I am 40+6 and next week the ball will start rolling with the induction stuff. I've had one sweep and got another booked in on Friday so fingers crossed I'll get started on my own before anything happens.
However, I am very keen to avoid induction unless there is a decent medical reason - I don't think being at 42 weeks alone justifies this.
My midwife was really supportive with this but was still firm about getting me booked in for an induction (next Weds at 41+6 - I'm sure so I can be processed before the weekend :))
I do have an appointment with a consultant on Monday to discuss monitoring and alternatives - I just think the insistence of the midwife to book the induction has made me doubt how easy it could be to refuse.
I really, really want a homebirth or at least one as natural as possible and don't want to be induced for the sake of it.
I have heard lots of people say that they would refuse induction and opt for monitoring but was wondering if people have actually got to that stage? If so, how much were you harangued by medical professionals and how far over did you go before going into labour?
Like I said, I know I have time yet but just want to be as prepared as possible for this so would like to hear stories - again if there is any medical reason to do so, I would go for induction but so far I have had an amazingly easy and healthy pregnancy and would like to continue naturally as much as possible.
Sorry for waffling - thanks loads.
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Childbirth
Seeking advice from people who have successfully refused induction
bogwoppitinatree · 12/06/2013 20:11
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Hi stuck and bog,
I refused induction with dc1 until 42 weeks and just went for regular monitoring. At 42 weeks i got a bit freaked and accepted induction. Here we have a midwife whose brief is 'normality' and she's brilliant - her influence has made things a lot more humane here. You can ask for a meeting with the supervisor of midwives and work out a pathway but be clear on what you will / won't be able to accept. Inductions have to be followed through once started and you are on a clock. Some inductions are just the same as 'normal' labour though and not plenty of women have found an induced labour easier than a non induced one - sometimes just tips you over and speeds things up a bit. Don't feel pressured, just keep an open mind, be clear about your limits and absolutes and remember at the end of the day it's your decision - good luck 
That's fab news 
- will be thinking of you!
mine seem to be averaging at every 10 mins, am off to make a cuppa and make sure there's enough hot water in the tank for a bath later!
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I have a friend (fellow homebirther) who refused induction.
she went to 43 weeks then SHE made the decision that she would allow her waters to be ruptured artifically, which HAD to be done in hospital.
she went with erh doula and only agreed to it on the grounds she was allowed to transfer from labour ward to MLU downstiars... it was agreed but after her doula had to fight hard to get this to happen 
she gave birth to an over 11lb baby in the MLY and went home within 6 hours.
at the end of the day if you refuse to sign a consent form, they cant make you be induced
Calm down with the scare stats guys! Yes, some babies need to be induced. Similarly (and hopefully more frequently) many don't. That is why most monitoring of mother and baby happens in the final weeks of low risk pregnancy. The further over you go, the more monitoring you may be offered. This is a safety net, and if anything appears to be going wrong, the MWs can discuss it with you, and help you to make an informed decision based on the facts relating specifically to you and your baby.
If there is anyone out there still reading this who hasn't gone into labour , most MWs/consultants have to say that you will be 'booked in' for an induction. This is NHS speak for 'offered' an induction. As with everything else: your body, your baby, your decision.
There is evidence that in general the placenta will cease to function as effectively from 42 weeks. However, this does not mean all placentas will suddenly malfunction at this date. Remember also that this date is picked out for you at your 12 week scan, so can be clouded by so many, many other factors. And as MoreSnowPlease has said above, medical research and studies into overdue births are becoming harder and harder to come by, as most women now feel coralled/relieved into accepting an induction by/on 42 weeks.
FWIW, I was all set to march into my consultant meeting at 9am on 40+14 and refuse an induction point blank. DC1 arrived 4pm on 40+13 . She came when she was ready.
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