Labor induction

[Anonymous]

Until I got pregnant I had no idea that doctors here will require an induction if your 1,5 weeks overdue. I have seen two ob/gyn's now, so, was wondering, is this a common practice or do I need to change ob/gyn's in order to have the baby on the day its actually ready to come out? Since the pregnancy starts on the first day of last period it seems to me that 1,5 weeks after the due date is not reasonable to force an induction, since the actual start of pregnancy is approximately 2 weeks later.
I just wanted to hear some opinions on that. Thanks a lot!

[Anonymous]

I have the same question, so any advice would be highly appreciated.

The calculation of 40 weeks starts with the first day of the last period, so technically, the actual pregnancy would be 38 weeks when the "40-week" mark comes up, right?

In that case, is a c-section or induction valid when you hit 40 weeks and nothing's happened?

My OB is a real pain in the butt, so I haven't asked her yet. I will, but I don't expect a straight answer.

[Anonymous]

No, the 40 weeks of pregnancy is and always has been counted from the first day of the cycle of conception (first day of last period). Full term is from 37 weeks on, inductions and c-sections are performed any time after 39 weeks, and in many cases it is considered dangerous to go beyond 41-42 weeks (a big change from when we were all born). I haven't heard of a doctor who will let you go beyond 42 weeks but perhaps there is one out there.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I know I'll be ready to have the baby out come 40 weeks. Just wanted to know what to expect.

[HrCreuzi]

It depends on the doctor as to how long they let you go. Also if you go with a Midwife they are more likely to let you go longer.

If you don't like your OB you really should try shopping around. This person is going to be catching your child and interacting with you during a time that you'll be stressed out. You really don't want the added stress of not liking a doctor.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP - if you don't like your doctor, there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of other doctors and midwives in the area to choose from. This person is going to be catching your baby - it should be someone you trust and feel comfortable with. My midwife is wonderful and does not enforce the 1.5 week rule. I'm sure there are other providers in the area who will also let you wait longer.

[Anonymous]

I think it is common practice. My OB did not want me to go past 1 week after my due date (in general they would let you go up to 2 weeks past). I really did not want to be induced (was hoping to try for a natural birth), but my doctor strongly advised me against going more than 2 weeks past, and really wanted to induce after 1 week. I was very big at the end (around 8 months the doctor estimated that the baby was at least 8 to 8.5 pounds - and I am small).

I ended up having the induction scheduled for 11 days after my due date (it would have been 8 days, but the hospital couldn't fit me in on that Friday, so had to wait for Monday). I was not dilated at all when I got to the hospital (I arrived the night before to be given cervidal). Pitocin was started in the morning and I was fully dilated by about 2:00pm. After 3 hours of pushing, I stopped making progress and opted for the c-section. DS was 9 pounds 11 ounces. DS was only going to get bigger, making the delivery harder and likely to result in a c-section anyways. It doesn't matter now, but I do wonder if I had been induced sooner if I could have avoided the c-section.

[Anonymous]

My OB let's you go 2 weeks past, and he's pretty flexible. I'd be surprised if anyone let you go longer. If you don't have a regular 28 day cycle and you had a early ultrasound to "date" your pregnancy, you may be able to talk a doctor into letting you go longer if the ultrasound showed you weren't as far along as you thought.

I read somewhere that the average first-time mom goes into labor 8 days past her "due" date. So I would be very wary of a doctor that has a blanket 1-week rule, regardless of your circumstances.