The I Word (long)

mommabmb · August 2013

Today, my doctor offered up that he is not working this weekend (other docs at the office are on call) and that I have been at 2cm with no progress for a month. I lost my MP last week and no progress even still. He noticed my increasing bp and said that if the trend continues I will have to be induced no later than 41w (next Tuesday- today is my "due date"). He offers an induction for Thursday before he goes out of town.

Some background: I'm a tree-hugging natural food eating barefoot hippie. This is our first baby and I've always thought I wanted a natural birth, but realize a healthy baby is most important.

The doctor said I have two choices: a) be induced Thursday or b) wait until next Tuesday's appointment and if no progress be sent to L&D immediately for induction.

Normal self would say "let nature take all the time it needs"... But I'm honestly considering letting him induce me Thursday. There are some considerations for why, but none of them are individually important- it would just be convenient, to be honest.

List of (unimportant) considerations: out of town family in town this weekend that we never see and wish could meet baby, work scheduling, an extra vacation day for H to be home due to the holiday, an August birthday allows another year of pre K over September birthdays, knowing I will get to use my doctor that I trust.... Etc.

So- what is it? Do I need a slap to the face and suck up another week of giving nature time? Or if the doctor doesn't see any progress and it is much easier on everyone involved, is it totally wrong of me to consider it? I need a reality check here. I'm seriously in tears over this. It's the first decision for my child's life, and I already can't figure it out.... :-(

Am I making a big deal over nothing? Agggg someone snap me out of it!!

MellyLuc · August 2013

I say follow your gut feeling and do what feels right

HermansWife · August 2013

I'm facing the same thing (due tomorrow) and don't have any advice, just Internet hugs.

melosch · August 2013

You gotta go with your gut, but honestly, it's just another week and baby could come over the weekend on his/her own. There are definitely physical/outcome risks that get higher with an induction. I say wait it out another week and see if babe doesn't make an appearance. Then you'll know that you gave your baby & body as much time as you could to do it naturally. Just my thoughts though

Best of luck either way!!!

BlondieBia21 · August 2013

Follow your instinct. I see nothing wrong if you'd choose to be induced because you are past due, you aren't just 37 weeks and uncomfortable. BUT from being induced myself, you have to be prepared that it won't take and you have to have a c section so prepare yourself for that. But then again, that could happen no matter how you go into labor. Having a doctor you trust is a big part of having a relaxed and peaceful labor. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for your decision, if that's what works best for you- go for it! Just be prepare yourself for the unexpected if that makes sense. And pitocin contractions suck. Lol

shootthemoon · August 2013

Don't beat yourself up. You're an FTM and this is hard and how the hell are you supposed to know what to do? If you can take the time, I'd say sleep on it, it will probably be clearer in the a.m. Only you and your H know what's right for your family, but I don't think anyone could judge you either way.

CaliforniaDream87 · August 2013

This is really a personal decision. I, personally waited, and went into labor on my own at 40 week 2 days.

Make the right decision for you.

CourtJack · August 2013

Ditto to going with your gut. I'd personally wait, if having a natural birth was important to you. And I only say that bc yea, a healthy baby is absolutely what matters, but IMO, your birth experience is also very important. I know it's so hard to hold off another week especially with the doc offering up a free pass out of pregnancyville. Good luck with the decision. Whatever you choose, trust your choice. :-)

RK125 · August 2013

You have to do what's right for you and LO. No judgment if you choose to induce...a little jealousy because they are looking to induce me on Sunday or Monday...but no judgement.

cinderin · August 2013

If it were me, I would wait as long as possible.

ledgerfan28 · August 2013

As long as you're okay with the possibility that there's a higher chance of you getting an epi and a cesarean. No judgement here, I was honestly a little excited that my doctor was thinking about inducing me for medical reasons last Friday but I was Leo really scared. Also, if you get pregnant again you won't know when you're in labor all over again.. But I totally understand your wanting an induction and don't think it's a bad idea if you are okay with the above. Best of luck with whatever choice you make.

kwrecks · August 2013

@mommabmb I totally understand where you're coming from. Being overdue sucks, and throughout the last 40 weeks all I could think of is how I was going to wait as long as possible to let her come naturally, but now that I'm overdue (even though it's only by one day), and I'm watching everyone else get to meet their baby, I keep almost hoping that my midwife will offer an induction. She told me that she'd only let me go 10 days past my due date, but I really want an August baby. I know that there are a lot of reasons that I want her to come, and none of them really have anything to do with her health and well being, and have more to do with me and wanting to meet her.

With all that being said, I don't think there will be a single person that will blame you if you decide to get induced on Thursday. You need to mentally prepare yourself for the fact that your birth plan will probably go out the window, because Pitocin contractions are different than natural contractions, and you could end up needing a c-section. If you aren't mentally prepared for all that, then you may have a hard time accepting your decision if you do decide to induce. But then again, there's always the fact that you may not naturally go into labor before next week and need an induction anyway.

Your the momma, and you know what is best for your baby. Don't let anyone else decide what is right and wrong for you and your baby. Follow you heart and your gut, and do whatever you think is best for your family.

MidwestMeetsMA · August 2013

BlondieBia21 said:
Follow your instinct. I see nothing wrong if you'd choose to be induced because you are past due, you aren't just 37 weeks and uncomfortable. BUT from being induced myself, you have to be prepared that it won't take and you have to have a c section so prepare yourself for that. But then again, that could happen no matter how you go into labor. Having a doctor you trust is a big part of having a relaxed and peaceful labor. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for your decision, if that's what works best for you- go for it! Just be prepare yourself for the unexpected if that makes sense. And pitocin contractions suck. Lol

You do have to prepare yourself for any outcome, but like she said, no more than any other labor! I was induced on Sunday via Cervadil and my water broke less than 10 hours later, without physical intervention. I also had some picotin and although as a FTM I have nothing to compare them to, my contractions were exactly at the pain level I expected. The whole thing was over in less than 20 hours. One of my best friends was planning for an intervention-free birth and ended up having her water broken for her, a multi-day labor and a c section. Induction doesn't always equal worst case, promise

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