XP Unexpected news at 40 wk appt

verona_1999 · March 2011

So I'm not sure what to think. I just got back from my 40 week dr appt. Baby girl looked great on nst and sono so that was good. I'm still only 1 cm but my cervix is getting shorter. The doctor set up an induction date for Monday night. But she also told me that she doesn't think I will be able to deliver vaginally. She said my pelvis may be to small and baby is on the bigger side. But she said that she wanted me to be induced to see how it goes and then I may still end up with a c-section. I'm not against a c-section but I'm just not sure on why try to labor if it will probably end up in a c-section anyway? Do I even have a choice to go straight for the c-section? Any thoughts or other mommies with this experience? TIA!

ECB0718 · March 2011

There is a post below about this....

gatorlove05 · March 2011

I'm not sure why she doesn't think you could deliver vaginally. Are you petite? Does your family have a history of problems delivering? Mom or sister? Baby's size estimated by u/s late in pregnancy are not always accurate -rarely are. I understand not wanting to labor just to end up having a c-section but it is a major surgery regardless of how OFTEN it is done. Going in for induction without much dilation could be setting you up for failure for s vaginal delivery. But a lot can change in a few days too!

verona_1999 · March 2011

My mom and sister both had trouble and both ended up with c-sections. And I'm not too concerned with baby's weight because I know that it can vary so much. It shocked me when the dr. even mentioned that my pelvis may be too small. I'm petite but never thought it would be an issue. I guess I'm not against laboring i'm just scared of baby getting stuck or having to use forceps. If that makes sense.

dbertagni · March 2011

With DD I was told the baby was large and high (I never dropped)and that I would not go into labor on my own. I did go into labor 8 days early and I progressed to 10cm and pushed for 3 hours. I could not fit DD through my pelvic bones (nor could my mom or 2 sister have vaginal births), like you said, they were too narrow for her size. After I was told that a c/s was my best option we went for it and I was then told I would need a repeat c/s if I were to have more kids. I am scheduled for another c/s this time. DD was 8lbs14oz so I am glad I don't have to labor again!

ailidespain · March 2011

You should definitely try for a vaginal birth, c sections are not fun or so I have heard.

cynnnabun · March 2011

I had a c-section, and I'm opting for a VBAC this time. They're estimating her to be pretty big, but I still plant to try EVERYthing before having another c-section. It's just not worth it to me. I'd like to exhaust any other option first.

There's other people that totally disagree and would hate going through labor to end with a section. So, it's honestly personal preference. But I hated my c/s, and would never go straight to one.

forensicmama · March 2011

I delivered my DD when she was posterior (which makes it very hard to delivery vaginally) and induced to boot! I had a very long and painful labor and I ended up with an episiotomy and a vacuum-assisted birth. I later visited a midwife for a yearly exam and she mentioned that I have a small pelvis! I had no idea! It's not too surprising, though, as I am only 5 feet 2 inches and quite petite. Anyway, she asked how big my DD was - 7 lbs 11 oz - and she said basically, "Wow! You had a big baby for having such a small pelvis!" Long story short, I did not want a c-section and I would never want one, as they have more complications and a longer healing time. To add to that story, women have delivered 12 lb babies, 20 lb babies... it's insanity! I think, personally, that you could deliver your baby!

I have no doubts about what a woman could do when in labor!

jazzyag · March 2011

Just don't push on your back. It narrows the pelvis. If you can squat it will help open your pelvis a lot, and make it easier for the baby to pass through.

mmarsac · March 2011

My dr. said the same thing about me. I'm scheduled for a c-section at the end of the month. She gave me the option to try delivering vaginally, but I feel the same way. I would rather go ahead with the c-section if there's a big chance I won't be able to deliver vaginally. I think it would be less trauma for Lo and for me.

Megan.10.06 · March 2011

forensicmama:
I delivered my DD when she was posterior (which makes it very hard to delivery vaginally) and induced to boot! I had a very long and painful labor and I ended up with an episiotomy and a vacuum-assisted birth. I later visited a midwife for a yearly exam and she mentioned that I have a small pelvis! I had no idea! It's not too surprising, though, as I am only 5 feet 2 inches and quite petite. Anyway, she asked how big my DD was - 7 lbs 11 oz - and she said basically, "Wow! You had a big baby for having such a small pelvis!" Long story short, I did not want a c-section and I would never want one, as they have more complications and a longer healing time. To add to that story, women have delivered 12 lb babies, 20 lb babies... it's insanity! I think, personally, that you could deliver your baby! I have no doubts about what a woman could do when in labor!

This is pretty much me to a T! My son was 7lb 6 oz, posterior, I am 5'1 and induced at 38 weeks for cholestasis. Since I'm already showing symptoms it will probably be the same again, but if not, I'll be induced at 39 since we know I cannot deliver a bigger baby! Even then, there's no guarantee I'll be able to get him out since he's looking the same if not bigger than his brother, and currently posterior as well - but I would rather try for a vaginal and then have to have a c/s instead of skipping straight to it. It doesn't hurt to try, and even with my episiotomy that literally went into my butt, recovery is still 10 times easier! If nothing else, consider it a workout!

hhhmmm · March 2011

Yes, the c-section is definitely your decision. It's the option of vaginally that they sometimes will not give you due to certain situations (baby too big, baby in distress, etc). However, if the c-section is something you prefer they will definitely go ahead with it. Like pp have said, it is a longer recovery, and still a major surgery. Sometimes they are also wrong about baby's size, so giving birth vaginally may be worth trying. You can always change your mind when the time comes and youve exhausted all efforts. My advice, go with what will makes you feel the most comfortable.

PaxMama · March 2011

I had DS1 in 2008. I am Pacific Islander, 5'2" and he weighed 10lbs even. I labored for nearly 30 hours and pushed for 4. I wound up with a C-Section. Recovery was awful.

I am 39w1d with DD right now. She may be 8lbs. I am still trying for a VBAC. Even if I wind up with a labor + surgery experience, I would like to avoid C/S.

It *is* better for baby to experience the hormones that kick in when you go into labor to help prepare his or her body for being born. But that is considering there are no other factors that would make C/S the safer and more healthy choice.

kacelle · March 2011

My friend was just induced at 39 weeks for this reason, and after 17 hours of labour, had to have a C-section. This may not be the case for you, but I'd hate to have gone through 17 hours of pitocin-induced contractions only to find out that the baby wouldn't fit!

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