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AIBU?

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Original poster

Reason for scheduled induction if baby not overdue

131 replies

plumcake2924 · 02/05/2024 23:10

Hi,

What medical reason would a woman be given a medical induction when the baby is not overdue? I thought if baby was in danger an emergency C-section would be performed.

OP posts:
Original poster
plumcake2924 · 02/05/2024 23:10

Bumping

OP posts:
Twiklo · 02/05/2024 23:11

I was induced at 39 w + 1 for reduced movements

TheChosenTwo · 02/05/2024 23:12

Would they induce for a mother having pre-eclampsia? Not sure but I always think that’s an emergency situation, either to get medication for mum or get the baby out or possibly both?!

Original poster
plumcake2924 · 02/05/2024 23:12

But why would an induction be planned weeks in advance?

OP posts:
Meandyouandyouandme · 02/05/2024 23:12

I was induced early as my amniotic fluid was low.

Twiklo · 02/05/2024 23:13

plumcake2924 · 02/05/2024 23:12

But why would an induction be planned weeks in advance?

Low amniotic fluid
Aging placenta
Etc
When my mum was pregnant with me she was induced earlier because of my heavy weight and big size

SarahAndQuack · 02/05/2024 23:14

There are lots of reasons. My DP was induced at term because she had gestational diabetes and a risk of developing pre-eclampsia, for example.

Induction of labour isn't what is done when the baby is in danger, because it can take a while and doesn't always lead to actual labour. It's more about trying to get things started.

An emergency section is for when the baby or the mother is in clear and obvious danger. They're quite different.

If you possibly can, you want to avoid a section, especially an emergency one, because it's major surgery.

SarahAndQuack · 02/05/2024 23:15

plumcake2924 · 02/05/2024 23:12

But why would an induction be planned weeks in advance?

Why are you asking?

Why wouldn't it be planned in advance?

Feckthisforagameofsoldiers · 02/05/2024 23:16

I was induced for repeated reduced movements. They tried to hold off as long as possible though so monitored me regularly so it was kind of planned in advance as they said that if I continued to have reduced movements they would induce me, I did and so they did.

Melrose86 · 02/05/2024 23:16

I was induced 2 weeks early because the baby was measuring so big. Estimated 10lbs 8 at a scan at 38 weeks. He was born 10days early and weighed 10lbs.

Melrose86 · 02/05/2024 23:18

Should also say I was given the option of induction or csection

CountryMumof4 · 02/05/2024 23:20

I've had three inductions, two of which were because the medical team were (quite correctly) expecting medical issues with my children. Had I gone into labour and given birth suddenly away from a specialist hospital, I'd likely have lost them both. The other was a 'just in case' due to previous history, and he was absolutely fine.

Felixinthefactory · 02/05/2024 23:21

Baby stopped growing. Low amniotic fluid. Induced at 38 weeks.

Vanillaradio · 02/05/2024 23:23

With diabetes in most cases you will have a pre planned induction round about 38 weeks. I was told this from pretty much day 1 (in fact mine was brought forward to 37 weeks due to pre-eclampsia).

Garlicks · 02/05/2024 23:28

plumcake2924 · 02/05/2024 23:12

But why would an induction be planned weeks in advance?

In short, because a natural delivery at full term is likely to harm the baby and/or mother. They want to get the baby out as late as possible but before the difficulties get worse, then provide medical attention. Lots of women posting here about the reasons for their inductions.

Is this you or someone you know?

Original poster
plumcake2924 · 02/05/2024 23:30

Someone I know has had their induction. Scheduled from early on but is trying to cover up the reasons why, so I was curious to find out the medical reason.

OP posts:
Starch1e · 02/05/2024 23:30

@plumcake2924 why do you ask?

It could relate to a previous birth experience and the mother wanting to have some control over when birth will happen.

ThisZingyBlueFish · 02/05/2024 23:31

I was induced with my 2nd as my 1st had been born (spontaneously) a week before due date but with a severely degraded placenta.
For DS2 it was a just-in-case scenario, and actually he/the placenta were fine, but better to be safe!

RandomMess · 02/05/2024 23:32

My 3rd was booked in for 40 weeks induction at 16ish weeks after seeing the consultant, due to previous labours and PNA.

4th booked in for 42 weeks at 16ish weeks after seeing the consultant, due to previous labour history.

SarahAndQuack · 02/05/2024 23:33

plumcake2924 · 02/05/2024 23:30

Someone I know has had their induction. Scheduled from early on but is trying to cover up the reasons why, so I was curious to find out the medical reason.

[wow]

Don't you think it might be none of your business?!

Babyshark9 · 02/05/2024 23:33

I was induced at 39 weeks as growth dropped off, although it ended in a section.

TwoBlueFish · 02/05/2024 23:35

DS2 was a scheduled induction, he was measuring large especially his head and shoulders (based on a scan) and the doctor gave me the choice of a scheduled induction at 38 weeks or a c-section (this was not in the UK). DS2 was 9.5lbs with large shoulders, got stuck and I had to have an episiotomy.

DaughterNo2 · 02/05/2024 23:35

plumcake2924 · 02/05/2024 23:30

Someone I know has had their induction. Scheduled from early on but is trying to cover up the reasons why, so I was curious to find out the medical reason.

Absolutely none of your business

Sixgeese · 02/05/2024 23:35

I have had 2 planned inductions at 37 weeks as I was on clexane during pregnancy and they wanted to control when I gave birth (to make sure I didn't have any blood thinners in my system when I gave birth).

It should have been 3 planned inductions but DS couldn't wait for 37 weeks and arrived at 35 weeks. The PPH I had after that birth wasn't an experience I wanted to repeat.

EliflurtleAndTheInfiniteMadness · 02/05/2024 23:39

plumcake2924 · 02/05/2024 23:30

Someone I know has had their induction. Scheduled from early on but is trying to cover up the reasons why, so I was curious to find out the medical reason.

Not telling you isnt a cover up, it's them choosing not to share their personal medical information, which is s perfectly legitimate choice and really none of your business.