Can't decide what to do (regarding induction)

balihaigirl · April 2009

So my little one is due on Sunday (April 12) and my Doctor offered to induce me next Tuesday (April 14) if he hasn't come by then. ?I had her tentatively put it on the calendar but I am still trying to make a decision as to whether I want to be induced or not. ?As of yesterday's appt, I was 2 cm dialated and 60% effaced. ?

The only reason I am considering an induction is that I start maternity leave tomorrow and no matter what, will have to return to work June 8. ?So I am trying to decide whether I'd rather be induced and have the ability to spend more time with my little one before returning to work, or if I'd rather let everything play out and let him come when he's ready. ?No matter what, however, I'd ask to be induced 8 days past his due date.

I really don't know what to do! ?I am not opposed to getting the epidural, which I know I'll almost absolutely have to get if I am induced with pitocin.

Decisions decisions!

What are your thoughts??

Hi725 · April 2009

If my maternity leave were so limited, I would go with the induction. It's not only about the time you get to spend with your little one, but remember, it can take up to 6 weeks to stop bleeding after birth. You need to feel well enough to return to work too.

DDK513 · April 2009

I'd rather wait until baby came on his own. It's only a few days extra to wait until the 8-days when you said you'd definitely do the induction anyway. I say wait it out.

Cin8-14 · April 2009

Hmmm...I think I would go for the induction. Caveat: I am very tired of being pregnant so clearly my opinion here is biased and probably not based on sound judgment.

Seriously, I would want the extra time to spend with my baby. If you are one or two weeks late, you will lose that time. I do understand that an induction can be scary, especially with all of the stories you read here. This is a difficult decision. Good luck whichever you choose!!

mrs.wright2023 · April 2009

I am in the same position as you. I am due Tuesday the 14th and if she is not here by then, then we start talking about inducing. I start my maternity leave on the 13th. I think that if it gets to that, then I will be induced (hopefully the week of the 13th!). As of my last appointment (38 weeks) I was 75% effaced and 1/2 cm dilated...

Good luck!

MegDC · April 2009

I would do it bc of the maternity leave issue. ?Otherwise, I would probably wait. ?Either way, you will make the right choice for you!

kklickka · April 2009

I would opt for the induction, since you have such limited maternity leave.

rouge411 · April 2009

I have the same due date as you, and my doctor will induce me by April 22. His reason for not wanting to do it sooner is that inductions have a higher rate of c-section. As uncomfortable as I am, that sounds reasonable to me, so I'm willing to give the baby time to come on her own.

Mary0913 · April 2009

I'm in the same boat with limited maternity leave - I'd opt for the induction so that I could have as much time with the baby as possible before going back to work. Either way, good luck!