Pressure for Induction or C-Section

lilitaliangirl · January 2015

https://www.yahoo.com/parenting/pregnant-doctor-shocked-by-c-section-pressure-107423957407.html

I read this article and curious what others have experienced and think. For me, my doc is very conservative and prefers to let things happen as naturally as possible. I had not wanted to be induced when pregnant with DS, but at 41 weeks he decided to induce me (which by that point I agreed), but believe 100% if I said I wanted to wait another week he would have been on board.

But, I have seen just the opposite with my sister and few friends of mine. Their doctors were discussing induction dates when they started 3rd Trimester. And they were all induced at 38 & 39 weeks. IMO, I think this is not responsible and selfish on the doctors part. Again, IMO, the only reason is for convenience for the doctor. I have one friend, however, who was induced at 37 weeks because of a severe medical issue, which I understand happens, too.

agapeflower117 · January 2015

If it's for a real medical purpose, I think it's fine and should be given. If someone gets a c-section because they're scared of labor, or their doctor insists because look at how convenient it is, I think it's wrong. Babies stay in that long for a reason, they can benefit from every minute they're in there until your body knows when they should come out.

Also, it's well understood c-sections are a way for doctors and hospitals to make that money...I'd rather go as natural as possible and keep my money in my wallet if I can!

taisree · January 2015

I don't find it surprising. Last pregnancy I remember watching a documentary on the number of c sections, back then as a first time mom I found it alarming. I was and am totally against c section (if I can safely avoid it of course).

I'm in Canada, but my mat doc warned me about the possibility as I went overdue. I went to 41 weeks and had to be induced twice. This time he has said I could have a c section if I wanted, which I found surprising.

But, for those that have had c sections: isn't the recovery time longer? If the point of pressure is to get moms to deliver and be discharged quicker it doesn't make complete sense.

blu-eyedwife · January 2015

agapeflower117 said:

Also, it's well understood c-sections are a way for doctors and hospitals to make that money...I'd rather go as natural as possible and keep my money in my wallet if I can!

It's well understood? By whom?

Every doctor and hospital I know and have heard of would prefer not to do a C-section. The risks are higher for mother and baby, and the liability is greater meaning doctors that perform C-sections and hospitals where many are performed have higher insurance premiums. They certainly don't make more money, in fact it often costs them more.

lilitaliangirl · January 2015

megd893 said:

Here's another article related to the issue. A friend just posted this and it's a good read. Written by an OB no less.

https://friscowomenshealth.com/Blog/Cesarean-Section/Top-Ten-Signs-Your-Doctor-Is-Planning-To-Perform-An-Unnecessary-Cesarean-Section-On-You.html

Great article!

ksimo6 · January 2015

taisree said:

But, for those that have had c sections: isn't the recovery time longer? If the point of pressure is to get moms to deliver and be discharged quicker it doesn't make complete sense.

I had a planned c-section for medical reasons and I was physically feeling great by two weeks post partum. I was up and walking... Showered etc about 12 hours after surgery. I understand that the recovery can be harder if you labor and push prior to the c-section, but I had zero issues.

agapeflower117 · January 2015

blu-eyedwife said:

agapeflower117 said:

Also, it's well understood c-sections are a way for doctors and hospitals to make that money...I'd rather go as natural as possible and keep my money in my wallet if I can!

It's well understood? By whom?

Every doctor and hospital I know and have heard of would prefer not to do a C-section. The risks are higher for mother and baby, and the liability is greater meaning doctors that perform C-sections and hospitals where many are performed have higher insurance premiums. They certainly don't make more money, in fact it often costs them more.

I didn't mean to speak for anybody else. I suppose I mean to say "It would not be surprising to me in our current medical society that docs and hospitals might take advantage of the high to the patient cost of c-sections in order to raise their profits a bit and make their own scheduling lives easier."

lovemywildgirls · January 2015

I agree that some OBs seem all too eager to induce early or schedule a C/S. I have a friend that got induced at 38 weeks just because she was uncomfortable. Another that had a C/S early because her doc had her scared that she was having a 10lb baby and wouldn't be able to push him out. Her baby came out 8lbs. Another had a C/S after she was induced. She progress pretty quickly to 5cm then had stayed there a few hours. Neither her or baby were in distress but her OB came in and ofter her a C/S.

I would really try not to opt for an induction or C/S unless it's really medically needed. I got induced at just past 42 weeks with DD1, it wasn't a terrible experience but it's just nice to be able to labor at home for awhile. DD2 I luckily went into labor at 41 weeks.

If labor is not progressing, I would ask the nurses for suggestions. They are awesome! With DD1, I had one really amazing nurse that had me hanging from a bar, got me a big ball to bounce/rock on. Also, see if they'll let you walk around. They normally don't want you to after you have the IV but again just be open with your doc and nurses and tell them different things you'd like to try and they're usually really helpful

wegrowsheep · January 2015

My previous OB (when we lived way out in the sticks) suggested after DS's birth that he would lean towards an induction for subsequent deliveries, but only because we lived 90 miles from the hospital and my labor was fast. We had cut it close getting there on time

However, we moved, so it's no longer an issue (I hope)!

NirvanaGreen · January 2015

I am pregnant with twins. My OB told me he recommends c-sections for all of his twin moms, but if the babies are both in a good position we could try for a vaginal birth if I wanted to.

I'm planning on just having the c-section.

ohiodoxiemama08 · January 2015

I think it really depends. The hospital I am delivering at really tries to avoid c-sections unless medically necessary. And the practice I go to is the same way and definitely doesn't regularly practice inductions (especially before the EDD) unless necessary.

The previous practice I was with knew my opinion on the issue--I didn't even want to talk about induction until I was over a week overdue. Luckily I ended up having DD early.

I think the biggest thing that I stress to all my mama friends is to be an advocate for yourself. Obviously the best interest of mom and baby come first--but don't allow yourself to be pushed into a situation you're not comfortable with if not medically necessary.

Ana0927 · January 2015

arrestclementine said:

ksimo6 said:

But, for those that have had c sections: isn't the recovery time longer? If the point of pressure is to get moms to deliver and be discharged quicker it doesn't make complete sense.
I had a planned c-section for medical reasons and I was physically feeling great by two weeks post partum. I was up and walking... Showered etc about 12 hours after surgery. I understand that the recovery can be harder if you labor and push prior to the c-section, but I had zero issues.

I also had a planned cs. The recovery/surgery was better than the previous back surgeries I have had. I was up within 6 hours, showered early the next morning, and off of all pain pills before I left the hospital. I was actually also discharged at the same time as if I would have had a vaginal delivery.

Same here 2 planned c-sections and the second was even better than the first. I was up and walking within hours, didn't need any pain meds, they gave me the option of leaving early but I stayed the 4 days. I felt great when I came home and was able to get back into my routine right away. I will be having a c-section with #3 as well.

KimberlyandThor2014 · January 2015

My OB for my daughter was very intervention-happy. I stood my ground when she tried to convince me to schedule a c-section because my baby was "definitely going to be over 10 lbs" (she was 8 lbs at birth).

She then insisted upon induction at 40 weeks (because of GD) which luckily only cervadil was needed to throw me into labor- pitocin was to start in the morning but labor kicked in overnight. Then, during the pushing phase, after only 20 minutes she had cut me 4 different times for a full episiotomy that went all the way to my bum. She also was very roughly pulling on my placenta to get it out. No patience whatsoever. I will not tolerate so much unnecessary intervention this time. If it is medically necessary, I'm absolutely on board! But this was all very pre-emptive. I've heard she has since retired.

Schnurette · January 2015

I am 100% what the doctor suggests but around here I don't think there is such an issue with docs suggesting this kind of stuff if it isn't necessay. With DD they told me that even though she was measuring huge at 38 weeks she was still about .2lbs off of letting me choose a csection and when they induced me it was because of my blood pressure not the timeline.

I only get to choose a c this time because I had one last time.

turquoisequeen · January 2015

I don't think this author is telling the whole story. She had pre-eclampsia which is a huge labor risk as well as being AMA and with GD -all this explains why she was induced and on those drugs. She is also obese. All of these factors play into her risk and why drs were concerned which I think she downplays in her article.

I do think one of the drs was still acting like a jerk but still a bit of a slanted article.

AmyCee · January 2015

I had a c-section that was boarder line emergency...I was water skiing 8 weeks later -- I also nursed for 13 months - DS self-weened when he learned to walk and preferred to eat on the run.
why people are so against c-sections I'll never understand...
Every friend who pushed for a vaginal when they should have had a c-section had terrible recovery times and complications including harder times nursing!

My doc is in it for healthy babies and moms - not extra money.

I would love to try for a natural birth - but based on my history and family history, it's not worth putting my baby at risk.

I've not seen one medal or child stamped with "natural" vs c-section.

I wish everyone healthy, happy babies however you have to get them out

mamayo26 · January 2015

I would not dilate with my first. Because I had GD they like to induce at 39 weeks but I pushed to the following Monday for a couple of personal reasons. After cirvidil and as much pitocin as they could give me 24 hours later I was only 5.5 and 50% and spiked a fever so had to have an emergency c/s. OB also told me afterwards that due to my hips not spreading I would have ended up a c/s anyway. Due to that, a higher chance of GD again we have opted for a scheduled c/s which they do at 39 weeks. Hopefully since it is planned recovery will be quicker. I think my severe edema also delayed my recovery.

agapeflower117 · January 2015

I have 0% problem with anyone wanting a c-sections or inducing for medical purposes. If the baby is healthy, awesome. If it was medically recommended for me, and it meant a healthy baby, I'd do it, no question. But I do know women who have purposefully scheduled their babies to have a certain birth date, as well as someone who was scared of labor so that's why she did it. It just really squicks me out, for some reason.

At the end of the day, moms can do whatever they want, it's their lives. But labor shouldn't be feared, IMO.

blu-eyedwife · January 2015

agapeflower117 said:

I have 0% problem with anyone wanting a c-sections or inducing for medical purposes. If the baby is healthy, awesome. If it was medically recommended for me, and it meant a healthy baby, I'd do it, no question. But I do know women who have purposefully scheduled their babies to have a certain birth date, as well as someone who was scared of labor so that's why she did it. It just really squicks me out, for some reason. At the end of the day, moms can do whatever they want, it's their lives. But labor shouldn't be feared, IMO.

I'm not arguing with you - I think you're dead on about elective c-sections in this regard, but what you're speaking about is the exact opposite of what you said before, and the opposite of the fear mongering articles. Both of which referred to the c-sections being pushed by the physicians, not the women themselves. And I think that's one of the factors that people need to keep in mind when they start throwing numbers around with c-sections. Many of them are elective by the mother-to-be, for whatever reason. It's not just a matter of "C-section rates are at an all time high! Doctors are scheduling them for funsies! Beware!"

sammyca · January 2015

I've had 2 OBs and never any pressure for induction or CS. I was induced a couple of weeks before my due date with #1 but there was no choice (pre-eclampsia).

My AW sister was initially offered an induction at 40w though 99% sure she actually asked for it. She then changed her mind as she was worried she would labour and then need an emergency C/S. She asked for a scheduled CS and got one.

LadySif · January 2015

To each their own. I was induced at 41 because of GD and while it nearly ended up CS due to fetal distress, things turned around and I was able to deliver vaginally. The only CS I ever seriously side-eyed was a friend's sister who scheduled it purely because her mom was going to be in town. At 38 weeks. I was appalled the doctor went along with it. No medical reason whatsoever, just convenience for her mom's visit.

@KimberlyandThor2014 - OUCH. I had an episiotomy too and was grateful at the time but a 4th degree?! Awful! Glad you'll have a different doc this time.

ReadyforBaby2 · January 2015

I didn't mean to speak for anybody else. I suppose I mean to say "It would not be surprising to me in our current medical society that docs and hospitals might take advantage of the high to the patient cost of c-sections in order to raise their profits a bit and make their own scheduling lives easier."

I think this is a huge over generalization and part of the problem in our society. Most doctors are the complete opposite of what you just described and it really upsets me when people portray doctors as horrible people. I know it's been political rhetoric that doctors are bad for a while, but I believe that to be a horrible thing to say about the people who choose to go to many many years of school to help others.
Ok, sorry off my soapbox.

auburnmamma · January 2015

My doctor is paid the same amount whether I'm a CSection or VBAC.

With DS I had a C Section when he got stuck and I spiked a fever. Even after 14 hours of labor and 2 hours pushing, the recovery wasn't terrible.

I'm with a new doctor for this baby and she asked me what I wanted to happen and I opted for a repeat C. I asked her thoughts and she was all for happy and healthy baby and mom.

jfelicio · January 2015

I had an emergency c section with my DD. Recovery time for me was almost month. Things went wrong that is why it took so long to recover. Now I have a planned c section. I have no choice. The risk is to high to have a natural birth now. ...
Hoping all goes well this time !

poppyc8 · January 2015

i had a similar experience w/ my doctor. i was so upset at 39 weeks when i got a call from my doctor's office to schedule my induction and delivery. i called my doctor directly to discuss. he explained to me that he was on vacation for 1 week starting the day after my due date so if i didn't mind possibly having another doctor in his office delivering the baby then an induction/scheduling my delivery was not necessary. i was ok with having another doctor. it ended up working out because i went into labor and delivered exactly on my due date with no induction. DS was very punctual coming into this world)

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