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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Induction at 37 weeks - scared!

20 replies

littlefrenchonion · 27/04/2015 09:02

Hi,

We found out yesterday that I'm being induced on Wednesday at 37+1 due to pre-eclampsia. My bloods are ok at the moment but the registrar fears things wills get worse very quickly. I feel absolutely awful - shattered, unwell, shaky, headaches. I can't do anything or go anywhere without feeling dizzy (hospital doesn't seem to know if this is the tablets I'm on or the pre-eclampsia but is monitoring me every other day).

I know it's for the best and I agree it's the right thing to do given the circumstances but there's a little voice on my shoulder saying 'but what if it isn't?'

I'm frightened that my baby won't be ready. At 37+1, she's 'term' but will still be so tiny. I just can't stop worrying about her.

It's been such a hard week and I guess I'm just looking for other's experiences with induction at 37 weeks?

Thanks!

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ChatEnOeuf · 27/04/2015 09:11

My DD decided to come at 37 weeks. Totally fine, fed beautifully - just needed some smaller clothes :)

willnotbetamed · 27/04/2015 12:43

No experience of pre-eclampsia, but my second son was born at 36+4 (I have incompetent cervix, so it wasn't a case of him being especially ready - my first son was born at 32+3). He was small, perfectly healthy, fed well, and we were home again the same afternoon. I think it depends a lot from baby to baby, but some are definitely ok to be born at 36-37 weeks. Good luck!

Original poster

littlefrenchonion · 27/04/2015 13:14

That's really good to hear, thank you :-) I know the likelihood is that she'll be fine, but with only 2 days to go it's all getting on top of me a bit.

I just want to get everything ready too but I just don't have the energy!

Phew, pregnancy is tough. I had no idea!

OP posts:

HeyMicky · 27/04/2015 13:21

I wasn't induced but DD arrived at 36+5. No issues with the birth at all. She was only 5lb 2, but with a normal size head Needed smaller clothes as per a PP. No issues at all with feeding; she did have reflux, though, which was probably connected (immature esophagus) so keep an eye out for that. Enjoy!

gemsio · 27/04/2015 13:21

Hi, exactly the same thing happened to me, the induction wasn't successful and ended up having an emergency section, bit it all turned out well, had a healthy baby girl who is now five. Try not to worry you need to keep as calm as possible, you will be well looked after and monitored very closely, it can seem frightening but whatever happens whether you deliver naturally or with help, they will do whats best for you and your baby. wishing you the best of luck.

manateeandcake · 27/04/2015 14:42

Hello, I understand what you're going through as I was induced at 37 weeks with my DD. I was really stressed and scared before the induction as I'd hoped for a less medicalised birth and was worried she would need special care. As it turned out, the induction was fine -- I needed two lots of gel, but labour started quickly after the second one and DD was born about 9 hours later, with a little help from the ventouse as her heart rate was dropping at the very end. But she came out perfectly healthy, weighting 2.9kg, fed straight away and just seemed absolutely ready to be in the world.
I'm now pregnant again and may well need another early induction as the last one was for OC and apparently I have a high chance of getting it again (though I hope against hope I won't!).
I definitely recommend buying some clothes in tiny baby size as newborn could be too big. And do whatever it takes to relax, look after yourself and stay positive. Good luck!

Number3cometome · 27/04/2015 15:00

There is no reason baby will be tiny - my DD was born at 38 weeks (hospital dates) 37 weeks (my dates) and weighed 8lb 2oz (I had pre eclampsia)

My sister had OC and her daughter was born at 37 weeks weighing 7 1/2lb.

Even if baby is small, you are better off having baby out than in.

I had seizures with my first DC and we both almost died, he would have been better off out sooner, but thankfully was fine.

FelixFelix · 27/04/2015 15:03

I was induced at 37 weeks with dd and had the same worries as you. Everything ran very smoothly and the hardest part of the whole thing was waiting around for things to get going. She was a very healthy 8 and a half lbs! Do not worry, it's quite unlikely that your baby will be tiny unless you've been previously told so. Good luck.

Marshpillow · 27/04/2015 15:10

I was induced at 39+1 and nobody warned me that it might take a few days for anything to happen, it took about 36 hours to get to 2cm (not painful, just boring!) but once my waters were broken it all started progressing nicely.

Rowgtfc72 · 27/04/2015 19:34

I was induced at bang on 37 weeks due to gestational diabetes. Went in
the tues had dd the wed. Had three pessarys and an epidural. Dd was born after 13 hrs weighing 8lb 6 oz. We were kept in as she was a little yellow due to being early. We were told if we were 37+1 we would have gone straight home.
Good luck

mrshjb · 27/04/2015 19:43

I was induced at 36+1 because of suspected pre eclampsia. It took 2 pessaries to get my labour started but once the contractions started properly it absolutely flew. DS was born at 36+3 weighing 5lb 5oz. He was perfectly healthy. The worst part was the waiting around for it to happen! Good luck :)

PenguinPoser · 27/04/2015 19:47

I was induced and gave birth at 37+1 due to obstetric cholestasis. Induction was ok, less than 24 hours from hospital admission to birth - which was ventouse. Baby was 6lb 1oz and healthy didn't need any support or anything. It's scary but if you have PE it's safer to have baby out. Good luck hope things go well

Momzilla82 · 27/04/2015 19:49

This may help. Induction doesn't have to be scary. You get to meet your baby soon :)
www.edspire.co.uk/year_2014/08/10/the-evil-eve-of-induction/

GinIsCalling · 27/04/2015 20:41

I am being induced tomorrow at 38 weeks due to choleostatis. I was also induced with my first, and we had a nice natural birth, but I agree, the thought of it it is scary!!
I think its because I keep thinking she could have another four weeks (if she went over) and so what growing time am I cheating her of? But like yours, my body isn't coping with pregnancy any more, and the baby will be safer out than in.
I am resting in bed today as have a stomach bug- terrible timing - and if its not better the induction will be pushed to wednesday too!

greensnail · 27/04/2015 20:54

I 've had two inductions, first at 36+6, baby was 7lb9. Second baby induced at 37+2 and she weighed 7lb2 so both very normal weights. Inductions were fine, first baby I had a couple of lots of gel, waters broken and then the drip, had first gel after breakfast and baby was born at 11pm. Second baby I only needed one lot of gel before bed, went into labour overnight and baby was born the following lunchtime. Good luck, hope it all goes well for you.

FelicityElectricity · 28/04/2015 10:32

Good luck OP - I have had two inductions at 39 weeks as my blood pressure started to go up at 38 weeks (I normally have high bp anyway) and both deliveries were fine and both babies were a good size and healthy. I am due to be induced with DC3 at 39 weeks as well. I was admitted for 10 days before DC2 was induced which was not much fun but was the safest option.
It won't be long until your little one is here. I think the worst bit for me was waiting for the induction - once it starts (although it can be slow) at least something is happening!

Original poster

littlefrenchonion · 28/04/2015 11:47

Thank you so much everybody - Gin, I will be thinking of you today. I hope it all goes well x

mumzilla thank you for the link, I've kept it on my phone so I can read it again if I need to. The 'eve' is certainly hard - I feel so emotional and really unwell today (hospital appointment in 1 hour so will be checked over).

MIL is not helping - she is in one of her strops because I've asked DH to say no to visitors before during or after (until I feel ready) as I don't know how well I'll be. Apparently this is me 'cutting her out'. Has nothing to do with the fact I feel SHIT! Urgh, I could strangle her.

OP posts:

Momzilla82 · 28/04/2015 18:55

I hope you're sniffing baby's head now all snuggled up and blissed out on birth hormones :) (broody? No. . .)

GinIsCalling · 30/04/2015 02:57

How are you littlefrench?
I am still here and on pitocin - about to start day three! I'm only 3cm dilated as of the last check. The Tens matching is really helping, but I'm hungryM hope yours is going better

mangoespadrille · 30/04/2015 14:55

DD was induced at 34+3 due to my waters going. They wanted to wait until 35 weeks, but decided it was neither here nor there (also 35 weeks would be Boxing Day, which is apparently one of their busiest days - people hold out over Christmas Day?). I was worried but she is absolutely fine. Good luck!

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