, especially if you were hoping for a drug free birth.

katiekate1974 · July 2009

My DS was esitmated to be almost 8lbs when I was 32 weeks pregnant. My doctor didn't think I'd be able to push him out. I had to be induced due to pre-e at 38 weeks, but I refused to start with a C. I pushed my DS out in less than 30 minutes. And he was only 7lbs 13oz.

Do what you think is right. But I'd aim for an induction before a C.

chiromommyMichelle · July 2009

JCM083009:
IselaCid:
Uiowachick01:
Lo is measuring 4+ weeks big. Last week at my apt. my Dr. said I need to choose to be induced at 38 weeks or a c-section at 39 weeks. Lo is estimated to be 10+lbs at birth. We are both healthy, but she doesn't think I will be able to push him down. At 34 weeks his head is already measuring 39 weeks.
My Dr. just wants me to wait for 39 weeks and have the C-section, she is afraid at 38 weeks I will still not be able to get him out and a section will still be needed.
She said it is mine and DH's choice, but we just don't know 100% because I really wanted to go drug-free.

I would say neither and find a new OB.
Ditto. This whole thread is scary.

yep.

mediadiva · July 2009

You are at the end and I imagine you're too?nervous?to try a new OB. I would just ask to be induced at 39 weeks, and if it doesn't go well you wind up with a C/S anyway but?at-least?you know you waited and you tried. I would use a different OB if you plan to have more kids in the future.

?That really sucks, I'm sorry you've had all that! My DD was 8 pounds at 40w 5d and I had trouble pushing her out, but I was induced and I think it's because she didn't drop on her own and she was turned a bit funny, they vacum'd her out in the end to help me. I didn't want to wait past 41 weeks for other personal reasons so I am okay that I was induced, and glad I didn't wind up in a C/S which I attribute to being induced so late in the pregnancy. I wish I had gone natural but I can't complain as DD came out fine and was never distressed.

?

Manderlin923 · July 2009

I'm sorry you are going through this- I'm sure it's stressful.

But I agree with many posters on here. This whole thing is not sitting right with me. I just talked to my MW at my apt today about this whole rushing to induce or section for a "large baby" and she agreed it's ridiculous. There is an actual name for when your pelvis is too small to deliver a baby, sometimes due to disease like rickits or pelvic trauma but it's very rare. Women deliver 10+ babies all the time. It doesn't matter if you're really short or really skinny or have narrow hips. You cannot tell from looking at a woman or even examining someone.

The only way to tell if you can birth a baby is to try. Your pelvis widens during labor esp if you are in an optimal position (especially squatting) like up to 25% I think and babies heads conform to fit through. If your baby "drops" and their head engages in your pelvis I see no reason why you can't labor- the head fits so the rest will fit. I would be very very wary of a practioner who would reccomend MAJOR abdominal surgery with numerous risks to mom and baby over attempting to at least try to labor naturally and by that I mean not even be induced. A lot of women have to have sections and I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad about them but they are much riskier than vaginal birth and induction many times will lead to a c-section- just read some of the birth stories on here.

I hope you can get the birth you want and research as much as you can. Just because your doctor is a doctor and has gone to school and been educated and has experience does NOT mean that you cannot birth your baby vaginally. Every woman is different and you need to do what's best for you and your baby. Sorry I just wrote a book lol but hope you can learn as much as you can and don't be afraid to say NO to anything.

Good luck!

howa0155 · July 2009

What is going on? I would try induction and then see if c/s is needed. JMO.

Manderlin923 · July 2009

Found this on a website birthingnaturally.net

Large Baby
Some practitioners will suggest beginning labor if they believe the baby will be too large for the mother to give birth. There is no way for a doctor to accurately predict the size of the baby (ultrasound can be wrong a pound or more either way), or to predict the amount the pelvis will stretch during labor. The only way to accurately diagnose a baby that is too large to be born is to have a trial of labor with adequate pushing time.

A similar concern among mothers is often that a large baby is more difficult or painful to push out. At this it is important to remember that the difference between a baby born at 38 weeks and a baby born at 42 weeks is generally 2 pounds of fat (not bony tissues) since the major growth for the baby has been completed and the last month of pregnancy is spent in building fat supplies to help the baby survive the first week of life. Fatty tissue is mushy and pliable and can squeeze out easily. The size of bony tissue is more related to genetics than whether or not the baby had an extra week in the uterus.

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