Getting induced before due date?

carlyrosem · January 2016

I'm a FTM and am 37 weeks today. I have been contemplating the idea of getting induced about 3-4 days before my due date if she doesn't come before then. My due date is on a Monday so it would be the Thursday or Friday before hand. I've been thinking about this because I am already so ready for her to be here. I feel like all I do is sit around and wait for her to get here and work. Also, DH is taking three weeks off work. So if I have her over the weekend none of his time off will be spent in the hospital and it'll be spent home with the three of us. My doctor said as long as everything looks good she will induce me at 39 weeks if I want. I just don't know if I'm being selfish. Everything I read says they need to come when they're ready and stuff and how inducing is bad unless it's medically necessary. Also, my mom was over due with me and I was almost 9lbs. My doctors is already expecting my baby to be 8lbs by my due date. I'm just not sure what to think.

lbart86 · January 2016

Title of thread may have been misleading, but here's a thread that is hot on this topic:

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12657303/out-of-curiosity#latest

Latina211508 · January 2016

I personally don't think you should induce unless medically necessary or you're past EDD. Your birth weight has nothing to do with your babies birth weight. But in the end it's up to you and your DR. Just make sure you know all the risks of inducement and if your baby is not ready. I have asked for 2 inducements but luckily had great experiences. But you do higher your chances of a c-section.

VitaLuna · January 2016

No, you shouldn't induce just because you're getting impatient. Yes, I think it's selfish. Ultrasound and doctor predictions are notoriously inaccurate, so I wouldn't let that factor into your decision at all.

moomee · January 2016

I agree with PP. You shouldn't induce just because you're feeling impatient. I think we all are at this point. You do definitely increase your chances of having a c-section. I highly recommend researching and weighing the pros and cons of inducing.

Mamacat316 · January 2016

There was an article in the NYTimes last week about how often doctors tell American moms their babies are thought to be "big", then they are much smaller than predicted when born. I feel like it's easy for a lot of people to forget that nature has a plan, and your baby will be born when he/she and your body is ready. Why rush a completely natural process??

NHKx2 · January 2016

I'm praying for a natural birth (even if I'm overdue) so I DON'T have to be induced! Induction means you're more likely to have a long drawn out labour and require a C-Section. Why would you want that? Be patient.

Achae · January 2016

carlyrosem said:
I'm a FTM and am 37 weeks today. I have been contemplating the idea of getting induced about 3-4 days before my due date if she doesn't come before then. My due date is on a Monday so it would be the Thursday or Friday before hand. I've been thinking about this because I am already so ready for her to be here. I feel like all I do is sit around and wait for her to get here and work. Also, DH is taking three weeks off work. So if I have her over the weekend none of his time off will be spent in the hospital and it'll be spent home with the three of us. My doctor said as long as everything looks good she will induce me at 39 weeks if I want. I just don't know if I'm being selfish. Everything I read says they need to come when they're ready and stuff and how inducing is bad unless it's medically necessary. Also, my mom was over due with me and I was almost 9lbs. My doctors is already expecting my baby to be 8lbs by my due date. I'm just not sure what to think.

I agree with pp, it's easier on your body to let it happen naturally. Can you try membrane sweeping? That sends some women into labor shortly after!

Monkeybutt80 · January 2016

There is always a risk with medical intervention such as an induction. When the risk outweighs other risks or benefits, is when the induction should be done. As you can see from the other thread pp pointed out, people are getting induced due to high bp or other medical issues that would pose a greater risk with waiting for the baby to come naturally.
In your situation, it doesn't seem like there are any risks involved with waiting at least until you are due. I was induced last pregnancy at 41 weeks bc the dr felt that the risk of placenta deteriorating was greater than the risk of induction at 41 weeks. Luckily mine went relatively smoothly but a lot of ladies experience greater labor pain from being induced.
The size estimation is really inaccurate and you shouldn't really base your decision on that. If I were you, I would discuss other natural inducing options such as membrane sweeping or nipple stimulation with your doctor before opting for an medical induction.

summererdvig · January 2016

I was going to be induced for medical reasons unrelated to the pregnancy and ultimately decided not to. My due date also falls on a Monday, and I too wanted my husband to be home and have extra time with the baby. My plan was actually to induce labor my entire pregnancy. The closer I got to the end, the more I contemplated my decision. Ultimately I decided not to, because (though it's hard to wait it out) there is serious no greater surprise in the world than your baby coming. You wake up and have no idea if it could be today, tomorrow, the middle of the night. To rob myself and my husband of one of the greatest surprises life has to offer didn't seem right.

Obviously, there's no "wrong way" to have a baby. Sometimes being induced a medically necessary. But if it's not, I personally wouldn't elect for pitocin. As PP have stated, you're at an increased risk for csection, and babies tend to come out easier and have a smoother delivery when they come on their own.

It's yours, your husbands, and your medical providers decision but I know when I sat down and really thought about it, induction was not for me. Babies aren't meant to be scheduled, they're the biggest surprise you'll ever get to experience!

I hope that no matter what you decide that you have a wonderful delivery

we are so close!

dtaded13 · January 2016

I have an induction scheduled for 4 days before my due date. I would love if he decided to come before then but like having the induction set up as well. I was induced with DD for preeclampsia at 37 weeks and it was a miserable labor. But, I'm already more dilated now than I was when they started the induction last time.

MississippiCatfish · January 2016

I've gone past 41 weeks twice. With my first I was induced and it was a terribly hard experience - I cried for the first few months every time that we passed the hospital. In some ways it was a PTSD-like kind of reaction. I could sleep - sometimes I was up recounting the experience for the entire 2 hours between feedings in those first few weeks. It was the right thing to do; I was almost 42 weeks and there were some concerning findings on the ultrasound, so I believe that it was the right choice, but it was really crappy. With my second, labor started on its own at 41 weeks. The experience was immensely more positive. Part of it was the fact that I spent more time preparing for labor, but I also believe a huge factor was that labor started on its own.

Fast forward to this pregnancy, and it has been the most physically and emotionally exhausting pregnancy by far. Believe me when I say that I want to be DONE and I have for weeks. I understand how frustrating it is. And yet, I still won't induce until I'm about to hit 42 weeks unless its medically necessary, because I know from experience how much more difficult it can make it. If your body isn't ready, it will show you that during your induction! Try to hang in there:)

ETA: I should say, I know that some women have MUCH more positive induction experiences. There is always that possibility, of course, but you will never know what you're going to get!

cognity · January 2016

Google some articles on elective induction vs expectant management. Make sure you are on google scholar and not plain google.

This is ultimately a decision between you, your husband, and healthcare provider. You will receive a lot of negative opinions regarding elective induction on this board and other forums. Ultimately it is an important decision so make sure you have done the medical research before deciding. This is a hot topic in gynecology at the moment so you will find several newer studies showing updated findings since elective inductions have increased in the past 5 years.

cmq21 · January 2016

Being induced doesn't necessarily mean you pop out your baby within hours especially if you are FTM. What if you don't dilate within the time your DR should see progress, then csection. My first one was 4 days over due and I was induced and the contractions are worst then if it happens naturally. He was 8lbs and 23 inches long I was so ready for him to come out but my Dr wanted to give him a chance to come out naturally. Pls let your body tell you when it's time. I'm ready for this one to come out too bc with this pregnancy I got IBS and can't eat but when I sit and think I would give my life for this child so that means any misery I am experiencing I will sit here and experience it and that's it. That's my take on it but of course at the end of the day it's your choice

sheslikeasunburn · January 2016

The hospital I am delivering at won't induce without a medical reason before 41 weeks...I think that says a lot.

lilqt3929 · January 2016

My Dr doesn't even discuss scheduling an induction until 41 weeks or if medically necessary. Just because your H will be off for 3 weeks and you want to time it accordingly doesn't make it ok to schedule when your baby should be born (we all have ideal times that work best but we don't schedule inductions just because of that). Instead, if baby isnt here when he starts his vacation spend some time savoring your last few days/weeks alone together because you'll never get those back! Does he have the ability to move his vacation according to when baby decides to come or take part of the time and use the rest the next month to spread it out? You won't be pregnant forever, just be patient!

twinmom1121 · January 2016

I agree with all pp. Let your baby come when he/she is ready! I've heard from a lot of women that being induced is a lot harder on your body and can sometimes make it a loner labor as well. If you don't need any medical reason to induce, then you shouldn't! I know how uncomfortable the last few weeks of pregnancy are, we all do! And personally I don't think 8lbs is really THAT big. I had my twins at 38 weeks and together I was carrying Almost 12.5 lbs of baby (granted I didn't push out a 12lb baby but it was still a lot of baby to carry around). But ultimately it's up to you and your dr!

hsmitty16 · January 2016

My doctor estimated my first daughters weight to be 8 lbs and she was born at 7.0 lbs.Besides the fact that he/she is growing physically, the babys brain is developing the most in the last weeks. Dont screw with nature for convenience.

g8trkim · January 2016

PPs pretty much covered everything. We're all ready... and uncomfortable... etc. Let your baby come when it's ready. I question a doctor who will induce you early for no good reason at all. Mine won't until 41 weeks or medically necessary.

carlyrosem · January 2016

Thanks for the input everyone! I think I just need to talk to my doctor about it more. I have been reading up on it but I just get such conflicting information. I guess just because it's such a hot topic these days. But I appreciate all the input! Especially with no one to really talk about it with I needed some other points of view!

cMichelle0423 · January 2016

carlyrosem said:
Thanks for the input everyone! I think I just need to talk to my doctor about it more. I have been reading up on it but I just get such conflicting information. I guess just because it's such a hot topic these days. But I appreciate all the input! Especially with no one to really talk about it with I needed some other points of view!

Not that I'm saying you have a bad doctor, but I'd talk about it more with your SO and get info about the risks involved, through other resources. Your doctor benefits from your induction more than you do. Personally I was pushed into an induction with my second LO, and while I had a decent experience, I 100% regret it. I feel like I missed out on a better experience because I let me doctor induce me. I think a big part of the excitement of going into labor, is the spontaneity of it happening. It's like knowing about a surprise party being thrown for you ahead of time.

Not to mention all the medical risks. You have a higher chance of having a longer labor, higher chance of needed a c section, higher chance of needing more interventions, the list goes on.

Monkeybutt80 · January 2016

cMichelle0423 said:

Thanks for the input everyone! I think I just need to talk to my doctor about it more. I have been reading up on it but I just get such conflicting information. I guess just because it's such a hot topic these days. But I appreciate all the input! Especially with no one to really talk about it with I needed some other points of view!
Not that I'm saying you have a bad doctor, but I'd talk about it more with your SO and get info about the risks involved, through other resources. Your doctor benefits from your induction more than you do. Personally I was pushed into an induction with my second LO, and while I had a decent experience, I 100% regret it. I feel like I missed out on a better experience because I let me doctor induce me. I think a big part of the excitement of going into labor, is the spontaneity of it happening. It's like knowing about a surprise party being thrown for you ahead of time. Not to mention all the medical risks. You have a higher chance of having a longer labor, higher chance of needed a c section, higher chance of needing more interventions, the list goes on.

That seems like an overly generalized statement. While I agree with your sentiment about avoiding induction if necessary, I don't think doctors only suggest induction for their own benefit; a lot of times it's because it is medically less risky to induce than to wait for natural labor.

VitaLuna · January 2016

@Monkeybutt80 I was under the impression that @cMichelle0423 was referring to elective inductions (that OP is asking about), not medically necessary ones. I think doctors have mom/baby's best interest in mind when they schedule medically necessary inductions and c-sections, but not when they offer them purely for convenience.

Monkeybutt80 · January 2016

@VitaLuna that might be what she meant, but it came cross to me as a general statement about induction. But at the same time it may be because outside of the bump, I have never heard of any doctors recommending induction when it is not medically necessary.

baby0708 · January 2016

I would highly recommend not getting induced if you don't have to. I ended up having to get induced on January 4th (4 weeks early; my water broke that morning) due to going into labor early. It was a terrible experience. My water broke at 5:40am that morning and they started inducing me at 10:30am. Along with the Pitocin via IV which made me horribly sick (I threw up a few times and felt terrible) they had to insert a balloon thing into my cervix to help get in dilated which hurt so much to insert and take out before receiving the epidural. All I could have was water when they started the Pitocin which I couldn't keep down. Also, after receiving the epidural all I could have was ice chips which I couldn't keep down. Overall if I didn't have to be induced due to the circumstances I would have preferred not to be. Everyone's experience is different and we all react to medication differently as well but if you don't have to be induced I would highly recommend not being.

VitaLuna · January 2016

@Monkeybutt80 I wish we never had to hear about elective/"convenience" inductions, Bump or otherwise! I don't know anyone that offers that around here, but where I used to live, there was a hospital that was notorious for that and elective c/s (true elective, no underlying issues that would normally make that an option). Irresponsible practice, if you ask me.

Monkeybutt80 · January 2016

@VitaLuna I 100% agree!

cMichelle0423 · January 2016

VitaLuna said:
@Monkeybutt80 I was under the impression that @cMichelle0423 was referring to elective inductions (that OP is asking about), not medically necessary ones. I think doctors have mom/baby's best interest in mind when they schedule medically necessary inductions and c-sections, but not when they offer them purely for convenience.

Yes this. Obviously medically necessary inductions and c sections are for the benefit of the mother and/or baby. But with how many risks that are involved when they're unnecessary, mom and baby don't benefit from them at all. (Unless you count being done with pregnancy sooner as a benefit, I guess.)

baby0708 · January 2016

cMichelle0423 said:

@Monkeybutt80 I was under the impression that @cMichelle0423 was referring to elective inductions (that OP is asking about), not medically necessary ones. I think doctors have mom/baby's best interest in mind when they schedule medically necessary inductions and c-sections, but not when they offer them purely for convenience.
Yes this. Obviously medically necessary inductions and c sections are for the benefit of the mother and/or baby. But with how many risks that are involved when they're unnecessary, mom and baby don't benefit from them at all. (Unless you count being done with pregnancy sooner as a benefit, I guess.)

Totally agree. If I didn't have to get it done due to medically needing to I wouldn't have. When they are ready they will come; believe me I know from experience!

cbou · January 2016

OP - sorry if you aren't getting the support you wanted it is probably because none of the rest of us can relate to being uncomfortable or impatient for baby to come.

Cheryl Renee · January 2016

You sound like a planner, like me. Its super hard to wait, especially not knowing when baby will arrive exactly. But there's no reason to be induced early if you are physically healthy. Being induced early, especially with your first child, runs a high risk of ending up needing an emergency c-section. Just be patient and let that baby develop fully!

As for being uncomfortable, I'm miserable! I have to have a c-section and would love if my doctor would just go ahead and and let me have it this week. But I'm only 36 weeks. So while it would be great for me, baby boy needs time to grow, no matter how big he gets. The size is just a guess by the doctors anyway.

Katty422 · January 2016

Yes, just not natural. I think doctors should be more firm into the fact that they should only induce mothers who are at risk in developing some complications.
Your basically making your body and baby do something it just is not ready to do.

carlyrosem · January 2016

I'm actually getting a lot of good feedback! I was just confused why my doctor would offer it and someone wouldn't take it when you feel so uncomfortable. I just figured the doctor wouldn't recommend something that isn't good for you or baby. But it sounds like there is just a lot of different information regarding the Topic. I didn't even realize elective inductions are a thing.

bcj0216 · January 2016

Im getting a c section early... With my oldest, we waited until i started natural labor. On our calanders he was 41weeks... Come to find out he was farther gestation and ended up with some pretty serious medical issues a month after he was born. We arent trying to go throughthat again so have asked for a c section at 39 weeks....

I think what im trying to say is, asking to be induced early may be right for some. Discomfort is not a valid reason. But everyone's situation is differednt i guess... A lady in my waiting room told me she asked for a scheduled c section bc of her husband's time off.... Seemed selfish too me. But again. To each their own. As long as baby is healthy.

LadyDarlene · January 2016

Other than the obvious reasons of keeping baby in for as long as possible due to it being best for baby, there are lots of risks when being induced. Its not good for your body and overall is a very stressful situation for both you and your baby. I'm the planning type and like to know exactly when I'm getting my baby and what to expect of everything, but even with that in mind I wouldn't chose an induction simply because of the risks and the much more intense pain I will suffer forcing my body to do what its not ready for. With that being said, I'm being induced at exactly 39 weeks due to medical reasons. The hospital near me doesn't feel comfortable with me delivering there because of complications I may have, so I have to go down to a much larger hospital 2 hours away, hence the induction. I'm bummed about it. I'm also afraid, but I know everything will be okay.

carlyrosem · January 2016

My mom had issues with going over as well with me. I passed meconium and went into distress and she ended up having a c section. She said it was the scariest thing and that everyone kept telling her baby just isn't ready..

Metsen · January 2016

I really think that this last crappy part of pregnancy has a purpose: It makes us forget about the fear and pain of child birth and actually long for labor to set in. Mother Nature at work

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