Inducement at 39 weeks due to advanced age

[Scally14]

So, I went to see the consultant earlier in the week because of my advantaged maternal age - 42. I was extremely disappointed to be told that they would induce me at 39 weeks and I would have to have the baby in the delivery suite. Neither of which I was planning on. This is my second pregnancy, my DD was born naturally at 41 weeks after an uneventful pregnancy. I have been told that my current pregnancy is going according to plan and my 20’wk scan was all within normal ranges. Can I not wait until findings of 30 and 36 week scans before having to agree to induction at 39 weeks? Obviously I not want to jeopardise baby and I understand there are greater risks at my age but don’t I get a choice in this?

How far along are you now? I don’t think 42 is considered especially old these days, especially if you’ve had one trouble-free pregnancy already, having said that I would be reluctant to go against medical advice, good luck with at least getting some answers about why they are so concerned. Maybe some other older mums might be along soon with their experiences.

I had my last child at 42. I never met my consultant. I went into spontaneous labour at term.
I think it would be completely reasonable to ask for a compromise around fetal monitoring from 39 weeks and decline induction unless there is evidence that the baby needs to be delivered.

Thank you @mediumred at this stage (22 weeks) there is no apparent reason for concern in all other aspects I am low risk. Just my age which they say means I should be induced at 39 weeks. I was hoping for spontaneous delivery as with my first pregnancy

Thank you @endofthelinefinally. Good to know that you did not feel ‘forced’ down this route. Providing all later scans are fine I will talk to them about additional monitoring

Hi OP, I'm in the same boat - I'm 40, also 22 weeks with DC2 and last week saw the consultant who very abruptly told me I would be induced between 39 and 40 weeks (after showing me figures for stillbirth related to maternal age/gestational age on his phone.... )
I had DD at 37 and labour started on my due date, I have absolutely no risk factors or health issues (other than having been born 40 years ago....) - only difference for me is that as far as I know I won't be getting any additional scans. Was just told I will see the consultant one more time at 31 weeks to discuss the induction (because clearly I don't have any choice....?!)
As it's DC2 I also have about 6 months a long wait between midwife appointments but when I next see someone I plan to discuss this. If I go overdue I accept they may went to get things started but before my due date seems ridiculous if there isn't additional monitoring planned (or if they do monitor and everything looks good). Good luck to you OP, and actually the best advice I got on this was from the others on the June bus - you should come join us (if you haven't already - It's a fast moving thread so I can't remember everyone's names!!)

I was the same at 40 with my second child (he's 6 now)

I was on great terms with my obstetrician as she got me through many miscarriages and both children. She told me similar, essentially spontaneous failure of the placenta is more common as you get older, symptomless it just stops. She told me that I was literally only just 40 so wouldn't insist if I was dead against it, but I remember her saying that if I was one of her 45 year old mums she's be much more insistent as she's seen disasters happen and there comes a point when they may be safer out than in

Personally I was keen to deliver so he was safe and ended up with an appointment to do a sweep at 39+2 and a section date of 39+6 - couldn't do the sweep in case of cord prolapse as he wasn't engaged so section it was

Don't be fooled and just think oh my body is fine ... it probably is but statistics say there's increased incidence of spontaneous placental failure ... for no reason if I recall correctly

Risks are raised at your age abd placental failure and stillbirth can happen with no warning. Of course you can refuse but personally I'd take anything I could to reduce the risk of stillbirth.

I know 3 women over the age of 37 who went past 40 Weeks and lost babies to still birth. The placenta literally just stops working, no warning. You cannot be too careful. I would do whatever the consultant advises...yes it might not be the intervention free birth of your dreams but if it means your baby is safe, then surely you can put up with it.