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3rd Trimester
Induction Conversation: Opinions Please
Here is the short version: Doctor appt is scheduled for tomorrow, at 40 w 2 d. I know the topic of induction will come up, and I want to be prepared. I've had an overall healthy pregnancy, but spent 4 nonconsecutive weeks taking antibiotics in 3rd tri due to a series of infections. The OB offered to induce me at 39 weeks (I think because she was pitying me because of all of the antibiotic stuff) but I made sure to schedule my next appt with a different OB so I wouldn't be tempted. I don't want this baby to be about my convenience.
My weight gain pretty much stopped 6 weeks ago (had flu and often nausea) but my belly is still measuring right on. Last summer I had LO #1 at 40w2d, and she was 9lbs5oz. She barely fit, after pushing for 2 hours and 45 min, and talk of a c-section. I'm worried that this baby is the same size, and if I go much later, she won't be able to be delivered vaginally. Before she was born, the doc guessed I would have a 7.5 lb baby.
I had a growth U/S at 38 weeks, which estimated her in the 60th percentile, but with the huge margin of error, this baby could be just as big as last time. What would you do? Would you want to be induced? Should I ask for any tests or procedures first?
Also, my hospital will not allow women to do VBACs, so if baby does get too big, my future kids will have to be c-section (which I do not want to happen). Of course, a failed induction would have the same outcome. A week ago I was 2cm and "favorable," and the OB thought I wouldn't pass my due date. I've had tons of contractions since, lost mucus plug, have been nesting, just have not gone into labor.
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Re: Induction Conversation: Opinions Please
I'm not a fan of inducing before EDD without a medical reason behind it. However, you are past your EDD so if you wanted to induce I'd say go for it. That being said all but one of the women I know who were induced ended up needing a c-section. The only that didn't was having baby #3 so maybe that made a difference some how.
If I were in your shoes I'd ask your OB what their thoughts were at this point- either for or against. I'd also take into consideration your LO's approximate weight and size and the likely hood that, should you hold off, you will need to have a c-section.
Also trust your gut feeling. If you're not ready to go down the induction road (and your OB isn't highly recommending you do) then hold off. If your OB really thinks you should have an induction and you trust their judgment (if you don't I must ask WHY are you seeing them?) than I'd take their advice.
I was induced at 39 weeks with LO #1 for medical reasons. I pushed him out in 16 minutes and had no major issues with the induction. I just wanted to put that story out there so that you have something positive in your head if it comes to having to be induced.
With that said, I agree with PP. Don't have them induce until you have to. If you go too far over 40weeks, though, it becomes better for the baby to induce than to leave her in there.
My little angel RIP August 12, 2010 - September 5, 2010
Considering your feelings on having a c section I'd avoid an induction unless medically necessary. I read recently that 40% of inductions end in c sections. I don't know how accurate that is but I do know your risk for surgery significantly increases regardless.
Why don't you try natural induction methods, such as having sex and stuff instead? Those are ways to induce labor and tell your doctor you're inducing at home the way it's supposed to be!
I won't allow them to induce me until I exhausted all other efforts, even castor oil.
♥ Married since June 2009 ♥
TW: Living children & Losses:
Pregnant after 4 losses via IVF/FET with daughter "Gamma" (EDD Oct 2, 2019)
I've always been induced, and things have always gone well, but from what I've heard an induction can actually increase the odds of needing a c-section. For most people, baby #1 is the toughest. Subsequent babies usually require far less pushing. Inducing at 40w2d isn't going to make the baby much smaller than going into labor naturally at 41w.
Why don't you talk to your doctor about how late you are willing to go and schedule an induction for that date. If you go into labor before then - great. If not, then it's just a few days out either way and baby is going to be as big as it's going to be no matter what you do.