Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is data supporting induction at 39 weeks if you’d rather not have a c-section.

I did an induction for this reason, because I was over 35 (I believe that is where the data applies, though I could be wrong). I think if I had a second child, I would not do an induction. The cervidil itself actually led to my going into labor, but then they still gave me pitocin. Then my contractions were too intense and we had a lot of issues with the baby's heart rate, which I know understand to be due to the induction process vs. natural labor. At one point they ran in and put oxygen on me. Between that and aside from pushing for 3 hours and him having to be vacuumed out, all it all it was not a great experience for me. All of this said, I can't say for sure that it was due to being induced and I know everyone's experience is different. BUT I just wouldn't take induction lightly if it is not medically necessary.

PP here, also I was in labor for 24 hours and my OB was absolutely up all night.

Anonymous wrote:There is data supporting induction at 39 weeks if you’d rather not have a c-section.

I did an induction for this reason, because I was over 35 (I believe that is where the data applies, though I could be wrong). I think if I had a second child, I would not do an induction. The cervidil itself actually led to my going into labor, but then they still gave me pitocin. Then my contractions were too intense and we had a lot of issues with the baby's heart rate, which I know understand to be due to the induction process vs. natural labor. At one point they ran in and put oxygen on me. Between that and aside from pushing for 3 hours and him having to be vacuumed out, all it all it was not a great experience for me. All of this said, I can't say for sure that it was due to being induced and I know everyone's experience is different. BUT I just wouldn't take induction lightly if it is not medically necessary.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like your Ob just wants to not be up all night.

At GW they have designated shifts ( pretty sure there were at least 3, maybe 4 shifts of OB/midwaves during the course of my time there...) so doubt that has anything to do with it.

They still like to sleep when they can. Trust me, I delivered at 4 am and the OB on call at the hospital was very annoyed to be woken up!

I was induced both times for medical reasons. so I had to do it. But the timing was in question. With my second pregnancy I had weekly ultrasounds the whole 3rd trimester and baby consistently measured off the charts big 99+ in every measure. MFM was pushing me to deliver 37-38 weeks. I had no GD and my first had been normal size so I was not overly concerned and had the induction as late as possible. Baby was born 38weeks 6 days and was 8 lb 6 oz with average head size. So while my other medical condition made my induction unavoidable, I am glad I didn’t do it for the perceived “too big baby.”

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like your Ob just wants to not be up all night.

At GW they have designated shifts ( pretty sure there were at least 3, maybe 4 shifts of OB/midwaves during the course of my time there...) so doubt that has anything to do with it.

Two inductions here. First was due to PROM at 38w6d. No cervical ripening since membranes were ruptured. Straight to pitocin, which was cranked up to a hellish amount because my contractions weren’t productive. I finally started dilating after requesting an epidural 12 hours into the induction, and DD#1 was born after an hour of pushing and 24 hours after my water broke. Total time from start of induction to birth was 16 hours. Minor tearing, easy recovery.
Second was a scheduled induction at 39w2d. I was AMA so that was the reasoning, but it was by my request. Midwife checked me the day before and didn’t see a need for cervical ripening, so I showed up at the hospital the next morning and started pitocin around 10AM. Got an epidural around 4PM just before midwife broke the amniotic sac, and baby was born at 10PM after about 5 minutes of pushing. No tearing, easy recovery.
My contractions on pitocin were totally different between the 2 labors, and I was told it was because my water had broken prior to the first induction. The pitocin contractions with my first were incredibly intense and one on top of the other, with no break in between. They were much more manageable pre-epidural with my 2nd. Based on my experience, get an epidural BEFORE your OB/midwife breaks your water, if at all possible (and if you are planning an epidural).

Three inductions, just pitocin, all around 8 hours from start to birth. One was 41 weeks and the last two at 39 weeks as I was given that as a an option. All completely uneventful and only pushing for under 5 minutes each time.

Anonymous wrote:OP here — thank you all so much for sharing. I was ultimately induced (foley bulb and pitocin) with my first at 41+1 when my labor wasn’t progressing and it was not ideal at all. In my head, I imagined an early induction to likely be even worse than one when you’re past due! I also hadn’t really heard too many instances of people being induced solely for a “big” baby. I am hoping to avoid an induction, and definitely hoping to avoid a c-section, this time around. My normal OBGYN is Dr. Keller, but I’ve literally not seen her once this pregnancy which I’m fine with since it’s unlikely she’d be the one there when I deliver.

Thank you all again!

I had a terrible foley/pit induction at term with my first, and a WAY faster/better/easier induction with my second at 35.5 weeks. I think it helped that I knew what to expect (I said no to the foley bulb the second time!) and my body just seemed to kick into gear faster. Plus I went from pushing for an hour-ish to five minutes-ish.

OP here — thank you all so much for sharing. I was ultimately induced (foley bulb and pitocin) with my first at 41+1 when my labor wasn’t progressing and it was not ideal at all. In my head, I imagined an early induction to likely be even worse than one when you’re past due! I also hadn’t really heard too many instances of people being induced solely for a “big” baby. I am hoping to avoid an induction, and definitely hoping to avoid a c-section, this time around. My normal OBGYN is Dr. Keller, but I’ve literally not seen her once this pregnancy which I’m fine with since it’s unlikely she’d be the one there when I deliver.

Thank you all again!

I scheduled an induction at 39 weeks, mostly because I didn't want to be pregnant anymore and my doctor supported it. Baby was breech when I went in for the induction, so we scheduled a c-section for the next morning instead. I think it worked out well - better than going into labor and then finding out he was breech.

39 week induction that dragged on for 50 hours and ended in a csection for failure to progress. Having a planned csection with my next because I don’t want to take the chance of repeating that again.

Anonymous wrote:Hi all! I’m curious if anyone would be willing to share their experience(s) with an early induction, especially how far along you were and what the reasoning was for the induction. I have a bit of time left before I’ll have to make this decision, or before it’s even officially on the table, but induction/c-section were loosely floated at my 30 week growth scan due to the baby’s size (tummy measuring >99th percentile). I know from my own research that this in isolation is not necessarily a reason to induce or to have a c-section. Just curious to hear others’ experiences! Fwiw, I’m at GW and this is baby #2.

I was induced at GW for low fluids and it went fine. I think GW only recommends inductions if they feel it’s medically necessary. Who is your ob?

I was induced at 39 weeks exactly for size. Everything was fine in the end but labor was tough - I pushed for 4 hours, had a vacuum delivery. That said, I am pregnant again and will probably have another 39 week induction.

Should be easier for you because you have given birth before.

I’ve had an induction and a scheduled C-section. I’d go with the C-section any day.

I was induced at 37 weeks for pre-eclampsia. Baby did not want to come out -- it was a very long labor. I eventually had a vaginal delivery but sometimes wish I'd opted for C-section when they offered (around 2 1/2 hrs pushing).