Elective Induction

[Quarksoundslikequack]

Hi All,

Before I go into detail, can I request that NO ONE give me any horror stories please. I am anxious enough.

I am having an appointment at 32 weeks to request to be induced at 37 weeks due to mental health reasons.

I was warned of the risks of stillbirth at my 15 week app with the consultant because I'm overweight.

However, having done my research I can see that the rate of stillbirths increase past 37 weeks.

I would rather ask to be induced on the 37th week than to wait & see how it goes as I have been advised by a MW that statistically first borns are overdue & mentally I cannot deal with the constant worry.

Stupidly I have read stories of it happening to people & it has simply only heightened my worry hence not wanting people to tell me their own stories.

Has anyone requested an induction for 37 weeks??

I will be having an early induction, but have agreed to wait until the 38th week as the benefits of being in utero that week are greater than the risks due to the extra time for lung development, but I will have a couple of sweeps in the 37th week to try and help ready my body if it's possible (will be my 3rd delivery though, I imagine this would be less successful in a 1st one). I will be closely monitored in the mean time. I don't have much helpful to add but thought I'd share my plan to try and give you some thoughts for compromise if the consultant won't agree to 37 weeks. Not going past 39 weeks seems fair with your mental health considered. Don't be afraid to ask for a different consultant if you need to and push for monitoring, I'm not saying I think induction at 37 weeks is necessary by any means, baby is better in there a little longer really, but there's nothing wrong with standing up for yourself and what you need. Read up on lung development at 37 weeks so you have both sides, and maybe try and see if you can request a Doppler scan to make sure the placentas working properly around 37 weeks so that you can be reassured that your baby is still safe at that point. Whatever happens I hope it all goes smoothly for you and that the mental health team can offer you the support you need OP

If there are problems with the placenta they can be picked up via Doppler scan of the placenta. There are also often other signs if the placenta is not working properly e.g. the baby measuring small or low amniotic fluid.

The placenta failed in my first pregnancy and was not functioning properly in the second. However it would be really ill-advised to request an induction at 37w for fear of this happening with no medical indication.

As others have said, the last 3 weeks are important for the baby's lung development.

Also an early induction when the baby is not ready to be born is more likely to lead to an EMCS. I was induced at term plus 5 days with my first as it was too dangerous to wait any longer due to the placenta. She was not ready to be born and couldn't cope with a natural labour leading to a CS.

My second came spontaneously 2 weeks early. I have to say that she is a much easier baby and I think that is because she was ready to be born. My first wasn't and was very unsettled and struggled to BF. These are factors which you should take into account if you want an induction without medical indication.

I have anxiety too. Still here at 40 weeks despite the fact my baby is big. My anxiety was addressed last week by the consultant who said she could induce me on my due date if I wanted but that I needed to be aware of the risks of being induced too early, I.e. It might take days to work, it may end in fetal distress/cesarean/instrumental delivery etc. I opted against this as that is the last thing I want.

This is my third baby my other two were 15 and 11 days late. I understand your worries however I think it is very extreme. Babies have periods of rest they aren't always moving. If you are worried then have an ice cold drink, something sugary and lie on your left side for an hour concentrating only on your bump, no TV/phone etc. If this doesn't get the baby moving then go in to be monitored. My baby has no pattern so I understand the worry.

I really don't think being induced so early is a good idea.

Il have a meeting with my consultant to see if there is a plan we can put in place.

Given the fact the midwives use the Doppler to check, I don't see why I can't use mine at home.

I mean this in the kindest way, but it seems like you'd like the induction at 37 weeks more for your peace of mind than weighing up what is best for your baby. I'm not saying you don't have you baby's best interests absolutely at heart but I think your anxiety is blinding you somewhat.

Yes, statistically the risk of stillbirth increases marginally past 37 weeks. But that is marginally. And you don't seem to be in the categories that increase that risk. However, induction at 37 weeks also carries its own risks. As mentioned above, these include potential breathing difficulties, increased risk of intervention during delivery, all of which carry their own risks. I don't have the stats in front of me but it seems the risks involved are actually greater with the early induction than they are waiting until term. The only 'plus' side I can see to your baby coming early isn't concerning baby's wellbeing, but lessening your anxiety.

As I said, I don't mean that to be mean. I read your reduced movements thread yesterday and you're under enormous strain. Things aren't easy right now. Perhaps your care plan going forward needs to be a lot more focussed on helping you manage your anxiety.

OP re using the home doppler, with the greatest respect, are you trained to differentiate between the subtle nuances of placental vessels, a fetal heart beat and maternal? Added into the mix your own anxieties, it may serve to only enhance these.

As the previous poster says, you need a good plan in place now to help you manage your anxieties during the rest of this pregnancy and this perhaps ought to include some post natal support too for you once baby is here. You are clearly going through a really difficult time right now. Your care providers are there to support you and baby to ensure you are both healthy and safe. Tap into those resources around you.