Elective induction

[Use627]

Do all hospitals offer elective inductions? With low risk pregnancy at 39 weeks.

I honestly don't know!

Is there a reason that you want one though? I haven't been induced but have been told that the labour can be more painful if you're induced?

No they don't normally induce until either 40+7, 40+10 or 40+14 depending on hospital policy. Unless there is a medical need obviously.

I would highly doubt unless there was an actual reason for it. Then the likelihood would depend on the reason.

Thank you all:) it's because with my first my waters had broken but the hospital checked and said they hadn't. I was left 6 days with leaking waters and my baby got an infection due to them telling me my waters were still sealed, after checking twice. Lo and behold it has happened again, I'm leaking water, but not very much at a time. They have checked me and done a scan and don't believe me, so I'm paranoid about infection yet again. Thanks again for your replies, I'm at home now, still leaking and wondering how this could happen twice!!

More advice appreciated:( no clue what to do

Can they do a test to see whether it is waters?
I'd insist.

Your hind waters can go first - when it happened to me I was told I would have to be induced if I did not start labour within 24 hours. It keeps leaking because your body keeps restoring the waters. I was also given precautionary antibiotics.

So it may really depend on your hospitals protocol? Maybe ask if you can talk to the midwife in charge?

Put a pad on to measure the leak - amniotic fluid is supposed to smell like straw - wee smells different!

I’m very surprised they are not taking you seriously. I had suspected waters at 38+4, trickle rather than a gush, I had to beg them to try and manage me through to 39+0 when I had a repeat section booked and childcare arranged. I had to go back each day for temp and bp check and had my section at 7am on the 39+0 they had me text DH to ask him to hurry up - despite no signs of infection and happy baby on the trace and not even able to feel contractions.

I’d insist on the swab.

Sorry I should have said, suspected leak which was confirmed as waters with the swab

Yes, all hospitals should offer elective CS (there's one in Cambridge that doesn't, for some reason). The national guidance that doctors and midwives should be following states that you should be supported if you do decide to have an elective CS. Ring your midwife and have a discussion.

I would ask them to put in writing that they are absolutely certain that your waters are not leaking and your baby is not at risk of infection like your last birth. Might concentrate their minds a bit.

Some women choose to have a caesarean for non-medical reasons.

You should be offered a planned caesarean. If your doctor is unwilling to perform the operation, they should refer you to a doctor who will.

From www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/

In that situation, I think I'd be parking myself in the maternity assessment unit and saying I'm not moving till you check what this fluid is. They aren't going to grant you an induction if they're not even listening to you - I think it's time to make a fuss! Good luck.

^^ What Fluffmagnet said. Make them sign their name to it!

@Cosybelles op wants an induction not a cs.

I’ve asked for one op abs they’re happy with it but I do have other health conditions that effect things. Always worth asking though.

Oh my goodness! I read that so wrong sorry OP, backs out slowly

Don't worry @Cosybelles it's still appreciated!

I have given them 2 pads and they have said they can only see normal discharge on both. My argument is the normal discharge is mixed in with the very watery liquid that soaks through the pad so you can't see it as much. Not sure if they have swabbed it or just done it by eye. I'm going to call back now and insist they do a proper swab check, didnt even know this was a thing so thank you!
Then I will know for sure hopefully.
You guys have been great

Fight your corner! You know what your normal discharge is like. They can't tell you it's normal if you know it's not normal for you!

You're crazy if you opt for an induced labour!!! I'd sooner stock pins in my eyes than endure that torture ever again! I've had both natural and then an induced !

@MissMaple82 I was induced last time, was torture and I felt traumatised for a while (had an epidural that didn't work so I only had gas and air getting me through) but I won't risk an infection to baby again. Also wouldn't want a cs with a one year old and newborn to look after afterwards. Being a woman is fun isn't it :)