Induce or no??

I'm going to my doctor today, and I have to make a decision about whether or not I want to induce.

I am 39 weeks...never thought I'd make it this far because I was on bedrest with a shortened cervix, but now my cervix won't let him out.

On 1/17, I went to the hospital 3cm dialated and 90% effaced with contractions about 5 minutes apart..they kept me for a while there, but I made no further progress, so they sent me home. Since then, I have continued to contract here and there, sometimes close together, then they stop.

So she offered me the option to induce tomorrow..I have to make my decision today, because I am nervous about it. On one hand, I am so ready for this, I am very uncomfortable and in pain when I walk because he is so low..there's a lot of pressure on my cervix, and it hurts. But on the other hand, I'm thinking is this really a valid reason to induce???

Also, I have been reading that pitocin can cause breastfeeding problems, and there might even be a link to autism. I know I shouldn't believe everything I read, but it still makes me worry.

So I am going to address all my concerns with my OB today, but I was wondering what you ladies thought about the whole situation? Please be honest..I can take it lol.

Thanks..and be safe on this icky snow day!

Re: Induce or no??

I would probably wait it out a few days... As much as I can understand about wanting to get the baby out asap-- it sounds to me that you'll probably go into labor pretty soon on your own.

From what I understand, getting the pitocin can have a lot of bad side effects, so if you can avoid it-- why not try?

What is the reason for induction, other than you are 39 weeks?

Re: Induce or no??

I'm not a fan of induction, unless there's a valid medical reason, not just because you're close to due. Especially that you are only 39 weeks. Technically you could still have a week or so for the baby to come out when he's ready. I think that you sound like you're progressing at stages on your own, my guess is the baby will do the rest on his own time and it will probably be soon. I wouldn't allow induction (for me anyway) until I was at least through my 40th week.

Message edited 1/28/2009 10:34:48 AM.

Re: Induce or no??

Re: Induce or no??

I can't tell you what to do, as that is your decision, but here is my experience.

I was induced at 42 weeks as I was not even a CM dilated. They did the pitocin for over 12 hours at the highest dose and NOTHING. Not even a CM. I wound up with a C-Section. I had no problem whatsoever BF'ing nor has DD shown any signs of autism.

Whatever you decided...good luck!

Re: Induce or no??

i was offered the option to induce at 39 weeks. i was also 3cm dilated and 90% effaced.

i wanted SO badly to do it. i just wanted the pregnancy to be OVER.

my OB assured me that my body was "ready" and that there was little to no chance that the labor wouldn't progress. but she couldn't assure me 100%.

in the end i decided that if my body was REALLY ready, i would already have gone into labor on my own.

also, if i were induced and ended up needing a c-section for failing to progress, i would be VERY upset at myself for not waiting and possibly avoiding major surgery.

also, if something ended up being wrong with the baby at birth for some reason, i would always wonder if it was because i "removed" him too early. maybe irrational, but i know myself, i would beat myself up forever.

anyway, i decided against it and ended up going into labor on my own 4 days later and having a great labor and delivery (well, maybe *great* isn't exactly the word for ANY labor/delivery, but you know what i mean ).

this is a very personal decision... having been through it, i would just advise you to think through all the possible consequences.

Re: Induce or no??

If your that dilated and effaced, the induction should be fine. I was induced using pitocin with both babies. And with both babies I was at least 3cm dilated. My OB explained she never induces unless the patient is AT LEAST 2cm dilated, otherwise there could be an increase in complications.

Iwas also in my 39th week for both babies.

GL!
ETA: I felt the same way about induction and really DID want to go on my own. That said, we live OOS from both our families and really needed the help. By inducing we were able to plan so that we'd have someone here to take care of our dog and then with #2 we needed someone to be here with our older daughter.

Message edited 1/28/2009 11:29:59 AM.

Re: Induce or no??

i would induce, they will probably just hook you up to the pitocin since you are already 3cms- only 7 more to go.

Re: Induce or no??

I agree with those who say if there's no valid medical reason just wait it out. It does sound like your body is getting ready for labor as is, so why take risks with pitocin?

Re: Induce or no??

Personally, I prefer as little intervention as necessary. Although you are uncomfortable, it doesn't sound like you or the baby are in danger, so why take any risks?

Re: Induce or no??

I would wait it out. Since you are already dialated - they will just give you pitocin which will speed you up and you'll probably go fast.

You might even go back today and be 4+cm. I would wait another week.

How do you feel?

Re: Induce or no??

If it were me, I'd wait it out. Although you sound like a good candidate for a successful induction since you are almost 1/2 there anyway, you are only 39 weeks, this baby could still come on it's own and I feel that is usually better.

Re: Induce or no??

First I just want to say GOOD LUCK!!!

If it were me, I would wait it out. I know your uncomfortable but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Your body will tell you when it is really ready. Unless you were in full-term labor or the baby was in some sort of distress I would give it more time.

Re: Induce or no??

BTDT, I say wait it out

Re: Induce or no??

Totally agree with most posts. You are not even past your due date. At least give your self another week to be technically due. Picotin is no joke and honestly not worth the risk for someone who is progressing, however slowly, and not past their due date.

Re: Induce or no??

It's one of those decisions you just have to make for yourself

if it were me, I would wait it out and see if this baby comes on its own. I read the same thing about it affecting breastfeeding and that would worry me too.

Good luck on your decision!