Should I push for a planned induction (no pun intended!)

[heartmoonshadow]

Hi,

I am currently 8 weeks with my 2nd and with my 1st I got pre-eclampsia, got stuck in hosp from 34 weeks and was induced at 37 because I was critical. What do you think the odds are of me getting it again, I am heavier than last time and have a high BMI so I am under consultant care - do you think it would be unreasonable for me to push for a planned induction at 38 weeks and see what happens before then?

I really cant afford to be away from my DS for weeks on end in hospital this time it was my own fault last time because I circumvented my midwife and went to my doctor to get signed off work only it backfired and I ended up in hospital whereas my midwife said if I had gone to her she would have been happier to monitor me at home every couple of days.

[acatcalledfelix]

No direct experience of PE but I expect you'll be monitored extremely closely throughout and at the first signs that your BP is going up they'll discuss the management options with you, including induction. I would have thought they'd only consider an early induction if it's medically indicated. Hopefully, it won't be and there'll be no reason for you to be able to carry on until you go into labour naturally.

Good luck

[Elderberries]

I got pre-eclampsia with my first (but quite late in pregnancy) but not with this one am 41 weeks +. Have had high BMI both pregnancies. Never had blood pressure problems outside pregnancy though.

Not sure if that helps you.

[Jules125]

I had pre-eclampsia with my first at 25-26 weeks (DD did not survive) . When my second pregnancy developed complications at term (transverse lie not PE) I became anxious and a bit upset (ante-natal ward had seriously tragic connotations for me) pushed for and received c section delivery at 38 .5 weeks. I think you may not receive quite the same consideration of you views though as your PE was much later (and much less severe by the sounds of it, I spent time in intensive care). Its definitely considered ideal to wait past 39 weeks but the risks of early delivery are low after 38 so if anything at all was going wrong I think you could definitely request this. I don't think you can push in advance though.

The good news is PE is much less common in a second pregnancy (great news for women like me!), particularly as your PE was near term and mild. I don't think BMI is that significant (I am slim and with no BP problems at any other time either) so wouldn't assume that getting bigger will have much effect.

good luck!

[Withwoman]

No. You are 8 weeks, enjoy your pregnancy without worrying about things going wrong.

Induction is a horrible process and I would advise anyone to avoid it where possible.

[Indaba]

"Induction is a horrible process and I would advise anyone to avoid it where possible."

Can't leave that statement hanging.

In the interest of balance I have had 3 inductions and all were fab.

Relax and enjoy pregnancy. But talk to midwife etc about your thoughts/wants now.

Good luck.

[kblu]

I can't answer your question about a planned induction i'm sorry but regarding the PE I may be able to help.

I had severe rapid onset PE at 40+10 and had to have a EMCS under a GA and was in intensive care for 2 days extremely poorly. I've been for a birth de-brief and told that my chances of getting it in a second pregnancy in my case are 10% and I assume that is because I got it so late.

I do however want a planned CS at 39 weeks for my next pregnancy and have been told I will be able to have this, but I assume that is because my PE wasn't mild and didn't come on gradually and came so severely when I went into labour, so I doubt they will let me go overdue again.