Going to be induced. Feel I have failed :(

[Expectans]

My baby has been measuring small all the way, and still is. The consultant now says I need to be induced next week at 38 weeks.

Obviously I want what is best for the baby. But I feel I have failed him somehow by not being able to grow him properly. :(

Please don't feel like you've failed! Goodness me, you've got him to this point. And honestly, once he's here, the manner of his arrival is so unimportant! My oldest is 9 and I can vaguely remember that I felt I'd failed somehow by ending up with an emCS, but now it's just an exciting story for him... As with most things new parents beat themselves up about, you can't tell how or what gestation anyone in his class was born, whether they were BF or FF, what age they took their first steps/said their first words...

And just think, next week you'll be holding your baby and missing out on the last really shitty but if pregnancy

Oh op.
I really feel for you...

I've had baby's at 37 & 38 weeks. They ranged from 5'5lb to 7'10lb.

My smallest baby 5'5lb is now 12. She's 5'8! She's gorgeous-if I say so myself!

I didn't look after myself when I was pregnant with her. I ate rubbish. Worked ridiculous hours & was massively stressed.

But you know you've done better by your baby then I did by mine so you haven't let him down. Let us know how you get on. Take care.

You haven't failed your baby!

I've been induced for IUGR/SGA twice and have 2 healthy DDs. Nobody suggested there was anything I could've done differently in either pregnancy. I think sometimes it's just one of those things.

Good luck.

p.s. Read the positive induction stories thread. I had 2 very easy deliveries. I think reading some positive stories can help you feel more relaxed about induction as the negative experiences tend to get a bit over-played.

Thank you for being encouraging, and I will look for the thread you mention. Reading a bit it does not sound as bad as I had feared. I thought it meant having to stay immobile for the whole labour and everything being very medical, while I was aiming to stay as active as possible and hypnobirthing. I shall pull my socks up now!

I was induced with my first. The medicalisation and immobilisation were disappointing and because it wasn't a planned induction I didn't have time to think about countering this. However in hindsight I would have still used a hypnobirthing track, music etc. and taken calming essential oils in a spray form. Not quite the same I know but may help? Good luck!

Ok, well I have 3 DC.

DS 9 was an induction, my best pregnancy, 3 days before due date after my waters broke.

DD1 (6) I had grade 4 placenta praevia, ELCS at 37.5 weeks, but nearly 4 weeks in hospital pre birth.

DD2 (3) also grade 4 PP, EMCS at 36+1 after admissions at 24 weeks, 26, three times at 31 then a final admission at 33 weeks, in until the birth.

In my book, any pregnancy that results in a live, healthy baby and mum is a good outcome. Don't beat yourself up, enough other people to do that.

Good luck.