Can you get induced before 40+10?

[SerenaOverjoyed]

I'm currently 40+3 and getting a bit desperate. The estimated weight is 8.5lbs and although I'm tall I am worried about her growing beyond 9lbs and the potential for tearing/injury

Currently the plan is to book induction for 40+12, but I'm seeing my MW on Monday. If I begged, do you think there's any chance I'd get a slightly sooner induction?

I've known some do it but induction should be last resort due to the unnatural influx of hormomes - your birth will be much more comfortable if natural! And you'll be less likely to need epidural etc. Hopefully baby comes safely soon.

Might be tmi, but I was told by my midwife with my 3rd child that sex twice a day is a good way to get things started as the sperm has the same amount of stuff in it the gel has they use to start induction xx

I've requested induction at 39 weeks for variety of reasons. A recent trial suggests actually less likely to have to have emcs if induced at 39 weeks rather than waiting, and no difference in rate of instrumental delivery tearing etc (as I understand it) it's called ARRIVE trial, you can Google. Induction could mean a lot of waiting, long labour etc., And drip if needed is meant to be more painful (I had back to back contractions and the drip in first labour though, wouldn't say it was more painful than those) With my first I had a spontaneous labour and had a lot of the negatives that are meant to be associated with induction. Personally, I'm not expecting to go without pain relief and I feel like I have more control over everything if induced. Lots of people will react with horror though. I found midwife was a bit sceptical but consultant was happy to book me in, although made sure I was being realistic about what I was expecting. It will depend on local guidance, availability and your own view about how much value you place on spontaneous labour. I don't think induction is usually advised for size alone, and size estimates can be inaccurate. Personally, I think it should be easier to opt for induction but I appear to be in a minority.

I know I may need more pain relief/an epidural, but my main concern is avoiding injury. My baby at +12 days overdue is likely to be nearly a lb bigger, and she's already likely to be big (an ultrasound 8 weeks ago had her estimated at 5.5lbs!).

I'll try and make a case on Monday. In the meantime I'll try and jump on DH

I was induced at 39+5

I remember midwife telling me that my NHS trust now offers induction at 40 weeks for anyone who wants it. I was being induced at 38 weeks anyway for GD so I didn’t pay a huge amount of attention, but I think it was to do with studies suggesting reduced risk of stillbirth.

I honestly think you will go into labour within the next few days and that will be better and easier than being induced. You're only three days over at the moment.

All the very best and let us know how things go.

I am also tall, I have had four babies and have never torn. The earliest I gave birth was my first, at 42+1 and my last was at 43+6. Some women just have longer pregnancies. Don't panic about days or weeks at this point, the head will not grow that much and that is biggest diameter.