Early ivf induction

[stella78103]

My daughter who has had consultant led pregnancy care, has just been advised to have an induction 2 weeks early. They said the baby had not grown enough from last but one scan, even though it was over 5lbs and is now 6lbs, which I don't think is that small. They said the placenta may have stopped growing and this could also cause kidney problems, but I don't want her to have a painful labour if she needs a drip. Do you think she should ask for a second opinion?

I think if I was told that there was a possibility of the placenta failing in anyway then I would do whatever was needed to get the baby out. She can ask for an epidural if she goes on the induction drip, it doesn't have to be painful. They are on average meant to put on approx half a pound a week in the last stages of pregnancy, and they'll be tracking the babies growth against the chart it's been tracked on throughout pregnancy.

It’s not about the baby being small, it’s about the fact the baby’s growth appears to be slowing which can be a sign that the placenta is failing.

By all means get a second opinion but I think if it was me I’d rather have a painful labour than take the risk.

I was induced and would do it again tomorrow! It was painful but over quickly for me.
My baby's health was more important than the possibility of a painful labour.

I would def go with what the consultant is saying. I am also an ivf pregnancy and as long as the baby comes out healthy , I can tackle any pain factors at this stage. Best if luck to her. Friends who have been induced have said the epidural helped so much.

I think she should just do as advised as they're doing it for her and the baby's safety.
If you're that worried about the drip you do know you can ask for the epidural before the drip is placed in.
I was induced and didn't need the drip. You don't always need the drip.

but I don't want her to have a painful labour if she needs a drip

Do you realise that they suggest that because otherwise the baby might die? How do you think she would feel delivering a stillborn? A painful labour is preferable. She can ask for an epidural (I highly recommend the epidural to everyone, I loved it).

I'm going against what other people say. If the placenta was failing they would have the baby out now. I'm sure she will have another appointment with a consultant and discuss with them what the best option is and if an induction was a precaution or necessity. It's important to make informed decisions and it's ok to ask questions to health professionals. However I truly hope that you have not said to her that you don't want her to have an induction because you think the drip will be painful. That's panic making. Different women have different experiences and she might not even need a drip.

Definitely get an epidural before the drip and maybe think of a cut off point where a c section would happen. The drip isn’t great when it’s a very long labour but you don’t know how long you’ll be.

Thanks for all your replies. Feel easier now. All I said was the drip if she needs it can be painful, she knows this, but will mention having epidural before drip. Will let you know what happens.

I'd personally opt for a c section in this case. If the placenta is failing then a long induced delivery could be more harmful/risky

If the placenta was failing they would have the baby out now.

Not. necessarily. It’s a case of carefully balancing the risks of premature delivery against the risks of the placenta failing. If there are no signs of fetal compromise such as absent end diastolic flow on dopplers then they will watch and wait for as long as possible.

Think I didn't mention that there is not a lot of fluid round the baby and I don't know what other tests the team has done.

You have absolutely every right to ask for a second opinion and your medical team won’t be offended

Saying that, early induction is not a decision they’d take lightly. Pain can be managed, so I wouldn’t worry about this when compared to the potential risk to the baby.

Just make sure your daughter understands what these risks are before making a decision, so that she’s not making a huge decision against medical advice just because she’s blinded by fear of pain (which again, can be managed!)

The drip is the last resort. I had an ivf pregnancy and responded with just the pessary (apparently the progesterone / estrogen we take makes the pessary more likely to work when the baby is full term). It was still painful but nothing beyond period pains - I didn’t really need anything stronger than a tens machine until I was 5cm dilated. Agree with others that it’s not the size but the lack of growth that’s the problem: she should be grateful they spotted it early. My placenta started failing during childbirth and it was a mad rush to get baby out at which point I was told my last NHS ultrasound was wrong and the baby hadn’t grown since my private scan. I still delivered a 7 pounder but we were in hospital for a week.

Thanks for your replies. It has eased my mind.