Induction for big baby?

[zuryu]

Hi all,

I'm trying to order my thoughts and get some advice. I'm 37 weeks pregnant with my first baby and I've just been advised to induce the birth by a doctor at my hospital. The reasons they seem to give is because I've just been diagnosed with gestational diabetes and the baby has been very slightly quieter than they would like. Another concern is the baby seems bigger than average for its age, it's estimated at 8 lbs 14 oz currently.

The reason this is such a hard choice for me is because, beyond the baby's estimated weight, the other risk factors that are the basis for the induction are under control or in my mind haven't been shown to be a true risk.

During the times I've had my baby's movements monitored it has shown more than sufficient movements and the doctors have always been satisfied that there is nothing wrong. I've spent time watching my belly and a lot of the time the baby is clearly moving even though I'm not feeling it. When talking about the baby's movements with my midwives and I've said that the baby only moved once in a morning they have sent me for these extra test, it wasn't my choice, and yet the doctor tells me that because I've been to the hospital on several occasions for this that is one of the reasons they think I should be induced. It just seems illogical when the monitoring has shown no problems.

Now that I know about the diabetes I have been able to keep my blood sugar under control.

I feel pressured by the doctors and midwives to induce the birth. I even said I didn't want to do it, but was given an induction date 'in case I changed my mind'.

I'm really torn between what to do. My major factors against inducing are I don't see a concrete risk right now and as far as I've heard induction can make labour harder anyway. Can anyone confirm this? But obviously I don't want to risk my baby in the slightest and if there is a risk to them that induction can limit then I will induce.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[AppleMagic]

What gestation are they suggesting you induce at? The placenta can degrade faster with GD especially if it's been diagnosed late.

[zuryu]

They're suggesting to induce this week. I would be less opposed to it if I was 39/40 weeks plus, but at this stage it feels too early. Is there much risk in waiting a couple of weeks?

[Sugarpiehoneyeye]

Hello Zuryu, I can understand your unease, however, listen to those who know best, the medical people.
I had an induction, with a very large baby, 10lbs 5oz. It was my easiest delivery, by far, I kid you not. If you go ahead, please keep moving around, for as long as you can, stay on your feet and walk, between monitoring.
Sometimes, it is easiest to deliver the baby, and have excellent care at hand, than leave it, and struggle to deliver, if a problem develops.
Things can change very quickly, just do it. 💐

[babyblabber]

I wa induced at 42 weeks and DS was 11lbs. Neither the induction nor giving birth to a huge baby were pleasant but if I had to choose I would pick induction and a smaller baby for sure.

[shatteredmumtobe]

Hello,

I was offered an induction because I had a growth scan at 37 weeks and the baby was tracking big (9lbs), by the time I got to 39 weeks when they planned to do the induction I was told the safest option was to have an ELCS - baby was 11lbs.

No GD but my DS did grow massively in the last two weeks, so big his head was no longer engaged. If I had the option I would of delivered at 37 weeks.

Good luck

[Allshadesofpinkie]

I would take the advice of medical staff. They most likely wouldn't suggest induction if they didn't believe it to be safest for you both and that's the main thing really. I was induced with both babies and it's not that bad. Keep moving as much as possible and fingers crossed it will be straight forward. Good luck with the broth.

[Allshadesofpinkie]

*birth not broth, stupid phone!

[AmyC86]

Definitely take the advice of the medical staff. Like others have said, even controlled GD can cause problems with the placenta & increased growth of the baby. That in turn can then cause a difficult natural birth due to the baby perhaps being too big & the added problems of Surgery.

Then you've got the problem of a wound to heal with a compromised blood sugar (Diabetes it makes recovery of surgery longer).

Go for the induction & enjoy your baby!!!