Yesterday I posted about my rather large little girl and the ultrasound I had. Today I got called in to my doctor's office to meet with my doctor and go over possibilities of induction, c-sections, etc. I was checked and am only 1 cm dilated and the baby's head it still not through my pelvis/engaged.

My doctor began talking to me about other possibilities. He gave me the pros and cons of each delivery method and allowed me to choose. He was great with this, giving me his opinion, but not pushing anything on me. He told me induction is favorable for me, since I'm dilated, but I have to watch that since she is a rather large baby it is possible that it may not be the safest route for the baby. She could get stuck trying to come down, her shoulders could get stuck and injuries or nerve damage could happen. Then he told me it may be safer for the baby to come through c-section. Even though the recovery time is longer, it may be the better route as far as delivery goes.

I don't know what to do. I need comfort and reassurance right now and I do not want to go online and read about inductions/c-sections because I know what I read will just scare me even more. I'm scared of having an abdominal operation and need some reassuring words from women who have had c-sections. Please do not tell me any horror stories. I'm also scared of vaginally giving birth to this large baby (if it's the case) and her coming out injured or with nerve damage due to not being able to fit through my pelvis.

Sorry for the long post, I'm frustrated, scared, nervous all at the same time and really do not know what to do. My DH and family are pushing for the c-section as they think it will be safer for everyone. But the thought of surgery scares the shit out of me.

My honest advice would be go for the elective c-section.

If I was you I'd be worried to go through a long drawn out labour only to find that baby would never have been able to fit through anyway, then be rushed off to have an emergency c-section.

I spent last night in hospital and two mummies came in for elective c-sections early this morning. They were both very excited, calm and were back on the ward with their babies so quickly, all smiles!! I was really shocked how happy they were, but it shows it isn't always the terrible ordeal it's made out to be.

Saying all that, this has to be your choice and you have to feel comfortable with whatever you decide to do.

Big

I am having an elective section this time around for the exact same reason that they are suggesting you have one. My baby girl has measured big all the way through the pregnancy, Ive been going for twice weekly growth scans, they are guessing over 9 pounds and Im only 5 foot 2. I had an emergency section last time due to non progression, but was told afterward that my little boy, at 9,11 could possibly not have been able to be delivered anyway. Personally, I feel its safter for me and the baby to have the section, my consultant basically said the same to me as you, shoulder dislocation or worse could happen, and it could be very messy for me, when he said that my mind was really made up. I dont want to take any risk, now Im just waiting on a date. After the section last time I can say that hand on heart, its not that bad, its an uncomfortable feeling, but not sore, recovery is slower, but just take things easy and youll be back to normal in no time. When you are making your decision, try not to worry too much about the actual surgery, its not that bad, honest! You just have to think about what is best for you and your baby.

Edit: Would also like to say that I've been told numerous times than an elective is much easier than an emergency, I know I had a fairly hard time recovering from the section last time, but that was mainly down to sheer exhaustion. This time, with no labour, I think it will be a lot easier.

Thank you so much for the kind words, Louisa. That is what I'm worried about; going through a long drawn out labor, only to find out that my baby is stuck and I need an emergency c-section. I know I have to be comfortable with the decision....and I'm leaning toward the c-section. Just scared of the surgery part, I guess. Thanks for the comforting words!!

Haven't been through a C-Section myself but have several family members who have and have come through just fine. Do what you think is best for you and your baby

I cant offer you any advice hun because Ive never given birth before.

C Section might sound scary, but if it's best for you both then it might be worth it? Lots of ladies go through it and are fine. I know it's not ideal, but you need to think of yourself and your baby.

I hope you can get some better advice and reassurance from someone on here, just wanted to tell you Im thinking of you and I hope you manage to come to the right decision for both of you

xxx

You are wonderful! Thank you for replying to my post. I am also only 5'2 and really do not think this little girl will be able to fit through my pelvis; as she is still not engaged at this time. I know I have to do what is best for me and my baby and to be honest, I'm leaning toward the c-section. I just wasn't prepared for any of this and it came as a shock at first, I guess. But I'm glad you ladies are giving me comforting words and helping me understand c-sections better. Thanks!

If it were me...I would do the C-section. I wouldn't chance it.

Ooh, a C-section seems not to hurt NEARLY as much as a normal vaginal delivery! I would take the C-section if I were you, so many mothers want those nowadays over natural childbirth. They only make an incision on you and you can get drugs so you don't feel anything, and the incision is made right on your bikini line so you can still wear bikinis. Just think it over, if I were offered I would straight away take a C-section over 30 hours of nonstop pain, possibly peeing and pooing myself when the baby comes out and getting ripped from one hole to the other. Plus, if there's dangers involved you might be forced to have one anyway, so why not make it easier?

If I were you, I would definitely go for C-section. Since I went through the induction process, I can tell you that there can definitely be some scary moments, and especially since Valerie is gonna be a big girl, it definitely seems safer for both of you to have the section done. In a lot of cases, inductions end up with emergency C-sections, so if you are given a safer option go for it.

Also, if you choose to give birth naturally, Valerie's size may cause you to tear. Just think: your private parts will be untouched if you have a section. You can remain a revirginized lady forever!!

Don't stress out, I am sure you will be in safe hands. Planned sections are much more under control than emergency ones, so be optimistic.