Would you induce?

I'm 40w3d. Today I had a non-stress test (results were "beautiful", as per OB) and an internal (no change since last internal at 39w4d - 1 cm dilated, 50% effaced, baby's head is at -2 pelvic station). Also had a non-stress test last Thursday (39w6d - results were excellent) and a sonogram (fluid levels were good, baby was fine, measuring at 7lb 10oz & 20 inches). I'm scheduled for another internal & sonogram this Thursday (40w6d).

OB mentioned scheduling an induction for this Friday (41 weeks). If I choose not to get induced, I will have to undergo two appointments next week of internals, non-stress tests, and sonograms. I did not ask OB if I could waive the sonograms (I don't like the idea of subjecting the baby to all the radiation). When I asked the OB if there were any risks involved with waiting and not getting induced, he only mentioned that the placenta would not work as well the further along I went.

My pregnancy has been uneventful - no issues whatsoever.

DH & I haven't discussed this yet but I wanted to post on here and get some advice/opinions/support.....would you induce? If I'm leaving out any important information/factors, please let me know & I'll edit my post.

If you got this far, thank you

Re: Would you induce?

If your tests continue to be that good, then I wouldn't.

I had DD one day shy of 42 weeks. They wanted to induce at 41.5 weeks and couldn't fit me in until 42 weeks. My NSTs and sonos were always great and they only did two internals at 40w and 41.5 wks (I was less than 1cm and she was kind of high). I'm so glad the induction was delayed bc I went into labor on my own the day night before I was supposed to go in. I ended up with exactly the birth I wanted, no cervadil or pitocin and I was 5cm by the time I got to the hospital.

I had always had faith in my body that it would do what it was supposed to but in the end it was really hard. I started to think it would never happen and actually kind of freaked out when the induction was delayed even though I had never wanted it. Those days of being overdue seem to take forever but for me it was totally worth the wait. If the baby is doing well, then I would give it a few days. I hope things get going for you soon! Good luck!

Re: Would you induce?

I have no personal experience on this, except to say that when my Dr. scheduled my induction, I went into labor two days later on my own. He scheduled it at 41 weeks but I went into labor at 39+5 (DD was born one day early).

My friend who is a PP nurse has very, very strong opinions on this but it is because she suffered a late-term loss with her first pregnancy. After experiencing what she did, she always tells people to induce. She says the complications increase after 41 weeks exponentially. It's very good you're being monitored (she was monitored VERY strictly during her 2nd pregnancy and gave birth to her little boy last week at 36+6 -- she was induced but also going into labor on her own after a poor non-stress test that morning).

You and your doctor should make the decision, not a group of people on a message board. I know you're polling for opinions, but this is SUCH a personal, technical decision to make. I have another friend who was 10 days late with her first (then was induced) and 12 days late with her second (her water broke that time) and both babies were fine but had to go to the NICU for meconium in the water (very common with any late baby). Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons and your husband and make the decision together and be confident in what you decide. I'm sure you'll choose right and either way your baby will be home with you very soon!

Re: Would you induce?

Re: Would you induce?

I remember asking this exact same question not too long ago I personally would wait...I had my induction date set up and I ended up going into labor 3 days prior. I do believe that baby will come when its ready. If everything looks good then wait it out. I had DS 10 days late and he came out perfect! GL

Re: Would you induce?

Just FYI - ultrasounds do not use radiation, they use sound waves to produce images of the baby. They are considered very safe.

Re: Would you induce?

I was induced at 41 weeks, 6 days. I wish I would have waited. The pitocin stressed DD out, and I was being threatened with a C section only after a few pushes. Luckily I got dd out in about 10-15 minutes. I am really hoping this comes on their own this time.
On the other hand DD is here and healthy that is what matters right?

Would talk to your after each appointment and talk about the risk/reward about waiting it out.

Re: Would you induce?

I was induced at 38w1d, for medical reasons. I don't ever want to experience induction again. If I had a choice, and everything was fine, I would wait to go naturally.

edit for grammar.

Message edited 5/14/2012 11:02:10 PM.

Re: Would you induce?

This is what happened to me with my 1st. Went for 2 non stress tests, he was 8 days late. Well as soon as I went in for my 2nd test they asked if I knew I was in labor, so I went on my own. I say go on your own.

Re: Would you induce?

My induction was not a success so I would say wait it out!

Re: Would you induce?

I was induced 10 days late with my first and ended up with a csection because he was 10lbs. I would probably wait it out until early next week and then schedule an induction if the baby hasn't come over the weekend.

There have been plenty of ladies on here who have had successful vaginal births after their inductions.

Message edited 5/15/2012 8:10:48 AM.

Re: Would you induce?

If there's not a medical reason to induce, and the baby is doing well, I'd avoid it. Your doctor should be monitoring your placenta to make sure everything is working well.

Re: Would you induce?

if all looks well, then no, i would not induce

Re: Would you induce?

Re: Would you induce?

I have not been in this position, but if I was at the end I would try to wait to go into labor on my own..with close monitoring of course. Good luck and you never know, it could happen at any time!!

Re: Would you induce?

I did not want to induce with my first and tried to hold off for as long as possible (she ended up being born almost at 42 weeks or 12 days late after I was induced).

Looking back, and after hearing statistics about the danger of going well past the due date, I personally would not take the risk again--even if everything looked ok because things can change rather quickly.

Just listen to what your doctors have to say. The most important thing is a healthy baby--and remember no birth plan goes as planned (or very few do) so don't beat yourself up if you end up with an induction.