Is it normal to be booked in for induction once you hit due date?

[Strawberry06]

As the title says! I'm 40 weeks tomorrow and I've been to see my midwife today and she was on about booking me in for induction! Just seems a bit extreme to me?

I was actually booked in for a sweep today but I refused as I'd rather just let due date pass and then take it from there if baby doesn't come.

To book in yes, they need to know how much space they have on the maternity ward. You can obviously decline it.

I was booked in for an induction for 41+2 at my 36w midwife appointment. As it happens I have birth 10 days later anyway so never got close to it but it helps them reserve space for you on the ward.

You can absolutely just say you don't want to book one in (I found it helpful having a known 'end date' but appreciate not everyone loves a deadline) or you can book one in and decide when you're closer if you actually want to proceed with the induction or wait a bit longer depending on how you feel.

If you don't want it, decline it. Not essential and ridiculous that induction is booked by default.

"Now, would you like me to book you in for an induction?"

"No, no way. Thank you!"

"I'll just pop it in the diary, just in case."

This is the conversation I had in my first pregnancy. The unit was very full so I think they were desperately trying to manage that, but it was frustrating not being listened to. Maybe they are used to women getting desperate towards the end and want to have the option available. Maybe they just like to try to control their numbers. Doesn't matter, they can't make you turn up!

I'm not sure if everywhere is the same but my trust induce women age 40 or over at 40 weeks. Something to do with a very slightly higher risk of stillbirth. I will cross that bridge if I come to it as not 100% sure if it's what I want..but I haven't heard of them inducing younger/non high risk unless they are more than 2 weeks overdue.

I have 3 girls and was induced with first 2 if get it booked to be safe as most places only let you go over a week now as the risks get higher the longer over you get it’s not something that always happens straight away once they start but it’s best to be booked in and ready

Depends on the trust policy. I was in the north east and inductions were routinely booked for due date. I never needed it but it just seemed different to my friends in different trusts. Moved to Yorkshire and was induced at 39 weeks as over 40

Yes, they booked me in for an induction too when I reached my due date. But you can ask to speak with a consultant to discuss your options (but ask asap as they get booked up). Pretty sure you can decline the induction and let it take its course, or even opt for a planned C-section instead. I was considering the planned C-section as inductions seem to have a higher chance of ending in unplanned C-section, which I was more worried about.
I also refused the sweep at the 40 wk mark, and then gave birth naturally 4 days after my due date so it wasn't needed anyway.

Thanks all, induction is booked for next Friday with booked being the key word, doesn't mean I'll go through with it!

Just really hope baby comes before then! Midwife coming on Monday to do a sweep though.

I thought they didn't let anyone go over 2 weeks ? But could have changed

Inductions and csections are medical
procedures which a women has to consent to. Doctors can’t make a women have them.

My midwife was speaking to me about booking an induction from week 37! I actually found it very off putting and stressful. The midwife went as far as to book me in for one without asking and I had to ring up and cancel it. Gave birth with no intervention at 41 + 3

Higher risk of complications once baby is very overdue. A friend sadly lost her baby in labour who was 2 weeks overdue. I booked an induction for my youngest who eventually arrived 13 days late post-induction.

I refused induction for two weeks so went over 42 weeks, but then accepted due to the risks of going very overdue. But yes, rightly or wrongly I think it's become commonplace for them to book you in if you go over 40 weeks, I suppose to try to manage who's coming and going on the ward as far as they can.

Yes normal practice and in line with NICE guidance.

Firstly, ensures people don’t fall under radar/got forgotten about (much better then a “well we will need to consider”).

Secondly, it’s a procedure so ensures enough staff in on ward/keep an eye on numbers (you will get priority).

You don’t have to take an induction but good practice to book you ins