Elective induction?

DanandVan · March 2013

I am on the fence about this and could use some advice. My Dr has offered to schedule an elective induction (induced without any real medical reason) for me at 39 weeks.

Some background - this is my 3rd baby. I went into labor on my own with #1, 11 days overdue, and was induced 4 days early with #2 because of high blood pressure. Both times my cervix was not dialated/effaced at all at any of my appointments.

My Dr checked my cervix on Friday (almost 38 weeks), and once again, not dialated at all. She said not to worry, cervix is soft, and that she would not be worried about inducing me since I've had 2 successful vaginal deliveries before.

Of course, its super tempting to go with the induction, but I know it still carries risks. Thoughts? Stories? Advice? THANKS!

rm2013 · March 2013

No, no, and um, no.

ShadyKull · March 2013

An induction a week before your due date for no medical reason? Why?

I would definitely be on the "No way" side of that fence.

Abeja1226 · March 2013

I took the induction at 39 weeks, elective. Cervix was 3cm, 70 percent effaced. I knew baby was a good size and I was done, flame me if you want but LO got stuck coming out but thankfully it ended okay and I delivered vaginally about 3 hours after starting pitocin. My OB said if I waited to go on my own I would have most likely ended up with a c section because the baby would have been too big to fit through my birth canal.

wittyschaffy · March 2013

I personally wouldn't be ok with it. Babies tend to come when they are ready and who am I to rush that? I have no issues with induction for medical necessity but for convenience? No.

lkm2006 · March 2013

I was induced at 39 weeks 4 days and it was completely elective.

I was 2cm and 70 percent when I went in. I was in labor for 9 hours but that was half of my labor with DS1 so I was thrilled!

I think you know the pros and cons so as long as you are comfortable with it, go for it. There's no wrong decision, plus I think two successful births is definitely a plus for you.

lightgetsin · March 2013

I would be ok with it. I was induced with my 3rd because my bp was a little high (nothing compared to what it had been in my first two pregnancies). I was just over 39 weeks and it was a fantastic birth experience. I had time to get my other two kids where they needed to be and then I just showed up at the hospital to start pitocin. My son was born 4 hours later and afterwards I didn't even feel like I had labored. I had no pain, the only think was my uterus shrinking back but it was no biggie.

huntlavender · March 2013

I was going to do the same-all signs of healthy mom and baby...however my husband got cold feet and ask that we wait (he wanted to be surprised) - so I'm now waiting til my 40 week appt day and if baby hasn't arrived then were going in. I'm on my third - first natural, second induced (with no issues) . I trust that my dr wouldn't have recommended it if they didn't feel good about it.

MSW_721 · March 2013

Ehh, I don't think you're a terrible person if you decide to get induced. It sounds like you're a good candidate. It's ultimately your decision. My OB will induce at 39 weeks if you want. I declined though it would be easier to ensure DS has someone to watch him and I could make sure my DH is home instead of at work. For me personally, I want the baby to come when she's ready, but I was tempted to consider induction.

BrittKav · March 2013

**lurker**

It's not popular on these boards, but my OB also offers to induce at 39 weeks as long as your cervix is favorable. I took him up on that offer with my first baby as I was 3 cm and 75 % effaced at the time of induction and it went quickly. With my 2nd baby I declined because I wanted to be "surprised", and it was a great experience when I went into labor on my own at 39 weeks. This time I will likely go ahead with an induction again at 39 weeks if I haven't had the baby already (and cervix is favorable, which I'm assuming it will be).

JClou83 · March 2013

I have noticed this question comes up so much around here and it is seriously one of the worst questions I have seen anyone ask simply because there are people who are extremely passionate on both sides of that fence so their answers come out sounding less helpful and more hurtful. I honestly think it is a personal choice that should be discussed with your doctor and your spouse/coparent.

I was induced at 39 weeks with DS1 for high BP and it went extremely well as I showed up to the hospital 4cm dilated already. For this one my BP has been great and I have no medical problems but once again all signs point to everything being favorable for induction. I have chosen to do so since my DH will be leaving the country for the next year and I want him to meet his child before he goes. Had he not been leaving the country I likely would have done it still because I trust my doctor and he would not lead me down the wrong path. If I were not dilated and all of that other jazz and DH were not leaving I probably would wait it out as I have no desire to have a long painful labor and that is a chance you take.

Like I said personal decision. Don't let anyone get you down for doing whatever you decide. Best of luck.

DanandVan · March 2013

JClou83, my DH is military too and will be leaving for 3 weeks of training April 8th. Either way, he would still be around for the birth but its another reason induction is looking so tempting to me....It would be great to have him home to help with the baby and our other 2 kids for as long as possible before he goes.

Such a tough decision for me! So glad to hear your DH will be there for your birth and will get to meet LO!

JClou83 · March 2013

DanandVan:
JClou83, my DH is military too and will be leaving for 3 weeks of training April 8th. Either way, he would still be around for the birth but its another reason induction is looking so tempting to me....It would be great to have him home to help with the baby and our other 2 kids for as long as possible before he goes. Such a tough decision for me! So glad to hear your DH will be there for your birth and will get to meet LO!

Ya'll should talk about it and see how he feels. Like I said I have seen people get really ugly over the topic but I stand firm that I don't let people one the Internet tell me what is best for my family. Do what you feel is right for you and LO. I'm so not looking forward to having 2 under 3 on my own but I'm sure you understand the DH is government property until that contract is up.

j&lo82907 · March 2013

I was induced with my first, and I will be being induced this time, both at 39 weeks. I liked being induced, but I wouldn't do it if my cervix wasn't favorable. Do what you feel is best for you.

kal42672 · March 2013

In my opinion I feel that when the baby is ready to arrive they will. Unless there is some kind of medical necessity to induce I would wait and let labor occur on its own. I don't understand why someone would electively want to be induced.

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