To induce or not to induce?

Question

I'll be 38 weeks Friday with my first. My cervix is soft and about a fingertip dilated. My doctor will induce anytime after 39 weeks. I'm starting to grow very uncomfortable and baby is already measuring ahead of schedule. 7lbs 7ozs at 36 week growth scan. The doctor prefers to induce but will let me make the call. I'm leaning towards inducing but I'm afraid I'm being selfish or missing out on something by not going into natural labor and having that 'honey, it's time!' Moment. What have other mothers experienced?

Answer

I'd say go for it! I was induced with my 1st pregnancy and it went smoothly! It was more controlled.  My contractions gradually got intense. I didn't have to wait long for an epidural once I decided I wanted one (at 5cm). I actually had time to rest before it was time to push. With my second pregnancy, baby came on his own and it was super fast  and a lot more intense than with my first. I had to wait (what seemed like forever) for the epi and got it at like 8cm. 
I'm definitely getting induced with my third!  Scheduled for tomorrow morning! 😊

Answer

I was induced at 40+5  mainly because i didnt want my daughter born on 9/11 which happened anyway but anyways that first contraction after she broke my water was terrible I instantly asked for my epidural which I got 2 hours later. I ended up with a c section because my daughter was sunny side up and just wasn't coming down. But every pregnancy and labor is different so it is totally up to you!

Answer

Going into labor naturally is ideal as baby is ready. I would set your induction date for 41 weeks and hope baby comes before then. Also, from what friend have told me, induced labor pains are stronger, longer and more painful than natural labor.

Answer

I was induced with my first at 39 weeks because I was over it. They did it there if the mother wanted it as long as your body was already progressing. My induction was easy. Didn't get an epidural until 8 cm only because I was more scared of the pushing a giant noggin out my who who. In labor for a total of 17 hours with 1 hour 45 minutes pushing. Second baby, went into labor on my own at 38 1/2 weeks. Pains started and were horrible. Got my epideral the instant I got to hospital and was only 5 cm when I got it. Labor and delivery wasn't as long but it usually isn't the second time around. I don't plan on being induced this time around and hope to make it to 40 weeks mainly because when I'm 38 weeks will be the one year anniversary of my dads passing and I want to be as far away from that date as possible. But do what you want in the end. It can go either way no matter what you choose. It doesn't make you any less of a mom or selfish in any way. Just try to enjoy the moment as much as possible. It's painful but so so exciting.

Answer

Being induced causes stronger contractions!!! Had to be induced with my 2nd it was rough!!!! My first was great went on my own

Answer

I have had a time or two where I have set up induction dates and have gone before than. In my opinion, go with what the physical suggest. If the baby is measuring bigger than what you are it may be best so that you don't have a hard delivery with a big baby. In the end it is up to you. Just because you set up an induction date doesn't mean that you will make it that far. Good luck mama 😊

Answer

I'm in the same situation. I'm 39 weeks. My doctor offered and set up induction date for tomorrow at 5am but I canceled because I was scares and nervous. I am 1-2 cm dilated and have been since last Tueaday. I have had two vaginal births. First son was born 39 weeks exactly. Second son 38w4d. My belly is measuring 40 weeks. Doctor said won't have any issues inducing but reading all the horror stories I just don't know now.

Answer

I would avoid being induced if you can I was Induced with my first and had 2 on my own. Being induced was by far worse pain. You go right into intense contractions, when it happens naturally they gradually build.

Answer

I was induced on my due date with my first child. I am hypothyroid and my baby was very very large. I had a beautiful induction. Was smooth and easy. Are induction contractions worse? Idk. I've only had the one child but I did an epidural. Do contractions suck? Yep! If you plan on doing an induction then don't let the fear of worse contractions stop you from inducing.

Now that I am pregnant with baby #2 I really want that "oh shit" moment of my water breaking but the closer I get to my due date (11 weeks left) I think I'll go ahead and get induced on my due date again. I live 45 min from my hospital and if it's rush hour it can take me as long as 2.5 hours to get to the hospital. So I don't want that fear of having the baby in the car.  Or the fear of having to wake my toddler in the middle of the night (who will be 16 months old when this baby is born.)

Do what feels right for you.

Answer

Try and go natural, it's what the body is made for. When the baby is ready it will happen when it's supposed to. I've  always heard of issues when you ha e medical intervention. Also don't let the measurement scare you. My sister was told 10 lbs and the baby was 7 :)

To induce or not to induce?

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