Induction versus Scheduled C-Section

After the hospital visit yesterday, see my previous post, m bf and I were talking last night.  I didn't know if anyone might have insight on this question.....since they are talking about inducing me after my Wednesday appointment, would it be better just to inquire about a scheduling a C-Section?

I know the recovery time is longer with a C-Section, but with all the abdominal and previous "female" surgeries I have had, I can't imagine any longer than those.....Everyone I know that has been induced has said it is horrible.  Had I went into labor, I wanted to have a "natral" birth, but since the doctors are talking induction, I thought I would look into a c-section....

Anyone that has any advice or insight, I would greatly appreciate your input!

Hugs!

I personally if at all cost would not have a c section.  I have done both and I must say it was better without the c section.  That said, my second child was induced and ended in a c section.  I have heard that many women end up with a c section after they start the induction meds.  Sometimes the medication makes the baby's heart rate slow down.  That is what happened in my case.  Since they did the first c section they refused to let me have either one of the other two natural.  I hated the c sections.  I could not hold any of them for awhile and I wanted to hold them right after.  That is just my personal experience. 

Thanks so much, Toni!  I want any and all input.....my first, and most likely last experience, with childbirth.  I want to do what is right for my and I .  I am kind of hoping labor will magically begin before tomorrow......

Thanks again!

Most doctors won't even consider scheduling you for a c-section unless there is a medical reason.  Female and abdominal surgeries don't count (I'd had 4).  I wanted one with my first, but they wouldn't even hear of it.  They will induce you, and lots of those do turn into c-sections, but they won't just forego the induction.  Then if you've had a previous c-section, depending on the doctor, they will let you just go ahead and schedule subsequent deliveries by c-section.

It doesn't hurt to ask, but I would be very surprised if they did a c-section without trying induction first.

I was told that this time a c-section was the best way to go to ensure that both baby and I survive.
Because of the previous c-section, several other female surgeries, endo, adhesions, and scar tissue...they said my insides are all jumbled around a bit and could cause unncessary complications.

I'm okay with the c-section. Given all the other oodles of surgeries (including 2 knee surgeries in 2 years), it's a walk in the park.

I do agree that it's a bummer to not hold your baby right away....but at least my hubby was able to with our son. Something is better than nothing, especially if it means your health not being compromised.

Just my 2cents worth  :-)

-Jessica

Both of my children were induced. My first was 11 years ago and that labor was quick, intense and pretty barable. Once I started having contractions it was 7 hours until I had her, no pain meds or epidural. My son who is almost 4 was also induced, again very intense and this time it was long. It was 35 hours and I had a c-section at the end. I really only had unmanagable contractions once they broke my water with him and at that point I asked for the epidural. This was about 30 hours into labor and up until then it felt like gas pains or menstrual cramps. I truly believe that if they had not broke my water I could have continued naturally and not ended up with a c-section. However both of my recoveries were easy. My daugher I was up walking and taking a shower with in the hour. With my son my husband was deployed and I lived in the 3rd floor of an apt with NO elevator. I managed with little to no pain for 6 weeks until he came home. If I ever have more children I would love to have a natural birth again but I would not be dissapointed and worried if I had to have a c-section. Being active during your pregnancy will make your recovery quicker and easier no matter what kind of birth you have. Good Luck to you :)

I do NOT want to be induced. I am going to insist on a C-section if I get to that point. However, as of right now Punkin is breech and I will be having one anyway. Good luck hun. Did you get an angel yet?

Before insisting or pushing for a c-section, you need to bear in mind that a c-section is a major surgery...and not something to be taken 'lightly' as an alternative to avoiding the induction.  I'm not saying the induction is easy - I've been w/a friend 2x during her delivery which were both inductions and I know they're not - at least not compared to my delivery w/my son (not that that was 'easy,' but comparatively speaking).  I guess what I'm trying to say is...if the dr decides to induce...go with it and see what happens...and use the c-section as a last alternative. 

In the meantime...try some of the 'home remedies' everyone mentions to try to get things going on their own - the cod liver oil, raspberry leaf tea, walking, sex/****** nipple stimulation....put bf to work!  See if you can convince this baby to put a move on it!

It's so much better for you to go into labor on your own and have a natural birth. That being said, I went through two days of pitocin with my first and ended up with a c-section. I have had 3 c-sections total. I personally would rather go straight to a c-section then go through pitocin pains, only to end up with a c-section anyway.

Does your doctor have a good reason for wanting to induce. Can you insist on putting an induction off?

Melanie

I was induced and  I had no problems. I would never opt to have surgery if I didn't need it. But to each his own