iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologycesarean section (C-SEC)

When is induction or C-section for normal delivery needed?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am 28 years old. I got pregnant ten months after my last delivery. I have delivered a baby girl, which was a normal delivery. It has been 38 weeks, and the doctor said my baby has not fixed his head, but the baby is in the normal position for a natural birth. She said my cervix did not thin out yet. So we have to go for induction or a C-section.

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Well, yes, induction is done at 40 weeks. If there is no spontaneous onset of labor pain by that time, and there is no other maternal or fetal complication. You are at 38 weeks right now, so the doctor will wait for spontaneous pain for two more weeks. Induction is done after assessing the patient, and a suitable drug is chosen.

Most of the patients normally deliver after induction. However, some may land in Cesarean (C-section) if induction fails, or there are some maternal indications too that mandate C-section, like fetal distress (decreased fetal heart rate), or meconium-stained liquor (baby passes stools in utero that is harmful to the baby), which usually are side effects of induction. So patiently wait for the labor pain till 40 weeks, then go for induction.

I hope this helps.

Regards.

Answered byDr. Deepti Kamal

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At February 27, 2021
Reviewed AtMarch 2, 2026

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Deepti Kamal
Dr. Deepti Kamal

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Consult this doctor
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Ask your health query to a doctor online

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.