Induction decision - please help

[Chelsdean87]

Hello, just looking for some advice please.

This is my first baby and fortunately I have had a very straightforward pregnancy so far. However, I was referred for a growth scan at 36 weeks which suggested my baby's weight was below the 10th centile although everything else looked fine with the placenta, my blood pressure etc. Told to come back at 38+3 weeks for another scan which fortunately showed good growth and baby now on 10th centile and all else looking ok.

If baby had been on the 9th or below then the hospital would have recommended induction at 39 weeks but because she is on the cusp they have left the decision up to me. If I decide to go until 41 weeks (the latest they suggest before induction at my NHS Trust) then I would have another scan at 40 weeks to check growth again.

My baby's head is not engaged at all so I just have a feeling I will be waiting around until 41 weeks and then end up with an induction anyway. However, I definitely would prefer a natural labour and don't want to force my body to do something it is not ready to do. It seems like stories around inductions are rarely positive ones, especially with first babies.

Just wanted to see whether anybody has any wisdom or advice to share here please? Would you have the induction earlier or try to get to 41 weeks? If the head is not engaged at this point does this mean I am likely to be overdue?

TIA

I would avoid induction unless there is a definite medical reason. Routine inductions tend to lead to lengthier labours with more interventions. I was two weeks late with my third and resisted advice. If they are concerned they can do regular scans and checks but a lot of inductions are unnecessary.

As your baby is growing fine and will be checked again, I'd keep going until your body goes into labour naturally. Or at least leave it as late as possible to be induced

I have induced labour due to health issues, first induction was pretty straight forward no bad side effects nothing really went wrong.

I'm due for induction Sunday but have some reservations myself :/

Is that all they would offer, a scan at 40 weeks? Personally, I'd wait and see what that scan looks like providing you don't have any episodes of changes in movements.

If growth has tailed off or movements change at any point I'd take induction at that point.

My baby wasn't engaged at all, until he was and then it was all systems go so things can change in the next week or so. I ended up with induction for other reasons and whilst it wasn't the best, it was fine. You only ever hear induction horror stories.

Thanks for taking the time to reply - you have all reinforced what my gut instinct was telling me which is good!

I'm wondering - is there a correlation between induction being more successful (i.e. taking less time to 'work') at a later gestation than trying to induce at say 39 weeks?

I had an induction with my second baby at 39 weeks due to questions about baby's growth. Very straight forward, positive induction using two rounds of pessaries. First pessary to baby was under 14 hours and I got to labour and give birth in the midwife led unit (within the hospital)once in established labour. It was an extremely positive experience (with no further intervention and no pain relief required) and I spent a while agonising over my decision. It was the right one for me in the end although I do think being my second baby made the whole thing easier. Sorry I'm not sure how helpful that is but wanted to offer a positive induction story as when I was in your shoes, I mostly came across very negative scenarios. Best of luck with whatever you decide OP.

@Chelsdean87

Thanks for taking the time to reply - you have all reinforced what my gut instinct was telling me which is good!

I'm wondering - is there a correlation between induction being more successful (i.e. taking less time to 'work') at a later gestation than trying to induce at say 39 weeks?

I believe there is. As your body needs less of the hormone for induction and your body is usually more prepared the closer you are

@Everybodysaycheese thanks for sharing your positive experience! This certainly makes me feel better - was your baby engaged by the time you were induced just out of interest?

I really wanted to go as naturally as possible so opted for a sweep at 39 weeks to see if that would get things moving. Baby's head was "quite far back" apparently. When I went for my induction later that week baby's head was still in the same position. So partially engaged but not fully I think is what I was classed as. I found it a really difficult decision but my consultant was extremely helpful in coming up with a plan that suited us all in the end.