Would it be crazy to induce to avoid heatwave?

LATXwoman

I know how this probably sounds without context ("uh, yes, very crazy") but here's the deal: I'm 40w2days right now. At my dr. appointment yesterday my cervix was still posterior, though baby is in a good position and very healthy (my dr. doesn't do weight measurement, but my fundals have measured 1-2 weeks ahead consistently, and she thinks he'll be at least 8.5 lbs when born, likely over 9). Still, we're both doubtful he'll get a move on before my next appointment Thurs. 

Also, we moved into a new apartment over the summer, which has no a/c and is the upstairs unit of a duplex. We didn't think it'd be that big of a deal since this is Southern California, not Texas, and we generally get ocean breezes that normally keep even hot days under 90. Well, not this summer. For the past two months we've had strings of days well above 90 that have been MISERABLE in our place, especially for me. I thought in October we'd be past them, but nope, this weekend we're due for 90+ degree heat Fri-Sun, Monday it drops back down to a much more bearable 84 and should stay that way. 

I cannot imagine trying to get through early labor in our hot ass apartment, or even just survive in a super-pregnant state, or bring our newborn home to the sweltering atmosphere that I would also recover in. Unfortunately, the way our apartment is set up, it's not as simple as just buying a window/portable a/c unit, which are still on backorder all over town and ridiculously expensive due to demand anyway. 

But today inspiration struck: what if I got induced on Friday and spent the weekend giving birth to the darling baby we can't wait to meet, and then recover/bond in the air-conditioned hospital, which I can stay in up to 48 hours after birth? This is all assuming I don't go into labor before then, but that does seem unlikely at this point. If he actually does make an appearance, hopefully we'll figure out a last-minute desperation plan to keep our place cool. But I'd rather strategize smarter later in the year and avoid spending a ton of cash in a panic if I can. 

flas

Well you're over 40 weeks, so if your dr is okay with it I see no reason why you couldn't. If you weren't full term it would a different story but you might be getting induced soon anyway.

leah665

Honestly, I'd do it. I spend a good portion of my work day "looking for supplies" in the walk-in refrigerator in lab. Being pregnant in central Texas Summer's suck even with central A/C.

edavis926

You're right, out of context I thought you were crazy. But I think you'd be okay. As soon as I hit 41 weeks my office schedules for the next night that my doctor is going to be on call and that doesn't seem very uncommon.

ERININSYDNEY

LATXwoman I am in the same boat as you! We live in Orange County by the coast and we also have no AC! This weekends 90+ degree forecast has me so stressed out about how to deal with it. I can totally commiserate with you about what an awful summer it's been! 

I personally wouldn't want to artificially induce labor just to avoid the weekend's scorcher, I just plan to hope and manifest he's a smart baby and will decide this weekend is his birthday (yes to spending the weekend in an air conditioned hospital!)

I am 40w1d similar to you so I definitely understand your pain and worry about this heat.  This summer has been truly cruel to us.  

Let me know what you end up doing.

sweet+cheeks

I'm also in So Cal. Getting a room AC unit was my only condition for going through pregnancy in the summer again! I sure can sympathize with what you are going through but I don't think I would induce if I were in your position solely because if the heat. I would recommend hanging out at the closest mall or movie theater though during the heat of the day. Who knows? Walking the mall might start contractions!

Louisl

I'm in LA and totally feel your pain. We got AC units in May thank god, I don't know how you survived this record breaking heat all summer without it! I can't believe we're still dealing with upper 90's in October. Ridiculous. If I didn't have AC I might be thinking the way you are.