amnio for early induction?

[Elyz1214]

For a variety of reasons, I'm ready to have this baby. I'm currently 35wks5days. I see my doctor this week and he has offered to do an amnio at 36.5 weeks to test for lung maturity and then induce at 37 weeks if that's OK.

Has anyone had this done? I had it done with my son only to show the lungs weren't mature and I had to wait anyway, but that was 9 years ago and I honestly don't remember what it was like - so that's what I need! Feedback on what the amnio is like!

My reasons for wanting to go early are mainly two: 1 - my other kids were big and had shoulder dystocia. At my 35 week US the baby was measuring 38 weeks (yes, I know ultrasounds can be wrong).

and 2 - this pregnancy related depression is kicking my butt BIG TIME. I'm taking medicine which doesn't help too much, but I cry most days, don't want to get out of bed, hardly eat, and at the worst moments I have, I don't even want this baby anymore that we've been so excited about. My doctor says that the depression surges can be just as bad for the baby in utero as having him a few weeks early. There's such a huge stigma about depression - I feel bad for just not being able to handle it - I even work as a nurse! But when you go through it, it's *so* much different.

SO back to question at hand...

Would you have the amnio? Just wait it out?

[justice6920]

I had an amno with my daughter to test for birth defects (thankfully all was well!) and I think it was around 20 weeks...... I dont remember it hurting at all.... just a bit of pressure.... I think the thought of it was more scary bc the needle does seem huge..... BUT they do have an ultrasound going at the time to keep an eye on the needle and the baby! If your dr is willing to do it I say go for it!

[kikicoates78]

I have an amnio b/c my babies want to come early, and I have to have a section, so they want to check lung maturity asap to try to prevent me from going into labor. It didn't work last time my son had different plans, he was far too impatient! I did have the amnio, but I was actually in labor during, It is uncomfortable, not painful. I would say more scary than anything! That is a big ol needle! Just try not to look at it! :)

[martikadragoon]

I had an amnio at 16w and it was fairly painful but not untolerable. When my son was born at 35w5d we didnt' have time for an amnio because I had no fluid.   I say go with it!

[tarrah87]

i had an amnio reduction done which is the same thing they just took more fluid out and i ended up going into labor but i was only 21 wks and i had twins and they also had ttts but it wasn't very painful at all for me, just was told not to drive or do any lifting for up to 24 hrs they said. but good luck.

[ys1970]

I'm not so sure about amnio done at 35 weeks - i refused mine at 24 or so.....But before they put me on a bed rest at 29 weeks, they gave me bethameso-something (two shots) for baby's lungs maturity, in case she would want to come out early. At 37 and later - it doesn't even considered as a premature birth....

[ashiepooh]

Also, the amnio after 34 weeks is pretty routine, they reccomend it to a lot of people!  Just a fyi..

[ashiepooh]

Well, they just have the us tech keep an eye on the baby and needle...I had mine done with my son at 24 weeks..  But that was the check for disabilities since he had a kidney problem we wanted to make sure we were prepared for everything else.

But you know, slight pain for 24 hours, not able to lift anything, and sometimes it can cause you to go into labor!  

I naturally have my kids early, so they always give me the lung development shots way before, because we don't know why I have pre term labor.  but it shouldn't be anything bad, and I hope everything is good with the baby!!  Atleast at 37 weeks the baby is considered term, so really, I think it's fine to be induced early, especially since you have a lot going on!!

Good Luck!

Also, I'd have it done, just for peace of mind!

[kennedydp5]

i've never personally had an amnio done...  but i do know that its harder to do when you're farther along (i mean b/c the baby is so big).  is there another way to check for lung maturity (i don't know about that either)?  sorry i'm not much help!