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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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:
MissRabbitNeedsAHoliday · 12/12/2019 19:58

Another one who would go for induction ASAP. Like others have said 39 weeks is classed as full term. Good luck Flowers

N0tfinished · 12/12/2019 19:58

I had 2 inductions. They're not that bad! I wouldn't wait with a failing placenta

mynameiscalypso · 12/12/2019 19:58

I had DS (by ELCS) at 39 weeks and he was perfect. The ELCS wasn't for placenta issues but it was actually starting to go so it was all for the best. DS was born pretty small but relatively quickly doubled in weight which confirmed that it was right for him to come out then. No way would I have waited if I knew.

Tablepicture · 12/12/2019 19:59

Based on what you've said I'd choose induction.

I'm really shocked at the doctor though, that's pretty rubbish care IMO. Why didn't he talk you through the options in more detail? I'm also really surprised that he's willing to leave it a week if the placenta is failing?

Can you get a second opinion and discuss with someone more helpful? Pretty shocking that you have been left to ask an internet forum for advice!

IlonaRN · 12/12/2019 20:02

Baby out.
Now.

Beach11 · 12/12/2019 20:03

Induction definitely. I was induced for both pregnancies for reasons different to yours and felt much happier knowing what was happening and in more control.
Good luck op xx

gonewiththerain · 12/12/2019 20:04

I wouldn’t have an induction as I had a long augmented labour and it ended in a c section.
Just ask for a c section, you never know how an induction is going to go and they’re hard on you and the baby. With a section baby is out and safe and you know how the birth will be.

TheClausSeason · 12/12/2019 20:06

I'd go for induction (and I'm a complete needle-phobe committed to avoiding medical intervention at almost all costs).

troppibambini · 12/12/2019 20:10

Baby out now. Induction, c section or whatever but out ASAP.

Tyjaro75 · 12/12/2019 20:18

My son was induced at 38 weeks and my twin girls at 36. All were healthy. The risk of carrying on and possibly the worst thing happened is not worth it when at 39 weeks they are full term.

ConstanceL · 12/12/2019 20:35

My son was born at 39 weeks exactly with no issues. To be honest I'm not sure why your doctor is advising anything other than getting your baby out ASAP.

lululatetotheparty · 12/12/2019 20:38

I would be insisting on a CS now. I was privately told by a consultant the same when I was in a similar situation.

DropZoneOne · 12/12/2019 20:39

Baby out now. Anything over 37 weeks I'd make the same decision.

SuitablyDull · 12/12/2019 20:47

My son was born at 37+5 after induction because he was small and after several bleeds they were worried about placenta. Pretty much as soon as I hit 37 weeks they wanted him out of me.
I wouldn't risk it. You are at term. Get baby out safe and alive

RoseHippy1 · 12/12/2019 20:54

I agree id be insisting on immediate c section , don’t piss about with this stuff.

geojojo · 13/12/2019 06:38

I would get the baby out ASAP. Inductions are quite slow (I had one and my labour had already started) and I would be worried about a baby with a failing placenta. Can you insist on a c section?

flossletsfloss · 13/12/2019 10:49

Another vote for induction ASAP. For what it's worth I've had both induced labour and natural. No difference apart from the speed. You can go from 0-100 very quickly with induction but for me it was no more painful. My first natural delivery was actually worse. Best of luck.

Boymummy3 · 13/12/2019 11:23

37 weeks is classed as full term so at 39 weeks I would be jumping at the induction if I got told the placenta was failing x

bengalcat · 13/12/2019 11:25

Induction

hammeringinmyhead · 13/12/2019 21:44

Induction asap. I had one at 38+3 because my waters broke and no contractions started, and I got by with a Tens machine combined with gas and air. They aren't always awful.

Moomin8 · 13/12/2019 21:51

I would definitely go for induction. Two of my children had calcified placentas.

Clettercletterthatsbetter · 14/12/2019 10:25

I’m normally pro monitoring and avoiding induction if possible, but if there are already signs your placenta is starting to fail then I’d have the induction.

Sleeplesssleepseeker · 14/12/2019 15:12

I’m normally pro monitoring and avoiding induction if possible, but if there are already signs your placenta is starting to fail then I’d have the induction.

100% this!

squee123 · 14/12/2019 15:40

Personally I would ask nicely, but if necessary be creating merry hell until they whipped baby out by csection unless they could guarantee me that the placenta would continue to function long enough for an induced labour to be safely completed. I would not want to take the risk of baby staying in a moment later and couldn't live with myself if the placenta failed before baby was born.

CloudyVanilla · 14/12/2019 15:43

If the baby is 39 weeks already I would absolutely be taking an induction ASAP.

Even if the baby was premature if someone told me my placenta was failing I would want the baby out rather than risking stillbirth. And at 39 weeks you dont really have that to worry about.

Good luck, hope everything goes well Halo