Reduced movements at 39 weeks / induction

[Worried636]

I am 39+2. I have been in for RFM once before at around 29 weeks. The baby's patterns have changed and I am feeling him way less this morning. I am also having contractions - irregular since the last week and was told that is normal.

I am on my way to be seen now. My question is, as I am now 39 weeks going in for the 2nd time with RFM - Will they discuss induction? I have been struggling with early labour pains and can't imagine the thought of being induced as I am being told the pain is way way worse when it doesn't happen naturally. I know it's up to me and I can decline however I want to do what's best for the baby and the RFM is really worrying me

I had RFM at 39+3 and was offered induction, they said everything was normal but said they could offer it due to my gestation. I declined and asked for a sweep instead and they booked me for a scan the following morning.
Baby arrived around 10 hours after the sweep! But it can depend on whether your body is ready whether it works or not!

It depends on your trust’s policy but mine was 3 times and they booked me in for induction at 39+2. I had a long discussion with the midwife who also spoke with the doctor as I was desperate to avoid it (you can have time to think about it, mine was booked in for 4 days later), I did agree in the end and I actually had a really positive experience.

This is caveated by the fact I was otherwise low risk so was allowed to use the MW birthing unit and the pool (with a remote heart rate monitor), plus it was my second birth, however you only seem to hear horror stories about inductions so it’s nice to give balance.

Good luck x

I suspect they'll recommend an induction. Get an epidural early is my advice - the pitocin drip is quite the experience. Good luck!

I don't want to scare you but I went in with reduced movements at 40+2 and had the baby via emergency caserean 30 mins later!

Before they even hooked me up to the machine though they said as I was full term and had come in previously at 32 weeks they would recommend an induction, but you absolutely can refuse this if you don't feel its right for you and baby at the moment.

Good luck and congratulations:)

I had an induction after 2 periods of RFM. I was lucky because whilst the pain was bad, I just wanted to get out that day with my baby safe and sound so I could get through it. I had an epidural after 6 hours as there was very little progress with my dilation and baby was born 45 minutes later.

Second baby, I got there too late for any pain relief, she was literally born 15 minutes after I arrived at the hospital and I can't say the pain of the contractions was anywhere near the pain post induction but who knows. Second births are always meant to be easier.

You also should have the option to ask for an elective c section

You will likely be offered induction, I certainly was in similar circumstances.

You have time to think, unless their traces show an emergency, you don't have to decide then.

There are middle options - I initially got put on enhanced monitoring whilst I thought about induction

Lastly, I've had both spontaneous and chemically created contractions and I tough they felt the same 🤷‍♀️

Thank you all much for your replies. It helps me knowing what to expect and the more I think about it now the more i'm leaning towards just having the baby if they offer me the induction as I don't want to risk anything at all. If I go for it, i'm going to ask for the epidural first. I don't feel I have much stamina left in me after having these on/off contractions for days now, i'm so tired

Will they give you an epidural before the Pitocin? Pretty sure you'll need to see how it progresses first. I had to insist on the epidural after 6 hours because I'd only gone from 1 to 3cm but the lt definitely tried to delay me.

So i've been on the monitor and the baby is moving - this is so stressful because to me they're less / different to normal. The MW said we can get the Dr to speak to me as i've been having contractions a few days now. They didn't mention inducing due to RFM yet but maybe the Dr will bring it up

@Whyisitsosohard oh right :( ..i'll ask the question today if they do offer me induction

I would also rate an epidural 👍 - actually quite helpful that they can turn on and off contractions to place the line with chemically induced contractions!

Hi all. Just an update. Had my baby at 6pm today after being offered induction. They were going to use the rods but saw I was already 2cm dilated. They then used the gel and within 2 hours I was begging them to get me to a room so I can push. They took one look and put in me in the next room and after 6 mins of pushing, baby arrived. No time for epidural!

I am in abit of shock but very happy. Afterpains are bad but reminding myself they will not be as bad as labour pains. Thank you all so so much for your support today x

How lovely!
Congratulations 💐

Congratulations!! Hope you are able to get some rest and enjoying newborn cuddles :)

Gosh that was quick! Congratulations!

Oh wow! Congratulations! I'm glad it wasn't long. I hope you get some sleep now!

Amazing, congratulations on your baby!

Thank you all so much!! I much prefer this lack of sleep to the lack of sleep I had in all that pain a few days ago lol! X