Induction at 39 weeks

[Mummyme32]

Hello

Just wondering if anyone can give me some advice.

I’m 39 weeks pregnant and a bit worried about reduced movements (although this afternoon suddenly felt LOADS of movement again!). Midwives at hospital have said I can have an induction now if I want.

My previous two were not induced and came at 41+2 and 41+3 naturally so I’m a bit hesitant to go for induction but I had late miscarriage last year so I’m extra anxious about the safe arrival of this rainbow baby.

I’m back into the hospital tomorrow for another scan and monitoring of the baby again. Obviously if the scan or monitoring show any issue I’ll go for induction but if they don’t show any obvious problem then I’m not sure what to do.

Has anyone else had an induction at 39 weeks? Was it ok?

I’m not sure baby’s movements are actually reduced or if I’m just getting increasingly anxious as due date approaches!

What would you do if you were me?

(PS I’m 37yo, this is third baby, sixth pregnancy. Pregnancy has been fine throughout. Baby measuring big - not unexpected as other two were nearly 9lb and nearly 10lb - and was growing fine at 36wk scan.)

If it were me, I would induce. The baby will be fully formed so it is safe for them.

Though, obviously you should do whatever you think is best.

Can I ask, why you wouldn’t want to? Maybe consider that and weigh up the risks etc.

Good luck xx Horrible to have to make this decision but I am sure the hospital will look after you well!

Yeah I’m not sure I have a very good reason for not wanting to induce - just different from what I’ve done before - and worried about requiring interventions and baby not being “ready yet” but none of that trumps wanting baby to arrive safely! And if baby really has stopped moving as much and it’s not just my imagination then I just need to get on with it!!!

In my first pregnancy I was offered an induction at 37weeks because of some complications, it didn’t work and I had an EMCS. I don’t regret the decision to do induction. The c section was fine no problem and recovered well.

Ultimatley, there is a risk it won’t work and you’ll need intervention, but you’ll be in hospital and access to the best care. So the risk of something bad happening is not that big.

I would trust yourself,if you think there is reduced movement don’t doubt yourself!

Thats what I would do anyway 😀

Thank you for these comments - really helpful to have your perspectives.

I’m going to talk to them more tomorrow about the induction.

I was induced at 39 weeks just over a month ago, whilst it wasn't the best experience, baby was not engaged, had twelve hours of contractions, that stopped. Then five days later finally room on the labour ward to have my waters broken, I'm still glad I was there, as was regularly monitored, and when there were issues with her heart rate they were able to pick this up and get me straight to labour ward.

I was induced at 39 weeks with DC2, to be honest, compared to a very very long, slow natural labour with DC1 at 42 weeks, I’d take the induction (5.5hrs) any day!