Induction v C-section WWYD?

eli_and_jeff · September 2011

Ok, so my LO must come out next Wednesday or Thursday to avoid a possible, very serious, complication regarding the placenta. LO is measuring 8lbs 4oz right now so the doctor is giving me the choice between a c-section and an induction.

(FYI He's very non-interventionist, if it wasn't for this one problem, he'd let me wait it out as long as it was safe to wait it out.)

Right now, I'm leaning towards induction, but the problem is I'm not dilated at all and I've heard inductions from zero usually end up as c-sections. I really don't want to go through a long painful induction labor, only to end up having a c-section anyway.

We don't have to make the decision until Tuesday, so...what would you do if you were in my situation? Also, if you've have a successful vaginal delivery with an induction starting at zero, it would be great to hear that too.

MrandMrsAndrews · September 2011

I would try to do some things at home to ripen the cervix. Sex can help - the prostaglandins in semen can help soften the cervix. You might even see if your doctor might be alright with some Evening Primrose Oil - which might help soften your cervix too. This way you are starting the softening/ripening process to maybe lead to a more successful induction.

silivren · September 2011

sorry bump burp

tessylynn6 · September 2011

i've heard wonders about raspberry leaf tea as well. i was induced but started out at about 3 cm being 9 days past my due date. i drank this for about a month before my due date...not sure if it helped, but my doula swears by it!

kris_kelsey · September 2011

I would opt for induction...and in the mean time drink raspberry leaf tea, have sex multiple times, go for some good long walks, and try breast pumping a few times per day (for 15ish minutes) to encourage contractions and ripening of the cervix. induction may be less successful, but if they are able to ripen your cervix (like using cytotec or cervidil or gel) then your induction is more likely to be successful. At least you know you tried, and then you wouldn't question your decision next time around. Plus, a c section is not a walk in the park and is much better to avoid that damage to your muscles and structures if possible. Just my 2 cents

eli_and_jeff · September 2011

Thanks, ladies! I've been using EPO for a month, and walking and having sex because I knew this 39 week deadline was looming. I've been getting lots of contractions every day, but apparently, they're doing bupkis to open my cervix up.

The doctor says it's completely normal for a FTM. Of course, I finally get a normal pregnancy moment and it has to be this

Raspberry Leaf Tea and an increase in EPO will be next on the agenda then. Here's hoping for some progress this weekend!

Leap08 · September 2011

Personally, I would only do an induction if I were some what dilated and thinning. I hated everything about being induced, though. I had wanted a natural / med-free birth, and I felt like the induction just led to one intervention after another. And then I ended up with a c-section anyway. I don't think it's an easy decision, and I feel for you. It's hard to choose major surgery without trying for a vaginal birth. Good luck!

wilsjga · September 2011

I'm usually just a lurker, but I wanted to tell you about my induction. With my DD, I was induced at 39w2d due to gestational diabetes. When I went in to the hospital, I was dialted 0 cm. After the 12 hours of cervadil, I was 2 cm and my water broke on its own. Then, the pitocin was started and 7 hours later, my DD was born vaginally.

ludicrous · September 2011

I would at least try the induction. I was also closed when I went in to be induced with my daughter at 38 weeks. They used cervadil, my water broke on it's own a couple of hours later and my daughter was born within 8 hours.

memali26 · September 2011

I was induced at 39 weeks with DD1 due to GD. I had made zero progress on my own. It took 56 hours, two rounds of cervadil, 38 hours of actual labor, 15ish hours of pitocin, and the doctor breaking my water, but I had a successful, fairly easy vaginal delivery. I'm going in tomorrow to be induced again, and at last check I was only 1 cm.

llamakins · September 2011

Edit: I just realized you have MORE time to start labor--a lot can change between now and next Tues/Weds--you could plan to induce and then if you are not having any favorable signs, you could schedule a c/s with your doc at that point??

I was in a somewhat similar situation with baby #1. Given the choice of induction or c/s, but feeling like an induction would fail. I did EVERYTHING I could that week to induce labor--including accupuncture. In the meantime, I scheduled a c/s since I Was concerned about my baby's size and safety at delivery. I did not start any labor and had a scheduled c/s at 41 weeks 1 day. Baby was 10 lbs 7 oz so it was the right decision for me. He was healthy, safe and sound at delivery and I had a good recovery from my direct c/s. Your situation is different since the baby is not that large, but I can understand your concern about not being "favorable" for induction. It's a tough call, but whatever you decide--I wish you peace with your decision.

MissBHaven1024 · September 2011

MrandMrsAndrews:
I would try to do some things at home to ripen the cervix. Sex can help - the prostaglandins in semen can help soften the cervix. You might even see if your doctor might be alright with some Evening Primrose Oil - which might help soften your cervix too. This way you are starting the softening/ripening process to maybe lead to a more successful induction.

This. Also, while some inductions can lead to C-section, there are still successful inductions that result in a vaginal birth. You still have a chance to have a vaginal birth if that's what you desire. I would also drink Raspberry Red Leaf Tea, which hels to strengthen the uterus for contractions.

So to answer your question, I would go with an induction and do these at home things as well.

CakeBatter · September 2011

I'm terrified of a CS, so I'd choose the induction. I had an induction with DD1 at 39 weeks and she was 8 lbs 13 oz. I don't remember my effacement but I was only 1 cm. They had me come in the night before to have Cervadil inserted to soften my cervix. She was born vaginally about 12 hours after the Cervadil was removed. I think there are some things you can do to prepare your cervix, like sex, evening primrose and red raspberry leaf tea. GL!