Postponing induction?

7 replies

xlatia · 26/10/2011 11:05

Morning everyone,

I'm booked in for an induction tomorrow (at 41+5). Until now, despite having had not one but two sweeps, I haven't noticed any twinges, BH, etc. but this morning BH contractions really started. So now I'm thinking about asking my MW to postpone the induction by one day, as I'm really not keen on the whole thing. But on the other hand, I'm a first timer, so well aware that the contractions might amount to nothing and I don't want to be seen as being "difficult", iyswim.
Sorry if that was a bit of a ramble, just not sure what to do really... I'd be grateful for any input!

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PorkChopSter · 26/10/2011 12:22

Totally your choice whether to accept their kind offer of induction tomorrow. Perhaps you might feel more inclined the day after?

Highlander01 · 26/10/2011 21:14

I was induced in the end for DD born 4 months ago. However I was also not keen on induction as I really wanted to go into labour naturally. I actually went into hospital on the Saturday to be induced and when I got there I just couldn't bear the idea and told them I was going home to see if anything happened that night (I was determined to give birth in the midwife-led unit, which you are allowed to do provided you are 40+14 or less). I had spoken with my lovely midwife the day before who had told me not to be bullied into anything and that it was all my own choice - it was a very empowering conversation.

I returned to the hospital the next day at 40+14 and "gave in" - partly because I was worried that something would happen to DD if I didn't get induced (although I would have had daily monitoring). It all went OK, but what I would say is that I did not like starting my labour in a hospital. DH had been sent home because it was after visiting hours and I was on a ward with 3 others. DH was not allowed to come back until I had got a private room, but by that point I had been in early labour for 3 hours, frightened and panicky.

Sorry, this turned into a longer ranty post than I intended. What I want to say is that it is your choice and under no circumstance should you be made to feel "difficult". It's your baby, your choice and please do not be bullied into anything either way!

I wish you the very best of luck in your new adventure as a mummy! xxx

golemmings · 30/10/2011 10:54

one thing to watch is the availability of induction slots. I went in for a sweep at 40+8(Friday) and had the choice of induction 40+11 (Monday) or 40+14 (Thursday). There were no spare slots in between.

I know from experience that our labour unit is only just big enough... with DD I got the last consultant bed in the county which might explain the limited number of slots available.

Flisspaps · 30/10/2011 11:12

Personally, this time round (and if I were in your position) I will be refusing induction all together. I waited until 40+14 last time, and will go for expectant management if it comes to it this time.

Don't worry about being seen as 'difficult'.

Secondtimelucky · 30/10/2011 11:33

Others have made good points about induction, but I'd just like to reiterate, please please don't worry about being 'difficult'.

Your baby only gets to be born once. You only get to give birth to him/her once. Whether you decide to be induced tomorrow, or later, or not at all, the important thing is that you understand the issues and you make the decision that you believe is best for you and your baby. I know we're socially conditioned to feel bad about being 'awkward', but this really is one situation where the convenience of medical staff (as opposed to taking onboard their medical advice - although be careful of that with indication. You often get the impression it's more obvious and set in stone than it is - as evidenced by the big differences across the country in standard practice) should not be your concern.

gailforce1 · 30/10/2011 11:51

Make sure that you are aware of the risks involved. I have put a thread on about Foley catheter induction v Prostaglandin and some risks are on there,
Good Luck and come back and let us know what decision you make and how you get on.

4madboys · 30/10/2011 11:56

you are totally within your rights to ask for 'expectant management' and to hang on a few days, i went to term plus 14 for most of mine and term plus 18 for one of them, just had extra monitering and a scan to check fluid levels etc.

talk to your midwife, tho depending on your hospital they may want you to see a consultant to talk it over with them, as long as you are informed of the risks, which are still very small at your stage then go for it, it sounds like things are getting ready and even if you do still end up being induced its more likely to work well the longer you wait as you body will be more ready :) good luck :)

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