Induction at 41 weeks due to kidney disease

[Selegas]

Hi,
This is my first post, but i've been noseying around here for a while. I had my final obstetric appointment yesterday when I was told that if I haven't given birth by October 5th (when I'll be 41 weeks exactly) I'll be induced.

My kidney disease is stable, but I'm passing nearly 6g of protein a day in my urine, and it's damaging my kidneys further. Baby on the other hand, thank God, is doing absolutely fine. Have been having growth scans every fortnight from 24 weeks and she's been the perfect size at each one.

The midwife yesterday was lovely, and explained exactly how induction works, and that they would check me every six hours and break my waters as soon as my cervix opened enough, and let things progress as normally as possible.

However, I've only read bad things about inductions and am after some reassurance I suppose! I feel quite selfish that Baby's being induced just to stop me getting poorly :(

I'm seeing the community midwife on Monday (when I'll be 39+6) and the obstetrician wants her to give me a sweep if my cervix is favourable, to hopefully start things off.

I'm just confused because the midwife yesterday described induction as fine and that they'll make sure it's a gentle process, but the ladies who've actually gone through it are saying the opposite!

Help! x

Hi Selegas, welcome to MN and congrats on your baby, is it your first one?

I think everyone will agree that no two labours/births are the same but for what it's worth, I was induced for my second DS and I was just glad to get the whole thing going. I had a sweep - this was actually fine despite other people saying they found them uncomfortable, again it's different for everyone. The sweep didn't do anything.

I would just say the induced birth was different to the 'natural' one, not worse, not better, just different. DS2 was back to back which played a part.

Sorry for being vague! Good luck, if it's your first then you'll just be glad to meet them. If not, then you know that already!

Induction is different from natural birth - but like natural births - they're all very different.

YOu shouldn't feel bad that this is needed. What your baby needs is a healthy as possible mum - this is a means to an end that's all. You've done great so far to grow such a healthy baby when you have a medical problem. Also there's a very good chance you 'll go in to labour naturally before 41 weeks - lots ofpeople do. Good luck

Thank you both for your replies.

Yes, she's our first baby, and it took us a while to convince the kidney department to let us try for her, then it took us a year to conceive. That doesn't make her more special than any other baby, but we've wanted her for so long and can't wait now! We've been together for 9 years and married for 6 and we're finally there!

I'm just hoping things will happen on their own in the next 10 days, but if not, you've both reassured me and made me feel so much better.

Thanks again.

Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better.
Lots of sex is indicated if you can bear it Best way to 'naturally' induce. Keep active as well if you can - have you got much energy or are you feeling pretty flat out?

Ooh, don't know if we fancy any sex - haven't done the deed for a few months! Just seem to do crosswords in bed

Seem to have loads of energy today after feeling really sleepy and irritable for the past week. Feels like she's going to fall out when I stand up, and can't even pee properly because she's so low! Have been having the odd period type pain and mild contraction and I'm pretty sure my show is coming away slowly, although no blood yet.

Just hope these are all good signs. Whatever happens, not long to go!