Induction - yay or nay, I need some advice!

[BeQuicksieorBeDead]

I really need some experienced advice on this one.

I am currently almost 22 weeks with my first. My midwife has offered me the chance to take part in a research study on inducing ladies of 35 years and over to see if it reduces the chance of a stillbirth. I need to give them an answer shortly and I don't know what to do!

If I sign up, I will be induced at 39 weeks if I have not already begun the first stage of labour. I have been advised that this could be more painful than an 'un-induced' labour, but that most women find it okay. Are they chatting me up there or is it really alright?! Should I be asking for an epidural on my birth plan if I go for it?

I really want to help with the study and would like to think I had helped to get some legislation passed that would stop some people suffering a horrible time, but at the same time, I don't want to sign up for the study without knowing exactly what I am getting myself into! I am also aware of course that I could end up being induced anyway, even if I don't sign up!

Sorry if I sound incredibly naive.

Interesting to see that the 35/39 study is being discussed again (I recall the thread back in January that Lozster refers to) - there was a lot of literature around when I was pregnant last year and was asked several times if I would be interested in taking part (answer was always a big fat NO as still haven't really got my head around exactly what they're trying to get out of it, plus found a lot of the literature around quite offensive, especially the graphics in the Trial Launch Meeting doc).

Bizarrely (given my very strong opinions on the 35/39 study), during labour, I was asked to participate in a different study (BUMPES - study of position during late stages of labour in women with an epidural) and somehow I agreed to it (can only think it was the drugs/lack of sleep that made me say yes). Basically, once you've had the epidural you get given a randomly chosen position in which to give birth. I drew the 'lying on back' position and ended up having a forceps delivery. The outcome would probably have been the same regardless of whether I took part in the study or not but frankly I still feel a bit shit about the whole thing - still cannot believe I agreed to do it.

Regarding the number of participants in the 35/39 trial, the website says 'The trial will end once all data has been collected for the 630 participants or at two years whichever is the later time point.' It was well under way this time last year and the take-up seems to be rather slow. So what will happen to the trial once the time limit is reached? Really can't see them getting anything like the numbers they need...

Anyway, think very carefully before agreeing to take part in studies - I can't turn back the clock now but tell them to feck off if you are suddenly asked to participate in a trial when you're at your most vulnerable.

Oh, and regarding induction at 40+ being standard for older women, one of the things that really annoyed me about being pressured into an induction (I was 41 when I gave birth) was that the policy does vary from one hospital to the next (and no mention in the NICE guidelines on induction), but my hospital could not/would not give me a clear answer as to why this was. I have since been told by a MW that the hospital has had a few stillbirths recently and this is what has driven their policy.

Good luck BeQuicksie and Lozster with your births

Eagle, I can't believe they were allowed to consent you whilst in labour. That's terrible.

Also, given the opinions on here, I'm amazed that Nottingham Uni didn't actually talk to a few mums before designing the study and drawing up the related material for consenting. Getting some feedback early on would have saved everyone a lot of heartache. Them re: numbers and us re: info on induction and worries about birth.

Lozster - according to the trial launch presentation, they did talk to mums as there's a couple of slides with the mumsnet logo plus a load of quotes from mumsnetters! Can't link here, but if you google 35/39 trial launch, you will be able to open the .ppt document on line.

got to dash - baby screaming

Eagle Really?! Crikey!

The nurse had the presentation but didn't go through it with me as I told her a) I'd already heard about the study (on here though I didn't mention that) b) I am a research scientist. I'll give that a google to see if I can find it.

Well that WAS interesting reading!

ctsu4.nottingham.ac.uk/ts0918/docs/Trial%20Launch%20Meeting%2011.05.12_%20Presentations%20by%20KW.ppt

Survey of over 600 mumsnetters with 29% expressing willingness to participate. A little bit tricky to interpret without seeing what was asked or what information was given but most of the quotes cited do reflect what has been said here. Shame we don't have the discussion outcomes from the meeting or maybe they are there too if I google.....

Thanks for posting link - for some reason I couldn't do it!

Did you like the not-so-tasteful graphics in the presentation? thought the photo of the screaming woman was particularly crass

Got a 6mo sleeping on my knee and this bloody study still pushes my buttons

Got a couple of friends who are just entering second trimester - will ask them if they've been approached yet...

No, my favourite was the burning building picture! What the heck? Transparency is great, but whilst this ppt may have been ok as an internal discussion document, I'm not sure this style of presentation is suitable for public sharing! My OH is a graphic designer and the logo bugs him! Like the rest of the study, it is ham fisted.

Ah yes - rescue the ground floor! It was starting to look like one of the toe curlingly embarrassing management bullshit presentations I've encountered at work! No idea why this document is freely available on line - I saw it a few days before I gave birth and was so glad I'd not had anything to do with the study.

On a lighter note, I just sneaked a peak at your little one's photo. What an absolute cutie! So sweet!

Thank you she is the most adorable wee dolly.

Good luck for your induction next week - if it's any consolation, Baby Eagleray was a 9-pounder with a massive head (was recorded as >99th percentile at birth) and they managed to get her out!