Asking for induction

[Julieelizabeth5]

I’m 38+6 and for the past 2 weeks I’ve been in so much pain everywhere, I’ve been to the doctors as I’m not sleeping with the pain and there was nothing they could give me, I’m practically living in the bath to try and ease the pain but it’s not working, I’m exhausted and practically bed bound, I’ve not been out my house for over a week because I can’t get up, I feel like I’m going to have a mental break down, I was only 7stone 4 when falling pregnant so I just think it’s my body can’t cope being this heavy, I want all this pain to go away but I know it won’t until baby comes out, if I asked to be induced will they do it?

Induction is a risky and very unpleasant procedure. It’s caused me permanent damage (not unusual).

It’s really not something to go through unless you have to for medical reasons.

I’d imagine they will say no, unless you get to 40/41 weeks with no sign of starting labour.

@Elenabothari, not wanting to de-rail but what permanent damage?

Uterine prolapse - wasn’t high risk for it, the gynaecologists I’ve seen since have all said it was ultimately caused by the induction because of the strength of the contractions and the fact that the baby wasn’t ready to come out so ultimately had forceps.

Try and sit tight. Induction can make labour a lot longer. The baby will be better coming when s/he's ready. That said what you are experiencing doesn't sound usual, has the Dr come to see you? Maybe there is something you can be given to help.

Induction is a very long and in my experience painful process. However, baby did arrive safely with no complications. I really really wish I had gotten the chance for things to happen naturally (waters broke and no contractions after 24hrs) ... hang in there OP not long to go!

Hang in there OP. Induction is definitely not an easy way out. What would help make you feel more comfortable over the next couple of weeks?

I would always avoid with everything in me to getting induced. I got induced with my dd 4 years ago and asked for it as I was in so much discomfort and mentally wasn’t dealing well with the end of pregnancy. For me it was one of the stupidest decisions I have made. Induction is not an easy way out at all as others have said. This time round I will do everything to avoid induction until totally medically necessary.

I was induced with my last baby on my due date due to medical problems with the baby and them needing to monitor his very poorly heart during the whole labour, all they did was break my water and off I went. But I know other people need hormone drips and if the baby isn’t ready for labour (hence why your baby didn’t arrive yet) then it can make labour long and the baby can become distressed. When I did get induced they gave me a letter about the risks and it said a much higher risk for a c section than when going into labour on my own. Thankfully my labour all went smootly after they broke my water and I delivered 6 hours later, I’m pregnant again and would completely avoid an induction at all costs and to be honest I don’t think they would just do one for no reason unless the baby or mothers life is in danger

The last couple of weeks of pregnancy are awful! Well, they were for me and obviously for you too. I was active all through both my pregnancies, especially as I don't drive. But the last few weeks were misserable and it is like my body just stops. Achey, restless, slow, tearful., unable to put on socks or get oyt of low chairs. A lot of women have very negative stories about induction though. But definitely talk it through with your mw, she might be happy to start membrane sweeps if possible.

A midwife wouldn't do a sweep until the due date at least! The last few weeks are tough OP, but you are nearly there! Baths are good, do you have a gym ball or bean bags? I used these to try and get comfy- I had pgp so I know how hard it is to find ways of sitting/lying comfortably. Have you tried using a mindfulness app for relaxation? I used one called Mind the Bump to help me switch off at night. I found I used the same breathing techniques in labour, so was very useful. Hot water bottles or wheat pillows also good for achy bits!

OP I know you're uncomfortable but....your baby isn't ready to come out yet!

At 38+6 you're not going to get an induction unless something is amiss

Hang on in there!

I was in hospital overnight due to blood pressure when 40 weeks.I remember begging the on duty consultant for an induction as I was in so much pain, he agreed but I really regret it I was in labour for 2 days and the whole experience was horrific