Induction near to due date

[ml01omm]

Cross posting as not sure where this is best.

I am FTM - so no experience of childbirth.

Baby is measuring large for dates ( on 93rd percentile, and I am only 4ft 11).So have been talking to consultant about how to proceed. Originally they asked if I wanted to be induced at 38 weeks and I said no, as i felt it was too soon.

As a compromise we have agreed on Induction at 40+3 (as having read a bit too much on Shoulder Dystocia and other risks related to larger babies, I got a bit scared about being left to go as far as 42 weeks).

Worried I am making the wrong decision and I should wait it out, but equally, I am so huge and uncomfortable I can't cope with another 3 weeks.

Am I naive in thinking that Induction at 40 odd weeks will be easier than induction at 38 weeks? Or is it all the same?

Has anyone got any positive stories re: being induced on or around their due dates to put me at ease?

I was induced at 40+2 with my second baby - all went fine. No reason to wait any longer, once they're full term it's safe for them to come out 🤷‍♀️ potentially waiting longer might mean things have already started happening naturally so they might be able to start a bit further along the induction pathway, but whether or not that makes things any easier I couldn't say.

Personally i doubt it will make any difference when they induce you with regard to how successful/easy it is. I was 42 weeks for my induction. Baby still stuck right up under my ribs. Cervix so unfavourable the midwife couldn't do a sweep at 41+5. Ended in EMCS due to lack of progress. My body just wasn't ready to labour. It was a different experience than I had planned but not bad at all. Felt very in control and recovered well.

What I'm trying to say is it's not just date that can have an effect on how well induction goes. Ask about your bishop score too then you can make a more informed choice about it for yourself.

Well I was induced at 36 weeks and it was a 'success' in that I had a VB (forceps, but it was fine, no dramatic story to tell).

It's up to you really. If you really want a VB I would probably ask for induction around 38/39 weeks just to be on the safe side. One of my antenatal group members was induced due to size, her baby had shoulder dystocia, had to be put in a coma and 'cooled' when she was born to avoid brain damage. She said it was very traumatic. I would really want to leave a clear margin to try to avoid that.

However if you really want to go to term or beyond, I would ask for a c-section.

Good luck whatever you decide.

I'm in the same boat, I'm 37+2 just now and my baby is measuring on the 97th centile. Iv to make my decision by tuesday at my next appointment to get induced at 38 (thursday coming) or 39 weeks, I was told they wouldnt let me go as long as 40 weeks as I'm petite and i had a 3rd degree tear with my first born plus I'm aged 40. I still cant make my mind up either, you just want what's best for baby and yourself but it's such a hard decision to make. I'm really uncomfortable now and i just want it over and done with but I'm also scared I make the wrong choice for my baby sake. It's so stressful