Pressure to induce and now no inductions for 8 days

Catk34 · 2025-04-29T15:47:34+00:00

I went into triage last week for a 3rd episode of reduced movements. I was told the best thing would be to induce and deliver baby before due date. I was not prepared to make that decision at the time so I said I’d like to take some time to think it through. I’ve decided for both that reason and a predicted 9.5lb baby that I don’t really want to go much past my due date so I phoned them now and asked if I could go ahead and book in for an induction. She asked me on the phone what was the reason I was recommended induction to which I said reduced movement and big baby and then she said there is nothing available until next Wednesday (8days) - I’m so confused why I was being fear mongered into getting an induction asap and then when I go ahead and ask for one now they are telling me I can’t get it until I’m at 41 weeks! I’ve been crying all day as I can no longer sleep from the discomfort and weight of the baby and I really don’t know where to get support. I’ve also been booked in for another scan on Friday at a hospital that is an hours drive away. I don’t see how I can safely drive myself an hour there and back when I’m sleeping so little and thinking I might just cancel the scan

Where2GoNext · 29/04/2025 16:52

Please don't cancel the scan, if you don't feel safe yo drive do you have a partner or friend who would be willing to take you? It's important with repeated episodes of reduced moments that there's as good a picture of babies overall health as possible.

I would phone triage back and tell them you would like to speak to a Dr about your plan of care and the fact that there is no IOL appointments. Sometimes the doctors can squeeze women in to a clinic, and there may very well be cancellations in the coming days.

CamillaMacauley · 29/04/2025 16:58

This isn't right - if there is a medical need (which there is) then there's a medical need. Please ring back and ask to speak to the labour ward manager or inpatient matron. Email PALS this evening if you can't get hold of senior midwifery staff today.

stichguru · 29/04/2025 17:21

It was suggested that you baby and you might suffer because of how big it might get if it went to full term. Therefore an induction early was suggested. I imagine at the point they told you this, they felt that neither you or the baby were suffering because at that point they said you could think about it. They have booked you for another scan on Friday to check the baby and I am sure if the result of that scan IS that they see evidence that the baby is struggling they will get you in for induction or a c-section. They can't get you in for an "emergency" induction if you are not passed your due date and the baby is fine. I would be very surprised if they induced a happy baby out of a well mother before the due date. They want to check whether the baby is still happy or not, hence the next scan (which you really must go to). I'm sure they will re-evaluated inducing if they think the baby is not ok.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 29/04/2025 17:24

Don’t cancel the scan, they don’t book them in for no reason, it’s to check the baby is ok. Can the dad drive you or a friend?

I’d phone back and ask again about induction and insist on daily monitoring until they can induce. If movements reduce again just go straight back in.

Sundaysunshine21 · 29/04/2025 21:39

Don’t cancel the scan. Remember you can ask for a C-section and refuse induction.

An induction is much more likely to lead to you needing an epidural which in turn significantly increases the risk of an instrumental delivery. The hospital might not tell you this, but it is a matter of evidence based fact (do your research). I was not told about any of the risks of induction and pressured into an induction (and talked out of a caesarean) by the hospital. My induction resulted in a forceps delivery which has ruined my life. A forceps delivery will, for a very large number of women:

leave you doubly incontinent for life,
with a third or fourth degree tear (which will leave you incontinent),
give you multiple prolapses (front and back),
cause an avulsion,
you will have an episiotomy (these rarely heal well, so you will be in pain forever, forget having pain free sex again),
horrific pain, discomfort and scarring on the vagina,
you will either have a wide open vagina (meaning that you and your partner will not be able to have sex as he will not be able to feel anything) or your vagina will be sewn too tightly and scar tissue will develop meaning you will need a Fentons procedure.
nerve damage to the vagina and back passage. This will mean physio won’t be able to address your incontinence.
you will never be able to walk long distances, run, jump, laugh, dance, enjoy your baby fully or enjoy life again. Everything will be about your pelvic floor.
Your bowels will be damaged, there’s a very high chance you’ll need a stoma down the line.

lots of babies are also left with lifelong disabilities due to instrumental deliveries.

There is a reason that most female doctors have csections. I just wish I’d know the risks of induction. Check out Masic foundation for a look at the reality of life afterwards for lots of women who agreed to inductions without understanding the risks.

bumblebeedum · 29/04/2025 21:48

Sundaysunshine21 · 29/04/2025 21:39

Don’t cancel the scan. Remember you can ask for a C-section and refuse induction.

An induction is much more likely to lead to you needing an epidural which in turn significantly increases the risk of an instrumental delivery. The hospital might not tell you this, but it is a matter of evidence based fact (do your research). I was not told about any of the risks of induction and pressured into an induction (and talked out of a caesarean) by the hospital. My induction resulted in a forceps delivery which has ruined my life. A forceps delivery will, for a very large number of women:

leave you doubly incontinent for life,
with a third or fourth degree tear (which will leave you incontinent),
give you multiple prolapses (front and back),
cause an avulsion,
you will have an episiotomy (these rarely heal well, so you will be in pain forever, forget having pain free sex again),
horrific pain, discomfort and scarring on the vagina,
you will either have a wide open vagina (meaning that you and your partner will not be able to have sex as he will not be able to feel anything) or your vagina will be sewn too tightly and scar tissue will develop meaning you will need a Fentons procedure.
nerve damage to the vagina and back passage. This will mean physio won’t be able to address your incontinence.
you will never be able to walk long distances, run, jump, laugh, dance, enjoy your baby fully or enjoy life again. Everything will be about your pelvic floor.
Your bowels will be damaged, there’s a very high chance you’ll need a stoma down the line.

lots of babies are also left with lifelong disabilities due to instrumental deliveries.

There is a reason that most female doctors have csections. I just wish I’d know the risks of induction. Check out Masic foundation for a look at the reality of life afterwards for lots of women who agreed to inductions without understanding the risks.

This is ridiculous scaremongering and is not the outcome for the vast majority of women to have A. an induction; B. a forceps delivery; C. an episiotomy; or D. significant tearing. I say that as someone that has had all 4 and am not incontinent and have no issues with sex.
Not a helpful bullshit response to someone during a stressful time of their lives!

whatsit84 · 29/04/2025 21:57

Erm, I had a forceps delivery and episiotomy and have none of this!

Burntt · 29/04/2025 22:16

I echo @Sundaysunshine21

induction did irrevocable damage to me. I was pushed for it and had it framed as my only choice. Ended up with emergency section as the drip pit baby into distress and messed my body up too. I live with life long damage to my body..

many women have no issues from it but we should not deny the fact induction increases risk of assisted delivery and interventions and they have risks are as Sundaysunshine said.

Sundaysunshine21 · 29/04/2025 22:26

bumblebeedum · 29/04/2025 21:48

This is ridiculous scaremongering and is not the outcome for the vast majority of women to have A. an induction; B. a forceps delivery; C. an episiotomy; or D. significant tearing. I say that as someone that has had all 4 and am not incontinent and have no issues with sex.
Not a helpful bullshit response to someone during a stressful time of their lives!

Show quote history

I was left with all of this (vag is huge rather than too narrow due to scarring though. I know scarring plus Fenton’s is a risk because a doctor friend said that dealing with Fenton’s procedures after instrumental deliveries was a key reason for her elective section). I just wish someone had been honest about the risks with me. I’m not saying it to scare anyone and appreciate mine is a worst case scenario, I just want everyone to know what might happen so that they can make an informed choice. Hospitals will give you all the risks of a section but not of induction. We should not be treating women like children, the consequences of an induction can be horrific and lifelong, women have a right to know that. I would have chosen a section any day (albeit with a higher mortality rate and risk of hysterectomy and haemorrhage). Personally the section risks would have been preferable for me, other women might prefer the risks of induction, but everyone should be given the information to make that decision.

You were obviously very lucky. third or fourth degree tears are 1 in 8 for forceps deliveries and most women with those tears will be doubly incontinent, even if not initially definitely by menopause.

Dairymilkisminging · 29/04/2025 22:35

I've had 3 inductions all different methods. Im going in for an elective induction on the 4th.

I have had none of the things mentioned. A couple of small tears but my last baby was 9lb.

These are things that can happen not that they will. There are risks to c sections too.

Hope you get it sorted op and little one with you soon.

bumblebeedum · 29/04/2025 23:31

Sundaysunshine21 · 29/04/2025 22:26

I was left with all of this (vag is huge rather than too narrow due to scarring though. I know scarring plus Fenton’s is a risk because a doctor friend said that dealing with Fenton’s procedures after instrumental deliveries was a key reason for her elective section). I just wish someone had been honest about the risks with me. I’m not saying it to scare anyone and appreciate mine is a worst case scenario, I just want everyone to know what might happen so that they can make an informed choice. Hospitals will give you all the risks of a section but not of induction. We should not be treating women like children, the consequences of an induction can be horrific and lifelong, women have a right to know that. I would have chosen a section any day (albeit with a higher mortality rate and risk of hysterectomy and haemorrhage). Personally the section risks would have been preferable for me, other women might prefer the risks of induction, but everyone should be given the information to make that decision.

You were obviously very lucky. third or fourth degree tears are 1 in 8 for forceps deliveries and most women with those tears will be doubly incontinent, even if not initially definitely by menopause.

Show quote history

I completely agree women should be given a complete overview of all the risks associated with each choice but your portrayal that ‘most’ women who go for inductions end up double incontinent is completely false and there are not insignificant amount of women who have 3rd & 4th degree tears with no induction or instrumental delivery. Each avenue of childbirth comes with risks and unfortunately it’s easy to look back with hindsight and say you would have picked a different option but that could have turned out equally as badly if not worse in its own way.
Sorry you’ve been left with long term birth injuries.

Monty88 · 29/04/2025 23:41

The unit must be VERY understaffed for this to be the case. Worrying

Aliceal · 30/04/2025 08:40

Get your midwife to get onto the hospital about this. They have a duty of care, and you have had reduced movements multiple times, which is a reg flag and medical need that needs a more urgent pathway.

My induction went fine for me personally, although much preferred my spontaneous births.

Needspaceforlego · 30/04/2025 08:45

bumblebeedum · 29/04/2025 21:48

This is ridiculous scaremongering and is not the outcome for the vast majority of women to have A. an induction; B. a forceps delivery; C. an episiotomy; or D. significant tearing. I say that as someone that has had all 4 and am not incontinent and have no issues with sex.
Not a helpful bullshit response to someone during a stressful time of their lives!

Show quote history

Totally agree ridiculous amount of scaremongering around inductions.

Needspaceforlego · 30/04/2025 08:49

Op go to your scan as planned.
They may well make a different decision at the scan, can your partner go with you?

TBH I'd be tempted to put your hospital bag in the car and keep it there.

Good luck and remember inductions can go really fast to.

RentalWoesNotFun · 30/04/2025 09:00

I wouldn’t be driving myself to the scan. You’re right, due to lack of sleep you won’t be thinking straight/able to make quick decisions if something unexpected happens, a child or dog runs out into the road etc. .

The scan has probably been slotted in at the first available time hence it’s further away. You could try phoning bearer the time for a cancellation at your preferred hospital?

It’s a necessary scan not optional. They might decide to book you in quickly depending on what the scan says.

I think most women get to the stage it’s difficult to sleep, uncomfortable, they’ve just had enough and want the baby born. You are not alone. Fingers crossed baby is born soon.

Needspaceforlego · 30/04/2025 11:15

I think most women get to the stage it’s difficult to sleep, uncomfortable, they’ve just had enough and want the baby born. You are not alone. Fingers crossed baby is born soon.

Yes i remember going into a coffee shop at that stage DH went for coffees, I went for a table, and almost cried getting a seat, the two elderly ladies ask if I was ok and when was a due....I'm ok just fedup, 4 days ago, ...oh your entitled to be fedup!

Doseofreality · 30/04/2025 11:21

Sundaysunshine21 · 29/04/2025 21:39

Don’t cancel the scan. Remember you can ask for a C-section and refuse induction.

An induction is much more likely to lead to you needing an epidural which in turn significantly increases the risk of an instrumental delivery. The hospital might not tell you this, but it is a matter of evidence based fact (do your research). I was not told about any of the risks of induction and pressured into an induction (and talked out of a caesarean) by the hospital. My induction resulted in a forceps delivery which has ruined my life. A forceps delivery will, for a very large number of women:

leave you doubly incontinent for life,
with a third or fourth degree tear (which will leave you incontinent),
give you multiple prolapses (front and back),
cause an avulsion,
you will have an episiotomy (these rarely heal well, so you will be in pain forever, forget having pain free sex again),
horrific pain, discomfort and scarring on the vagina,
you will either have a wide open vagina (meaning that you and your partner will not be able to have sex as he will not be able to feel anything) or your vagina will be sewn too tightly and scar tissue will develop meaning you will need a Fentons procedure.
nerve damage to the vagina and back passage. This will mean physio won’t be able to address your incontinence.
you will never be able to walk long distances, run, jump, laugh, dance, enjoy your baby fully or enjoy life again. Everything will be about your pelvic floor.
Your bowels will be damaged, there’s a very high chance you’ll need a stoma down the line.

lots of babies are also left with lifelong disabilities due to instrumental deliveries.

There is a reason that most female doctors have csections. I just wish I’d know the risks of induction. Check out Masic foundation for a look at the reality of life afterwards for lots of women who agreed to inductions without understanding the risks.

Absolute bullshit with no purpose but to worry the OP. I had two forceps deliveries and experienced none of the things mentioned in your post.

OP please follow medical
advice, not that of some crank on the internet and go for the scan.

Sundaysunshine21 · 30/04/2025 12:43

Doseofreality · 30/04/2025 11:21

Absolute bullshit with no purpose but to worry the OP. I had two forceps deliveries and experienced none of the things mentioned in your post.

OP please follow medical
advice, not that of some crank on the internet and go for the scan.

Show quote history

As I said above all of this has happened to me. As I also said my case was worst case scenario, not overly common but also not so rare it’s not worth worrying about. Check out the Masic foundation for stats and info. If I had any understanding of the risks I would have never agreed to an induction and would have opted for an elective section. Other women might prefer the induction risks, and that is totally fine. My point is women need to be informed.

I would strongly urge OP to discuss the risks of induction leading to an instrumental delivery and third and fourth degree tearing with a consultant obstetrician at the hospital. I would also suggest she discusses the risks of an elective section. She can then make an informed choice. I agree that she should be taking advice from doctors (OP please request a consultant not a junior or a physician associate pretending to be a doctor). However I did not know what to ask about, and no information about instrumental delivery and severe tearing was made available to me. I cannot bear the thought of other women ending up in my situation because they are not given the right information.

Unfortunately third and fourth degree tears are 1 in 8 to 1 in 12 for forceps deliveries, so they are common in that scenario (this information is on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/forceps-or-vacuum-delivery/) Induction is a risk factor for needing forceps. Third and fourth degree tears are lifelong severe injuries with huge consequences.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 30/04/2025 12:49

Sundaysunshine21 · 30/04/2025 12:43

As I said above all of this has happened to me. As I also said my case was worst case scenario, not overly common but also not so rare it’s not worth worrying about. Check out the Masic foundation for stats and info. If I had any understanding of the risks I would have never agreed to an induction and would have opted for an elective section. Other women might prefer the induction risks, and that is totally fine. My point is women need to be informed.

I would strongly urge OP to discuss the risks of induction leading to an instrumental delivery and third and fourth degree tearing with a consultant obstetrician at the hospital. I would also suggest she discusses the risks of an elective section. She can then make an informed choice. I agree that she should be taking advice from doctors (OP please request a consultant not a junior or a physician associate pretending to be a doctor). However I did not know what to ask about, and no information about instrumental delivery and severe tearing was made available to me. I cannot bear the thought of other women ending up in my situation because they are not given the right information.

Unfortunately third and fourth degree tears are 1 in 8 to 1 in 12 for forceps deliveries, so they are common in that scenario (this information is on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/forceps-or-vacuum-delivery/) Induction is a risk factor for needing forceps. Third and fourth degree tears are lifelong severe injuries with huge consequences.

Show quote history

Why haven’t you listed all the dangers from c section? No birth is without risk, and the OP didn’t ask about this. You are just scaremongering this poor woman who is already upset. It’s not a helpful contribution.

ICanTellYouMissMe · 30/04/2025 12:50

Sundaysunshine21 · 29/04/2025 21:39

Don’t cancel the scan. Remember you can ask for a C-section and refuse induction.

An induction is much more likely to lead to you needing an epidural which in turn significantly increases the risk of an instrumental delivery. The hospital might not tell you this, but it is a matter of evidence based fact (do your research). I was not told about any of the risks of induction and pressured into an induction (and talked out of a caesarean) by the hospital. My induction resulted in a forceps delivery which has ruined my life. A forceps delivery will, for a very large number of women:

leave you doubly incontinent for life,
with a third or fourth degree tear (which will leave you incontinent),
give you multiple prolapses (front and back),
cause an avulsion,
you will have an episiotomy (these rarely heal well, so you will be in pain forever, forget having pain free sex again),
horrific pain, discomfort and scarring on the vagina,
you will either have a wide open vagina (meaning that you and your partner will not be able to have sex as he will not be able to feel anything) or your vagina will be sewn too tightly and scar tissue will develop meaning you will need a Fentons procedure.
nerve damage to the vagina and back passage. This will mean physio won’t be able to address your incontinence.
you will never be able to walk long distances, run, jump, laugh, dance, enjoy your baby fully or enjoy life again. Everything will be about your pelvic floor.
Your bowels will be damaged, there’s a very high chance you’ll need a stoma down the line.

lots of babies are also left with lifelong disabilities due to instrumental deliveries.

There is a reason that most female doctors have csections. I just wish I’d know the risks of induction. Check out Masic foundation for a look at the reality of life afterwards for lots of women who agreed to inductions without understanding the risks.

Honestly you are obviously traumatised by your own experience and I’m sorry that’s how it went for you.

But that’s a fucking awful thing to put on this thread. I was induced twice, first went to Keilland’s forceps, and I am 100% absolutely unaffected. The second was actually a dream!

15 years later I’m still absolutely side effect free.

OP get the scan and take it from there.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 30/04/2025 12:52

Sundaysunshine21 · 30/04/2025 12:43

As I said above all of this has happened to me. As I also said my case was worst case scenario, not overly common but also not so rare it’s not worth worrying about. Check out the Masic foundation for stats and info. If I had any understanding of the risks I would have never agreed to an induction and would have opted for an elective section. Other women might prefer the induction risks, and that is totally fine. My point is women need to be informed.

I would strongly urge OP to discuss the risks of induction leading to an instrumental delivery and third and fourth degree tearing with a consultant obstetrician at the hospital. I would also suggest she discusses the risks of an elective section. She can then make an informed choice. I agree that she should be taking advice from doctors (OP please request a consultant not a junior or a physician associate pretending to be a doctor). However I did not know what to ask about, and no information about instrumental delivery and severe tearing was made available to me. I cannot bear the thought of other women ending up in my situation because they are not given the right information.

Unfortunately third and fourth degree tears are 1 in 8 to 1 in 12 for forceps deliveries, so they are common in that scenario (this information is on the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/forceps-or-vacuum-delivery/) Induction is a risk factor for needing forceps. Third and fourth degree tears are lifelong severe injuries with huge consequences.

Show quote history

Also I had an induction but didn’t have forceps because I agreed to induction but refused permission for forceps. Their options were the suction cup or c section.

QuickPeachPoet · 30/04/2025 12:56

Crying and canceling important medical appointments is not going to help you or your baby. Get some rest, go for your scan and listen to advice.

Sunshineclouds11 · 30/04/2025 13:02

Don't cancel your scan.

i find it hard to believe they don't have anything until 8 days away for inductions. They get people in to be induced every day with no notice.
i would either ring your MW and ask her advise, she may ring them for you or, I'd ring again and ask to speak to the ward manager

Sundaysunshine21 · 30/04/2025 13:10

ToKittyornottoKitty · 30/04/2025 12:49

Why haven’t you listed all the dangers from c section? No birth is without risk, and the OP didn’t ask about this. You are just scaremongering this poor woman who is already upset. It’s not a helpful contribution.

Show quote history

Because I have no medical qualifications or lived experience of a C-section. I can only speak about what has happened to me. This is why OP needs to speak to a consultant obstetrician, she needs to get a balanced view of the risks and benefits of all of her options so she can make an informed decision that is right for her.

I just know from my experience that if she doesn’t specifically ask about the risks of instrumental delivery and third and fourth degree tears it will not be given to her, so it is important that she knows what to ask about.