I have a bit of a situation and will be talking about it to my OB on Tuesday at my appt. I was told that at this appointment I will be given my induction date due to high blood pressure. It was going to be last week of my BP was any higher, and I was told I can be safely induced at any time (I am currently 37+6.)
I just found out last night that my dad who lives about 16 hours away had a heart attack and is not doing very well but still stable in the hospital. There is nothing I can do to get to him right now, but I was thinking of asking the doctor to induce me soon so that I can get to him sooner. I just don't want to be given a date a week in advance and have to wait to go and visit. Based on the situation with my high BP and the fact that the doctor already wants to induce me, is this something they would accommodate? It's definetly special circumstances but I thought I would try anyways.
Well if they said you can be safely induced at any time it's definitely a possibility. The general idea is that the longer the baby is in utero the better is it for him/her but you are technically being induced due to a "complication" so it might even be better. Discuss it with your doctor and see what s/he says.
I would ask. I can assure you people have asked to be induced for less legitimate reasons than what you just stated. Personally, I'd seriously try to make it to 39 weeks if possible, but you have to consider your dad as well. How will you get to see him 16 hrs away with a newborn? Just genuinely curious how that would work.
I think of your dad is stable (even if he isn't doing great), I would hold off any plans to be induced until at least 39 weeks. But at this point your BP is going to dictate that so if it continues to be high, they'll likely induce you soon anyway, right? So you should know tomorrow if you'll be induced for high BP or if you need to make a choice about asking to be induced for non-medical reasons. I'd just wait until after tomorrow's appointment to start worrying about any of it.
I would also ask how favorable you are for an induction. If you're not favorable and try to induce early, there might be a higher chance you end up with a csection. Aside from trying to see your dad with a super new newborn, it'd be a heck of a lot harder to do recovering from major abdominal surgery. I'm feel so sorry you're in this position; best of luck to you and your dad.
Thanks everyone, I will ask my doctor and see what she says, if she says no at least I tried. If I can get induced I would drive to my dad, not ideal with a newborn but my husband will be with me to help with driving. @Christine&Chris what kind of criteria do they look for to see if you are favourable? I wonder if they have gone over with some of this already with me. You're right, having a c-section would probably prevent me from going right away in which case I would be better off waiting!
Sorry that you're in such a harsh position. I'd also opt to wait it out. I know it's not ideal to wait but my fear would be an induction that results with in a c-section and nicu stay for baby. Then you'd end up with not just one loved one in the hospital to stress and worry over but you'd be worrying about your dad's AND baby in the hospital. Don't count on being able to travel after a c-section either. It may take you quite a few days before you can move around your room much less travel.
Neither situation seems ideal but is it possible to stay near your dad's hospital and have an ob tend to you over there? Best of luck to you and truly sorry about your dad.
@elle, they like to see some movement towards natural labor. So, thinning (effacement), dilation, baby coming down before they start the induction. Your doctor will give you a better idea of what they like. If you're 0%, 0 cm and with a "floating" baby....that can be a real tough inducement. You're body's telling you it's just not ready.
I just had a friend who had a c-section and she was not allowed to drive for several weeks after. Just something to think about as it could be a possibility.
Just to update, the doctor said I will be induced tomorrow morning even before I mentioned my dad. She said my blood pressure was up again and at this point baby is better out than in, plus she is on track to be a big girl. Crossing my fingers that a c-section won't be needed but I guess I will cross that bridge when I come to it. It wouldn't be the same but I would gladly take skype with my dad to show him his grandbaby over nothing at all! Thanks for the advice and kind thoughts, my dad spent some more time awake today and has shown improvement since yesterday!!
I posted on the birth announcements page but not really the whole story Cara Marie was born February 24th at 10:05pm! Labour went very fast which was good, but as a result I was running a high fever while I was pushing. They almost stopped to do an emergency c-section because they suspected an infection, but I continued to push because of how quickly it was progressing. When baby came out she was whisked away to the nicu but luckily came back to me all clear. My fever also went down in the next few hours, but because of that we are spending two days at the hospital and hopefully going home tomorrow.
Cara and I Skyped with my dad today, he seemed very groggy but he was really excited to see her. I'm hoping we will get out of here and be able to travel to him, I am waiting for the all clear from the pediatrician when we are discharged. Fingers crossed!
Re: Asking to be induced
Me: 29 DH: 31
Married 10/13/12
TTC Since 8/2016
Caitlin 4.17.11 Madeline 10.20.13
@Christine&Chris what kind of criteria do they look for to see if you are favourable? I wonder if they have gone over with some of this already with me. You're right, having a c-section would probably prevent me from going right away in which case I would be better off waiting!
Neither situation seems ideal but is it possible to stay near your dad's hospital and have an ob tend to you over there? Best of luck to you and truly sorry about your dad.
Caitlin 4.17.11 Madeline 10.20.13
Cara and I Skyped with my dad today, he seemed very groggy but he was really excited to see her. I'm hoping we will get out of here and be able to travel to him, I am waiting for the all clear from the pediatrician when we are discharged. Fingers crossed!