Doctor wants to induce before the holiday

garrettnr · October 2015

I have had three full term pregnancies thus far. Each of them lasting until the 40th week or later.

I am currently due Dec 29. My doctor has requested I consider inducing at 38 weeks because of the holidays.

Other than a low lying placenta, this pregnancy is not complicated.

Now my doctor didn't come right out and say that she didn't want to be on call during the Christmas and New Years holiday, but it was definitely implied.

I do not know how I feel about this.

Part of me likes the idea of being able to plan when I am at the hospital and not have to worry about the weather or traffic while I'm in labor.

The other part of me is against it. I would feel more comfortable knowing that I made it to 40 weeks, even though technically 38 weeks is considered full-term as well.

My husband has stated that is up to me, and his job will just have to deal.

I am concerned on how my doctor is going to feel if I force her to stay on call. I do not want to go into labor with an angry doctor who doesn't want to be there. Or leave myself without a doctor because she decided to travel for th holiday.

Has anyone else's doctor expressed this concern (past or present)?

jenbstevens · October 2015

Babies should cook until they're ready, I think it's selfish and borderline irresponsible of your doctor to even imply that. When you become a doctor you know you don't get holidays off. There is no way I would agree to that.

racheldelacruz · October 2015

Some of the best brain development corns between 38-40 weeks. I would never push little one before they are ready. Hubby and I would PREFER our LO to be out before January 1 (taxes) but we would never chemically induce for a silly reason. I would be so disappointed in a Doctor that would suggest that.

Catherine1021 · October 2015

37 weeks used to be considered full term, but that changed (in 2013 I think) and now full term isn't until 39 weeks. Knowing this, I would not consent to an induction at 38 weeks unless there was a medical reason to do so.

garrettnr · October 2015

Did not know about the 39 weeks :S
I guess I will have to do more research.

mrs14678 · October 2015

My mom was induced 3 weeks early with me, because her doctor was "going on vacation". I was her first one and she didn't know any better. She said it's the worst mistake she ever made.

There are other doctors on call, and all are trained to deliver babies. Just because your doc wouldn't be there doesn't mean you couldn't still have the baby. I'd say don't do it!!

ChiccoBeanz · October 2015

You are not "forcing" her to do anything. That's her chosen profession and she knew the ups and downs when she went into the field. If she doesn't want to be on call, I am sure someone else can be. She will get over it. She could have and should have told you earlier on that she would not be available if she wanted to make plans, and this could have been planned around. Do what is best for YOUR family and she will do what is best for hers.

KRH6829 · October 2015

Being induced is no fun. It can take a really long time and very painful. I don't think that I would go for it unless it was medically necessary.

laurabwalker · October 2015

The Dr doesn't have someone that can cover during the holidays? Usually that's the plan if they really don't want to be on call.

violetigerlily · October 2015

I second PP. After reviewing how well babies born at 37-39 weeks do compared to 39 weeks + the American College of OB's changed the meaning of term pregnancy to reflect the fact that babies benefit from more than 37 weeks in utero barring any medical reason for them to be born early. It's a recent change, but something that your OB should know about. I would at least bring up that you've read that medical organizations are saying that 38 weeks isn't full term and that non-medical reasons for induction shouldn't take place before 39 weeks to your OB, and see what she thinks about it. Here's a source for your info or to start that convo with your doctor:

https://www.acog.org/About-ACOG/News-Room/News-Releases/2013/Ob-Gyns-Redefine-Meaning-of-Term-Pregnancy

Edit: because I can't type/write apparently

Mother0fDragons · October 2015

You have a "history" of going the full 40 weeks, if not later, so LO could come several days after the holidays. IMHO it seems selfish of your doctor to induce you before the holidays. I get that she would want time with family too, but doesn't she have other patients who are due during the holidays as well? As pp's have pointed out, there should be other doctors on call who can deliver your baby. Good luck!

jenbstevens · October 2015

ArielleRene said:

There are other doctors on call, and all are trained to deliver babies. Just because your doc wouldn't be there doesn't mean you couldn't still have the baby. I'd say don't do it!!

THIS! Many women don't have their babies delivered by their own doctor, it's whoever it is on call for the practice/hospital etc, so just because she wants to go on vacation doesn't mean she should be pushing you to have unneccessary medical intervention!

kmkaull2 · October 2015

Oh for Pete's sake, that's ridiculous. No way would I agree. Her on call schedule is none of your concern. Do what's right for you and your baby.

browneyes_326 · October 2015

Your doc must be related to mine!

I'm due Christmas Eve and at my very first appt doc said 'oh I can have you home well before the holiday'.
I, like you OP, have done this a few (2) times before. One LO was 2 days late and 1 was 2 days early. Went into labor naturally & the last LO was born in about 4 hours ... Soooo I hadn't even considered this being an 'option'.

Now to play devils advocate I have done a good amount of reading and moms who have had multiple births and who are already effaced & dilated (which I was weeks before delivery with both of mine) tend to have 'easy' inductions BUT there is always the exception.

So to be honest we are considering it. For us it would be 5 or 6 days early ... So over 39 weeks.

priscila8 · October 2015

I have the same issue, Baby is due for dec 22 but my dr is really pushing for induction..
I was born on dec 31 so i definitely don't want my baby to be born on christmas so i'm taking my chances with induction..
My dr Will do an ultrasound af week 37 to confirm baby lungs And general development before proceding but i'm comfortable with the idea altough sometimes i want to wait

Gingermom15 · October 2015

Most physicians have an on call schedule, whether or not you have had your baby would not affect her being on call. If it is her holiday rotation she would have to come in and deliver any baby being born in her on call time frame. Don't induce for her convenience or yours. She knew she wouldn't be getting all holidays off when she decided to work in the health care field.

ColoradoHiker · October 2015

Most physicians have an on call schedule, whether or not you have had your baby would not affect her being on call. If it is her holiday rotation she would have to come in and deliver any baby being born in her on call time frame. Don't induce for her convenience or yours. She knew she wouldn't be getting all holidays off when she decided to work in the health care field.

This. I work in a healthcare related field. And also, just bc you're due over the holidays, it doesn't mean someone who is due in January won't go into labor early. Put your health and your babies before your doctor's convenience.

ETA- Poster below has better reading comprehension skills than I do. If you have placenta previa, this is something your doctor may have factored in when talking about inducing early, but usually it is by C section. I still stand by what I said before, though. If your and your babies health are not compromised by going until you're naturally ready/ past due date, I would skip the induction.

rockinmathchic · October 2015

If I am not mistaken, a low lying placenta is placenta previa? Do you have this? If so, this is a pregnancy complication and there is a potential for you to bleed, a lot. However, most OBs don't induce unless the placenta moves and there is no chance for bleeding. Typically when you have this you usually deliver via c-section earlier than 40 weeks. If you have placenta previa and they are scheduling you early because of this, it is best for you and baby to go with the doctor's recommendation. If this is truly the doctor being selfish and wanting to deliver you earlier because of the holidays I would say no because the risks do not outweigh the benefits if you and baby are healthy.

BellaM110 · October 2015

This is ridiculous. I am surprised she would even consider induction before 39 weeks (unless medically necessary) but it sounds like they are not that concerned about your low lying placenta if you plan to deliver vaginally.

its annoying because doctors are so quick to forget they are doctors. Theres a reason they get paid the big bucks. Holidays or not, your responsibility is to put your patient first. It's so frustrating. I say don't do it, but if you chose to at least wait til 39 weeks.

dp1320 · October 2015

I'm due 12/24 with #2 and while my doctor has not brought up induction at all I would consider an induction at 39 weeks if I was looking favorable (i.e. already dilated and effaced) because I really want to be home w/ DS for Christmas (yup, I'm selfish). If you're not comfortable with it though, then I agree w/ PPs that there will be other doctors on call that will be able to delivery you should you go while she's not available and I would just ride it out.

ACarter0914 · October 2015

I wouldn't get induced unless a medical reason for it. It seems weird that your doctor would say that to you!! Every nurse/doctor have been excited to work Christmas and have something's to do AND the holiday pay of course.

RSB1982 · October 2015

I was wondering the same as @rockinmathchic . Did the low lying placenta correct itself? If not, I would think you would be looking at a scheduled c section vs. induction.

It would be really unprofessional for your doc to induce for convienence. I wouldn't consent to that if I were you.

SunnyD2015 · October 2015

There are many reasons to induce but for doctor's convenience seems selfish. She is putting you are risk for complications of induction just for her own personal reasons. I know my hospital (which is small) won't deliver before 39 weeks and the doctors have to go before the hospital board to get approval of an earlier delivery if medically necessary. You can go into labor on your own but no inductions or c-sections can be done before 39 weeks.

And I second the posts that say the American Academy of Obstetrics has changed the guidelines on early delivery...this is why my hospital now has this policy.

I have to have an early delivery because of placenta previa and accreta...a baby born at 36 weeks. I would do anything to keep this baby in longer but it is not in the cards. Good luck with your decision. It is yours and yours alone...do your research and make the best decision for you.

mltarrio · October 2015

I can't believe your doc would seriously consider this, unless there was a medical reason.

I am due Christmas day, and I won't feel even the least bit bad if baby comes on the holiday and one of the midwives has to deliver her. They work as a team of 5 and they have a holiday schedule for a reason.

If you want to do the induction, that is of course up to you, but you shouldn't feel any pressure to induce for the convenience of your doctor.

soulfish · October 2015

I'd avoid an induction unless it were medically necessary. If your body isn't ready it will only complicate a natural process.

yl1m32015 · October 2015

Hm, interesting. I'm actually on the other side here. Im due the 15th, and I've asked my OB about inducing before Christmas. I'll be 40wks before the holiday obviously, so inducing too early isn't the problem for me, personally. I'd rather not go 1.5 wks after my due date anyways. My OB is all for trying natural ways of inducing, or eventually chemical ways before Christmas. And he specifically stated he doesn't like working on Christmas, I don't blame him, I don't either. Lots of professions have to work holidays, but no one prefers to.

rachel10488 · October 2015

I am also kind of on the other side here. I'm due Dec. 26th and have talked with my Dr about induction before Jan 1st, which also would be after 40 weeks. Does wanting the taxes make me selfish? Probably, but it will literally put a much needed roof over us and baby's head so maybe not...literally, we just found out we need a new roof haha

When discussing it my dr said she would induce me as early as 39 weeks "if I'm very uncomfortable", so it's all on me and my decision but she will do it earlier if I choose. I'm planning on just waiting to see if he comes naturally and then scheduling induction for around Dec. 29th (over 40 weeks) if not.

lablover920 · October 2015

rachel10488 said:

I am also kind of on the other side here. I'm due Dec. 26th and have talked with my Dr about induction before Jan 1st, which also would be after 40 weeks. Does wanting the taxes make me selfish? Probably, but it will literally put a much needed roof over us and baby's head so maybe not...literally, we just found out we need a new roof haha When discussing it my dr said she would induce me as early as 39 weeks "if I'm very uncomfortable", so it's all on me and my decision but she will do it earlier if I choose. I'm planning on just waiting to see if he comes naturally and then scheduling induction for around Dec. 29th (over 40 weeks) if not.

Same due date. I would also like to be induced before Jan 1 as my health insurance deductible would start over and this was a big year for us and my midwife induces at 41 weeks. So if favorable and midwife agrees I would like to be induced Dec. 29th (if baby hasn't already yet come) as that would be 40w3d.

VesperLove · October 2015

I mostly agree with what everyone else has been saying but I'll add something else as well.

It's really early to make that decision. If you're due the 29th then you have quite a ways left to go ... lots can change in that amount of time. Not saying that I think you should consider it in the first place but DEFINITELY not this early.

BellaM110 · October 2015

yl1m32015 said:
Hm, interesting. I'm actually on the other side here. Im due the 15th, and I've asked my OB about inducing before Christmas. I'll be 40wks before the holiday obviously, so inducing too early isn't the problem for me, personally. I'd rather not go 1.5 wks after my due date anyways. My OB is all for trying natural ways of inducing, or eventually chemical ways before Christmas. And he specifically stated he doesn't like working on Christmas, I don't blame him, I don't either. Lots of professions have to work holidays, but no one prefers to.

You are not alone with asking for an induction. My Due date is the 20th however my husband is in the military and will only get a limited amount of time to be home before he has to go back to where he's stationed. Ill be asking to be induced on the 21st. I want my husband to be able to have as much time as he can during his leave to spend with our son.

Rratledge · October 2015

I'm also due December 29th and wouldn't be surprised if my doctor suggested an early induction as well. I was induced at 39 weeks for medical reasons with my first son and it was a very positive experience, but when 5pm was getting close and I hadn't made a lot of progress, my doctor offered a c-section since she was going home for the day. I declined and was more than happy to go with the on-call doctor whom I had never met. My son was born vaginally just before midnight.

While I was pleased with the induction process, I'm hoping that it won't be necessary this time. Also, I'd love to have this baby before January for tax and insurance reasons, but my husband and I have agreed that we want to let this little guy take his time and come when he's ready.

BostonBaby1 · October 2015

Don't you have any Jewish doctors in your area? Not only do they not mind to work on Christmas… But they actually prefer it because it gives something to do other than watch A Christmas Story 20,000 times.

BellaM110 · October 2015

@BostonBaby1 ha! That is true! I used to work with a Jewish Doctor. He was the only one who didn't care he had to work Christmas.

kimia222 · October 2015

I'm due Dec 28th and my doc said he's comfortable with inducing starting the 24th if I wanted to. He said something about how since it's my second baby and all. I just think it's interesting how he electively mentioned induction during the holidays, guess not all docs are selfish. He is not Jewish either.

momotheflyinglemur · October 2015

I have heard some of these stories of inductions not taking and then having to have a c-section when you could have had a perfectly natural birth. I think you need to sit down and have a long talk with your doctor about what they feel the pros and cons of inducing are, because it is a big decision and if your OB is doing it just so they can have an extra glass of eggnog during the holidays does not sound like a legitimate reason.

ChiccoBeanz · October 2015

BostonBaby1 said:
Don't you have any Jewish doctors in your area? Not only do they not mind to work on Christmas… But they actually prefer it because it gives something to do other than watch A Christmas Story 20,000 times.

Shout out to the Jewish Doctors for December births! I love mine. He's ready whenever we are, Christmas, Christmas eve, 3 kings day, he's ready.

ChiccoBeanz · October 2015

@Mally2011 I saw you comment on a similar thread to this one on the 3rd trimester board. May you please help out OP here. Thanks

garrettnr · October 2015

rockinmathchic said:
If I am not mistaken, a low lying placenta is placenta previa? Do you have this? If so, this is a pregnancy complication and there is a potential for you to bleed, a lot. However, most OBs don't induce unless the placenta moves and there is no chance for bleeding. Typically when you have this you usually deliver via c-section earlier than 40 weeks. If you have placenta previa and they are scheduling you early because of this, it is best for you and baby to go with the doctor's recommendation. If this is truly the doctor being selfish and wanting to deliver you earlier because of the holidays I would say no because the risks do not outweigh the benefits if you and baby are healthy.

My placenta is still currently low, but the doctor doesn't seem to think this will be an issue.
She didn't mention anything about a C-Section, so I am assuming the likelihood the placenta would move down and cover the cervix isn't high.

chodge29 · October 2015

We are thinking about an induction for the end of the year (due 31st) as well. Not for holiday/doctor's reasons but for insurance/work reasons. I would just recommend talking with the doctor more when you are closer to your due date. We find out tomorrow if my husband has to have surgery and if he does he will be out of work for two months. I don't have paid maternity leave so with us meeting our out of pocket expenses for the year with our insurance and being on one income for awhile...inducing a few days early is being considered. We will just see how things look at the end of the year and hope for a natural labor for our little Anthony. I don't think I would mind another doctor being there if mine is on holiday but I will have to think about that more!

laceyglowacki · October 2015

Is it even legal where you live to electively induce at that age of gestation ? I live in Pennsylvania and you can't electively be induced prior to 39 weeks.

rockinmathchic · October 2015

garrettnr said:

If I am not mistaken, a low lying placenta is placenta previa? Do you have this? If so, this is a pregnancy complication and there is a potential for you to bleed, a lot. However, most OBs don't induce unless the placenta moves and there is no chance for bleeding. Typically when you have this you usually deliver via c-section earlier than 40 weeks. If you have placenta previa and they are scheduling you early because of this, it is best for you and baby to go with the doctor's recommendation. If this is truly the doctor being selfish and wanting to deliver you earlier because of the holidays I would say no because the risks do not outweigh the benefits if you and baby are healthy.
My placenta is still currently low, but the doctor doesn't seem to think this will be an issue. She didn't mention anything about a C-Section, so I am assuming the likelihood the placenta would move down and cover the cervix isn't high.

I am glad to hear that. I just don't understand why your doctor would be talking about inducing you without a reason. I would maybe schedule a time to talk through all of it with her and to be able to discuss all of your concerns. If there is a ligitimate reason that you need to delivery early, then I think you should do so. If not, while it is totally up to you, it is probably not a good idea to induce prior to 39 weeks as PPs mentioned.

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