Induction at 40 weeks at the age of 40 (just)

[Liveforholidays]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice please. I'm due to be induced on my due date tomorrow. I'm 40 years old, but only just (3 weeks). I was told that because of my age I needed to be induced. I'm feeling really uncomfortable about this however as other than my age there is no reason that I can see for me being induced. At my 38 week scan the placenta looks healthy, blood pressure etc. Is fine. I have had 2 failed sweeps this week and there are no signs of labour at all yet.

I was induced with my first 7 years ago and it was an awful experience which resulted in a manual removal of my placenta. I was so keen to avoid induction this time because of the higher risk of this happening again. Just interested to hear from anyone who may have been in the same situation. What conversations could I have with the consultant? What questions should I be asking?

You can use BRAIN to structure any conversation with a medical professional:

• what are the Benefits of the action they're proposing
• what are the Risks
• what are the Alternatives
• what does my Instinct tell me
• what happens if we do Nothing?

Research has found that due date induction for women 40 and older reduces stillbirth. Older placentas are most likely to fail if you go post dates and often fail suddenly and with no warning. There has to be a cut off date with this kind of age based policy and it's age 40. You can absolutely discuss the benefits Vs risks with your midwife/doctor and choose to decline induction, however.

Thank you for your reply. I am aware that the placenta can start to fail from 40 weeks and this does make me nervous of course. I've never heard of BRAIN so thank you for this, I'll most certainly write it down and use it in my conversations tomorrow. If I hadn't have had such an awful induction with baby number 1 I think I'd be a bit more relaxed about the whole thing.

Hello OP, just coming on to reassure you that just because of an awful 1st induction (me too! Really long and painful and needed assistance in the end) the 2nd induction doesn't have to be too.

My 2nd induction was amazing. Laboured in early labour through the night on the ward, went from 4 to 10cm in a matter of mins and pushed for about 15 mins. I was told as my body has been through it before, it 'knows' what to do naturally.

Good luck OP.

I agree with @pottypotamus , my first one was horrendous (haemorrhage and all), second one was about 5 hours and literally 5 minutes pushing. Completely different experiences. I think you should talk to your consultant, you do have the right to refuse if you really don't want to do it.

So good to know, thank you!! Fingers crossed it will be the same for me.. 😊🤞

So I'm in hospital and was due to have my induction yesterday. After monitoring me and all appearing normal (and me discussing my concerns about only being induced because I'm just 40) the midwife was reluctant to start induction and instead suggested I wait to speak to the doctor. So I'm now waiting for the consultant round to see what happens next!

Good luck.

I was told this doesn't happen anymore and us 40 year youngsters aren't induced now just because of age. Saying that though I'm 40, 39 weeks and baby is measuring small so being induced tomorrow. Don't know what's worse, waiting for it to happen naturally or given a date! Hope you get to go home and relax.

So just to update, I had a long chat with the consultant this morning and am being induced this afternoon. As I have raised blood pressure (controlled by medication) and baby is measuring on the small side they don't want to take any risks. Thank you so much for the advice, I was very open and honest with the consultant and feel like I have been able to make an informed decision which is right for me.

Informed decision when you have had time to digest the information is best. Feeling in control is so important. Wishing you well for the induction and meeting your baby!!