Can I ask to be induced ?

[LaurenH0893]

I have a congenital heart defect - VSD heart murmur
1st baby currently 33+2
Consultant has said early epidural, max 1 hour of pushing & probably forceps delivery.
Can I ask to be induced ?
I'm worried they are going to leave me (hospital leaves 14 days overdue) and the baby gets too big & I can't push her out !

Has anyone asked to be induced ?

I haven't, but it's your call to ask to be induced or forcefully insist it as the case may have to be, as I'm sure they probably have guidelines they don't like to step away from.
Although, I'm sure if you're term they shouldn't have a problem, especially considering the health issue.
No harm in asking right?

Have you considered asking for a c section if you go overdue?

Ditto @LaurenH0893 . My congenital defect is an ALMCA with an inter arterial path. I didn't know I had it when I had my son - it was found later In life by accident! I doubt they will let you go 14 days overdue given the limitations on your pushing time. I'm sure your doctor would advocate being induced though? I'm guessing they don't want any unnecessary surgical procedures if at all possible, given the defect? Talk to your doc. All the very best. X

If there’s medical reason, they will induce you at term I should imagine. Have iou seen a consultant to discuss your birth plan taking into account your heart issue?

I got induced with my fourth baby at 5days overdue, due to lack of movement.

With my previous pregnancies, they can d things to try and get things moving, such as sweeps prior to being induced.

I’d honestly want to avoid being induced though. Natural labour was faster and less painful in my experience.

Congrats and good luck

Sorry for the typos! Must be ready for bed

Thank you for the replies.
I'm seeing the consultant at 37 weeks so I think I'm going to discuss my concerns & see what she says.

If you are worried about the strain on you heart then inducing labour may not be the best option. With a spontaneous labour the contractions build up and your body will have time to adjust and produce endorphins to help the process.

Being induced will bring on stronger contractions without the build up or endorphins which your body will find harder to adapt to.

I'd be surprised if a elcs wasn't suggested or approved tbh

My consultant has said I am to have an early epidural, and can only push for 1 hour max then high chance of forceps if I can't push her out.
I just don't want her to get too big & I struggle & end up with forceps or a c section
Consultant has already said this is the plan but not discussed induction or anything as yet... which I'm hoping to do so after my echo on my heart check up at 37 weeks.