inducing because of your own illness?

KatelynEA90 · February 2012

I have Fibromyalgia. For those that don't know, its a chronic pain condition that is usually treated with strong medications. Being pregnant, my options for relief are seriously limited. I usually choose to cope without medication but even those options are very limited. Winter is the absolute worst on me. I never thought I would consider an early induction because of this but the toll its taking on me has become overwhelming physically and mentally. Now I'm trying to decide if inducing would be the better option.

So, would you opt to induce a little early because of your own illness? The illness itself does not effect the baby although I'm not sure if the stress it causes me will somehow effect LO.

ktroutm2 · February 2012

Well it depends on the illness and how early the induction would be. But if I was in your case I would try to stick it out as long as I could and when I couldn't I would bring it up to the doctor and see what they had to say. Whatever happens good luck.

Lesleyjking · February 2012

If its not causing you physical harm I'd wait. If its muscle aches seek alternatives or if nerve pain maybe avuouncture

jsillyfun · February 2012

I really wouldn't induce early. If you are in extreme pain, I could see maybe inducing at 40 weeks, but I think it would be risky to do it earlier. What if the due date was slightly off and the baby was actually not full term? I have heard of things like that happening (women being induced early and the baby is really undersized). I think once you make it until that point, you're so close, you might as well wait a couple of more weeks and make sure your baby is full term and ready to come out. I do sympathize with you, though. I have dealt with chronic pain and it really takes its toll and I'm sure is much worse when you can't even take your meds.

Bonidiebabe · February 2012

Honestly, no. You have made it this far and your LO deserves all the time they need to grow. Their lungs are developing in those last crucial weeks. My mum has FM and it is hard to deal with. I wish you the best trying to deal with your situation but please give your LO all the time they need to cook.

speckledfrog · February 2012

Well, I don't have fibromyalgia, so it's hard for me to truly know if I would induce or not, but I don't think I would. A week wouldn't make a huge difference to you, but it can make a huge difference to your baby.

MotherMonster · February 2012

If your pain is consistently a 7 on a scale of 0 to 10, I would.

I say that because you already have chronic pain and it's only going to make things worse. It could cause high BP.
I would try some Chiropratic care to see if that might help a little bit, or maybe a massage (a family friend with fibro gets them).

You're 37 weeks, almost 38 so it's not like you're inducing way early or anything. Also if you do wait, it might make things harder when recovering from delivery, because of it being a nerve issue and all.

MsOCT · February 2012

I wouldnt, especially since an induction before your body is ready is much more likely to lead to a c-section, then you'll be dealing with a new baby, chronic pain, and post-op pain. Hang in there, you're closer than you think.

firsttogo · February 2012

I think it is a decision between you and your OB. I induced early with DS1 because I was sick. It is not a selfish decision, and I do know that FM can worsen with pregnancy. If your OB is discussing this with you, it is something worth considering.

babyack2012 · February 2012

I have Fibro and I'm not planning on requesting an induction early. I'm still in my 2nd trimester, but since Fibro doesn't really have an affect on the baby, I don't see any harm in waiting until it's time. I understand you are probably in more pain and discomfort then some women, believe me, I understand

But this is just my opinion. As of now

Like I said, I've got a ways to go still...you're on the home stretch. I know it can be emotionally and mentally overwhelming, but just remember to take it one day at a time. You can do it

GL!!

SaintDorothyMantooth · February 2012

I don't have FM, but my aunt suffers with it severely and I know it is extremely painful! You're already 37-38 weeks along and, like a PP already said, if your OB is talking about it with you, I don't think there's anything wrong with an early induction. Obviously, it is causing you enough pain to consider this, and its not like its going to get better on its own -- if you can't bear it, save the stress and talk about all of your healthy options with your doc.

ateal2490 · February 2012

Lesleyjking:
If its not causing you physical harm I'd wait. If its muscle aches seek alternatives or if nerve pain maybe avuouncture

Fibromyalgia is WAY more serious than muscle pains. Its excruciating.

JennPierog · February 2012

NOT at 37 weeks. you only have 3 weeks left then think about induction. I'm so sorry this is rough and I'm sure you know about all the alternative treatments you can seek to get you though the next 3 weeks

bellelamb · February 2012

My mom and sister suffer with fm so I understand as much as anyone with out it can. I would talk to your dr and see what's best for you and lo. I am so sorry you are going though this it must be so hard and most people won't understand. You have been so strong for your lo going this long w/o meds I give you a lot of credit. I hope it all works out well for you.

mrsjengle · February 2012

I'm so sorry you're going through this. The docs skirted around diagnosing me with this, but never officially said it. It's worse for me in the spring. The rain seems to kill me.

I did check into how FM would affect me during pregnancy, and most docs/resources say it's supposed to get better during pregnancy. I would say for me it's definitely been better, but spring is on its way! I lived on advil/motrin last spring because Celebrex was not covered by my insurance. I won't be able to do that this spring. I'm scared what it'll be like.

It sucks that you didn't get some relief during your pregnancy. I think anyone who knows someone who has FM would understand if you couldn't handle it anymore. Hold out as long as you can though.

Is this your first? I can tell you that about 6-8 months after having my daugther, my pain came back in full force. It sucked.

elizxu · February 2012

You've come this far...you can do anything for 16 days! Hang in there & GL!

PotomacSt · February 2012

As someone who suffered from a very painful autoimmune disease for years, I can understand where you're coming from.

But I'd avoid the induction because of this- inductions with an unfavorable cervix (where you haven't already started to dilate and ripen, and baby hasn't dropped) have a high risk of ending in c-section. And as bad as your pain may be now, you have no idea how your body will react to the trauma and inflammation from a surgical cut. It could be 100x worse, and last for weeks. It can also create permanent scar tissue in your abdomen. I wouldn't risk that.

elainej · February 2012

I agree with PPs that this is definitely a decision for you & your doctor. I used to be of the opinion that early induction was to be avoided, but my first was fully cooked & healthy when he came 10 days early (but on his own, so I guess that's different).

Sometimes it's hard to imagine enduring something for 16 days, or however long it is, but it can be easier to just think about taking it one day at a time. You may feel slightly better just knowing that your doctor is willing to induce for you.

I don't think you would be selfish for inducing, but you will get the best advice from your doctor.

Kristinmo · February 2012

I wouldn't judge you as long as you wait until 39 weeks. Those weeks between 37-39 are so crucial to development

Also- make sur eyou understand the risks of induction. Any intervention can lead to more and you are increasing your risk of a c/s which is why I would personally hold out as long as possible but again wouldn't judge you.

MotherMonster · February 2012

wife07mom09:
doesnt really matter. ACOG has new guidelines that MUST be met prior to inducing early.
talk to your doc

ps I saw someone mention FM is a serious matter. It truly is an autoimmune disease that casues a lot pf pain and fatigue but not something that can harm you. Id suggest talking to a psychologist about ways to manage and deal with the pain since meds often do not help.

PS I have chronic daily pain too just not FM

Pain in general can harm you. Just because you don't have cancer doesn't mean it's not harming you. It can be debilitating to where the person doesn't want to move and can't function for the day just to do activities of daily living.

That's like saying my pancreas isn't hurting the rest of my body by not making insulin.

She is pregnant and therefore can't take most medications used to treat FM (psych or analgesics) . Seriously, she doesn't need to see a psychologist, she needs some pain management from a doctor!

nopegoat · February 2012

Not exactly the same, but I was going to be induced because of gallbladder issues. The pain was getting worse and more unpredictable ( started not to be able to control it with diet). My Dr said with that kind of pain, it puts a lot of stress on your body and therfore causing stress on the baby. He decided to come on his own 4 days before my induction was scheduled.

A big deciding factor for me was how good of a candidate I was for a successful induction. I was already 4cm and 80% at 37wks so my Dr said the I was a very good candidate.

It never hurts to talk to your Dr about it, if you haven't already.

acaudill75 · February 2012

IMO you shouldn't even be asking here, because most people are going to say endure endure endure with no idea what they are asking of you. Yes, we all signed on to make sacrifices for the health of our children. I would willing lay down and die if it meant that my children would be safe. But, if LO is full term, and your OB is ok with you delivering early, AND it would ease your immense suffering, then you do what you have to do. Yes, inductions carry with them side effects that could make your situation worse. Yes, they are now saying that PRETERM c sections can be harmful to the infant. But you are not preterm, and you don't know that the induction will end in a section. I had to go off a depression and anxiety medication for the health of my children, and believe me, there are days I don't even want to open my eyelids. And depression can cause pain, although I am sure there are those who would argue its all in my head. I can't even imagine what you must be going through. If my OB thought that my med free situation was causing me harm, and at some point, harming LO, and an induction would "cure" that situation, than I would be at the hospital with my bags in hand. Recovery is hard enough on the crunchy granola types who don't believe there is anything wrong with you to begin with. Those of us who know you hurt also know that recovery is going to be worse for you if you are not mentally and physically able to bounce back. And the first three months of LO's life is pretty much just trying to keep them alive. You can't do that if you are physically and emotionally drained from pregnancy. Doing what's right for you at this stage will ultimately help LO in the long run. I feel for you, and hope that everything works out as best as possible!

shouldbworkin · February 2012

If it was me I would try to wait it out a couple more weeks and then see if I was even a good candidate for an induction. If you're not, I would wait. My sister has FM and was induced b/c of HBP last week. Her body was not ready and the experience was awful for her. Baby was healthy and that is what she focuses on and he had to come out b/c of her HBP, but I think she'd gladly skip the 4 day induction next time. It's no walk in the park either.

caitlyn0216 · February 2012

Kristinmo:
I wouldn't judge you as long as you wait until 39 weeks. Those weeks between 37-39 are so crucial to development

Also- make sur eyou understand the risks of induction. Any intervention can lead to more and you are increasing your risk of a c/s which is why I would personally hold out as long as possible but again wouldn't judge you.

I wouldn't judge you no matter what you chose to do because it is your baby, your decision. At 37 weeks, you are considered full term. I can't imagine the normal pregnancy aches and pains while also dealing with something like FM. You are a strong woman! I wouldn't bat an eye if you decided to induce early; this is the start of many decisions you will be making for your family and LO, and it isn't my place to judge you. Many women get induced at 37 or 38 weeks for other medical reasons. Talk to your doctor and make a decision for you NOT based on what Internet strangers tell you to do or not do.

livinreality · February 2012

bearsbearsbears:
caitlyn0216:
Kristinmo:

I wouldn't judge you as long as you wait until 39 weeks. Those weeks between 37-39 are so crucial to development

Also- make sur eyou understand the risks of induction. Any intervention can lead to more and you are increasing your risk of a c/s which is why I would personally hold out as long as possible but again wouldn't judge you.

I wouldn't judge you no matter what you chose to do because it is your baby, your decision. At 37 weeks, you are considered full term. I can't imagine the normal pregnancy aches and pains while also dealing with something like FM. You are a strong woman! I wouldn't bat an eye if you decided to induce early; this is the start of many decisions you will be making for your family and LO, and it isn't my place to judge you. Many women get induced at 37 or 38 weeks for other medical reasons. Talk to your doctor and make a decision for you NOT based on what Internet strangers tell you to do or not do.

This.

It is a decision you should make with your OB, not people on TB. Chronic pain is a medical issue, not a "comfort" issue.

Agree, you and your OB answer this best. I would also look at other options, as in are you still working? Maybe the OB can get you out of work, which would be less stress on your body. Could you do some light massage therapy to help with the pain? You are almost there

Want a personalized experience?

inducing because of your own illness?

Re: inducing because of your own illness?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards