39 + 1 - facing possible induction at 40 wks - advice required.

[SELMUM]

Hi - I am new to this so apologise now for any wrongly used acronyms.
I am 39 + 1 today. My BP has been slightly high throughout pregnancy (possible white coat syndrome rather than anything else) + monitored carefully. At 38 wks consultant said he wants to see me on my EDD to be scanned (have internal) and then he will make decision about induction.
I am getting anxious as baby shows no signs of making an appearance before EDD, but also feeling fed up as getting tired now and feet starting to swell up etc. Pretty nervous about internal as well as not had one before!
Should I say no to induction unless real medical need or just get the birth over and done with? Help?

HI Selmum,

You say that your consultant will make a decision about an induction on your due date so depending on your BP he may suggest an induction at 41 weeks not necessarily straight away. But if your BP has been high and you are also staring to swell now they do need to monitor this. However you are within your rights to challenge their assumptions and make sure that what they advise is in your best interests so arm yourself with as much information as possible before your appt.

On a positive note I was induced and had a relatively quick easy labour with only gas and air and I was worried about being induced leading to interventions but this is not always the case, likewise if you are not induced it does not mean a straight forward labour. My only recommendation either way is to keep as mobile as possible for as long as possible during your labour.

I read a thread somewhere yesterday on here about peoples expereiences at being induced and although induction does increase your risk of further interventions there were plenty of positive stories.

Good luck

Hi, my friend was in exactly this situation last month - her bp was pretty high at 39+4, and her ankles were swelling, and she was given a choice about whether to be induced.

She decided to get it over and done with (1st baby), so had the pessary and then the drip - she had a beautiful boy 7lb 11oz - she was strapped to monitors and lying on her back for the whole thing though. She said it was v painful but she would do it again in a second & her view is that she preferred to do it fast & furious rather than slowly & naturally. Active labour was only 6 hours although it took about 12 hours or so to get going properly.

Also she said it was reassuring to hear the baby's heartbeat continually through the monitor rather than just every now and then.

By the way she had G&A and then pethidine but she was still quite with it for the birth itself. Only had a small tear as well.

So for her it was definitely a positive experience.

Although having said all that, my 1st baby is due in 8 weeks and I'm going to try all the alternative methods to get labour going if I go over - acupuncture, clary sage oil in the bath, hot curry, sex etc!! (dh not too keen on the last one but he will be persuaded!)

A couple of positive induction stories for you.....

I have been induced twice and have not needed an epidural either time. The first time was given a pessary and later a drip. Allowed to be mobile. Labour was 9 nine hours, second stage 3 hours and ended up with ventouse delivery. Still a positive experience though and did not need any pain relief - apart from a TENS machine.

Second time, I had my waters broken and was put on a drip. I was allowed to be mobile throughout, in spite of the need for monitoring - in fact, I sat on a ball for the whole time. Labour was 1 hour 50 minutes and dd2 shot out with a 15 minute second stage. Again a very positive experience.

Positive induction story:

Just wanted to say that induction definately does not equal epidural.
Ds was hanging in there at 40+15 so I was induced. I did not receive or need an epidural (and no I am not a woman with a high pain threshold or an earth mother ). I had G&A which was fab and a shot of pethidine to regulate contractions but that was it. ds was born natuarlly 6 hours later which was great compared to dd's 25 hour spontaneous labour

I would hang on if you want to and if you have a reason for it (I wanted to go to the birthing centre which is why I held on so long) but if not and youre fed up then go with the induction. I really dont think it makes a difference to your birth experience, it didnt with mine and I know lots of people who have gone into spontaneous labour and had a nightmare so really its just luck.

HTH x

Thanks for your messages. I have not really been able to enjoy my pg as as I have been given the impression by various so called healthcare professionals all along that I would get pre-eclampsia, my baby would be small, I would not get to term etc etc because of BP. All have turned out to be rubbish - baby is actually pretty big (probably looking at 8 - 9 lb - 36 wks scan estimated it was 6lb 12 oz then), I have pretty much made it to term, haven't had to be admitted to hospital and my BP has remained pretty constant throughout (between 120/76 - 140/90). In fact if it wasn't for the BP issue I would have had a wonderful pg - no sickness, no real aches and pains until last few weeks. Funny how when I monitor it at home it is 'normal' and then when go to MW or hosp it gets higher!
TBH I don't have a huge amount of faith in what I am being told as each MW or Dr says a different thing and I have even had sonographers giving opinions on when I should stop work etc etc.
Think I will stand my ground unless BP has rocketed and scan shows potential problems for baby.

Thanks

Had MW this morning - she is happy with me and agrees that I should say no to induction unless consultant can give me definite clinical need. Will keep you posted!

Hi
Sounds to me like you have had a similar experience to me with my first son. (except I did end up in hospital with migraines from the high blood pressure on a few occasions during the pg ) I refused a c-section at 36 weeks and induction at 38 weeks and kept going until almost 40 weeks when I had him naturally (with all drugs including epidural!!!)

With my second son they kept on about him being induced after my waters broke at 30 wks!! They resealed themselves and although I was monitored daily I refused induction and had him at 43 week against all odds!!!!!! Yes I was uncomfortable and fed up but when he came he was 7lbs so I know he was not three weeks late-the dates must have been wrong. I am glad I refused as it was a very easy birth with no drugs and all was well with him. He just wasn't ready yet!!! I would stress however that if there was any medical reason whatsoever for the induction I would have definitely had it without doubt.

I wonder what will happen this time....baby girl due 1st May......yipee!

Congrats on 3rd pg BalletMum and thanks for advice. I think I was just unlucky that at booking I was hyperstressed (not great with medics, had to tell boss that I was third woman in dept to be pregnant at one time, and possible genetic issue that needed considering)- as a result BP high and rather than monitor to see if it was truly high or just a blip they took belt and braces approach.
I feel the experience I have had has made me more anxious as a result and I do feel let down. Hopefully things will be better next time - if there is a next time!