Induction pros and cons please

[madamefreckle]

I'm due to be induced at 14 days overdue on Tuesday but i'm toying with the idea of asking to delay it for a few more days to see if I go into labour spontaneously. My first baby arrived naturally a week late and i'm quite fearful of being induced as have heard that contractions can be even more intense. I probably wouldn't wait more than a few more days to be induced but is it worth waiting at all do you think? Should I just go for it on Tuesday?

Why probably wouldn't you wait more than a few more days to be induced?

OP, I'd be doing a search for the evidence base pros and cons tbh; you're likely to get a lot of anecdotal stuff.

And also research on saying "no" in as many ways as possible. I gather the hospitals can get very pushy.

I think its important to be monitored, and to ask them whether they want to induce as thats the policy or whether its because things are no longer optimal for the baby.

Agree re: no, they are pushy and will probably tell you that you are endangering your baby.

Have you had a stetch and sweep? Are you sure about your dates?

I was induced and it was actually a very positive experience. Like you I was really against the idea but i had preeclampsia and my blood pressure got dangerously high. Due to the high blood pressure i was adviced very strongly to have an epidural before being induced, which I did and as a result had a very civilised, quick labour. It was great being so awake and together when I first held my baby. Cons: I had wanted an ative birth and had to be closely monitored and on a drip so I couldn't move but in my case I didn't really have much choice.

Whatever happens hope you can make it a positive experience good luck

If you want to avoid 'routine' induction, ask to be monitored - hosp may not be keen on you continuing without being monitored. For me, the monitoring showed I had low amniotic fluid (went back 2 days later, levels had risen tiny bit but explained as 'baby might have passed water'...) so I was induced at 40+12, but I had reason for it then.

I'd also ask for them to check cervix and give sweep if it's favourable, which might kick-start your body into labour. There's something called 'Bishops Score' which gives indication of the likely success of induction too. If your body is ready, it might just take the pesseries to get you started. Otherwise, if you do end up on the drip ask beforehand what their policy is on letting you be as mobile as possible. My hosp were willing - tried on the birth ball etc which would have helped, but unfortunately monitoring showed that each contraction squashed DS's cord so I did end up on the bed. Again, if you do end up on the bed see if it's possible to be on your side rather than your back.

Good luck!

You are much,much more likely to end up with a c-section after induction than with a natural labour,so that is a biggy to consider.I would try accupunture before a sweep,my personal feeling is that a sweep only "works" if your body is close to labour anyway,in which case why bother? You can also ask to be monitored daily by ultrasound etc to give and idea of how well the placenta is functioning.

I was induced at 40+12. I had the pessary inserted at 9am, they took it out at 10.30am because I was already 4cm dilated. DD was born at 2.25pm.

On the negative side, the contractions came on very quickly and were very strong, but I don't have anything to compare them to as it was my first. I managed with a TENS machine until fully dilated then pethidine at the end (which despite bad reports I thought was fabulous stuff!).

On the positive side, it was very quick and straightforward, I wasn't on a monitor apart from the first 20 mins and was able to move freely.

Whatever you decide make sure it's your choice and they haven't forced you into it, and good luck!