Should I induce?

[NewMomNewtoTexas]

I really need help on this one bc in getting too many mixed signals. I'm 37 and due on Monday March 9th. FTM Everything has been fine with the pregnancy so far (thank god). I am ready for the little man to be here. At my last dr apt, doc said he's due to cover the hospital the weekend before my due date and wanted to know if I would want to schedule an induction that Friday as long as we know he will be there and it's only 3 days before the due date. I really don't want to go past the due date. What would you suggest? Anyone have positive or negative experiences with an induction? [I know everyone is different.] Thanks!

[PrettyPatty_22]

I say do your research natural is always better shorter healing time from the research I have done. Then make the best choice for ub

[NewMomNewtoTexas]

We went to the doc yesterday and he didn't say anything about being  favorable or unfavorable. But he did say that I'm 2 cm and 30% effaced so he's hoping it will happen sometime this week. I've read that can last for days or weeks though. :-( I had 3 1/2 apart contractions last Friday and Saturday but nothing since then. The insurance company won't cover an induction unless medically necessary so at this point we are back to square 1 just waiting. I'm so ready to be done with it!

[proudmommytobe15]

Is your cervix favorable ?

[NewMomNewtoTexas]

Wow, that's great! Stories like that are very encouraging. I don't have any medical reasons for this other than my age, but I'm hoping this happens very soon.

[proudmommytobe15]

I was indiced a week ago. It was a great experience. I gave birth less then 12 hours later with no pain meds. They actually had to turn the pitocin down because my body started on its own. I had my membranes stripped and it didn't work. Good luck !

[NewMomNewtoTexas]

Thanks for the insight, everyone. I never thought of stripping the membranes first. I have an appointment tomorrow and will see if that's an option.

[love_being_his_mrs]

Induction without medical cause can lead to interventions you wouldn't normally need. Look - everyone is miserable the last few weeks. It's just what it is and is safer and healthier for baby to come when baby decides.

[natipipe]

I have a 5 months baby boy and they induced me. The labor was excellent. The only thing uncomfortable was the 37 hours waiting bcuz i went with 4 dilatacion and at 6 i asked for epidural. But i didn't feel pain and my baby born in half and hour.

[Free_me_please]

And I agree with the above statement to have your membranes stripped'!

[Free_me_please]

I  pregnant with my 4th and was always anti induction bc of the negative things I had heard about it such as more painful labor and increased risk of a C. My first two were born on their due dates as I went into spontaneous labor and my 3rd gave me a run for my money by being late. Bc I was almost 39 hrs old then the doctor didn't want me much past my due date so I opted for an induction and frankly it was a breeze bc my body just knew what to go. I am being induced 5 days early with this one bc I am 43 yrs old now and there is an increased risk, although not high, of fetal death due to complications with "older woman's" placentas. Just the fact that there is a potential fatal risk for the baby led me to choose the scheduled induction. Fortunately bc my previous induction was so easy and I got all my worries and stresses out about inductions with it I am not concerned but I can understand why you would be bc it's your first! I also understand wanting your favorite doctor to deliver or the one you are most bonded with. Having said all that I might still just ride it out. There is something so magical and exciting about realizing you are in labor!! Either way good luck and best if wishes to you and the baby!!

[gapeachmamom3]

Everyone's pregnancy will not be the same. Do you have a medical reason for an induction? If you don't let the bun stay in there til it's ready. I had been induced twice. I feel like the second time may have been a wrong choice bc my body was not responding to the pitocin and I was in labor all day with inadequate contractions until they got an order to increase the pit beyond the average dosage. But at that point, I was so swollen, and tired they could've knocked me over the head with a frying pan and I wouldn't have cared. I just wanted it over with by that time. So give your baby some time and just enjoy being on your own for a few more weeks. You'll be fine

[Shohna]

my sisters jusy given birth for the second time..her first she was induced and this one she went into labour herself..she said this time was more painful..she had gas and air and pethidine with the induction and just gas and air the sevond time..but either way it just shows inductions arent quite as bad as ppl say..im quite happy to be induced with this little one :)

[LoveCake98]

I think it depends on what your birth plan is, how you're planning to manage pain, etc.  If you're comfortable with the doc managing the whole labor & delivery then I say go for it. Presumably you want your doc to deliver & not the covering physician--right?

I personally wouldn't but that's cuz my plan is no meds, no epi, staying active/walking until it's time to push.  Im willing to go beyond my due date and my doc will be one of 6 in the practice anyway.  I can see where it could be comforting to have an appt and doc planned process though.  There's no wrong answer--everyone is different.  I've also heard pain will escalate faster with induction so I would ask about the epi if that will alleviate a sharp increase.  My first labor/birth was gradual pain increase & lasted about 10 hrs from first contraction at home to delivery at hospital.   I'm not sure how long inductions take.

[chriru79]

Would your doc maybe just strip your membranes a day or 2 prior to the days he is on call/hospital duty. There's a good chance that would get your labor going without induction. Worked for me!

[mamasjc]

Being induced will cause more painful labor. But if it's only a few days, might as well get it over with!

[NewMomNewtoTexas]

He's right up under my ribs and it's very uncomfortable. I'm worried bc my friend's baby actually broke some of her ribs.