Induction due to high blood pressure - update in OP

mb314

I narrowly avoided an induction 2 years ago with DS because of blood pressure issues - he came 2 days before I was scheduled to be induced at 40 weeks. I got the positive natural birth I wanted (yay). This time around my blood pressure is again getting high (140/90 ish) and my midwife group is now recommending induction at 37 weeks. They have cited new "studies/evidence" that shows inducing at 37 weeks is better than waiting. Has anyone heard this and/or know the sources? I am a Bradley graduate so my inclination is to question and learn more. I don't want to be irresponsible and wait if induction is best, but at the same time 37 weeks seems really early. .......................................................... Update- well, like his brother, my little guy came on his own before any induction was necessary. It was a quick, 4 hour labor. We were only in the hospital 1 hour before he was born. The contractions were painful and intense and he basically came out as I was trying to walk from the shower to the bed to "start" pushing. I didn't even realize I had been pushing. Gravity did its job. No meds, although it did ask for them and even asked for a c section during transition ("I want him cut out!"). Our guy was 36 weeks, 2 days, and 5 lbs 15 oz. he and I are doing great.

jennypolkadots

I would ask them for their sources or use good ol' google. Ultimately, the decision to induce is yours to make so being informed is good. Your healthcare provider can only recommend interventions. 

soofttie

Ehh I had higher blood pressure and was not forced to induce. I also had to lay on my left side all day though .... I made it to 38 weeks. Ask your OB too

JCWhitey

You're already 36 weeks, I see, so getting close, but is there anything you can do to help lower your blood pressure during this time?  Maybe if you can get it under control you can play it by ear and induce only when it's back up.  I know it's harder in pregnancy but I'd see if there are any tips you can find to safely control it for the time being.  It DOES make sense, but 37 weeks still feels so early to me!  Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable until closer to 38/39 weeks.  A lot of growing happens in those last two weeks of pregnancy.

mb314

Thanks everyone. I did a 24 hour urine test, blood tests, a non stress test and an ultrasound this week, and all came back good. The midwives are now saying I can wait until 39 weeks so long as my bp does not go up further and I continue to well on my weekly labs/non stress tests. Fingers crossed! I am much more comfortable at a 39 week induction than 37 weeks.