Induction advice

[Njts]

Hi all

Wanted some advice on inductions.

Currently 40+5 and at my 40 week midwife appointment the midwife booked in an induction for 41+1. She started the appointment saying she needed to book my induction in with no information on why it was needed.

I asked for information on what was involved and what to expect and the only thing she said was to research dilapan and she would send me leaflets to read through. I asked her the latest I could be inducted and she said my hospital doesn't really let you go over 41 weeks. I'm so annoyed at myself that I didn't push for more information on alternatives, risks etc and felt very cornered in the appointment.

I'm supposed to phone up for my induction on Tuesday morning but while I have been given no medical reason my instinct is really saying to hold off for longer.

I don't even know who to contact to cancel it, the midwives or the labour ward. I feel so upset and stressed about it. Has anyone else been in this situation and have any advice to share?

Hi, I had this exact situation 3 years ago with my DD. I had a consultant appointment and they told me my induction was booked in for Monday (this was Thursday). I was so shocked I just went along with the it then burst into tears when I left. There had been no discussion of this before. I had an appointment with my midwife the next day and she told me if I didn't take that appointment I might be waiting another week anyway which would have taken me past 42 weeks so I took it. I wouldn't say I regret it however I didn't feel in control and informed and I think this massively impacted me for some time to come.

My advice is to contact your midwife and explain what you have been told and ask to talk it through with someone, including any other options which may be on the table. Of course they cannot physically force you to go ahead however it must be your decision whether the benefits outweigh the risks in your opinion and personal circumstances. My understanding is that many hospitals in the UK offer a midwifery advocacy service who you can request support from if you feel you are not fully informed. I only learnt this very recently after my friend used one to support her in choosing an elective C section when offered an induction. Obviously this is a very personal choice and circumstance however she said it helped to have all the options laid out on the table for her to weigh up the pros and cons.
I hope this helps and best of luck. Either way you will get to meet your LO soon :))

My hospital tried this too with my second baby. I said that my son was born at 41+6 completely fine, not overdone at all and I wasn’t agreeing to induction / c-section (I wanted a c-section over induction) until 42 weeks. Had to see the consultant about it but I was booking in for an elective C-Section at 42 weeks. Labour started naturally at 41+3 so glad I waited!

It’s probably the Labour ward you have to phone about cancelling it? But might vary trust to trust. Are you a low-risk pregnancy? If so, I think you are fine to cancel

I found this very useful just before I had my baby - Dr Sarah Wickahm is a midwife and researcher. Also highly recommend her book “Inducing Labour” - it’s quite short, I read it in a couple of hours.

https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/induction-of-labour/

I'm low risk and very lucky there have been no concerns in my pregnancy. Baby has been fine in every check up

They can't make you do it, there is no such thing as a hospital "letting you" go over and they should not be using words like that as if you don't have a choice when you do..just say to them you are refusing the induction and waiting for things to happen naturally unless a problem occurs