Induction at 37 weeks!

rosieschmozie · January 2016

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if there where any moms who've had experience with a preterm induction. My doctor wants me to be induced at 37 weeks because 1. My baby has been consistently measuring small and 2. My auto-immune diseases increase the risk of something happening to the placenta (a rupture, or malfunction) which could have serious consequences, basically still birth. This is of course all based on a chance and no one can tell me for sure that something serious will happen.
Are there any moms who've experienced something similar? Or faced the same choice? And how did you experience your early induction? Was it hard? I am a bit scared because if she ends up under 2500 grams, she might need extra help from an incubator and I may expose her to some risk as well.
Any tips, stories and experiences are welcome!

mshukh · January 2016

@rosieschmozie I'm sorry you are going through this. I do not have any experience with it myself, but I do know that you can always seek another opinion or two. I do have a baby that is currently measuring smaller, and I would love to hear what others have to say on the topic as well.

mmoll1028 · January 2016

I was induced at 37 weeks with DD due to my blood pressure increasing. DD had a bit of trouble breathing immediately following delivery but they were able to give her some oxygen and she was good to go. She was also jaundice and was sent home on wallaby machine until she was 12 days old. She will be 4 in March and is completely healthy

lindscnn1 · January 2016

I was induced with my first at 37 weeks and she was born 6lbs 2.5oz and healthy. My 4th baby was induced around 38 weeks because her amniotic fluid was extremely low, she was small and some other issues. I was so scared that she was only going to weigh 3lbs since that was their best guesstimate. She was born weighing 5lbs, tiny but healthy. She didn't breath on her own immediately and had inhaled meconium, they suctioned her lungs, gave her oxygen and within minutes she was in my arms breathing great. It was much safer to have her out and possibly in nicu then to stay in me, which sounds like your situation. I am glad I was induced when I was. Good luck.

red3ye · January 2016

37 weeks is still a good age: I am sure that the hazards she would face being born at 37 weeks is not as bad as the ones she would face if you waited. Remember, you are doing this for her and I am sure she will be fine

Stormiewinter · January 2016

I was induced at 36 weeks due to pre e. Ds was 5 lbs 7 oz, but didn't have any breathing issues. He was monitored for the first few hours for low blood sugar and body temperature, but spent the rest of the hospital stay with us. We did spend 3 extra days in hospital (7 total) for his jaundice, but he was allowed to room with me the whole time.

clairemwalker · January 2016

My sisters twins were induced at 35 weeks due to complications with mom. The weighed 5lb5oz and 5lb8oz. They were minitored for low blood sugar but they were totally fine. Good luck to you!

FutureMrsCaesar · January 2016

At 37 weeks the benefits of getting your baby out outweigh any minor complications that may arise. Up until a few years ago 37 weeks was considered full term (its now 39 weeks) but still TONS of babies are delivered at 36-37 weeks due to Pre-e and other complications and are completely healthy. My opinion is to take full advantage of medical technology available to you and get that baby out as soon as it's safe for the two of you. If you are really concerned a 2nd opinon is an okay idea, but even if the chance is slim that something might happen, it's not worth it.

jenniferamcooper · January 2016

I'm glad you're asking about other's experience but don't discount the advice from your medical professional. They've spent 4 years in university, 4 years in medical school plus another 4-6 years is residency and fellowships. I know OBs get a bad reputation but they really do have the best interest of the two of you at heart. If they're reccomending an early induction so it's best scenario for you and your LO.

I was born at 36+3 and only spent an extra week in hospital (9 days total) due to lung maturity and sucking issues. I was a-ok and they thought I was super small but ended up being 5 lbs, 12 oz and was well over 6lbs when I left even with having to syringe feed at first. I think I was able to take a bottle a few days before I was discharged.

Hang in there and ask lots of questions. I always feel less anxious when I ask everything I can.

rosieschmozie · January 2016

Thank you all for your advice and kind words. We decided to take our doctors advice and scheduled the induction for February 12th!
I feel a lot better after reading your comments, so thank you for that.

I am now preparing myself for only being pregnant for three more weeks now. Getting everything ready and enjoying every minute.

Will keep you updated!

caitlinmca · January 2016

We are looking into a c-section at 37 weeks rather than waiting until 39 weeks that we are currently scheduled for. I have a rising Bp that's not controlled, protein in urine but not enough to qualify for pre-e among other things. My OBs are saying it's safer to deliver early as my body is not accepting being pregnant anymore.

cmerribury · January 2016

My son came naturally as 36+1 and was healthy save jaundice and low blood sugar. I know it's scary. Hang in there!

MamaRoni · January 2016

1st baby was born spontaneously at 35w4d... 7#9 and perfect... no nicu and only 24 hrs in hospital
Twins born at 35w1d spontaneously.... 5#6 and 4#13 and perfect... no nicu and 48 hours in hospital
4th baby born RCS 37w... 7# and perfect. .. no nicu and 48 hrs in hospital

Not every early birth is a horror story! You can do this!
My ob commented 2 weeks ago that I just have good genes and to expect this rascal early as well... we shall see

levibriana · January 2016

I was induced at 36w5d for Preeclampsia, she weighed 5lbs7oz, and had some trouble breathing at first so she went to nicu for a couple hours and had to spend a week or two under a jaundice light, but other than that was completely healthy!

amyid · January 2016

I was just in hospital and luckily didn't have to deliver at 30 weeks... The whole time I was there the NICU docs told me that 37 weeks is when they let NICU babies leave the hospital if they are healthy and my high risk obgyn also came in to say goodbye, he was taking vacation as his wife was being induced at 37 weeks due to high blood pressure, I personally would feel reassured after my experiences in your position but I understand that it must be daunting ! Good luck, all the best to you !

rosieschmozie · January 2016

Thanks! I'm a lot more at peace though with the delivery at 37 weeks. Next to my placenta problems, my blood pressure is also almost in the danger zone (130/80) and there was protein in my urine, so you know... I think my babes is a lot safer out of my belly after 37 weeks!

melani1017 · January 2016

I was induced with my baby girl at 37 weeks and 2 days. I had developed severe high blood pressure which turned into Preeclampsia by the time I delivered and had to be put on 24 hours of bedrest with magnesium sulfate in the hospital. It wasn't fun at all, but thankfully all went ok. I actually liked being induced, as the nurses told me what I would expect. The pitocin that I was given to help speed up the contractions made them pretty painful, but the good news is that I went from 2cm dialted to 10cm within a matter of hours, and after I had an epidural I wasn't in any pain at all. Our baby was born at 5 pounds 9 oz, and didn't have to go in the NICU. Most babies don't after 37 weeks as their lungs are mature then. I am sure you will be fine :-)

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