Can you refuse to be induced?

[nancy10]

If I go overdue by 14 days and everything is ok with the baby and me, do I have to be induced. Obviously if there were medical reasons then I'd happily be. This is my 4th baby but 3rd pregnancy, (have twins.) My first dc was born on due date and my twins were 6 weeks early. Both started naturally and vaginal deliveries. I have an inkling that this baby will be sooner rather then later but you never know and was just wondering about inductions.

I suppose you can - but I would never advise it. Only because a friend of mine lost her first son at term +12 through placental disintegration.

What is your issue with induction?

Its up to you. You cant be forced to be induced, even if there was a risk to the baby.

yes, of course you can refuse.
You can refuse to anything that is going to happen to your body.

If you do refuse, if it comes to induction, you would probably be offered regular scans and CTG to ensure fetal wellbeing

Yes you can refuse, BUT its very hard too because basically they will start telling you that your baby is going to die if you dont get induced. Very hard to ignore that kind of pressure!

Absolutely.

I believe the risk of stillbirth doubles at 42 weeks, however the figures are still incredibly low - from 2-3/1000 babies between 37 and 42 weeks, to 4/1000 babies after 42 weeks.

Induction itself carries risks for both the mother and baby.

Expectant management should be offered as an alternative to induction, as per NICE guidelines.

Before any kind of intervention can take place, you have to consent to it.

Great article here:

www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/oct/01/pregnant-for-10-months

At my hospital, they say you're welcome to refuse BUT ask you to come in for a daily check-up from 42 weeks (I think).