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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

13 replies

gracepoolesrum · 04/05/2019 17:08

Hi everyone, I am 40+1 with my first and my next appointment isn't until 40+6. I know labour could start anytime but I've had zero symptoms (no mucus plug, no Braxton Hicks, no nesting, not even sure baby engaged as bump still "high") so I'm already thinking about the prospect of induction. When would they think about inducing me? Does it depend on the hospital or does the NHS have specific guidelines? Does it make a difference that it's an IVF pregnancy so I'm 100% sure of my dates?

I always thought I wouldn't want to be induced if possible but I had a scan @34 weeks due to an issue picked up at the 20 week scan that turned out to be nothing, baby was measuring over 6lb then and bump has always measured around the 90th centile so I'm scared if I go a couple of weeks over baby could be 10lb+ , should I push for induction or hold out?

OP posts:

RedSheep73 · 04/05/2019 17:19

I daresay you'll be given an induction anyway if things don't start by a certain point. I had 1 induction and it was a total nightmare, so personally I'm not a fan...people do recommend lots of walking and curry to get things started, don't they?

abcriskringle · 04/05/2019 17:24

My friend has just gone through this
She wasn't induced until 14 days overdue. I was surprised as I thought they did it earlier but clearly not.
Fwiw, i had no signs of labour at all at my 40w appointment - midwife couldn't even do a sweep as cervix was so high and tightly closed. Waters broke spontaneously and unexpectedly at 40+3! So you never know.

CookieSwirlC · 04/05/2019 17:26

I had my induction booked for 40+13. Dd arrived at 40+11 after a quick (less than 8 hour labour) with no twinges or signs beforehand.

MaverickSnoopy · 04/05/2019 17:29

I think it's the NICE guidelines that say they need to induced by 42 weeks. You can opt not to be induced at that point but you'd need daily monitoring. The risks increase as well from that point so do a bit of research if you're considering it.

I was induced with my 2nd at 42+1 as they couldn't fit me in. I was quite badly let down and detrimentally effected because they left me hanging around, although all ok in the end, but if you get to 42 weeks then don't sit back and be nice. That was my error and so I was pushed to the bottom of the list.

Original poster

gracepoolesrum · 04/05/2019 17:35

@Redsheep73 - do you mind me asking what happened?

Sounds like it will be closer to 42 weeks if needed then... I could have a long 2 weeks ahead of me! Fingers crossed not!

OP posts:

ForeverBubblegum · 04/05/2019 18:03

Mine was at 41 weeks (2 years ago), but I think that was a new change in my hospitals policy after some research sugesting still birth rates are lower, not sure if this is the case everywhere.

However even if that is there preferred practice, you don't have to go along with it. You can ask to wait longer, and they will just monitor more closely.

Shelbybear · 04/05/2019 18:26

My area is 40+10-12 days. Think most used to be plus 14 but rate of still birth increases as the placenta can start to break down.

U cld go at any time though, some ppl show no favourable signs then all of a sudden they are in labour.

I had mucus plug coming away for weeks, braxton hicks all the time. Had a sweep at 39+6 was told it was very favourable and that the midwife expected me to go over the wkend. I did all the things that are supposed to put u in labour. I even thought I was in labour one night! Lasted for about 6 hours and suddenly went away. I ended up being induced for high blood pressure at 40+6. She was never coming out by herself and infact I had an emcs lol.

I wouldn't push for induction just yet (the drip is fucking horrendous) but at your next appointment I'd be asking to get a date booked.

snoopy18 · 05/05/2019 05:22

I had induction at 37&6 in March just wanted to say I had a really great experience as there’s lots of negativity around it. Your body can still go into labour once pessary is in with no further intervention ie no drip epidural etc - even removed in my case & go on to a vaginal delivery. Good luck!

Weenurse · 05/05/2019 05:30

Is that you Megs?

Tini17 · 05/05/2019 05:32

I had one at 40+2 and one at 40+1, both due to reduced movement (big babies, small bump, both back to back), first one wasn’t great, second was a very good experience all round.
A lot depends on hospital.

Talk to your midwife if you are unsure about anything or have questions as policies vary hugely by hospital.

marriedthegambler · 05/05/2019 06:13

I was induced a year ago yesterday. My baby was ivf conceived. Her induction was plan for 2 days before her due date as they didn't want me going overdue. I think they planned it at around the 30 week mark.

octonoughtcake3 · 05/05/2019 08:22

My hospital policy is to induce at 40+7 but that theirs and you can choose to not consent.

dancingbee · 05/05/2019 08:34

I was induced recently at 40+14. Baby came on 40+15. I was terrified of being induced and wrote a thread on it here. Had had two sweeps to no avail and had worked myself up reading about negative induction experiences. In the end it was totally fine. I did end up with the hormone drip and asked for an epidural at that point but my large 9lb6 baby was delivered a few hours later with no further intervention (first baby). I would happily have the same delivery again.

My hospital allows you to go over 14 days. The two other hospitals near me (where my friends were under) induced at 12 days over.

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