timing and consequence of induction

[Anonymous]

I am 40 weeks pregnant and was surprised to learn that my OB recommends induction when women are seven days past their due date. (I had thought the OB would have a bigger window -- closer to 14 days). I am concerned that being induced will increase my chance of a c-section. Have you had any experience with induction (positive or negative)? Even if I avoid a c-section will induction make my labor experience more difficult over all? Any advice?

[Anonymous]

I was induced with both my children for being past due (DC1 6 days past, DC2 10 days past). The induction timing window really depends on your doctor; if you're concerned, have you asked about waiting longer? Had a vaginal birth both times. As for birth experience, with my first I had a 10-hour labor, and with my second, it was all over VERY quickly. HTH.

[Anonymous]

First time mothers who have inductions are much, much more likely to end up having a c-section.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CYD/is_1_38/ai_96891958

[Anonymous]

I was scheduled to be induced at 7 days past due with my first, but went into labor on my own right before that. I had had a fairly carefully monitored pregnancy for the last couple months for various reasons, not the least of which was the expected size of the baby (BIG).

With my second pregnancy, I was not really interested in going past my due date due to the size of my first child (10 lbs), and the fact that there were some scary moments after his birth because of all the meconium. I was induced on my due date. It took a long time to get me into labor, but once they did, all went smoothly. I was really glad I did it though because she was NOT coming on her own any time soon, and was already 9.5 lbs.

Mine was a success story, but I know of others who had more problems and/or ended up with c-sections. Who knows-- those people may have ended up with c-sections even if they went into labor naturally. But you need to make sure you go in knowing the risks.

[Anonymous]

There have been a few threads recently dealing with inductions (you can do a search). If I recall correctly, many people said that their doctor doesn't induce until 7-10 days past due. My own OB didn't even want to talk about it until 41 weeks (but then my water broke 2 days after my due date so obviously it didn't matter). I think statistically it's ok to go up to 2 weeks past due, but if you end up going that far your doctor would probably insist on some tests (NST and/or BPP) to make sure everything is ok. Just like the PP mentioned, if you have an induction, there is a higher chance of needing a c-section, especially if you start out with an unfavorable cervix. Google "Bishop's score" to get an idea.

Good luck and best wishes for an easy delivery!

[Anonymous]

Average first time mom goes into labor 8 days late. If your doctor insists, ask him/her what your bishops score is. You can google it and it's supposed to give you an indication of low likely the induction is going to be successful. Ask your doctor if he/she would be willing to give you a non-stress test or a biophysical profile at 41 weeks, just to make sure all is okay and let you go a few more days. Absent medical indication, I would not agree to an induction at 7 days.

[Anonymous]

I was scheduled for induction at 39 weeks due to a medical condition that I have. Although my body wasn't favorable they tried anyway. It didn't work. Luckily my OB's are reasonable and instead of doing a c-section they sent me home to be induced a week later on my due date, but they would monitor me 3 days later. When I went in for that appointment my NST was fine, but my amniotic fluid was dangerously low so they decided to induce again that night (with my consent that if it didn't work again they would have to do a c-section the next day). My body was more favorable that time and I had a quick vaginal birth with no complications.

2 pieces of advice:

1. Find out if your OB will send you home if the induction doesn't work or if they're going to proceed straight to a c-section.
2. Make sure they do an AFI (amniotic fluid index check) in addition to the NST if you're going to lobby not to be induced.

The induction itself wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

PP here--
I meant to also add that they were able to send me home after the first induction failed because my water hadn't broken yet and the baby looked great on the monitor.

[Anonymous]

I was induced for low amniotic fluid, so slightly different situation. I was terrified of being induced, but it was not a bad experience, and I did not have to get a c-section. If a c-section is a concern for you, I would second the recommendation to have the amniotic fluid check. My OB told me that because my amniotic fluid was low, the chances that I would need a c-section were increased because without the cushion of the amniotic fluid, the contractions might bring undue stress on the baby. They strongly encouraged me to get an epidural early (which was OK with me) since they might have to do an emergency cesarean if the baby suddenly went into distress. DD ended up being fine, and I delivered vaginally, but it was stressful knowing that the "threat" of a cesarean loomed in the background. On the other hand, I was glad to know of the chances for the c-section, because if it had been necessary, at least I would not have been surprised.

[Anonymous]

bump