When to schedule induction?

[Anonymous]

I'm 39w6 with my third and struggling to get an answer from my OB about when or if to schedule an induction. They said it's "medical" after 41 weeks but scheduled one for me at 40+4. I'm 37yo.

My sense from these boards is that people schedule elective inductions all the time. My other kids came on time/slightly before, so is it just my impatience that is driving me to schedule something? Should I just wait until 41w?

Why did you schedule an elective induction?

[Anonymous]

I was induced with my first DD due to PROM, so that was unscheduled. My second DD was born in May via elective scheduled induction at 39w2d. I chose to schedule based on my age (40) and also for the convenience of being able to arrange childcare ahead of time for my older DD.

[Anonymous]

I was over 40 when I delivered through a scheduled induction that turned into c-section. My doctor said at my age 40 weeks (due date) is the max the will let you go w/o intervention bc of concerns with the placenta.

[Anonymous]

Scheduled for 39 weeks because the baby was looking big and my first baby had been very big and a difficult delivery. So, OB recommended it for medical reasons but I was supportive of the idea because it allowed me to schedule my mom to come stay with us to watch our toddler.

[Anonymous]

There have been a few major studies recently that indicate elective induction at 39 weeks minimizes a variety of complications. That's starting to become the standard of care in many practices.

I know some women want to go into labor naturally no matter what, but for me personally I would not go past 40 weeks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There have been a few major studies recently that indicate elective induction at 39 weeks minimizes a variety of complications. That's starting to become the standard of care in many practices.

I know some women want to go into labor naturally no matter what, but for me personally I would not go past 40 weeks.

+1. No reason to go past your due date. I was induced at 39w 6d because my first was 41w 3d (i.e. very late) and I did not want to go late again. It sucked. My doctor said the arrive study is highly regarded and discusses inductions starting at 39 weeks is actually safer than letting some women go late, especially those who are AMA. If I were you i'd push to get in earlier than 40w 4d but if you can't at least you have that spot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Scheduled for 39 weeks because the baby was looking big and my first baby had been very big and a difficult delivery. So, OB recommended it for medical reasons but I was supportive of the idea because it allowed me to schedule my mom to come stay with us to watch our toddler.

Was your 2nd baby big too? My first was big (99th percentile head) and I was induced at 41+3, so I've very interested in delivering my second earlier.