Mums over 40 being induced on due date?

[Gemmasmummyplusoneintummy]

Anyone heard of mums over 40 being advised to have an induction on their due date, due to the placenta starting to deteriorate (if they haven't already gone into labour before that date, of course)? I'm 42 and 31 weeks pregnant with second baby. My midwife hasn't mentioned this yet but wondered if it was a common procedure.

A friend of mine who is 40 has been recommended to have her baby induced but she isn't keen. I can see some advantages, e.g. being able to arrange child care in advance, but I would like to go into labour naturally if possible, especially as I had to be induced last time and didn't enjoy it.

I'm having another scan at 32 weeks to check the baby's growth as my first was a small baby (5 lb 13 oz) despite being full term (I was 39 at the time). I would like to be a bit more informed in case they mention induction to me at this scan.

Can anyone help?

Sorry I don't understand why a woman of 40 years or more would be at any more risk of a placenta starting to deteriorate than a woman of 20. Am I missing something and being really thick? Sorry, don't get it

you should not be induced, based solely on your age , IMHO....unless there is compelling evidence that the placenta is deteriorating to such an extent the baby is better off being born, or fluid levels are too low...try to get hold of a copy of 'birth over 35' by sheila kitzinger...really helpful.....

induced labour can be longer, harder and more likely to end in intervention , especially as you are monitored and have to have drips which restrict movement..and if the body is not ripe at 40 weeks, then if can be a long long process.....

Not routine where I had my babies. Not mentioned at all until 41w when they suggested they would induce from 40+10 if I wanted but would leave longer if all seemed well. I went over with my last 2 at ages 40 (2days over) and 43. I was induced with the last one but by then I was 42w and I felt happier not leaving it any longer.

lost here too, never heard of such a thing! bump.

Yes friend of mine who is 42 was induced on her due date.

GM,
I'm 41 and 31 weeks and I've spoken to my consultant about my birth plan and he has no plans to induce me and I've got various medical problems. If it was me I'd query it more.

me too. I've just had my 2nd at 40 (1st at 39) and both times was told they'd be happy to leave me for at least 2 weeks after edd before considering inducing. Offered me a sweep at edd+2 days if i wanted it. ds2 arrived a day early in the event.

Thanks everyone. It doesn't sound as if it is a routine procedure, thank goodness! I was induced last time (for premature rupture of membranes) and would like labour to start naturally this time, providing of course there aren't any risks to the baby. It doesn't sound as if age in itself is a reason to induce, there have to be other reasons.