I'm just now reaching my due date (today) and already earlier this week the doctor I saw insisted on scheduling me for induction next Friday morning if baby girl isn't here by then. I told him point blank I am not comfortable with that and do not want to be induced until absolutely necessary. I thought there was no need for that until after week 42. What can I do?
Re: Dr. wants to induce - I do NOT!
What did your doctor say when you said you wanted to wait? What are his reasons for scheduling you for friday?
I agree -refuse!!! I knew a mom whose dr wanted to induce with no medical reason. She said, "So if you schedule the induction, what happens if I don't show up?"
He can't force you. Go in with research, your SO for support and adamant for what's best for you and baby. ( you know!)
Your doctor is right in that after your due date, your placenta can start deteriorating which can lead to umbilical cord detachment, amniotic fluid loss, and internal infection that can lead to death of not only baby, but the mother too. He is also right in that the chances of your baby pooping in-utero become exponentially increased for each day you go past your due date. Your chances of needing a c-section become greater as your baby is still growing at the same rate as before, which can cause your baby to become too large to be delivered vaginally, safely. Your cervix can start to regress in dilation and unripen, almost overnight; causing the need for an induction and/or c-section anyway. Your risk for Pre-E becomes greater, same with developing low BP. If you have GD and go past your EDD, the chances of your GD becoming permanent become greater as does the chances of your baby developing type 1 diabetes later in life.
As you can see, there are A TON of risk factors involved when going past your due date. Now that doesn't mean that you absolutely will develop any or all of these risks, but it is your decision to take the gamble or not. Just because your pregnancy has been complication free thus far, does not mean that it can't, or won't, go south very quickly.
I had a relatively complication free pregnancy up until I was already in active labor. My water completely drained causing the cord to get wrapped around my daughter's neck and leg. At the hospital, it was determined that an emergency c-section was needed due to the cord issue and before that my OB was even telling me that I had, "a lot of baby for someone of my size" and that it was safer to do the cesarean because she wasn't confident that she would fit down the canal safely without causing massive tearing and hemorrhaging.
So I would keep an open mind, do your research, and discuss all the pros and cons with your doctor before making the final decision. Not saying that you should change your mind and induce, I am just saying that by knowing ALL of the facts, you will be able to make a more informed decision.
All healthy thank goodness.