Early Induction experiences 37/38wks

[mayx3]

Hi, it looks like my hospital (the Homerton in London) might be encouraging me to have an induction at or soon after 37 weeks as I might have a condition called Obstetric Cholestasis (I'm not convinced but that's another issue). I'm trying to weigh up the pros and cons and I'd love to hear any experiences of early induction, there are lots of threads about induction, but it seems to be much more common if you're overdue. Anyone else been induced early? what happens if the baby hasn't engaged (he/she hasn't yet, I'm currently 36wks, first baby). Is induction hideous, do you normally have to have an epidural, how often is an emergency c-section required? Are babies at 37wks normally OK or are there sometimes problems. Any other experiences gratefully received. Just trying to get as much information as possible as it's so hard to decide what's best. Currently I'm just hoping he/she might decide to come early anyway, but family history suggests otherwise!

If they think you have Obstetric Cholestasis, then take the induction - please! I had OC with both of mine. One born at 37 weeks (DD 3.25Kg), the other at 36 weeks (DS 3Kg). Both normal, DS spent a week in special care, but that was because he caught an infection, rather than because he wasn't healthy.

Both engaged in time and were vaginal deliveries. I took the epidural with the first because the pessaries/breaking waters didn't work so I had a drip. Second time, DS didn't hang around with the pessaries, so I didn't get time for the epidural.

Why do they think you have OC? There is a support group if you have, where you can get lots of advice from those who've been through it. Prufrock is another one on here, plus a few others like me who've had OC.

Hi MaryBS, thanks for your message good to hear your inductions went OK. They think I may have OC as I mentioned to my midwife that my hands were a bit itchy so they took blood and did a LFT and bile acids and they were all raised, however since then I've had bloods taken twice more and things are more or less back to normal and the itching was never severe and has basically stopped now without treatment. I feel so well I find it hard to believe anything is wrong with me. Also I had a severe cold/cough at the time of the first blood test and whilst there's no reason that should affect the result, I can't help wondering. I'm having more blood taken on Tues and seeing the consultant so we'll see what he says. I've been a low risk pregnancy up to now and if I hadn't mentioned the itching I still would be. Whilst OC is a terrible condition and I've looked at the support website which is great, but doesn't really seem to address cases such as mine. I will probably go for early induction just in case, but really I just want to get as much info as possible in advance to weigh up the pros and cons - even though it's impossible really. H

I think 37 weeks should be fine for your baby. I had inductions at 38 and 40 weeks, both for pre-eclampsia. I can't really compare to a "normal" birth, but both births were ok. It was good to not have to worry about when to go into hospital! No waters breaking in Tescos for me.

Induced at 37 weeks for pre-eclampsia.

Straight forward birth. Induction worked first time.

one of my best friends was induced at 37 weeks because of pre-eclampsia, baby was little-ish (5lb) but totally fine and her labour was only 4 hours from start to finish!
She is now 37 weeks with dc2 and may have to be induced again but is less worried now. All the best

I was induced at 38 weeks with ds1 due to high blood pressure.(prostaglandin, drip, ARM) It was wonderful. No more painful than my natural birth with ds2 and both were without pain relief.

Friend was induced at 37 weeks for Obstetric Cholestasis Pessary did start things off but wasn't getting things moving enough so she was put on a drip had her water broken and baby was out in matter of few hours.
She says that although pain came faster than with the naturla build up of her natural birth was no more painful and she never needed anymore pain relief.

mayx3 you can email the lady (Jenny) that runs the support group, she will give you individual advice based on your situation. She knows a LOT about OC, has been doing this for years, highlighting awareness etc. Get in touch with her. If you have your LFT readings so much the better.

jennychambersoc
at
aol
dot
com

Thanks everyone - good to see there are some positive experiences of early induction out there - seems a bit less scary now! Will see what happens, I guess a lot depends on when the little one decides to engage. I will definitely drop Jenny an email - to ask the expert. All the best. H