40 weeks.. Should I be induced?

[Kturner24]

Today is my due date! I have been having pretty intense period like cramps the past two nights and my back is killing me. My appointment was yesterday and he said my cervix was still closed. I go back today for an ultrasound to see how big the baby is since I haven't had an ultrasound since I was 20 weeks we have no idea as to how much he even weighs. The doctor wants to induce me Wednesday night but I'm not sure that's what I want. I'm so over being pregnant and I want him here now but I also want him to be ready and fully developed. Any advice is greatly appreciated! What should I do?!

[imaslice]

To each her own I guess.

[Kturner24]

Well I went to get my ultrasound today and the ultrasound tech said when she's off its normally only by half a pound. The way it looks he will be about eight pounds and my birth canal is too narrow for him to fit. I could wait and try to have a vaginal delivery or I can opt for a c section. So we are having a c section Thursday morning. I don't see the reason to stress myself or the baby out with trying to have a vaginally birth for hours only for him to not be able to fit and then having a c section anyways.

[imaslice]

My due date is tomorrow and I haven't had an ultrasound since 22 weeks either. This baby sure is getting big but I have to agree with the other moms that this is prob a scare tactic to get you to agree to induction. Measurements at this stage can be off by 2-4 pounds in either direction and is not a good estimate for size. If I was offered an ultrasound now I would prob take it though just to make sure fluids were good and babe was healthy, but keep in mind the weight estimation is just a guess and prob really wrong. And I also agree that the first line of induction should be something to prepare and open your cervix, not just induce contractions. Good luck, hope you have a smooth delivery!

[jaloveslorelei]

I get where your coming from! I was induced the first time, and even though I fought it, because I knew it was wrong, when they told me I didn't have a choice, I was both angry and releived. However, I will do whatever in my power to never be induced again. I have learned a lot since my first birth and I am very disappointed in the health care I and most women receive. There is no benifit in inducing due to size concerns, in fact it increases risk. This is not my opinion this is fact. The average pregnancy lasts 38-43 weeks. From what I have read, an ultrasounds at 40 weeks is used as a scare tactic "your babies 12 lbs we'd better induce!" And women said their babies ended up being 7 or 8 lbs! It seems I was incredibly lucky to not have had a c section, seems like most women say they were induced, followed by emergency c section.

[Mikaki21]

Today is my due date too! Also having a little boy! :) what will you name yours? Our will be Erik. :)

I have had two previous c-sections and am trying for a VBAC So the doctor will NOT induce me with pitocin or any other drugs. She will use the balloon method or membrane sweep but that's it.

Both of my previous c-sections were inductions where I didn't progress. I would say if you do choose to be induced, do your research. There are several different methods and drugs that are used. For me, thy only used pitocin alone and it didn't work. There is a cervical ripening suppository that I am told works well. If you aren't dilated at all right now, be sure you do your research on that drug so you can ask for it if it is needed. My problem with both of my inductions was that my cervix never opened.

Good luck to you whatever you choose! And please pray for me to have a successful VBAC with this little guy!! I do not want another c-section!!

God be with us both!!!