How often does an induction end in a caesarean?

[Fleur]

I was induced and ended up having an emergency c/s. I think in my case it would have ended in an emergency c/s anyway, as bub's heart rate was dropping before I was even induced. They induced me to give me a chance at a vaginal birth, but told me that it was possible that it could distress bub even more - which it did. Because there was already something wrong before I was induced, my chances of ending up having a c/s were already higher.

- Exactly the same situation with my DS2, when they did get him out, he had severe cord entanglement which would have accounted for both the failure to go into labour / progress and the heart rate dropping... I can't see how he would NOT have been a CS.
Having said that, it is not an experience I am keen to repeat.

One question that continues to arise for me, is , WHY if a 'normal gestation' is 38 - 42 weeks are babies routinely being induced at 41+10? My DS1 arrived all on his own at 42+1 (I refused to go to hospital - not that I recommend that) after a 3hr labour, and he was perfectly fine.

This time around I am hoping for a VBAC, I have asked the OB to be allowed to go past 41+10, and she agreed to 41+13 , possibly with a CTG & Scan to make sure everything is ok, and I'm pretty happy with that. I also have the option at that point to elect for a CS rather than induction, and I am not sure yet how I feel about either option - I do not want another CS but I don't want to be induced either! I will be trying everything I can from 38 weeks to bring it on

and finally after re-reading all of the above, and considering some of the posts from Mums who have had inductions ending in successful VB's, I think it would be better to try the induction rather than just opt for a CS - at least to give it a chance to happen, kwim? and keeping in mind that some labours just do end in CS for whatever reason, things don't always go to plan.

Hey with a bit of luck it won't even be an issue for you..
Good Luck

[Visitor7]

I was induced with the drip with Nina after my waters broke and labour didn't start naturally. I had a 9 hour labour with no complications.
When I was induced, the OB let me know that approx 70% of women who get induced end up having an emergency c/s Pretty scary stuff.
I know of 3 other people who have been induced, all at 41+ weeks and they've all ended up having emergency c/s.

[sweetpea678]

I was induced with my first to pre date due to pre e.

1st was 17.5 hrs labour gel 3 times, arm, drip, morphine, epi, vg birth no help there.

2nd was 3.45hrs gel twice, arm, drip gas and peth vg birth no extra help

3rd post date induction, arm as was already 3cm, gas for contraction pain and peth for pelvic seperationpain, 3.5 hr labour, vg birth no extra help.



Only advice I can give if you do get induced is to stay mobile and upright as much as possible, I did even with monitors on.

[Taurean]

My two cents worth:

My sister was induced with both her boys. First one she was put on the drip as the gels alone didn't work and labour was intense but quick (about 5 hours) but she did have an epidural and forceps. Second son was induced by breaking her waters and she went on to have a completely 'natural', drug free water birth in under 4 hours. She RAVES about her wonderful second birth!

I have 4 other friends (that I can think of right now) who were also induced and only one of them had a CS which was due to complications with the bubs before she was induced. The other three all had epidurals but quick labours.

It is good to do the research early though in case you find yourself being induced (and I'm doing the same). Knowing how the hormones work in a 'natural' labour, what your options are and what to expect with an induction really help you deal with the situation as best you can IMO.

[BellyBelly]

Don't mean to nit pick... but an artificial rupture of membranes or breaking of the waters isn't officially natural... it was artificially induced. But she sounds like she had an awesome birth and is happy so thats all that matters.

Also, depends on the form of induction. Breaking of the waters is MUCH different to synto induction. Doses are different and there are other factors to consider too. First timers are also more likely to have a c/s from induction I believe. A midwife in the RWH says the scope is somewhere around 50-75% for first timers put on synto.

[Taurean]

Don't mean to nit pick... but an artificial rupture of membranes or breaking of the waters isn't officially natural... it was artificially induced. But she sounds like she had an awesome birth and is happy so thats all that matters.

I guess that is true. I personally like to think of natural as drug free. It was an incredible birth though and she was so lucky to get 'stuck' in the bath. That bit was definitely artificial as she lied to the midwife about being stuck so she could deliver in the water! Sounds like the midwife was onto her though but just agreed to 'go with the flow'. LOL!

[BellyBelly]

I know what you mean... but yeah forceps, inductions, episiotomy, vacuum, drips, machines, managed third stage (syntometrine) ... eck! Interesting how the word natural has evolved these days! Scary!

You have to take your own plug in if you want a waterbirth and tell them to get their hands off your property - they aren't allowed to touch without your permission :P