Induction at 39 Weeks

kenfw89

Im 31 weeks pregnant. My Obgyn told me today that if me and baby are healthy and if my cervix is ready, they offer inductions at 39 weeks. 

Has anyone done this? Pros and cons? 

I would love to get this baby out at 39 weeks instead of 40 (or more!) if all is good. 

For the record, I’ve had a pretty textbook pregnancy. No GD, low blood pressure (97/69), healthy weight gain (22 lbs so far) etc 

Looking for some thoughts/opinions. 

Thanks 

Knottie1473536456

I'm surprised to hear they would schedule an induction without a medical reason.  I was induced at 40+1 (epidural prior to starting pitocin) and it was a million times easier then my first labor which started naturally. Not sure if I would elect to go early even though the end is miserable baby is still benefiting! 

kenfw89

Yep, it’s called a “social induction” apparently! Not sure where you live, I’m in Canada and it seems to happen pretty regularly here. 

If you don’t mind my asking, why wouldn’t you have elected to go early?

Knottie1473536456

Never heard of it! I am in the United States. So I wanted her to come when she was ready (which didn't end up happening anyways lol) and I felt she was still developing that final week and preparing to enter the world. I was also not a fan of being induced as I had heard it hurt more and things like that. But in the end I was glad I did it (after discussion w my doctor decided it was best to induce at 40+1 due to my age and size of baby) It did speed up labor tremendously (4 hours start to finish for baby number 2) but I had the epidural so didn't feel a thing. In the end I don't think there is a wrong decision just what you are comfortable with and what's best for your situation 

swoff

I personally don't want to be induced unless necessary because I don't want to spend my whole labor (including the early labor) in the hospital and I've heard pitocin makes labor more painful and I am interested in the benefits of going without an epidural if it is possible for me, so induction would make that more challenging. 

harpseal135

Failed inductions are a real thing - c-sectionis next. 

Why would you force baby out when 1) baby is fine and not ready to come put yet.
2) your body is not ready for baby to come out. 

Unless there is a medical necessity no way I would ever agree to this!

Yes a c-section may be necessary going "naturally" but forcing a labor that body is not ready for is a different story. 

00kim00

Really the only pros are "social" (hence the name), not health. Meaning, if you want a certain doctor but she's going on vacation, induction can get you her before she leaves. Or if you're sick of being pregnant (miserable enough that it outweighs the health risks to you and baby), then you can opt for induction. I was induced at 39 weeks due to my age, baby was actually born at 39+4 and we were in the hospital the whole time, so they don't necessarily go faster. Risks of interventions including C-section increase, and unless you had IVF and know exactly when that embryo implanted, there's a risk your dates were off and baby isn't ready yet.

meggyme

I would look into the cascade of intervention. I wouldn’t go for an induction unless medically necessary. And that’s coming from someone who delivered 10 days after my due date. Being overdue sucks and I hope your baby comes soon, but I wouldn’t choose to induce based on that alone.

sframe3

I would also be cautious with induction. I was induced for gestational hypertension at 39 weeks and 55 hours later had a c section. It made recovery very hard because I was completely exhausted. 

mristich20

Actually, contrary to a lot of the advice above there is some evidence that shows induction after the 39th week especially for first time moms can be beneficial & may REDUCE the risk of developing pre-eclampsia, requiring c-section, and other benefits. Also, no mama should feel guilty of being induced a few days early if it is what is best for their body and overall well-being. There are more than just “social” reasons to be induced early, even if you have had an uncomplicated pregnancy. I say do what is best for you and what is recommended by your OB. At the end of the day, you have trusted them thus far and they have extensive medical knowledge and training. Good luck in your last few weeks! You got this, mama! 💕

knottief6018f1e3379598a

My doc told me I will be getting induced at 39 weeks due to my age, I'm 41. They say in older women, the placenta can stop working earlier so it's better to get the baby out.

Last time, 3 years ago, I got really bad contractions, went to the hospital, but my water never broke, they broke it for me, and I had him at 38w+6 days.

I'm so uncomfortable right now at 35 weeks, I am hoping she decides to come a little early.

knottiea3cf6aef9e059a8a

The ARRIVE trial has some faults and shouldn’t be taken as the Bible on 39 week inductions. Studies done after that one have actually showed elective inductions increase need of vacuum, forceps, and c-sections. In fact, a hospital system in Michigan used the same protocol as ARRIVE and tried to replicate the study. It didn’t work. They actually had an increase in c-sections of 1st time moms that electively induced at 39 weeks. I would recommend thoroughly researching this subject as doctors citing the ARRIVE trial and handing out inductions like candy is pretty worrisome and should at least be questioned. Being tired of being pregnant, wanting to plan/pick out your child’s birthday, and the baby weighing a little more should not be valid reasons to force the baby out before 41 weeks (if there’s nothing wrong with it). If your BISHOP score is not favorable, your induction is much more likely to be unsuccessful.