41+1, can I request induction?!

[88dlp88]

Having another sweep today but can I request an earlier induction? My hospital's policy is 41+6 but I am riddled with anxiety about going further overdue.

My daughter was born at 41+2 but I went into labour at 41+1. We both had an infection and had to stay in hospital for 5 days. It was a forceps delivery and she had to have a spinal puncture (which failed) the day after she was born - they upped her antibiotics because they couldn't be sure she didn't have meningitis.

I obviously don't know how we got the infection apart from that it came from placenta and I've always wondered if it was because I'd gone over.

With no sign of baby number 2's arrival, I am freaking out big time! Also, expecting him to be quite big as DD was 8 lb 13oz.

pathways.nice.org.uk/pathways/induction-of-labour#path=view%3A/pathways/induction-of-labour/induction-of-labour-in-specific-circumstances.xml&content=view-node%3Anodes-maternal-request

Absolutely you can but bear in mind that induction is not without risks itself and can be a slow process.

Get jiggy with the OH, that might get it moving 😉😉

@Georgeskitchen

Get jiggy with the OH, that might get it moving 😉😉

Yes OP what on earth are you thinking about requesting a medical procedure- off to the bedroom

Tried it and no luck 😫
Had second sweep and no progress has been made - cervix is soft but posterior and not dilated. I am now 41+ 3 but Midwife said they won't induce before 41+6 unless there is a medical reason (reduced movement/sign of infection).
So fed up!

Yes I demanded one at 41 weeks having had first at 42 weeks, as a PP has said they’ve now recommended that no one go above 41 weeks.

I was the same as you with high levels of anxiety. Bare in mind though they’ll make you bottom of the list, eg if you arrive and they are full they’ll send you home etc.

Oh, how stressful OP.

Have they actually booked you in for an induction?

If your anxiety is unmanageable (which I completely empathise with as mine was), you could try contacting the Head of Midwifery or your consultant and explaining your concerns and why you would like to be induced asap.

In the meantime, rest, monitor movements and contact hospital if any even seemingly small concerns.

My consultant agreed to induce me just before 40 weeks as my anxiety was out of control, but I had to start hassling at about 20 weeks into my pregnancy and argue with lots of registrars to get there.

Best of luck

Elelel- there is a very good reason why midwives and doctors are reluctant to induce. The outcomes for mothers are significantly worse- not in terms of fatalities but in terms of a less positive birth experience.

I am kind of resigned to waiting until Wednesday now although I am slightly worried if there will be space as they will not book it in until Tuesday when I have another Midwife appointment.

I am not a very pushy person and being on my own in appointments doesn't help either 🤦‍♀️ just hoping they will book me in Wednesday and the induction will be okay.

I know I can ask for c section but I worry about the recovery with a toddler at home and my partner won't be able to have anytime off work to help as he's a self employed builder and just had 1.5 weeks off for xmas/new year. I do have my mum around the corner if it comes to an emergency c section but ideally want to avoid it.

@Janedoe82

Elelel- there is a very good reason why midwives and doctors are reluctant to induce. The outcomes for mothers are significantly worse- not in terms of fatalities but in terms of a less positive birth experience.

I wasn't discussing the pros and cons of induction. I was raising an eyebrow at the suggestion that OP head straight to the bedroom rather than requesting the medical procedure that she was asking about.