Can you choose to be induced at 37weeks?

[candymycandy]

Just wondering if anyone has been allowed to be induced at 37 weeks? Or even between 37-40?

I'm in a bit of a panic over the birth of my second baby. The first one was awful, I was 10 days overdue (as is standard at this point I was induced) and resulted in tears, episiotomy and pelvic organ prolapse. He was a big baby so am just desperate to avoid going overdue again and having the labour of a big baby make things worse. An obstetrician has suggested I shouldn't have a section. Sorry this may seem like a stupid question but just wondering if anyone has any experience? Thanks x

 

[TORino]

Are you not under consultant care for that experience?

I had a big baby with my first and a traumatic birth but the issues presented with the baby in that she had a shoulder dystocia. I had a prolonged labour and keillands forceps and mcroberts maneuvere to get her out at great distress to both of us.

I was consultant led because of this and I've explained my anxiety about having a big baby and they've agreed to monitor the size etc (though I have another issue that compensates and could cause a small baby as well now)

 

[candymycandy]

That sounds really rough Torino, no wonder you're anxious! So will you be induced if baby does start looking like it will be big? When are you due?

I'm under consultant care but not specifically related my previous experience . More so because of the prolapse I think. I had GBS which caused an infection and NCU care for my lb (even though I had antibiotics) so would really like to be in control of it for this reason too. Due to see obstetrics consultant again at 36 weeks but wonder if I should speak to my mw and push for extra care?? Thanks for your reply xx

 

[TORino]

I would repeat like a mantra.. 'I can't go through that again, tell me how you are going to ensure that doesn't happen again' at every appointment you have with the midwife and consultant.

They've said to me I'll be monitored but the chances are I'll be induced early because of the other issue (low pappA) before 40 weeks. I'll be pushing for 38 weeks otherwise as I dont want that to happen again. Be assertive with the medics. Tell them you want the baby to be induced early to avoid any further damage to you. Xx

 

[Selina13]

I would speak to consultant and explain that you want a plan and see what your options are. Xx

 

[mylullaby]

If you're having extra growth scans this time, I'd imagine they will suggest induction before due date if they feel like baby is looking on the large side. I'm pretty sure it would only happen if they're in agreement that there is a medical need (ie large baby) though and not because it was requested. But I'm sure they'll keep a close eye on you this time and try to eliminate any concerns/anxieties you have this time round. If in doubt, keep talking to your midwife/consultant about your worries and I'm sure they'll be able to reassure you with a plan of action.

 

[MrsS15]

Hi hun,

I had a really long difficult labour with my son. He was completely stuck in my birth canal with his heart rate dropping so I was rushed into theatre. The epidural only worked down one side so they were considering putting me to sleep to get him out. The consultant had been called from home to come in and he said baby was too far into my birth canal and a section would cause me a lot of damage. I ended up with a full episiotomy front to back and he was eventually out with the roughest forcep delivery. He was 8lb 3 (born at 39+6) but the consultant said due to my narrow birth canal and being only 5ft I would never have got him out naturally. I've tried not to think too much about the birth yet but now I'm almost 22 weeks I'm getting anxious, I couldn't go through the length and trauma of it again. As this baby has ended up being ivf I'm under consultant care anyway and at high risk of a failing placement towards the end, as well as a small baby. I'm having regular scans and seeing the consultant every 4 weeks. I do feel really looked after but the consultant seems confident I'll be able to birth this baby myself and it won't be a big baby. I'm getting sweeps from 38 weeks and if they don't work I'll be induced on my due date. If by some chance they think baby is going to be bigger I think I might ask about a section rather than possible go through it again!

Sorry went on about myself there. I don't think many hospitals would induce at 37 weeks without major causes. I wouldn't let it stop me speaking to the midwife from now and explaining how concerned you are. Push it as much as you can! Maybe the consultant would consider what I'm doing and get sweeps from 38 weeks? Plus some growth scans to monitor size?

It's so hard not to let the thought of the birth ruin your pregnancy. I hope you're okay xxx

 

[JoeyClare]

It doesn't hurt to ask and put your concerns out there. I think it can depend on the hospital's stance. If you're induced earlier, it may mean a higher chance of needing intervention. I had pre-eclampsia with my first. It was diagnosed at just after 37 weeks, but they put off doing anything for nearly 2 weeks. I had an internal at 38 weeks where they decided my cervix was very unfavourable for delivery and wanted to wait to induce. They only decided to induce me at 38+4 because the pre-eclampsia was getting a lot worse, but they were right about unfavourable for delivery as I was really slow to dilate and ended up needing an emcs. This time I'm opting for an elective section as I don't want the risk of needing an emcs.

 

[DeeDeeAbi]

I'm under a consultant for my GD and have been told I can be induced from 38 weeks. Nothing worse than anxiety over your labour so I would definitely try talk to someone and ask. Can you request a growth scan at least? X

 

[candymycandy]

Thanks ladies. Going to ask my MW about extra scans. She's a bit useless if I'm honest so a bit worried I'll get nowhere fast! x

 

[tinselcat]

The hospital picked up a big problem with my umbilical cord blood pressure at 37 weeks. As soon as I hit 38 weeks they brought me in for induction. That was essentially a medical emergency so I don't believe they would consider it before baby is full term at 38w xx