Induction or no induction!

[Lexylizard]

Hi there. I'm now 36 weeks pregnant at 43 years old. I've been told there's a small risk of still birth if I go over 40 weeks, so they recommend an induction at 40 weeks, although it's ultimately my decision. I've got it booked it and felt it was the best decision, but now reading into it more I'm thinking that maybe it would better to not have an induction, due to stress on the baby and possibly use of forceps etc. Thoughts please.....? Has anyone been in the same position?

I had an induction at 42 weeks in my last pregnancy and my baby was fine. I doubt you'll be out straight on to the syntocinon drip? They're sure to try to the pressures first and then break the waters perhaps. As with any type of birth there's a chance something will go wrong but I don't think the risks are that high. Loads of people have inductions every day! I've been offered one on November 30th if my baby is late like the last one, and I'm not worried. You'll be fine.

Sorry pressures = pessaries

I had to have an induction because my baby was measuring small and they were unsure if my placenta was functioning correctly. It was the best decision as she was better out than in and there was a risk of still birth.

Did they explain the reasons for induction? As in you have a higher rate of the placenta failing therefore causing still birth?
I know of a few people who have had still births due to the placenta failing and I wouldn't risk it x

I had an induction but it failed, so the advice I have is based on that experience (1:10 fail). Go to the RCOG website and look at the risks of induction based on your circumstances. I had no warning of my induction (39+2) and regret not doing this 'just in case'. It's worth reading up about Bishop's Score - under 5 and your induction is less likely to succeed. You don't have to agree to an induction and it's a good idea to look at the risks and benefits of other scenarios, too.

I refused any induction at 40weeks. I did agree to an induction at 42 weeks. Fortunately, all my babies came through spontaneous labour after 40 weeks, but before 42 weeks.

I wouldn't be induced but that's just me personally.
I've had 4 natural births and was told with number 3 that I should be induced as number 2 was 10lb12.5 and would DEFINITELY be 11lb or more.... but I didn't. The date was booked to allow me to go max. 10 days over but I only got to 4.
I trusted my body not to grow a baby so huge that I wouldn't be able to birth it and as I felt fine I went with it - I had no intention of going for induction and all the interventions that go with it.

Not sure if my experience is helpful or along the same tangent but just sharing in a hurry in case it helps.

Congrats by the way xx

I was induced at 42 weeks at the beginning of October.
It was pretty intense in terms of contractions and I needed the drip and then a forceps delivery and episiotomy in the end. Try not to worry, everything was fine and I am pretty much healed now. It’s not put me off and I would do it again if needed.

Also sorry, just seen from what I can gather that their reason is your age.
I am 37 and found myself pregnant recently. Had it been meant to be and I'd not had a coil in place also I would not have been induced if my pregnancy had been otherwise straightforward and normal. I would have just waited for baby to come of own accord.

I was in the same situation as you OP. I was over 40 and advised to have an induction if I went over 40 weeks. In the end I took the advice and was induced.

It was fine - for various reasons the induction took a while and then when labour happened it was hard and fast compared to my previous natural birth but for me I feel it was the right decision

@JustFrigginNameChange

I had an induction at 42 weeks in my last pregnancy and my baby was fine. I doubt you'll be out straight on to the syntocinon drip? They're sure to try to the pressures first and then break the waters perhaps. As with any type of birth there's a chance something will go wrong but I don't think the risks are that high. Loads of people have inductions every day! I've been offered one on November 30th if my baby is late like the last one, and I'm not worried. You'll be fine.

No issues with the placenta. Everything is going really well, it's just precautionary due to my age - I'm 43. (There's a small rust of still birth if you go past your due date) I'm just thinking having an induction at 40 weeks is too soon, and maybe unnecessary...

@Purplemushroom

I was in the same situation as you OP. I was over 40 and advised to have an induction if I went over 40 weeks. In the end I took the advice and was induced.

It was fine - for various reasons the induction took a while and then when labour happened it was hard and fast compared to my previous natural birth but for me I feel it was the right decision

Thanks for reply. I was thinking it's the best decision initially. I guess the Covid situation makes it harder as well, as they treat procedures differently than giving birth naturally, so my partner may not be allowed to be with me initially. That's worrying along with the intensity of the pain etc...

@Pipperleen

I was induced at 42 weeks at the beginning of October. It was pretty intense in terms of contractions and I needed the drip and then a forceps delivery and episiotomy in the end. Try not to worry, everything was fine and I am pretty much healed now. It’s not put me off and I would do it again if needed.

Was you allowed your birth partner with you throughout, as I got the impression that they treat procedures differently than a natural birth due to COVID. For example the Covid test! If you test positive they cancel the procedure, yet if you give birth naturally and have Covid they wouldn't turn you away.

I had forceps delivery In theatre 4m ago. It was my worst case scenario for type of delivery in my head. When they said I'd need forceps I practically begged for section. They asked me to trial forceps first.

It was the easiest and best part of my labour and delivery. Once in theatre I felt so so well looked after. So many smilie professionals, all introduced themselves to me, got a spinal which stopped my pains straight away, lay down, nice and calm, still pushed but couldn't feel it. A few mins later my perfect daughter was on my chest, delayed cord clamping and she climbed to my breast and started suckling. Amazing!
Had a suppository and had no pain down below for 2 days (did have episiotomy and stitches and small tear) pain then managed solely with paracetamol and I'm a wimp!!

Day 5 stitches became unbearable and they were taken out by midwife. Was fine after that. Pelvic floor is fine, baby came out perfect not a mark on her.

Don't necessarily assume forceps will be horrendous! Xxx

Having been induced at

41
42+3
40
42

I wouldn't agree to 40 weeks unless there were factors additional to your age. I would probably agree to 41 tbf.

How far along did your Mum go?

My husband was with me the entire time, even for the siting of the spinal block in theatre as I specifically asked for him to be with me (needle phobe) - partners are normally getting changed whilst you have the needle

It's shit having to consider COVID too. I was pre-COVID but DP was at home with DC. My labour was so fast that my DP only needed to come for a few hours. The rest of the time while I was waiting for the induction to kick in I was having a lovely time reading watching tv and being fed three times a day. Under different circumstances I'd class that as a mini-break.

It was intense for a bit but I think that was partly due to the baby being back-to-back.

It really is a personal choice and like pp's have said look at the options for your circumstances. Good luck x

I was 39 years old when I had my second child. First child ( sultan 18 - different father) was 10 days early.

Second child was 42+1 when they induced me as my forewaters had broken. It wasn't a bad birth 2 pushes and he came flying out, but he never stopped crying nor slept until he was about 7 years old!! I blame the induction.

Third child 40 years old. My forewaters broke at 42+3 I didn't tell hospital as they were desperate to give me an induction. Was def not having one.

The hospital was not happy with me and told me I was putting my baby's life at risk. This was my third pregnancy and felt fine, can not tell you how much I didn't want to be induced.

At 42+4 told my dh if baby doesn't come tomorrow I'll go get induced. 9am next day contractions started and was baby born in at 11:30.

I'm so glad I resisted. But you have to do what feels right for you and your baby.

26 at the time and had an induction at 38 weeks due to GD. I'd do it again.
The only time baby was stressed when he was back to back but a doctor kindly turned him around and told me to rest for an hour (well as much as you can) to help baby.
No forceps were used and had him a short while afterwards with no extra assistance.

@Lexylizard

He wasn’t allowed in at first but once the contractions became regular then I was moved on to the delivery ward and he was allowed to come in and stay then.
For me, the contractions were regular before they became very painful so I coped ok.
Also, there were other women on the first ward alone too so actually we all felt ‘in it together’ and chatted for the whole day and kept each other company.

@Lexylizard I’m booked for induction tomorrow and my partner isn’t even allowed to bring my bags in and get me settled in the ward - has to drop me off at the door. Have been told they’ll allow up to 6 pessaries. Partner will be allowed in whenever I’m moved to the labour suite to have my waters broken. So could be a few hours or a few days in there alone during the early stages

[quote RWK29]@Lexylizard I’m booked for induction tomorrow and my partner isn’t even allowed to bring my bags in and get me settled in the ward - has to drop me off at the door. Have been told they’ll allow up to 6 pessaries. Partner will be allowed in whenever I’m moved to the labour suite to have my waters broken. So could be a few hours or a few days in there alone during the early stages[/quote]
That's awful they don't let partners in to get you settled :-(
Surely the stress of being on your own at a daunting time isn't good for baby!
Good luck for tomorrow. I'm praying that my baby comes along naturally a few days before due date! I can't see it happening though.

@Lexylizard called tonight to confirm my time for tomorrow and it seems things have now changed! He’s allowed in for an hour to get me settled and chat through the procedure then he’ll have to leave. Then can come back when I’m active labour and being moved to labour ward.

[quote RWK29]@Lexylizard called tonight to confirm my time for tomorrow and it seems things have now changed! He’s allowed in for an hour to get me settled and chat through the procedure then he’ll have to leave. Then can come back when I’m active labour and being moved to labour ward.[/quote]
That's great, really please for you
I'll be in the lockdown when I'm due mine, so I hope it will be still the same where partner can come in for a bit! If not I've answered my own question and could postpone it a week!
Good luck, and congratulations x

All my births have been inductions at 42 weeks and 2 at 38 weeks.

42 weeks was just because I was overdue but my DS2 and DD were both induced at 38 weeks due to my placenta starting to fail. I was 30 and 32. It was the best decision for me. Non of my inductions involved any interventions with forceps etc.

DH is keen to have another baby but after having my placenta fail twice and knowing that the outcome can be devastating I don’t want to risk it but if I change my mind I’d be taking the early induction to avoid risk of still birth etc

I was 13 days over with my first when I was induced, they would only let you go 14 days over so I had no choice. I won’t lie, it wasn’t pleasant. I had every intervention and every bit of pain relief in the hospital!

Went for a check up on my due date with my second and they wanted to induce me, for no reason other than I was due, I refused but accepted a sweep. She was born with no interventions and very little pain relief after 6 days.

I’m now 42 and due number three in March and will be doing everything possible to avoid an induction. I will only do it if there is a valid medical need.

Follow your teams guidance OP but ask for a second opinion too. For some it’s fine, for others it’s really not!