Should they induce me or have a c-section?

Question

When i was about 5 months pregnant, i worked at a day care and i ended up hurting myself, and could no longer work due to 3 herniated lumbar disks on my lower spine. I am now 37 weeks pregnant, and not sure how much more I can handle. My back has hurt through out the whole pregnancy, but now its getting worse. I am having a hard time sleeping because of all the pressure that is being put on my back. But thats not all, I had an ultra sound done last Monday and they said that the baby was already8lbs and 6oz. Yes i know that the weight can be off by a pound but that is still a pretty big baby. My Dr. is concerned about his weight but doesn't want to induce before 39 weeks. I have a 3 year old and I was induced with him at 39 weeks due to his size. He was 8lbs and 10oz. However his head was 14 1/2 inches round. An inch bigger than his shoulders. My other concern, was that all the research that I have done on herniated disks and pregnancy, every one had a c-section. What should I do???

Answer 1

Talk with your doctor. He is the one that has studied for years, practiced for years, and knows your case best.

Asking for medical advice here is like asking your plumber for tips on hair care. He might be good, he might be horrible - but you'll never know, and the risk is that you may have an injured baby, or worse.

Ask your doctor.

Answer 2

First of all, you do not need a caesarean unless it is an emergency.

Second, a 10lb baby can be birthed vaginally, so I don't know why your doctor is so trigger happy to induce you. You and your baby are better off waiting until labor starts naturally, that way your baby is more likely to be optimally positioned and fully ready to enter the world.

Next, ultrasound estimates this late in pregnancy can by much further off than one pound. Try 3-4 pounds. You do not want to trust a weight estimate this late in pregnancy.

Induction will cause you to have stronger, more frequent contractions. With herniated disks and a lower spine injury, I wouldn't let them come near me with induction medication at all. Contractions often affect your lower back and induced contrations even more so. You will probably be in more pain if you're induced. It's almost guaranteed.

If you do want to take an epidural for your back pain, I suggest trying to wait until you are 5-6 cm dilated because epidurals given before then can slow your labor. I'm sure you don't want a long labor with horrible back pain. Of course, when you get an epidural, if ever, is totally up to you and your pain tolerance, but just keep that magic 5 cm number in mind.

Good luck and congratulations on your growing family.

I forgot to mention that having a waterbirth, or at least laboring in the tub as long as possible, should help with your back pain during labor and help things move along without medical augmentation or induction.

Answer 3

I am personally terrified of c-sections. My mother had to have 2 of them and she always reminds me of how much I do not want one. I am also terrified of getting an epidural. Too much can go wrong. There was a story here, about a year or so ago, about a girl who had an epidural and they gave her too much meds. She is now paralized. I have talked to several people who have had problems from the epidural. I have had 3 kids and not once had an epidural. I have had an induction and it was not as bad as everyone says. If I were given the choice, I would go for the induction just to avoid the epidural and the surgery. I hate hospitals and do not want to spend anymore time than I have to staying in one.

Answer 4

What ever your doctor recommends is best! Perhaps get a second opinion.