Would you be induced if you were in my situation?

[AlmondFrangipani]

So...bit of a long post so sorry for that. I am 39 weeks with my first baby. I have had Chronic Kidney Disease all my life and have been closely monitored during this pregnancy to check my health and that the baby is growing etc. Originally they thought I would have a premature baby and probably a c-section at 34 weeks however things have gone really well and I have made it this far. Today I went for my final scan and to discuss induction as they don't want me to go past my due date due to the strain on my kidneys and the unknown effect this could have post birth.

The baby is a good size and everything appears to be fine apart from 1 elevated BP reading today. They did a S&S on me and whilst my cervix is soft not much else is going on. Originally they said they were going to book me in for Monday but changed their mind on the BP level and booked me in for tomorrow instead. They also sent me for monitoring of the babies heart beat as I said I have had reduced movements over the past 24 hours. This was all fine.

So...would you go for the induction tomorrow or push back and wait until Monday? I am in 2 minds, half of me things that I have got this far and just to get on with it whilst the other half says if I can go into labour naturally then that would be best (although there doesnt appear to be any signs that this is imminent)!

erm, I am expecting our first so I don't know really but I think I would go for it, as it seems to be the medical advice - better safe than sorry, and at least the team looking after you might be more clued up about your circumstances.

well done for getting this far!

To be honest, i'm abit of a lamb so always follow medical advice. Could you not go into hospital tomorrow for induction but before you agree to them starting the process maybe talk to the health professionals looking after you and tell them your concerns and ask them to go through their reasoning abit more with you. Then make a decision based on what you hear.

Good luck during your labour

If there is a medical reason for doing it early, do it early. You mentioned high BP but said movements were fine? How high? If a bit then it's not really a medical emergency. If a lot, go in early.

But if you & baby are fine, then wait. Offer to go in for daily monitoring, ask to take your own temp at home etc. My waters went early & they wanted me to be induced straight away but with daily monitoring I waited a week, was induced when 3cm dilated & had a very positive induction.

There is a risk both ways. Early, & you could have a trickier birth/ higher risk of intervention/risk to your & baby's health. Later, & you could risk baby & your health prior to birth. Swings & roundabouts so go with what feels right to you.

Note: if you want to wait, expect to fight your corner!

Thanks for the advice. I am so used to being under medical care I just tend to nod my head and do what I am advised! It wasnt until after I started to think that there may have been a choice...

My BP was 150/82 (normally 120/75) but they re-took it an hour later and it had gone down to 116/84 so it seems like a blip to me. I think I will call them in the morning and ask to speak to the obstetrician again.

Ask for BP to be taken again? You need to decide what you want: they will try to tell you that you now "have" to be induced. It could be that that's the right thing- but you need to be prepared to ask them difficult questions and be polite but feisty! What's right for them ain't always right for you.

The only other thing that's just occurred: if you wait, will you be induced over a weekend? Try to avoid: there's less staff on! Good luck x

I'd be tempted by the induction tomorrow, purely because of your kidney problems. Is it your first baby? I had a successful induction at 38 weeks, but it was my second baby.

In your circumstances, yes I would. I would want to know that the ob who was familiar with my history and kidney problems was on call and it sounds like they will be tomorrow.

Good luck OP.

How did you get on Almond?