Can I choose a c section instead of an induction?

Hi guys, just wondered if I was able to choose an elective c section over an induction if I went past my due date and if anyone has had experience of requesting this?

Read more on Peanut

The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.

Learn more about our guidelines.

Add a comment

I remember as my due date was approaching they did ask me if I would consider other methods like induction or c-section delivery. It was in my final hospital check ups though but maybe you could ask the midwife if you can request one now so they can get your pre-op ready

I requested this for myself, I had an appointment with a consultant who explained everything to me and then a scheduled pre op date where they would take blood and confirm the date of the c section. I ended up having my little girl on the day of my pre op so I can’t say what happens after that but it was a really easy process for me I just mentioned it to my midwife and she put through the request for a consultant x

Just remember that going past your due date isn't a good reason to be induced (or have a c section) on its own - the due date is an estimate and you can go a couple of weeks past it without any considerable extra risk! So the third option is just hanging tight and waiting! That said, you can absolutely ask for a c section if you feel it's right for you 😊

Amazing thank you. I have a consultant appt next week (36 weeks) and ideally would like to have a spontaneous labour before (or on/a day or so later) due date, but avoid an induction and go straight to c section if it gets to it

Can i ask why do you prefer a c-section over induction? Is there any reason to avoid Inductions?

Yes you are within your rights to choose an elective C-section but consider the after-op care and any complications that may arise from the procedure

I know that a number of inductions can result in c sections anyway, and you may have to also have multiple inductions if the first doesn’t work - I’ve been working with a female health physio on my very tense pelvic floor and an induction ie a balloon for me would be very difficult, uncomfortable and a negative start to the birth process. A c section would floor me recovery wise, of course, but the birth would be quite straightforward.

Thank you, I’m asking because I had an induction and I had a natural birth. I didn’t know inductions could result in c-sections, glad to be educated.

No problem - I believe around 19% of natural delivery results in c sections vs 36% of inductions. I’m glad yours didnt! How was your induction experience if you don’t mind me asking?

I wasn't past my due date, but they did want to induce me at 39 wks due to high blood pressure. They didn't even mentioned a cesarean; however, I knew that if an induction was offered, that I would want a cesarean instead. So I requested to speak to a consultant and they saw me that week. They spoke to me about the risks etc, I signed a form and they got me in 2 days later as a category C ('planned unplanned cesarean). If you're in the UK, you have the right to ask for a cesarean if you want one. I chose that for me because have q severe anxiety and the cesarean meant I had a little more control and more certainties as to what was going to happen vs an induction.

It was good, i lost all my water but i was not having contractions so I got induced with Pitocin at 11pm and by 4am i was fully dilated and before 5am my baby was out. Very nice experience in my opinion, very fast

I just didn’t like the idea of having a surgery so I was glad it came out naturally

Always avoid induction imo.

Highly recommend a planned c section, so calm, little pain bar some needles. And recovery was nothing like anyone made out, had him at 1pm and was walking around carrying him that evening. Home next day.

in our community

Oh my God, oh my God I hope this is not true!!!! I’m kind of scared

I’ve been throwing up and taking a shit all night!!! I just hope that it’s not what I think it is

Small head reported following 20 week scan

Has anyone else had it flagged that their baby is in the bottom 5th percentile for head size?

They said everything was fine whilst we were in the scan and then I got a phone call the next day saying that it’s on the small side and we’re being referred to a paediatric specialist at St George’s. Has anyone else had this and how did things go??

Would you bring 9 week old to a family party of 35+ people?

These are also people who will want to pass the baby around and get a turn to hold him. He just got his 2 month shots two days ago

Exercise 6 weeks after c section

What movement did people start to introduce? I won’t do anything too vigorous until I’ve seen the pelvic physio as I don’t want to compromise anything that may have been extremely weakened through pregnancy! But just wondering what types of classes/movement people started off with?

Is this normal??

I’m 29 weeks pregnant and having really aching legs and they’re all lumpy and swollen. Above the knee and behind the knee . Should I be worried ? My legs have never looked like this up until a few days ago. ??

Induction experience

I just wanted to share my experience with being induced as I wasn’t sure what to expect and thought it may help others.

I opted for the foley balloon which was inserted at 8am Saturday morning, I had to stay in hospital due to hypertension and protein urine however usually you can just go home once this has been done. The insertion of the balloon was not painful, was slightly uncomfortable as there was slight pressure. I actually found having the cervix checked prior to be worse (again not painful at this point just uncomfortable) The balloon had little effect and after having it removed I was still only 1cm. Removal also was pain free and hardly even noticeable.

I then had my first dose of the gel and definitely noticed a difference, I started experiencing period like cramps almost immediately however they were light and manageable. After 6 hours I had another cervix check and although my cervix was soft it was still only 1cm and was only open at the front. I had another dose of the gel and felt an increase in pressure and more intense cramping where I now required pain relief (codeine). After another 6 hours I had another cervix check and I had now dilated to 2-3cm however was still quite difficult to get all the way through so a third gel was recommended which I agreed to.

Almost immediately I noticed the difference and was in considerable pain, I had paracetamol and codeine however the contractions had now become intense and a lot closer together (around 3 minutes apart). After a couple of hours I had my last cervix check and was 4cm and taken down to the Labour ward to have my waters broken and an epidural.

I had been in my room for approx 20minutes when my waters broke by themselves and I was now 10cm and actively pushing…. There was no time for the epidural and my beautiful girl arrived into the world within 2 minutes of pushing.

All in all I would say the cramps/contractions were manageable up until the third gel where it became pretty unbearable however it was for a very short time a gas and air helped take the edge off. The worst part about any of it was actually the later cervix checks where after stimulating the cervix my contractions were at their most painful.

If I had to be induced again I would skip the balloon and opt for the gels immediately as thy had a quicker effect and I would have been out a lot sooner if I had done this to begin with.

One more thing, I’ve never believed when people say “you forget the pain once they’re here” but I can honestly say this is true. It’s been 4 days and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.