can I ask for a induction at 41 weeks?

[yougotafastcar]

Have posted before about being worried about a large baby after a 39 week scan measured the baby at 9lb 10oz. Midwife did point out that it could be wrong by up to 25%, but that means a chance of 25% bigger too! DC1 was 9lb 2oz at 40+13 when I was induced.

I had a sweep at 39 weeks too and was 2cm dilated. Now I can't stop worrying about the size, her getting stuck. I had a 2nd degree tear with DC1 and am worrying about that, plus I completely failed at breastfeeding DC1 and am worried about feeding such a big baby again. I've cried worrying about all this!

Sunday was spent worrying she wasn't moving enough all day, then monday that she was moving too much. I've got it in my head that something will happen to her.

I have a midwife appointment today, could I ask to be induced sooner then 40+12? Would they be likely to let me? I need to stop being so anxious but I don't know how until she is safely here!

Yup you can 100% ask. They might say no, but I asked and my MW referred me to a consultant who approved it for 40+7 and I now have a very sweet little baby snoozing on my lap.

Also- in a bid to reassure you, I had a 2nd degree tear with my first, but this time, knowing my body better and being more prepared (and luck!) meant that I didn't tear at all this time.

I didn't need one for the size of the baby, but because of other reasons- but it was my anxiety about the birth that meant they arranged it for me.

Congratulations thanks for the reassurance too. I was already under a consultant who said they didn't want to see me any more but that was before my last scan (scan was a urgent scan after reduced movement). Fingers crossed they will at least hear me out later! Feel so nervous about the birth, I don't think she will come by herself either!

Don't worry about that- I had also been signed off from my consultant (my appointment to go and see her was when she was on the labour ward! Very surreal to be sat there, not in labour, with women having babies in the next room!) but if you impress upon them how anxious this is making you, and ask for an induction, the worst they will say is no.

There are risks from induction, I think the baby is more likely to become stuck, but if your anxiety about th birth is reduced, that's got to be a good thing!

I've looked into the risks, but as I say, I had one with DS and I think I'll end up going 12 days over again anyway. My experience last time was quite good (other then the tear!)

Exactly. I just felt I had to say it to be balanced!

I would definitely have another without a worry. I only needed the first stage- be prepared for it to be quick as it is your second child! I was ready for a quick birth, but was still taken aback by how quick mine was!

Midwife said no unfortunately, as only consultant can decide and they saw no problems

Hi Hun,

Sorry you are worrying. You should know that the studies for early IOL with big babies do not show any reduction in problems occurring. Where as IOL itself has risks.

Having said that you will feel better when it is all over.

These are IOL techniques that actually work

Orgasms = oxytocin
Sperm = natural prostim.
Pineapple but only of you liquefy the cores of three pineapples for sufficient concentration. It doesn't taste nice.
Go to the pool to encourage baby into a good position.
Extra sweeps - I had seven last time.

I laboured the following day after having acupuncture with bothy babies. I went to dr herbs, make sure you pick a properly qualified place.

Needles suck but so does IOL.

That's shit. How do you feel about that?

If you want to, you could argue it? Call up and say it's causing you so much anxiety that you're struggling to relax/concentrate.

My advice is, be honest- if this is causing you distress, tell them. However, if you think you can get your head round allowing your body to go to term and trying home remedies to induce, then leave it.

I really hope you get the result you want.