Thinking about asking for an induction...

aegrimm · February 2010

I know, I know, I know. It increases the risk of a C-section but I was induced (Not for medical reasons. It was elective.) with Nate and it was a pretty enjoyable experience. I slept through most of my 12 hours of pitocin and only pushed for between 20 and 30 minutes.

I will be 39 weeks tomorrow and learned from the third party company that handles our FMLA claims that I have to start my FMLA on my EDD. (I'm not sure how true this is, but this company screws up everyone's claims and I'd hate to have them screw up mine because I want to fight them.) My original plan was to work until I went into labor to maximize the time I have with LO. (I get 12 weeks total.)

My doctor will only let me go to 41 weeks without an induction, so that means I would have a minimum of 11 weeks at home with DD (if I went to 41 weeks), but I really wanted the full 12. (Greedy, much?)

Now that I've rambled on, here's my internal battle:

If I request an induction I can try and have it on the 10th or 11th which will maximize my maternity leave with DD. It will also be perfect since DH can't miss a lot of work. He can be at the hospital with me on Thursday, go to work on Friday and then be home with us all weekend before going back to work on Monday.

If I DON'T request to be induced, my doc will probably induce me no later than the 19th which would mean I would lose a week of time. But, I wanted to actually go into labor this time (since I didn't with DS). But.....I'm so miserable. I can't sleep. And my entire body aches.

I know there are a lot of potential flames for an elective induction. Feel free to flame if you must, but I'm just looking for some candid opinions. What would you do if the risk of C-Section wasn't elevated with an induction? (My doc doesn't think an induction will end in a C-Section since I'm already at 4 CM and 70% effaced. He says my cervix is "favorable". Therefore, I'm not worried about that.)

Whoa. What a post. That was total "stream of consciousness" but I'm at work and can't think straight, lol

BabyGurlE1 · February 2010

I would really want every second I could get with my "outside child" before returning to work. If your doctor thinks you'll have a good outcome, I would probably push for one as well if I were in your shoes.

nlvaden · February 2010

Go for it! I know if I had the option, I would pick to be induced at 39 weeks. Or tomorrow...

It's your body and your baby.

LLinMN · February 2010

I think I would double check on your company's policy about when your FMLA starts before you make any decisions. I can relate though. I've been on bedrest since the beginning of the year, and my FMLA time started when I went on rest, so I know how much it sucks to lose the time with the baby after delivery.

maryfay314 · February 2010

I actually asked my doc yesterday, since I was induced with #1 and it was great, can I with number 2? And he said absolutely. He will induce me at 39 weeks.

second_time_around_4_me · February 2010

I was induced and did it without a c-section. I know the risk is greater, but there is a good chance you will be able to do it without a c-section. The reason I would hesitate is because I pushed for 3 hours through the worst pain of my life. They said it hurt a lot more because I was induced.

Alexandra*sMom · February 2010

I'v had two inductions. I would do it. I really wanted to go into labor w/ DD2, but I have faced the facts this time. I would rather have an induction than a scheduled c/s (mine have been due to size).

madhatter2003 · February 2010

If you don't care about the 'medical' side of being induced (ie pitocin and such) then go for it. A 2nd timer with a previous good birth AND being at 4 cm means you are probably going to have a great induction.

Couture21 · February 2010

If baby is ready then do it. Who knows since you've progressed so much already you may not even need an induction.

murfygirl · February 2010

I say DO IT! I am being induced on the 8th although mine isn't elective and when I asked my OB about a c-section she said I scored so high on the bishop score that I would be just as likely to end up with a c-section if I waited for labor if not more likely since she thinks my son eats too much.

KaciRoo · February 2010

No flames here. I say go for it!

lilbugs momma · February 2010

Stop thinking about it and just call and schedule it!!! Stick out tongue

Mine will be 'elective' on the 18th (I will be 39 weeks)... but hey if it gets the baby out it gets the baby out. There are gals out there that have elective c-sections... it could be worse!!!

aegrimm · February 2010

murfygirl:
I say DO IT! I am being induced on the 8th although mine isn't elective and when I asked my OB about a c-section she said I scored so high on the bishop score that I would be just as likely to end up with a c-section if I waited for labor if not more likely since she thinks my son eats too much.

I'm gonna laugh when Silas is born at 7 pounds 6 ounces, lol

OK, ladies. I think I'm gonna ask. I'll talk to my husband about it tonight. I think he'll secretly be relieved, though. The thought of rushing to the hospital terrifies him, lol.

murfygirl · February 2010

aegrimm:
murfygirl:
I say DO IT! I am being induced on the 8th although mine isn't elective and when I asked my OB about a c-section she said I scored so high on the bishop score that I would be just as likely to end up with a c-section if I waited for labor if not more likely since she thinks my son eats too much.

I'm gonna laugh when Silas is born at 7 pounds 6 ounces, lol

OK, ladies. I think I'm gonna ask. I'll talk to my husband about it tonight. I think he'll secretly be relieved, though. The thought of rushing to the hospital terrifies him, lol.

I know right? I told DH I will laugh so hard at my OB when my son comes out at under 7lbs or something! But hey it got me induced early so whatever.

gobigblue · February 2010

i say set up the induction for the 10th or 11th. i bet though that you go before then. you're 39w, 4 cm and 70%. that's progress! if our LO isn't here by 40w2d, we'll set up induction for that day. GL!

Orchid86 · February 2010

Not flaming and I'm not at all an all nautral kind of person, but what would we do if this were a hundred years ago? I often wonder this because it seems like medical intervention is so often necessary and beyond that women are scheduling c-sections and inductions like it's going out of style.

Clearly, you are a better candidate for an induction than someone only 1cm dialated, but the stats are that 50% of inductions end in c-sections. My friend was a 4 and she ended up with a c/s. She went on about how I shouldn't be pushed into induction (I have high bp as did she) and that it was the most horrible experience of her life - the pitocin hurt like hell and she did end up getting a c/s. That said, everyone is different - yes, we know this. And you've been through it before. Guess you have to weigh what is most important to you and go for it. And that sounds like spending that extra time with LO - so go for it...you know the risks after all.

TXTwisterBabe · February 2010

Go for it! Ya'll know I'm being induced tomorrow at basically NO dilation. I'd kill for your 4cm right now! I bet you don't get a csect, not even close.

Orchid86 · February 2010

Couture21:
If baby is ready then do it. Who knows since you've progressed so much already you may not even need an induction.

See, but if baby were ready wouldn't baby come out on his/her own?

PurpleK26 · February 2010

Well, I'd have to weigh my thoughts on experiencing 'going into labor' vs. that extra week with LO.

Honestly, and this wasn't one of your listed thoughts, but I'd probably take that week off since you don't have a choice with FMLA and still see if I went into labor naturally. I'm sure you can find something to do with that week, even if it's just enjoying your last days with just DH and DS.

We're both due feb 11, and I'm right there with you on being completely miserable. The only difference is you've already started to dilate and efface and I got nothin! So, your pain is doing something for you and mine isn't!

Good Luck on your decision. I doubt you have a c/s in your future either way!

AppleofmyEye25 · February 2010

I would check on your company's policy and wait if I were you. Legally, FMLA begins after your baby is born or your disability runs out (some states give 6 wks after baby is born and then FMLA begins after that). There is no way that they could say that it begins at EDD because such a small small percentage are born on that day anyway. Plus, if your baby was ready, it would start making its way on its own

lesalia217 · February 2010

the FMLA stuff sounds bogus to me. I would really look into it if I were you. How the heck do they know your EDD anyways?? they dont' have your medical records......and if they are sticking you to something you "said", just say an u/s caused your OB to change your EDD.

on the subject of induction, your cervix does sound 'favorable'. if you want to go for it, go for it

FemmeNat01 · February 2010

I would totally go for it.

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