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Childbirth

I'm booked in for induction at exactly 42 weeks. Have I made the right decision?

8 replies

MardyBum · 23/12/2006 11:07

Hi, I was booked to have my 2nd child at home, but have been going later and later overdue, and have now agreed to hospital induction on Boxing Day, at exactly 42 weeks. However, as my cervix had not moved forward and was totally uneffaced on Thursday (41 weeks+2 days) I'm concerned that I might have agreed to an induction that is unlikely to progress and lead to unwlecome intervention. I'm also very worried about the likelihood of being confined to a hospital bed, because I have SPD and lying down is very painful in itself. And if I needed an instrumental delivery would that mean that my SPD would be aggravated even more? I was so hoping it would clear up on delivery... Sorry, this is a long post, but I would be very grateful for any advice. I had hoped for a water birth at home. I think there is scope for me to change my mind and ask to delay induction and have extra monitoring at the hospital, but some people close to me are concerned that I'm risking my baby's well-being and that I'm worrying unecessarily about complications that are unlikely to arise during induced labour. Feeling a bit mixed-up.

OP posts:

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FrostyTheSnowMarsLady · 23/12/2006 11:15

You know if you don't want an induction you don't have to have one. You can ask for your baby to be monitored. They will check you to ensure that placenta is doing it's work and that baby is happy.

You're right... if your body isn't ready to give birth then the induction won't have any real effect and it will lead to intervention.

If you are being regularly monitored all should be well. In your heart of hearts only you know what decision you want to make.

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juuule · 23/12/2006 11:17

I didn't feel comfortable going past 42 weeks. By that time I was very antsy that the baby should be out.
You can ask not to be confined to the bed. Discuss your options and stick to what you want. I agreed to 20mins monitoring after the insertion of the gel and they were okay with that.
By the time you get to 42 weeks things might be favourable for induction anyway. And.. of course there's time yet to start by yourself. One of mine was born a few hours before my appointment time to go in for induction.
Sorry. have no experience of SPD.

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Rosydingdongmerrily · 23/12/2006 11:24

You never know you might go into labour in the next day or two. Maybe if all is well you could postpone the induction for a few days? When I was being induced at only 5 days over due, the gel did the trick and it was all fine.
I know you are worrying but I'm sure you'll be fine whatever you decide. Labour is always a bit of hard work but you are going to have your little baby really soon now!

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Justers · 23/12/2006 11:29

Hi there
I was induced with my first after going 10 days over and was continually monitored as I had been over stimulated but i was still able to move around. My midwife was excellent and helped me into different positions and was happy as long as she was getting a good traces on monitor. Unfortunaley i did have to have a ventouse delivery so i was on my back but had it not been then i probably would of been allowed to deliver in different position. Sorry i don't know if this is any help but hopefully things will go ok for you.

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lulumama · 23/12/2006 13:16

agree with mars...if your body isn't ready, you are going from the scenario of a home water birth to a medicalised hospital birth...

it is possible to ask for intermittent monitoring and being able to move, esp, if you don;lt have a drip in place etc...but induction comes with its own protocols...

if you have regular monitoring , and placenta is doing what it should and baby is happy, then you can hang on a bit

a lot can happen though between now and boxing day !

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Miaou · 23/12/2006 13:26

How close do you live to the hospital? Generally the reason why docs don't like you to go over 42 weeks is due to the risk of the placenta failing, but if you promise to go in each day for them to monitor the effectiveness of the placenta, many hosps will be happy to let you continue a little longer in pregnancy. They can also check the status of your cervix to see if induction would become a little more favourable.

You may or may not find the consultant/midwife is supportive of this course of action, but ultimately it is your body and your baby and therefore your decision. Be firm

And try not to worry!!

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MKGnearlyimmaculateconception · 23/12/2006 13:41

If you and the baby are fine don't feel pushed to go for an induction.

But by the time Boxing Day comes you may have gone naturally or you may be more ready for an induction.

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MardyBum · 23/12/2006 17:41

Hi, thanks for all your comments. I've spoken to my midwife and am now booked for induction on the 29th, 42 weeks+3 days, which I feel happier about. Will be assessed at the hospital before then to make sure baby's doing fine. Now I've got that all sorted I'll probably go into labour tonight!