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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

38 weeks pregnant, constant reduced movements and nightmares? Should I ask to be induced?

19 replies

Delizhop · 03/05/2020 11:26

Hello

I’m 38 weeks pregnant and have gone in multiple times for reduced movements. I’ve had growth scans throughout due to low Papp-a but she’s actually grown really well. From around 35 weeks I’ve had reduced movements. Gone in a couple of times and been monitored all fine, have had two detailed scans again, all fine.

I keep having recurring nightmares that I go in and they hook me to the ctg machine and tell me there’s no heartbeat. (I thought I couldn’t have children for the longest time so it just all feels very unreal still) so this has left me terrified of actually going in. Denial I guess.

Twice a day I drink ice water, eat some sweets and make her move. My partner isn’t as worried about it as I am. Just feels weird that I’m making her move?

Should I just ask to be induced to get this over with? I am terrified of something happening and I ignored the signs but every day is lower movement and the hospital close by will leave me alone in a room for over an hour and a half while my partner is outside due to covid 19. Feels like I’m continually bugging them for nothing, making my partner wait in the car, not be able to eat for hours and waste the day. I don’t want to be induced alone but I don’t know what to do to make this stop. If they keep saying all tests are fine why is she limited movement? Also the fact inductions usual lead to c sections is terrifying. My partner needs to work so I won’t have the support especially with lockdown and also I scar very bad.

I’m also getting increased pain in my legs which I assume is her being on the sciatic nerve but my hospital physio is closed as it’s next to the covid 19 ward. Just at a bit of a loss really?

Anyone had anything like this?

Thanks

OP posts:

snowybean · 03/05/2020 11:42

Sounds like there's no harm in asking, especially as you're do worried and full term.

Can you speak to a consultant to get that call moving?

Pixiefringe · 03/05/2020 11:45

I probably would OP. Better to be safe. Always trust your gut.

zoobaby · 03/05/2020 11:47

I agree there's no harm in asking as inductions are routinely carried out at 38 weeks. I've had 2 inductions without CS.

I understand making partners wait outside for scans, but will your hospital allow your partner to support you during labour?

Delbelleber · 03/05/2020 11:48

You have to go in every time you are worried. You're not wasting anyone's time. I am getting my section earlier than planned partly because I am in for monitoring twice a week due to reduced movements.

Blackandgreenteas · 03/05/2020 11:53

I would, yes.

Both my kids were induced, one at 38 weeks and one at 40.

LouiseTrees · 03/05/2020 11:55

I was induced at 39 weeks, no section. Most hospitals are allowing partner in once in active labour and with induction it’s easier to know when that might start.

LividLaughLovely · 03/05/2020 11:59

How many times have you actually been in? Have they not discussed inducing you early due to the reduced movements?

Original poster

Delizhop · 03/05/2020 13:09

@zoobaby good to hear yours went with CS.

Birth partners aren’t allowed in until active labour is established 2cm dilated or more so the entire beginning process would be me alone unfortunately

OP posts:

familyof4boys · 03/05/2020 13:14

I was induced at 42 weeks and had a natural birth- don’t assume you’ll have a c section. I’d do whatever puts your mind at rest- there’s enough going on in the world! Also make sure you tell the midwife how you’re feeling and that it’s captured in your notes so you can access any additional support you may want/need. There are perinatal mental health teams that can support you if the anxiety feels overwhelming and can teach you some tactics to help manage it. Best of luck!

MsChatterbox · 03/05/2020 13:19

I agree with everyone else, ask for the induction.

pandarific · 03/05/2020 13:25

You know what, in your shoes I would ask to be induced. And I say that as someone who didn't want to be at all, and went over quite a bit!

I'd really recommend though, that you download the positive birth company digital pack, and watch the video on positive inductions first, (then the rest so you're prepared mentally), and do up your birth preferences on the sheet they have, if you haven't yet. (I've recommended it to about 4 people now and every single one has said it really helped them - it definitely really helped me!)

There's no reason you can't have a lovely, positive birth experience while being induced - the hypnobirthing will really help with that.

A friend was induced and had a stress free water birth, and another had a similar experience but not in water. Keep mobile, don't panic, nail your breathing, and focus on getting to meet your lovely baby soon.

redwinefine · 03/05/2020 13:33

There's no harm in asking, OP. Reduced movements are terrifying and the hospital workers are usually so calm about it. It'll be so scary for you, especially for a first baby and you weren't sure you could have kids. I was the same and was so worried about my 'only chance' as I saw it. It sounds like you're doing all the right things. One other thing I tried to get baby to move was listen to music. Also, is there a chance you have a wee night owl? My LO used to have raves at night, but was quieter during the day.

In labour, if you're happy with a student midwife being there, you'll get lots of support anyway. I was so glad I agreed to one. They were so supportive and anything they weren't sure about, they went to check for me and I got seen quicker by the midwife. Your DP might just annoy you in labour, tbh, all I could think was 'YOU'RE THE ONE WHO DID THIS TO ME!' while he was saying he needed to have a sit down because he was upset at seeing me like this.... :D

Also the fact inductions usual lead to c sections is terrifying. - This was the case for me and my 4 inductions, but TBH by that point you're just happy baby is healthy and out! Even if your DP has to work (won't they get paternity leave?) they can help sort the house for you in case you need a c-section. Just make sure things aren't on the floor so you don't have to bend. Good luck caffeine-free

pandarific · 03/05/2020 13:34

By the way, 2cm isn't much at all, you'll probably get to that really quickly, and you can go for a walk (or could anyway - maybe check with them what's allowed at the moment) while waiting for the pessary to start working. It's fairly common for people at term to be 1cm for days without actually being in labour at all.

Wolfgirrl · 03/05/2020 13:36

I would, better safe than sorry. At 38 weeks the baby is term so no worries there. Induction doesnt always lead to a c section, I was induced at 36 weeks and it worked. I would have an epidural early though so you're out of pain and have stamina for the second stage. I would start by giving your midwife a call and talking it through. Good luck!

Limitedsimba123 · 03/05/2020 13:36

I would also ask for the induction OP, and FWIW I’ve had 2 inductions and neither led to section or instrumental delivery, although I had gas and air only. I always thought it was epidurals that slightly increased chance of more interventions but could be wrong.

nevermorelenore · 03/05/2020 13:41

It can't hurt to ask and see what the medical opinion is. I had a few worries due to reduced movements with my second so was induced on my due date. It ended up being a very fast and straightforward labour (medically speaking), so an induction doesn't have to mean it's going to be long and end up with instruments/c section.

pandarific · 03/05/2020 13:44

Something to ask the consultant (ask to speak to them to discuss the induction before booking in).

The oxytocin drip is a factor in an increased rate of c section - ask them if in the case that things slow down after you have the pessary (not that they will, just in case!), if you could have your waters broken rather than the drip as a next step.

FairyDogMother11 · 03/05/2020 13:46

I spent a fair bit of time on delivery suite in triage due to blood pressure/pre eclampsia and reduced movements, whilst I was in there, there were various ladies who were over 37 weeks and had been in for more episodes than 3 of reduced movements were being offered induction so I think it can't do any harm to ask if they're not offering!

zoobaby · 03/05/2020 13:57

Delizhop, for both inductions they had an idea of how quickly things were progressing. For my first one, DH went to work for the day.

I had the pessary Monday morning and stayed overnight on the ward just waiting and waiting. We were ready to move up to the birthing suite by the following afternoon. Second time around was much quicker, pessary in the morning and upstairs by that evening. Plenty of time to get organised.

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