Induced due to previous miscarriages

[Sarahdaydreamer1234]

Has anyone been induced at 39 weeks due to previous unexplained miscarriages apparently increasing risk of stillbirth? Any views on this? Consultant didn't really give a view just the choice to be induced at 39 weeks. Obviously risk of stilbirth is scary but would love to go naturally and try avoid emcs.

Bump 😊

I had 5 miscarriages before my twins and being induced early because of my losses was never mentioned but that's probably because it wasn't a "normal" pregnancy and they don't expect twins to go full term anyway

I can sort of see their thinking - lots of miscarriages are caused by placental insufficiency especially if testing of losses came back chromosomally normal so that would increase the risk of stillbirth

I had a miscarriage before my first DD and I requested early intervention because I felt the risk was too great and I'd never forgive myself if I lost her to stillbirth

It’s a real shame that the person best placed to advise you on this (the consultant) didn’t give you any further information! How can any woman give informed consent to a medical procedure based on that.
I’d call them and ask if there is any statistical link between unexplained miscarriages and stillbirth. Ask if there’s an alternative e.g going on for a Doppler scan every couple of days like they’d do with a woman who has gone over 41w. Regarding the induction, you can always ask for your Bishops Score first as this will give an indication of how likely a successful induction will be.

@twinningatlife yes I think it is to do with the placenta. I also agree the guilt you would feel if stillbirth happened during that week when my only real concern is wanting to avoid c section.

@sweetbabycheeses99 I agree it wasnt best practice on their behalf I don't think. But thats a great idea I will call and see if they can give me a bit more advice. The bishops score plan sounds good too. I think if I had a good score I would go for the induction at 39 weeks no problem and maybe the could use the doppler then if not every other day. I think my due date I'll agree an induction even if my bishops score is low as I'd feel like I was really risking it then.

I've had 3 consecutive miscarriages and I've never heard of this. My baby was born at 36 weeks because he stopped growing but the plan was to induce at 39 weeks because I've had a previous c section.
I'd definitely ring them and ask for more info, it's sounds very odd

Hi @Sarahdaydreamer1234. I’m in the same position as you, consultant has offered elective induction at 39 weeks due to previous miscarriages as she said there is a slight increased risk of still birth beyond 40-41 weeks. Did you come to a decision? I’ve read that a large scale clinic trial showed emcs was lower in women induced at 39 weeks. The downside for me is not getting to experience going through natural labour by myself, and also I’ve heard the pain in worse leading to higher likelihood of epidural. I’m 33 weeks but consultant wants an answer so they can book me in.

@Sarahdaydreamer1234 I’ve just realised this post was in august so you’ve probably given birth by now? How did it go in end x

@slk3558 hi hope your OK! I've decided to be induced at 40+3 for the same reasons as you've listed really id love to experience a natural birth. I have 4 weeks to go!! Did your consultant say much else?

@Sarahdaydreamer1234 hi! It’s funny because I was thinking about whether I could ask the doctor for induction at a specific day I.e 40+3, that way it gives chance for the natural birth - especially if you try natural methods to induce like expressing colostrum, sweeps etc..

If you can be very specific about the day I will ask the consultant for the same date as you. I’m 33 weeks so not too long to go either. The consultant didn’t say much else aside from the risk of still birth increases beyond 40 weeks but I think that applies to all women tbh.

I hope you go in to labour a few days before so you don’t need the induction. Did your MW mention hand expressing colostrum from 37 weeks to kick start labour ? X

@slk3558 sorry for the slow reply.. Yes I was advised that too and been doing that since 37 weeks. Due to be induced next week at 40+3 but having sweeps and accupuncture to try and go naturally myself over next week!

How’s it going @Sarahdaydreamer1234?