Is induction necessary?

[AlexDaedric]

I don't know if this is the right place, but it's 2am and I can't sleep.

My Pregnant partner is supposed to be calling the hospital in 6 hours to find out when they want us to come in and have labor induced, but the more i read about it, and considering how terrified she is, i don't know if it's the right decision.

She's currently 39 weeks and 5 days, and the only reason they've given for offering and recommending induction is that if he gets much bigger, there could be complications with delivery.

Our growth scan from today indicates that he's 3717g (8lb 3oz) and his femur length being 44 weeks gestational age.

My partner does have a very small frame, and at the start of pregnancy was considered to be underweight, but even at the babies current weight, surely he isn't considered suspected Macrosomia? Some medical guidelines even say that induction due to suspected Macrosomia by itself isn't advised.

She hoped for a natural birth, and up until today nothing suggested she would have anything different, but she's been led to believe that her only options are Induction or C-Section. I just don't want her to go through any more stress or discomfort than is necessary, especially with the additional risks that come with being induced.

Thank you if you read this

Not a medical person at all but didn't want to read and run. Up doing a night feed.
How does your partner feel about it?
Inductions can be refused or she can ask to have it delayed until she is overdue but if medical guidance is advising her to get one then she might be better getting on.

On your fears on a section I had an emergency one and I honestly sailed through it thanks mostly to an amazing midwife team and a really supportive partner.

Didn't have an induction but did have a sweep as I was overdue.

Induction at over 39 weeks should not be feared, it is most likely warranted from what you say. She may not even need much help to get things started. Bear in mind that scans can be out by at least a pound either way, your baby could be smaller but he could equally be bigger. A baby of over 9lb for instance could be problematic. What you don't want or need with a first baby is a load of complications and drama, at least with induction they should be ready with anything your partner needs. There really is no benefit to leaving babies in much past 40 weeks. Oh, and even with induction she will be able to have the birth as naturally as she wants once things have got started. Take plenty of snacks, drinks, phones (and chargers!) as it could take a while for things to get going. Encourage your partner not to be too inflexible as regards plans, my daughter had a plan a mile long and most of it went out the window when the big day arrived. She didn't bother when she went in to have her second DC!
Best of luck to you both, what an exciting time for you!

If she has been told that her only options are C section or induction, I would think that in the doctor's experience and knowledge , those are the only safe choices.You can research all you like, but the doctor is looking specifically at your partner's situation. I think your best option is to be supportive , rather than trying to undermine the doctor's opinions.

I had induction with both my children and it was f

*posted too soon

I had induction both times and it was fine. Support your partner, don't undermine her doctor.

Before they start the induction, ask what the chances are of it working & of a successful birth. If they only give a low chance of it working then discuss between you if you would prefer to go straight to C section. There is nothing worse than spending ages getting exhausted in induced labour only for it to end up in theatre having a C section. I know because it happened to me, with hindsight I would have been home quicker if I had just agreed with the C section.

So your partner’s weight at the start of pregnancy is pretty irrelevant. What matters is how big the inside of her pelvis is compared to the baby’s head and shoulders. So although you may have read that a large baby is not a reason to induce, her personal circumstances may suggest that it is necessary.
When you read about inductions you have to bear in mind the fact that people are induced for various reasons, and some of those reasons will be the cause of the need for further interventions (instrumental delivery, C section) rather than the process of induction itself.

@AlexDaedric I understand your concerns and I haven't read it as if your trying to undermine anyone you are just (so rightly) concerned and want the best outcome.

Any update ? X

I was induced with my first, for small weight. And honestly all people ever tell you are the bad things that can happen. I LOVED my induction, it was quick, and since I was in hospital the entire time I knew that I was in the safest place for both me and baby.
I went into spontaneous labour with my second, and like your DP, am of small frame and baby measured larger than advised for my size, they said they'd induce at 40 weeks if he hadn't arrived by then, but I wish they'd induce me at 38 weeks when they notice how big he was, as I was minutes away from having to have a forceps delivery, only prevented by an incredible midwife who advocated for me and gave me the time to give a few big pushes to get him moving. I ended up with an awful delivery, and an episiotomy because he was simply too big for my body to handle. I know inductions can be scary if you've never had one before, but IMO it's the best way forward if that's what your medical team are advising.

It's against the NICE medical guidelines to induce for a big baby alone, in absence of other risk factors. Induction carries its own set of risks (more likely to tear / need emergency c section/ instrumental delivery, more incidences of shoulder dystocia, more incidences of baby distress, higher incidence of post partum hemorrhage etc). It's very unlikely that a baby will grow too big to be birthed - unless there is something else going on such as gestational diabetes.

I was advised exactly the same thing as your wife. I had no other risk factors. I declined induction and baby came at 42 weeks vaginally. The birth wasn't without complications but I'm so glad I let it begin naturally and followed my gut. Also had a wonderful midwife who gave me the TRUE facts, pros and cons etc . They had estimated baby to be 95 th percentile and she was only 59th. Scans are notoriously innacurate.

Every situation is different and sometimes induction is the best decision and can of course save lives. But sometimes it is not necessary and can lead to further complications and worse outcomes for mum and baby. They are not allowed to say she has to do it, only to "offer" it. But you are right to look into all the pros and cons etc. It's definitely becoming very common in the UK to be induced for things that are not actually medically necessary. It's her decision. Did you do an antenatal course? I would suggest speaking to a doula or top midwife about this if you want some more support / to understand your options.
Good luck with it, whatever you decide! Xx