Delivering early because of age?

ChrisB · May 2014

I posted this on my BMB and got some responses, but I thought I would post it here too.
I had an OB appointment a few weeks ago. I asked her how long past my due date would she let me go. She said typically it is 7-10 days past due date before she would induce labour. Then she checks my file and gets a funny look on her face, so I asked what was up. She said because of my age (39) she would prefer if I had the baby in the 38th or 39th week. She said she can stretch my cervix with her fingers to soften and thin it out, and that would bring on labour. I was completely happy with this answer until I starting thinking...wait a minute! How much is this going to hurt?? I should mention that I have a "monster-sized" fibroid...maybe this has something to do with it.
Looking for some more feedback. Has your OB suggested an early delivery because of your age? Has anyone had this procedure done? If you have, how long were you in labour for before you had the baby? Was it painful? I want ALL the details.

Joyful Salima · May 2014

I was told because of placenta previa we would do it a week or so earlier so we can do a c section, you sure there's no other issue going on? Good luck to you!

ChrisB · May 2014

No other issues that I am aware of. It seemed to me it was mainly because of my age, but it may also be because of my fibroid. She is concerned that it may be very painful toward the end of my pregnancy. I will speak with her again at my Tuesday appointment.

Thanks!

oct-wedding · May 2014

I'm 40 and my OB has said nothing about early delivery due to age. At my 39 week appt. Friday she basically said it was up to me if I wanted to get things moving or wait and let the baby come on her own. If you have another medical condition then the OB may want to have you deliver early; I was induced at 38 weeks w/DS #1 due to high blood pressure.

newenglander71 · May 2014

I was 41 at delivery and all the OBs in my practice encouraged me not to go past 40 weeks. They were concerned about how quickly the placenta degrades after 40 weeks in women over 40. I did some reading on my own about it and decided that it wasn't worth the risk to me to go past 40 weeks and told them they could induce me if I didn't go by my due date. I ended up going into labor 3 hours before my scheduled induction time.

ChrisB · May 2014

Thanks ladies. Yep, I will definitely ask a few more questions.

springbeduk2 · May 2014

I'm also 39 and my midwives expected me to go past due date with my LO (first baby) and would have let me go to 41 weeks 5 days except the day before y due date BPP showed fluid levels too low so they induced me then and she was born the morning after her due date. From all they said and lots of reading id say your age is a valid reason for close monitoring (like with BPPs) but not for induction without a clear additional reason. Research and ask questions! They (my midwives) really wanted my LO to bake until at least 39 weeks.

My induction was with cervadil and wad quite OK other than that my cervix was still way way posterior so the insertion was kindof painful. It also took patience ... some docswould have gone to pitocon mucjsooner eventhougj thete wre reasons not to. Dilating by hand as you mentioned would have required someone with much longer fingers! Anyway there is good info out there about induction methods - again read up (one search term would be bishop score) and ask qiestions and advocate for the way that seems best for you and your birth preferences!

Good luck!