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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Offered induction at 40+2

11 replies

peachesandsweets · 09/06/2023 15:39

This morning, I went to my midwife appointment and mentioned that baby had been slightly off pattern with his usually very active morning routine - but he was completely fine now and moving as normal. I had no concerns.

She recommended I go into triage for monitoring anyway... all fine.

However, as I was getting ready to go home, the doctor comes over and tells me that he's recommending an induction - based on the fact I'm over 40 weeks and "that's hospital policy".

I did push on this and was asking what the actual reasoning was - and he said it was because I'd come in for reduced movements. However, I wasn't that concerned to begin with - I only went as my midwife told me too!

I don't really know what to do at this point - I've booked an induction slot for Sunday and said I'll think about it, but I feel completely confused about what my instinct tells me vs what a medical professional is reccomending!

OP posts:

Spottypineapple · 09/06/2023 19:40

He's not recommending it as a medical professional, he's recommending it because 'its policy' without any real consideration for your individual circumstances.

If you've had a straight forward pregnancy with no concerns until now, trust your instincts OP. I can't tell you what to do but for what it's worth In your position I would decline.

I declined at 41+5 (after a lot of pressure from the hospital) and lo and behold, DD arrived in her own time the next day.

Best of luck OP

RedRobyn2021 · 09/06/2023 19:43

Agree with the previous poster

Also want to recommend Dr Sara Wickham's book Inducing Labour which gives you all the facts to make a more informed decision, she does have a website with some free information too.

Isthisexpected · 09/06/2023 19:48

In your specific circumstances I wouldn't put your baby in this position. I'd trust them to come on their own timeline. If they start talking risks use BRAIN - what are the benefits? Risks (from what to what as there are usually risks with the "policy" they're following too)? Alternatives? What does my instinct tell me? What happens if we do nothing for a day/week?

SouthwestSis · 09/06/2023 20:55

It sounds like it would be reasonable not to take the slot they've offered but you should tell the hospital sooner rather than later so they can offer it to someone who does need it.

Original poster

peachesandsweets · 10/06/2023 05:30

Thanks everyone, I've agreed to be monitored again tomorrow - as they also now have concerns I have a bigger than average baby and want to do a growth scan!

Have no issues declining induction, am taking husband as backup this time!

Just hoping that he decides to come in his own time before they keep pushing it!!!

OP posts:

Goldencup · 10/06/2023 05:53

This is annecdata but DSsis delayed induction and her baby had meconium aspiration syndrome. This is a horrible complication and risks much increased post dates.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/meconium-aspiration-syndrome#:~:text=Meconium%20aspiration%20syndrome%20occurs%20when,to%2010%20percent%20of%20births.

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium is the first feces, or stool, of the newborn. Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs when a newborn breathes a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into the lungs around the time of delivery.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/meconium-aspiration-syndrome#:~:text=Meconium%20aspiration%20syndrome%20occurs%20when,to%2010%20percent%20of%20births.

AngelAurora · 10/06/2023 05:54

Baby has to come out!

Flittingaboutagain · 10/06/2023 07:34

peachesandsweets · 10/06/2023 05:30

Thanks everyone, I've agreed to be monitored again tomorrow - as they also now have concerns I have a bigger than average baby and want to do a growth scan!

Have no issues declining induction, am taking husband as backup this time!

Just hoping that he decides to come in his own time before they keep pushing it!!!

Growth scans are notoriously inaccurate. I would never make a decision based on a growth scan. Instead I asked for a second scan with a different sonographer and then they went with the average because they both measured differently. This could completely changed things and my going to be huge baby was born naturally at only seven pounds.

Ss32 · 10/06/2023 10:21

With my first, I had an induction at 40+10. In hindsight, I wish I’d given it longer for baby to come by herself. It ended up that my body didn’t respond well to induction and I ended up with an emergency section. I am pregnant again with baby2 and mentioned in my booking in appointment that I won’t be getting induced this time unless medically urgent. Trust your instincts

Original poster

peachesandsweets · 10/06/2023 13:30

@Ss32 yes that's how I feel, that without any good medical reasoning it feels like you are forcing them out before they se ready.

Thank you everyone for your messages - I spoke to a midwife and she agreed with me that the doctor hadn't really listened to my personal concerns and she said that I could make my own decisions.

As it is, I'm monitoring little ones movements carefully - will obviously go back if needed - but for now happy to see how we go!

OP posts:

Isthisexpected · 10/06/2023 19:57

Good for you. Hope all goes well and baby gets to be fully cooked on their own timeline.

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