Induction at 41 weeks - Can you share your positive stories?

[ct90]

I am an FTM, currently 39+1. My mind is set on wanting a 41 week induction if baby doesn’t come earlier, for various reasons. First, I think that if I choose an induction and go into it with a positive mindset, it is more likely to be a positive experience than if I feel pressured into it either by doctors or time passing without nothing happening. Many people I know were adamant they didn’t want one and ended up getting one at 42 weeks anyway. Second, I feel that the risks even though super small are not worth it. Third, I have OCD and PGP and I really struggle mentally and physically at the moment. Everyone however, keeps telling me inductions are so awful and baby comes when they’re ready and so on.

So, I wanted to hear from those of you who can share a positive induction story, even though I’m currently quite firm in my decision, people’s unsolicited advice still gets to your head!

i was induced at 39 weeks. I was struggling health wise and was barely able to walk so i asked the doctor to be induced and they agreed.

Not sure if they do this in the uk because i live in a foreign country but the night before they inserted a balloon thing into me and then began the inducing the next day. It was the best thing for me and i gave birth with an epidural (no csection).

Warning if you have an iv drip make sure that its working. They gave me one with a sleeping pill. I woke up and the drip wasnt working so i had to have two days of inducing

Induced at 41 weeks - hospital said this was standard and that they didn’t encourage waiting until 42 weeks anymore to reduce risks. Pessary at lunchtime which worked, had my waters broken at 10pm and once contractions got going, I was able to use the birthing pool with a midwife present as everything was going well. She was born at 7am.

Wow ladies, I’m overwhelmed with joy to read all these positive stories, thank you so much for sharing your experiences and suggestions 💖💖

@polkadotpixie great shout on ensuring that my cervix is favourable before starting the whole process, in fact, that was one of my questions for my next mw appointment!

Sorry you didn’t want the advice you are getting OP. It’s because induction for no reason isn’t a very good idea and many women have experience to back that up. The comments aren’t ill intentioned.

@MumApril1990 I thought it was medical advice to induce once you're 41 weeks as the chance of still-birth increases. I'm sure there was a European study a few years ago that was actually stopped because the number of still births in the "induce at 42 weeks" group was so much higher than in the "induce at 41 weeks group". Of course the numbers are tiny but childbirth nowadays is so safe for mothers and babies that any tiny increase in risk is enough cause to change recommendations.

Op my other advice which I'd forgotten is look into a peanut ball. If you do end up with an induction and want an epidural (the drip can be quite intense) then a peanut ball can help you avoid C-section.

@Kinsters thank you very much, I’ll look into a peanut ball for sure!

@MumApril1990 I am perfectly capable of reading the literature and making up my own mind. First of all, you have no idea what it means to live with OCD therefore talking about the absence of medical reasons is just absolutely ridiculous. Second, I am very much aware of the downsides of induction, hence why I am asking for positive stories. I really don’t understand what you think to get out of this conversation, do you think that people are going to follow your advice rather than that of medical professionals? As PP said, 41 week inductions are recommended to reduce the risk of stillbirth and other complications that seem to increase between 41 and 42 weeks. If you believe differently (which you’re completely entitled to do), then don’t get an induction, or share your experience with those who ask for it!

@Kinsters the study has been disproven since but the NHS research is behind the times

Enjoy your birth with high intervention and increased likelihood of c section I guess

@MumApril1990 those studies have not been disproven, you’re referring to the ARRIVE study which is a different thing. Anyway, thanks for your lovely wishes, you sound like such a lovely person ❤️

@ct90 if you haven't already I'd recommend getting a tens machine it saved me especially as it all got so intense so quick