Induction vs c-section?

Question

I originally wanted a natural unmedicated birth. However my doctor is concerned about high blood pressure and wants to induce me next week (I’ll be nearing 39 weeks) 
I’m so terrified that the pain will be so much worse with an induction. Is it worth considering a c-section instead?

Answer

So I went through this exact same issue and thought process, though at 37 weeks.  Ultimately, we decided to try the induction and if it was too bad or I wasn't progressing, I figured I'd get the c section.  In the end, I had 12 hours on cervidil and just under 12 hours on pitocin and my daughter was born.  I ended up having an episiotomy because after 2 hours of pushing her head wasn't coming out.  I am SO glad I decided to go with the induction instead of the csection.  Yes, I had a 3rd degree tear from the episiotomy (which was due to get 90th percentile head, not the induction), but my recovery was SOO much easier than many women I've seen with a csection. I did get the epidural, which was amazing, so I can't speak to the pain near the end.  Given the choice again, I would choose induction with epidural every time.

Answer

Induction isn’t as painful as people make it out to be, I was induced at 41 weeks. The pain was mild all the way up until I pushed my sons head out, I went to 7cm without any pain relief whatsoever, even after I only had little gas and air. I did end up having an episiotomy but that’s cause babies head wasn’t moving when I was pushing-( his head was too big for my canal). Healing after was painful but a lot easier than a C-section- or so I’ve heard. Go for the induction, you’ll be healing for months with a c-section and are more likely to be susceptible to infections, which will hinder the healing process!

Answer

You can still do a lot naturally to reduce pain and easing the way during an induction. It doesn't have to be much more painful than a birth that starts naturally. Can you talk to a doula? Look into things like spinning babies and read  Ina May Gaskins book(s) or other books about pain reducing methods.

Answer

I decided that if my body has showed any progress through dilation and effacement, I’d try the induction. I have mild preeclampsia and will need to deliver at 37 weeks. If your body is prepared, my doctor says induction can be very close to a natural birth and typically successful. If there’s no progress before induction, I’d elect a cesarean. The chances of an induction ending in a cesarean is so high if your body isn’t ready, I’d rather start there instead of stress and go through the pain. My doctor is okay with this plan, but only you and your doctor can find out what will work in your situation.

Answer

I’ve been induced twice, the second time was just the 16th of this month. Both times went perfectly but I did get epidural with both too, I admit it the pain was just too much for me (and let’s face it, there’s no prize or award for delivering a baby epidural free!). If I had to choose between induction or csection I’d choose induction every single time, hands down! I had a very minor tear the first induction which my doctor put two stitches in as a “precaution” and no tears the second induction. They really aren’t that big of a deal in my opinion, I’d say the worst is that it can possibly make labor last a bit longer but labor without induction can last just as long, there’s no telling really.
Good luck!

Answer

I had an induction, no epidural just the gas. I was up walking within a few hours. I did get a second degree tear but it didn’t effect my ability to get out of the bed.
This is my first birth. I was 38 weeks and had high blood pressure

Answer

I had an epidural with my induction. I didn't feel anything until it was time to push. I was walking less than an hour after delivery. My friends say the recovery from a c section is awful. I'd choose induction any day!

Answer

Definitely not worth it. I’ve had a c-section and a vaginal birth. Recovery time in a vaginal birth (assuming no cuts or tears occur) is almost immediate. With a c-section, it took me 2 days to get out of bed. Not worth it.

Induction vs c-section?

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