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Original poster

Placenta starting to fail at 39 weeks - induction or monitoring, advice needed!

73 replies

LAH74 · 12/12/2019 19:10

Hi,

I had to have a growth scan today for reduced growth at 39 weeks, and while the baby is still growing they found that my placenta could be starting to fail early. I've been offered an induction in the next couple of days or another scan in a week on my due date and induction then if necessary, but the doctor didn't really explain anything, gave me 30 seconds to decide and just said its 6 of one and half a dozen of the other when I asked which option he thought best. Has anyone been in this situation themselves or can give me advice about inductions? Thanks in advance

OP posts:
endofthelinefinally · 12/12/2019 19:13

This is my personal opinion. I would want my baby delivered asap. I wouldn't want to be waiting another week if the placenta is failing.

ThomasRichard · 12/12/2019 19:16

If it was me, I’d be getting that induction. In my head, 39 weeks is past the magic 37 weeks and placenta failing = dead baby. No contest.

Elllicam · 12/12/2019 19:17

Definitely I want want the baby out too.

Lalalalallama · 12/12/2019 19:17

I would want induction ASAP.

I’m surprised they left you to choose, that is the safest way.

thaegumathteth · 12/12/2019 19:19

100% induction ASAP

WhatchaMean · 12/12/2019 19:19

Ok so inductions are tough on the mother, and that's why generally doctors don't rush into them, and often women don't want them, if they have the luxury to wait and see how it progresses... but in your case, I would say, it's not worth the risk to wait around.

Lalalalallama · 12/12/2019 19:19

Oh, and I had induced labour. It was fine as they go, just had gas and air. The worst bit was waiting hours in hospital for anything to happen.

PreschoolYes · 12/12/2019 19:19

Induction, no contest.

DirtyBlonde · 12/12/2019 19:22

I'd be induced in these circusmstances.

39 weeks is at term, and there's no way I'd be waiting for major failure or distress to the baby.

If consultant wasn't pressing you, then I expect it isn't dangerous yet. But it's definitely a risk too far for me

nespressowoo · 12/12/2019 19:26

Another vote for induction. You'd never forgive yourself if something happened to the baby.

NeverADullMomen · 12/12/2019 19:27

Induction without a doubt. I was induced and the whole labour took 23 hours from start to finish. I'm asking for induction in my current pregnancy- induction isnt always the horror story that you hear of.

Aquamarine1029 · 12/12/2019 19:28

I would want the baby out immediately. There's no way I would risk it.

3luckystars · 12/12/2019 19:29

I wouldn't take any risks. I would have asked for the induction there. What are they waiting for?

Good luck with the baby.

MamaFlintstone · 12/12/2019 19:29

I’d choose induction without hesitation, although having had one very straightforward 38 week induction previously I realise it’s easier for me to make that decision.

TheGriffle · 12/12/2019 19:31

I had an induction at 38+6 as my waters went but labour didn’t start. From pessary to baby in 5.5 hours.

In your circumstances I would choose induction. Ask for a sweep first as the midwife told me it can make you more favourable for induction and it certainly worked for me.

RoseHippy1 · 12/12/2019 19:33

Get the baby out is my opinion

goingtoneedabiggercar · 12/12/2019 19:33

I have no experience of induction but my DS was born at 39 weeks exactly and is perfect.

danni0509 · 12/12/2019 19:34

Induction ASAP!

Aragog · 12/12/2019 19:37

I had an unpleasant failed induction but in these circumstances even I would opt for an induction I think. I couldn't just wait.

39 weeks is classed as full term, so I would just want my baby out and safe asap.

thehorseandhisboy · 12/12/2019 19:38

I would most certainly want my baby out as soon as possible in these circumstances.

I've had two inductions at 39+ weeks which essentially kick started my body into going into Labour.

First about 8 hours active labour and second about 2.

I was as mobile as I wanted to be, didn't need pain relief and didn't tear.

blindmansbluff · 12/12/2019 19:41

I would do the induction in a heartbeat. I've had three, one planned and two emergency and the one that was latest (38 weeks) was the easiest. The placenta could fail very quickly and at 39 weeks the baby is much safer out than in.

DeadButDelicious · 12/12/2019 19:46

Get the induction. 39 weeks is term. It's not worth the risk.

Besidesthepoint · 12/12/2019 19:50

The baby should be fullterm grown by now so it sounds that it would be better out than in. Out it is safe, In it might not be safe. No brained to me.

rottiemum88 · 12/12/2019 19:54

I know someone whose baby was stillborn at just short of 40 weeks. Testing showed it was likely due to the placenta having failed, but in their case they didn't know it was failing to make any other choice in advance. Knowing what you know, I know I couldn't live with myself if something was to go wrong, so I'd opt for induction every time. Good luckThanks

SAMlady · 12/12/2019 19:55

Agree, not worth risk. Get the baby out. Go back now!