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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

39 weeks - offered induction. Don't know what to do?

28 replies

Lill789 · 22/05/2022 04:06

FTM. I went to the hospital as was concerned about reduced movement the last few days.

The check showed baby was OK, and the doctor said as I'm already 39 weeks and I had some concerns I could be induced now or in the next day or so.

I've asked to take some time to think about it- I'm pretty terrified right now and don't know what is best. Has anyone had a similar experience? I don't know what to do. I'd prefer to go into labour naturally...I'm freaking out

OP posts:
Dinneronmybfpillow · 22/05/2022 04:22

Ugh, I started writing a huge reply but I'm too knackered to be coherent so instead:

sarawickham.com

Apart from some reduced movements there doesn't appear to be any major clinical concerns so don't rush your decision. Have a read around, discuss your options with your midwives etc. Good luck OP.

Pickledlemo · 22/05/2022 04:22

I would always go for what the doctors say.It’s what’s best for baby.Birth plans go out the window.What’s important is to keep you and baby safe.Have the induction.I was induced with my first and it was fine.I was grateful for the pain relief also.I have just had my third ‘all natural’ labour with no pain relief (it was too fast) and I would pick my first labour any day!If you are worried about baby movement I would do what the doctors say.Wishing you a safe and happy birth and baby.

Poopootatty · 22/05/2022 04:22

How many times have you been in for reduced movement? What’s your age and do you have any risk factors?

personally I would try to avoid induction before 40 weeks if there were no specific risks to manage, but would accept it (and have done so) in the context of managing risk.

I was going to be induced at 39 weeks with my second, I was in my 40s with a history of miscarriages.. I didn’t make it beyond the first stage of induction as baby was distressed, so I had an emergency section . It turned out the cord was knotted.

I’d ask your midwife if you could talk through your options and see what she thinks is the best approach.

WTF475878237NC · 22/05/2022 04:25

It completely depends on how many times you've clocked reduced movement and if there's anything else going on. I would avoid induction if all is well otherwise, you're under 40 and this was episode one or two.

Imogensmumma · 22/05/2022 04:27

If you went in concerned about movement I would get the induction. Yes baby was ok but if you went worried , at 39 weeks everything should be ok but better be safe than sorry is my view

GraceL365 · 22/05/2022 04:29

How many times have you been in hospital with reduced movements? I went into hospital a few times with concerns for reduced movements, once very close to my due date but all was fine. They offered me a sweep there and then for if I was feeling particularly anxious and wanted to move things along but I declined.

I think if you want things to progress naturally and there are no concerns for baby then there is no reason for you to be induced unless you really want to be.

Ruibies · 22/05/2022 05:05

I was induced 10 days ago at 39+3 after going in for reduced movements. It was my 3rd time going in for reduced movements and so when they offered the induction I jumped at the chance, I didn't want to keep worrying for potentially another 2-3 weeks.

Induction wasn't super fun but baby was happy all the way through and he's now here, snoozing next to me, so no regrets from my side.

linerforlife · 22/05/2022 05:39

Nobody on Mumsnet will be able to see your medical notes, unlike the GP who suggested you can be induced if you'd like. If you'd like to talk through the reasoning behind the suggestion, and the pros and cons of doing so in your individual case then please call the maternity ward and ask to speak to a midwife or doctor.

Zonder · 22/05/2022 05:49

You need to ask the doctor exactly why he is suggesting induction. It doesn't make sense since you're not full term. Much better to let it happen naturally unless he has picked up on something. It sounds like perhaps he's just offering it because you are anxious.

From memory reduced movement is normal at the end because baby is so big now.

mrssunshinexxx · 22/05/2022 05:59

Avoid induction unless medically necessary they more often than not lead to a cascade of intervention

Iamclearlyamug · 22/05/2022 06:02

I was induced at 37+4 for reduced movement, although after an emergency scan there were other reasons they needed to get DD out ASAP. The docs know what they're doing so I would take the induction if it was me. It was my first baby and everything went very smoothly. Good luck and congratulations 🥳

GraceL365 · 22/05/2022 06:48

Zonder · 22/05/2022 05:49

You need to ask the doctor exactly why he is suggesting induction. It doesn't make sense since you're not full term. Much better to let it happen naturally unless he has picked up on something. It sounds like perhaps he's just offering it because you are anxious.

From memory reduced movement is normal at the end because baby is so big now.

Reduced movement is not normal at the end. Baby should be moving just as much but the movements will feel different because baby is bigger so more rolling, flutter sensations as opposed to kicks etc.

WTF475878237NC · 22/05/2022 07:08

Reduced movement isn't normal. Sometimes we present with what we think is reduced movement but It could also be that the baby is moving differently or at different times or is in a new position so mum can't feel it etc. That's why I think it needs to be a discussion about why exactly they're offering induction and if there are any other issues going on/risk factors too.

Original poster
Lill789 · 22/05/2022 07:12

It was the first time I went in for reduced movements. No other risks.

They offered it as I came in anxious about the movements and said it's my choice if i want the induction. They had no concerns whether I have the baby now or wait a couple more weeks.

I'm very confused by all of this as it's my choice, first time mum and have no clue. I'm leaning towards waiting a bit longer and speaking to my midwife first maybe

OP posts:
Zonder · 22/05/2022 07:47

In that case definitely wait. In my experience induction is to be avoided as far as possible. Several threads on here with women saying the same.

linerforlife · 22/05/2022 07:58

mrssunshinexxx · 22/05/2022 05:59

Avoid induction unless medically necessary they more often than not lead to a cascade of intervention

This isn't true. There is an increased chance of intervention with induction but it's incorrect to say "more often than not".

mihimagna · 22/05/2022 08:02

I think you should heed your doctor's advice and go for the induction. 39 weeks is considered full term. I had my first baby in February at 38 weeks. I had to be induced because I had high blood pressure although I did not have pre eclampsia. I was terrified and like you, I wanted to go into labour spontaneously. If you wait, the risk that something bad might happen to your baby is present and you would be stressed out everyday. But if you have your baby now, that risk is removed completely. They started off by giving me a pessary (this process took 2 days)then I got the epidural before my doctor broke my waters so I didnt feel a thing. Then I got the pitocin drip I got the max dosage. Healthy baby boy was born after 2 hours of active labour.

GraceL365 · 22/05/2022 08:09

If they have only offered it to you to ease your anxiety then you should only think about going ahead with it for that reason. If there are no risks present and they are happy for you to wait another couple of weeks then wait.

20viona · 22/05/2022 08:13

I'd take it. I hate being pregnant can't wait for
It to be over so anything
Over 37 weeks I'd take induction. I was induced at 37+4 with my first due to SGA.

Zonder · 22/05/2022 08:43

@mihimagna it wasn't doctor's advice. It was just an offer because of her anxiety. The medics aren't concerned, OP said in her update.

WTF475878237NC · 22/05/2022 09:36

Some interesting points here for you OP.

VanillaIce1 · 25/05/2022 22:22

I've had 3 inductions.
Babies was all born fine with no pain relief.

First one was with the pessary it didn't do much but the next day contractions started on their own around 5ishPm and she was born within 45 minutes.

Second induced again that labour was 15 minutes long start to finish no complications that was with the pessary also.

Third time I had my waters broke and put on the drip to bring on contractions and that labour was around 45 minutes. Didn't like the drip that did actually hurt but it worked.
I've never had to have any interventions or anything and I was really scared.
I'm pregnant again now and petrified about giving birth it's a really normal fear to worry about.

All 3 of mine was induced due to reduced movements and what I will say is listen to your body. With my last baby I was in the hospital for reduced movements and they offered me a scan to check his size and he seemed quite small for the gestation, anyway I said no and carried on but had reduced movements again I went for the induction and when he was born he was only 6lb1 and very sort of tired when he was born. I honestly think it done him the world of good to come out when he did. I don't think he would of made another 2 weeks in there Sad

deplorabelle · 25/05/2022 22:28

Take the induction.

DockOTheBay · 25/05/2022 22:31

Is there actually a medical reason, or just because you might like it.
I would avoid an induction personally, unless medically necessary. Induced labours can be difficult and are more likely to lead to interventions such as episiotomy, forceps, emergency c section etc. It can also be a very long drawn out process if the body is not "ready" for labour then the induction can fail or take a long time to get started.