To be induced or not to be induced?

Question

My doc told me about a study they're doing about inducing between 39 and 40 weeks (instead of the current rule that's "no induction before 41 weeks with your first baby") - he didn't pressure me into it, but did say that he and many other docs think that outcomes are better when baby come in that time frame (hence the study). If I do the study they're going to induce me on Tuesday at 39 w 4 d. I am free to back out.

He claimed that he sees a lot of little complications for mom and baby the later they go (more common to have meconuim in the amniotic fluid, bigger babies, shrinking placenta, and more frequesnt c-sections).... But I also see/hear a lot of moms claim that induction kinda sucks and letting your body go on its own is so much better...

HOWEVER I am 39 weeks tomorrow and he just checked me - I'm not effaced, not dilated and super posterior cervix, so he's predicting that I likely will easily go over my due date 😨

I'm having the hardest time deciding what to do! Anyone have some helpful input??

Answer

Personally I wouldn't. Yes, going far past your due date has its disadvantages but so does being induced. In fact many of those risks you listed that come with going beyond your due date are also prevalent in inductions.

Answer

I've always been induced. Never went into labor. I'm 28 w 1 day and will be scheduling mine for hopefully next week at my appointment tomorrow. I have never had any problems with being induced. I actually feel better that way

Answer

My hospital is doing a similar study and I'm 99% sure I'm going to participate.

Answer

I was induced the day after my due date, it was the most calm, non-stressed, enjoyable experience of my life. I fasted from the night before, did an enema too so no nasty surprises on the delivery table 😂 went in at about 5am, I was made comfortable, hooked up to an iv with the usual suspects (pit etc) was in active labor from 8/8:30am, never suffered any pain, just pleasant methodical contractions. I was given demerol, I wouldnt recommend it, it just made me feel dozy for a while... They got more intense after lunchtime, no problem, I breathed through them and was really cosy in the bed with lots of pillows (including my fave from home that smelt of my laundry detergent- it was so comforting!) I got to 7cms, went with a epidural because I wanted to concentrate on welcoming my baby and not concentrate on my breathing through contractions so much.. 3 pushes later- 3, and my daughter was born. Easy, peaceful, modern and waaaayyyy better (in my opinion) than going old school and hefering around until 42 weeks and your waters burst/pooping during birth/rush to hospital senario! 
Do whatever you want but make sure you do what *you* want, and don't feel like you have to suffer through this either, if you want to be induced- go for it. Its not the middle ages!

Answer

I'm being induced at 38 weeks next Thursday due to high blood pressure. Said it's much safer out than in! I'm nervous but whatever is best for me and baby girl!!

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In my personal opinion, baby comes when baby is ready. I don't believe in putting baby on a "timeline" so to speak unless it is life or death for momma and baby. But I do understand how eager we mommas get the last few weeks! I'm 38 weeks and get more and more impatient. Just really do your research on inductions. But read articles and watch videos from both people who are for it and people who are against it. That is how you will best form your own opinion to make that decision.

Answer

Personally I would let my body take its natural course if I could (have to have a c-section due to size and breech position of my twins). But if you really want to have an induction earlier I don't see anything wrong with it. Most major development is finished at 37 weeks anyways. Instead of having a normal induction ask about mechanical induction. Less drugs :) good luck to you no matter what you decide!

Answer

I would wait till atleast 40 weeks

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My Dr also believes there's a point where it's better out than in. I was induced with no issues, but both times I got a leak with no contractions.

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I've had a baby on my own a few days after 40 weeks, one induced at 39 weeks, and one in my own at 38+3 weeks that needed a very small dose of pitocin to continue. They all ended up the same- vaginal, 4 hours of labor with only 20 mins max pushing, and no complications at all. It's all preference and gut feeling for you :)

To be induced or not to be induced?

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