Induction at 37 weeks (long)

ButterBean13

Hi, I lurk...and I would love to know if there is anyone with a similar experiance regarding a medically necessary induction. Sorry for the lack of spacing...it's from an iPad. Ok, here's the story...I have an auto-immune disease called ankylosing spondylitis, which is sort of like rheumatoid arthritis, except AS gets worse when you are pregnant. And there are not a lot of women who have it, so my doctor is really cautious because there aren't a lot of studies out there. It causes a ton of inflammation and pain in my body, and probably had a lot to do with my two previous losses. I am currently taking an immune suppressant, even while pregnant, despite the fact that there aren't a lot of studies on the drug. If I didn't take it, I probably would have lost this pregnancy. So, it makes my dr nervous that I have AS and that I'm immune supressed, but he'd rather me take it than not. Even with the drug, I had to go on modified bed rest at 22 weeks. Also, I'm on blood thinners for a protein S defienceny, so I take baby aspirin and lovenox shots daily. They will switch me to heparin at 34 weeks and pull me off the aspirin at the same time. I have to stay on the blood thinners, or risk a clot. Anyway, my doc wants to induce as early as 37 weeks, to prevent me from going into labor while on blood thinners. They will do an amnio to ensure lung development. The idea of being induced makes me really nervous, but I can see why he wants to do it. If I had my way, none of this would be going on and I would try for a natural birth. Maybe I'm ducking reality, but I'm scared that my doc is being overly cautious and that all of these interventions are risky. But maybe it's risky for me not to be induced so early. I just want what is best for my baby boy. If any one has gone through any of this, I could use some reassurance.

Rubypercy

Not an expert - but 37 weeks is fine.  I was induced at 37 weeks and a few days and it was fine.  If they are concerned about the lungs (which at 37 weeks they are probably fine) they will either do the steroid shot or let you go a few more days.  Best case scenario you are induced and the induction goes well - the rest of the labor can be "natural."  Although supposedly 25% of inductions end up in c-section.  But that said, for me, the most important thing is a healthy baby and a healthy mom.   I hope the rest of the pregnancy is stress and pain free!  GL!

ldennison

I was also induced at 37 weeks for medical reasons. I never even had an amnio since 37 is technically full term. My induction took forever (26 hours) but I did not have a c-section and everything went great. Best of luck to you!

EmjayTheHunted

The only thing is, you may not be able to get an epidural if you're on blood thinners. 

 

delphinus12

EmjayTheHunted:

The only thing is, you may not be able to get an epidural if you're on blood thinners. 

 

You can definitely get an epidural if you are on Heparin. It has a much shorter half-life than Lovenox. That's why they switch you.

If you don't mind me asking- what were your early autoimmune symptoms? Did you have a positive ANA and if so, what was the count? 

ButterBean13

I had a fever of unknown origin, fatigue, joint pain, swelling, and reoccurring eye inflammation. I've always had trouble with my ligaments and joints, but I was always told it was due to sports or growth. AS doesn't show up in bloodwork like lupus or RA, so my ANA and sed rate were normal, but they can test for a gene called HLA-b27. Other than that, it can be hard to diagnose until the spine is damaged....it can cause fusion between vertebrae eventually. I got lucky that I found a good rheumatologist who knew what to look for.