Really confused about induction - help!

[AimeeSolange]

Hi all,

I'm due to be induced on Tues at 37.5 weeks due to DCDA twin pregnancy. I'm not feeling very enthusiastic about the idea of induction, for various reasons (heard some horror stories and my instincts tell me it is better to keep them in as long as they want to be there), but the consultant has scared me with the increased risk of stillbirth for twins beyond 38 weeks. I asked to put the induction date back a couple of days to see if I can make it to 38 weeks, but the midwife making the appointments essentially said that was not possible as their schedule was very full, so that had no availability for that day (which didn't strike me as the most convincing argument for forcing a baby out).

I'm feeling really confused and down about it at the moment I don't want to feel forced into giving birth if the babies are not ready, but at the same time I don't want to be silly about it, as obviously the health of the babies is my priority and I don't want to take unnecessary risks.

Any thoughts?

There's not much point keeping them in an extra couple of days, weeks yes but not days. 37 weeks is considered full term anyway. If your doctor is recommending it I'd go for it. I had an induction at 36 weeks because the placenta was giving up, I'd sooner have mine out than risk a still birth

Why are you so keen to make it to 38 weeks?

My induction was fine. It took 4 days but it was all waiting around for something to happen. In the end my labour was about 30 mins and pushed for less than 2 mins.

Don't believe the million horror stories you read online about induction

@user just because you had a good experience of induction doesn’t mean everyone will. It’s quite insulting to dismiss people’s birth stories as if everyone is making it up.

@aimee 37 weeks is full term, and you’ve done brilliantly to get that far with twins. Inductions can go either way from my experience and that of my friends. Some where clearly nearly ready to give birth, other like myself were not and it was a long process. I had issues with induction and ended with a ventouse delivery it was not ideal but as DD had limited movements towards the end then it had to happen for her safety. If you are adamant then you do not have to consent to the induction. Could you ask about daily monitoring instead?

Also most hospitals can only book so many inductions and csections a day, and they can get booked up quickly!

@mynameisjune no need to be aggressive just trying to relax someone who's probably going to have an induction, they're not all bad experiences for everyone.

@user really? Aggressive? Ok

OP good luck with the birth. As I said you don’t have to have an induction, it is totally your decision. No one else is in charge here.

I was going to post that my experience of induction was fine; 3 hours from going down in the lift to holding my baby. (NB I am not dismissing the experience of anyone else)

Thanks for the various viewpoints! Fingers crossed they might just decide to come of their own free will before then anyway...

I have only positive stories of induction - turn up at hosp having mentally prepared to give birth - here's your bed Madame - be induced wait a few hours - give birth. Happened 3 times for me.

I understand iv been lucky (although DS2 did turn out to be breech delivery but that was fine too).

As others have said don't listen too much to everyone's horror stories, for some of us giving birth has not been that horrific good luck enjoy your beautiful babies!!