Elective induction. Can I choose?

[theginge]

Can you elect to be induced in the UK (NHS)? I'm due my 3rd baby in 10 weeks time and really struggling to find a solution to my childcare dilemma.

My two children are of school age so childcare is taken care of between 9-3, during the week. Aside from this, we have probably 2/3 people we could ask a favour of to have them for tea or for a couple of hours after school but not overnight and I definitely wouldn't feel like I could call on them if I were to go into labour during the night.

My other issue is that I'm the only driver (husband only has motorbike license) so will be driving myself to hospital too so need to be going in fairly early labour.

My previous labours have been pretty fast but due to post birth complications and large babies, my midwife has strongly advised against homebirth.

My question is can I choose (and is it unreasonable to even ask!?) to be induced so that I can plan a bit better? I understand it's a first world problem and the strain on the NHS but it would be good to know my options before I leave hubby at home with the kids and go it alone!

I don't think you can. Also definitely don't drive in labour.

And can't your husband stay with your children at home?

I’d imagine if you pay for it you can do, ie private. But you can’t elect to be induced no.
Early induction isn’t something they do without good reason, given how busy Nhs hospitals are as well they wouldn’t be able justify giving you an induction over those needing it for medical reasons.

My friend had gestional diabetes, her Planned early induction was cancelled every day for 10 days due to bed shortages, she went into labour at home and her DS I the front room.

Plan your childcare or pay for someone last minute to baby sit. There will be companies out there if you search for them who you can book in advance for childcare last minute

I would suggest your husband stay home with the children if it occurs at an inconvenient time such as middle of the night until such time he can call someone to come over and stay with the children and then go to you at the hospital. Also definitely would not recommend driving whilst in active labour, how the hell you meant to concentrate on what's going on on the road during a contraction? You need to get a taxi.

You say you have 2-3 people you could call on for school pick up and sorting tea, who are the people? Could you approach them now and explain you have no family near by and would they be willing to come to your house and sit with your kids if xyz were to happen.

You’d also be surprised the amount of people who are willing to help out in that situation, even neighbours to come be in the house if the kids are asleep

Ask around to broaden the amount of people you can ask. I'd happily help out a colleague with the schoolrun and after school care. Also, take a taxi.

You can ask but be prepared for them to possibly say no. Also would it be safe for you to have an induction?

Just because you're induced doesn't mean you know exactly when you'll give birth!

Thanks for the replies, i was after some perspective of whether it was reasonable to ask or not and it would seem not! I completely understand it and am generally very self reliant so don't ask favours of anybody!

I could not trust a stranger (paid or otherwise) to take care of my children or be in my house so that isn't an option for us. The 2/3 people I have on back-up are parents of school friends so I really can't ask any more of them than an after-school play date. I have 1 family member who I would trust but they work irregular and long shifts so it'd be impossible to rely on them.

I guess I need to prepare myself for going alone - although not ideal, I know my children will be safe and well looked after!

I'd gladly help anyone with this - neighbour, school mum, vague friend. People might be more willing than you think.

An induction definitely won’t give you any more certainty about when the baby will arrive! I know people who have been waiting for 5 days after the induction process started... and who weren’t allowed to leave the hospital in that time. Admittedly, they were being induced for medical reasons so not leaving may not have been due to just the induction, but it’s not the solution you think it is.

Also, you definitely should not drive whilst in labour.