Hey, just a little lesson I learned adn wanted to share w/ you all.

[blessedmomof3]

I read on here often about women wanting to induce their labor, or are so ready and figure since 37 weeks is considered full term they should be ready to go. Well, for medical reasons we were supposed to deliver at 37 weeks via CS. My Dr insisted on an amnio first which I thought was such a waste of time and money, but she would not deliver early w/o it.  Guess what ladies, my baby is not ready at 37 weeks. Her lungs are immature and in fact they even sent my fluid off to another lab for a closer look and called me yesterday to tell me that lab also concluded the lungs are immature. If I had pushed for delivery w/o the amnio my baby could be sitting in NICU right now! So, while we are all so moody, tired, cranky, want our bodies back, and so so ready to meet our little bundles of joy we need to remember that their health comes first and just because one person's baby is ready at 35 weeks and does just fine, it doesn't mean yours will be. So, maybe inducing before the 40week mark isn't such a good thing. You never know what is going on in there and as my Dr explained to me, every baby develops at their own pace and that is why sometimes they even go past their due date. I for one am happy to wait the next two weeks out, baby in ribs and all, to make sure her lungs are developed and she will be healthy when she comes into this world.

By the way, the amnio was a breeze. It was over before I could say ouch!

[wanting4#1]

This is funny that you mention it...I was all for inducing labor at the end of the 40 weeks, if L'il Monkey didn't come early so that my parents could be sure to be home shortly after the birth (they live out of state).

Well, after meeting with my doula and discussing it, we went back to our OB and asked if she'd let us go to 42 weeks before inducing.  I, now, want NOTHING to do with being induced, if I can avoid it!  The doula talked about 'receptors' or something that are on your uterus (I could be messing all these specifics up..so if I am - sorry!!), but basically, if those receptors or whatever aren't ready to tell the baby and all the parts to do their thing, then inducing is not going to work and it will just lead to further medical intervention, including C-sections!

You couldn't have said it better when you said 'what is good for one woman isn't for necessarily good for another'.  All of our bodies, our babies and our experiences are going to be different and those differences really need to be respected!

Good luck to all ;)

[mum2beagain]

I had a c sect at 37 weeks ( I was in pre term  labour and he was footling breech with the cord around his foot) I had the amnio and lungs were ready. His breathing was fine, however he did still struggle with his  co ordination when nursing and it was around his due date that nursing became a little easier. So even with lung maturity he probably still wasn't quite ready to be born but medically it was deemed safest for him. I have heard nursing problems are quite common in babies born "full term" but before 40 weeks. Medically if it safer for mom or baby to be born early then yes it should happen that way but for convenience, I don't think that should happen.

[blessedmomof3]

I am just as guilty of wanting my baby early. My sis had hers at 35 weeks (due to a torn placenta) and he was perfectly healthy. He weighed only 5.4 lbs but had no health issues, so around 35 weeks I started feeling like my baby would be fine. I didn't try anything to make her come that early, but I kept praying something mild would happen so my Dr would take her. Even if I just dialated alittle she would take her because I cannot go into labor. I have had surgery and my incision can rupture. Well, now I'm glad nothing happened to make that happen. Obviously, some babies are ready early and others aren't, and I just wanted to make you all aware so that maybe it will help make the wait alittle easier to take. I know it has for me, because now I know she's not just sitting in there waiting and getting bigger, but she is still very busy developing and growing her lungs.

[DoulaSummer]

I am so glad you decided to have the test done.

I see too many women induce early for THEIR convince not convince or health for their babies.  It really breaks my heart to see it.  I delivered my son at 35 weeks despite 25 weeks of complete bed rest.  I would have given anything to stay pregnant longer to make him healthier.

Sure he went home with us, but he had problems nursing, serious jaundice (levels that can cause permanent brain damage).

Your EDD (estimated due date) is just that - AN ESTIMATE!  It can be up to 2 weeks off (3 weeks if you have your ultrasound later in pregnancy).  So inducing or C/S at 37 weeks could result in the birth of a 34-35 week baby.  Due dates are based on size of the fetus based on the average size of fetuses during week X.  If you have a naturally bigger or smaller baby - the date can be way off.

[Victoria01]

I think Hoping makes a great point. Trying to induce labor yourself can be dangerous for you and the baby if done wrong or too early. Pregnancies are 40 weeks (approximately :)) for a reason; it gives baby plenty of time to grow and be ready to come into this world. Medically needy induction is a very different story, when it is best for the baby to come a little early due to a mom's health condition or fetal distress. We all get impatient, I certainly did with my first and I know I probably will with this one too when I get closer to my due date.

[melimeli]

I had insulin dependent GD and had to be induced early.. dr also said amnio at 37w0d.. lungs were ready had her the next day... it all just depends

[tricia448]

wow...i just have to tell you my pregnancy has been noothing but problems related to my health and my body housing this little baby....i am 36 weeks..... and long story short...the doctors didnt expect me to get past 32 weeks...and here i am...i am so grateful that my little one since day one has been healthy with no problems at all! my husband and i are no joke at Land D at least 2 times a week (i just dont bother posting because its all the time and annoying). i have to admit ive been selfish lately thinking what could i do to move this along....your post made me realize i am wrong and when Gods ready for her to come she will...how lucky am i she is staying in as long as she has! so i am gonna be strong and let it happen naturally! thanks for your post!

[adgal]

This is something I really needed to hear today.  I love being pregnant, I really really do. However, I am ready to not be pregnant anymore if you know what I mean.  I want him here, and God knows I am not the most patient individual around...lol.  I was starting to think about things I can do to get the process started. I even bought red raspberry leaf tea today.  After reading your post, I realize that you are right, and that I need to relax a little longer and he will come when the time is right.  Thanks so much.  For me, your timing in posting this could not have been better and I truly appreciate it.  (((((hugs))))) to you.   You may have helped save my baby from a stint in NICU which is NOT what I want.  I owe you one!!

[blessedmomof3]

I'm glad I could shed alittle light for you. If you decide to induce early ask for the amnio. The further along you are the less the risk and the less painful. At 37 weeks your risk is only 1% of something going wrong and they would just go ahead and deliver at that point. Do your research on your own and make your decision based on what you think is right for you. Good Luck in your decision

[JourneyJoJo]

Thanks for the info.  I have GD and someone mentioned inducing labour to help control labour and hence blood sugar levels.  I'm still not convinced, but your info gives me insight into what could be done to make me feel better about it.  Thanks.