FTM, induction next week... Terrified.

[PeoniesandPretties]

Wondering if any one can reassure me as all I can find is endless horror stories, I know it's not all roses and glitter but I'd like something positive to put my mind at ease.
Really easy, boring for everyone else pregnancy I'm 39 +4 but measuring at 41 weeks. Due to give birth at mlu all very calm. Today went to our main hospital to see a consultant as the baby is measuring large, withing minutes I'm offered a sweep (couldn't reach my cervix) and told I'm being booked in for an induction on Tuesday. Consultant led now, no water birth I'm in a total spin.
I'm happy to have the pessary and the gel but I feel if that doesn't get things moving can I refuse the drip and have a cesarean? From talking to friends who have been through this experience if baby doesn't want to come out they just won't.
Thanks in advance.

First of all, you can decline induction if you want. You won't even be post dates when induced next week, and I'd personally be reluctant to be induced at 40 weeks on the basis of measurements (I've been induced twice so not opposed to induction at all).

With my second I was induced at 42 weeks, this baby was predicted to be 11lbs at 40 weeks after serial growth scans. He was born at nearly 42 weeks weighing 9.5lbs. So their prediction was way off. They are notoriously inaccurate. Is predicted size the only reason they want to induce you? I believe this isn't in line with current guidelines for dealing with large babies with no other complicating factors.

I've been induced with the pessary once, and the pessary and drip once. I found the drip induction more manageable, this was my first labour. Second time round I only needed the pessary but my labour was very fast so more intense. Neither of my inductions led to any further interventions, but with induced first labours particularly EMCS is more likely.

Also you can insist on a section if the pessary fails, so I'd have this pre arranged and agreed when you go in to be induced if that's what you want.

Don't be afraid though, I was terrified before my first induction, but both mine have been positive experiences!

I was also measured big and was predicted a baby at least 10lbs but went into labour naturally at 38+6 . Ds was 5lbs 12 so way off, and stupidly we left all of the tiny baby clothes at home and took clothes for larger new borns. Ds looked swamped until my dm visited with prem baby size that fit perfectly.

Ive told my story many times on MN, my induction was a very calm, serene time for me, certainly no harder to deal with than my subsequent non-induced birth, just different.
Best of luck

of course you can do that - whatever helps you feel less anxious. I've had a drip induction with DC1 after the gel didn't work, and I still gave birth ok, and DC2 the gel and pessary worked and had DC2 with no trouble.

That said, if I was measuring big, I can see why you'd want to do a c-section if gel & pessary doesn't work, it makes sense.

The only thing I would say from all my many friends (old gimmer alert) who've had DC is, the ones that were offered a csection as they were having a lengthy labour and turned it down or held on all regret it, but we all have things we wished had gone better, it'll be alright at the end of the day.

yes, agree, there's something to be said for inductions and scheduled c sections as it is all predictable and controlled. Quietest moments I had after having DC1 were when in hospital being induced for DC2! Was reading magazines until things got going.

I was induced at 39 weeks due to DD measuring small. It was a fine experience. The pessary was inserted at 3pm and period pain type feeling started at 7pm. All manageable pain. Waters broke at 4am and baby was born at 6am. It was fast and the midwives were amazing. Like you, I had heard all sorts of stories but it seems to have been better than some of my friends' natural but long labours. I hope this gives you a bit of calm. It can be fine

It's interesting people say you can insist on a section if the pessary fails. I wouldn't bank on it, I was up to day 4 and they still refused a section and said I had to have the drip. They broke my waters without even asking me about it. Had my booking in appt for second pregnancy today and re- lived it all, the midwife seemed quite shocked by what was on the notes (infection, forceps, third degree tear, manual removal (I didn't even know what that was) and blood transfusion.) chances of me getting elcs this time seem to be zero.

Do they suspect gestational diabetes ?

If not induction solely due to size isn't really medically indicated.

evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-induction-or-c-section-for-big-baby/

aldanti did she book you in for a consultant review? If not, ask for one.

Thanks for all your replies, tbh I feel really confused I think because the fundamental charts are specific for mums if it's off they start questioning, mlu where I was planning to birth is half hour away from main hospital so I was expecting them to suggest birthing at the main hospital instead. The consultant said there's a risk of shoulder dsytocia, which has totally freaked me out. Questions have been raised about gd but only since 37 weeks has the baby started to measure ahead. The midwife was a little shocked that the consultant said to induce as was I as it will be my due date, maybe he just assumes the baby is cooked well and next week is going to be a scorcher?! I totally expect it not to work though.

I'm also surprised they're inducing for a big baby. My baby was huge on growth scans and I wasn't induced until 42 weeks. She was 8.11 so not scarily big at all!

I've been induced with the drip twice and I really don't get where all the horror stories come from.. first baby 34 and a half weeks, got an epidural and delivered about 8 hours after being put on the drip. Second baby managed with a bit of gas and air but it was only 3 hours. No forceps etc, no emcs... both positive experiences.

It's worth asking the consultant (and/or midwife) why induction on your due date is suggested, how much they expect baby may have grown if you go to 42 weeks (which is when they'd have wanted you delivered by). If they suspect baby is already large I can't see why waiting it out another 2 weeks (max) would make it that much more risky.
You also might want to discuss what they do in your hospital for induction. I've gone overdue with both of mine and have had the discussion - you will also want to check what the rules are for whether or not you're allowed home with the gel/pessary or not, some hospitals permit this where others want you under close observation immediately.
Re induction - I think it totally depends on whether or not your body reacts well to the drip. Some women are fine, others find it incredibly painful pretty much from the start.
Also worth asking if you can be in the water should you go into labour naturally before your induction date (unlikely if your cervix was too high, but you never know!)