Inductions ?(So What Happened Update)

Just know that they are SO often SO wrong about birth size. Very good friend of mine just went through that. She wa predicted to be over 8 lbs 2 weeks prior to delivery. She was induced (for other medical reasons) and her baby, a week after the statement her baby was already over 8 lbs, was less than 7 1/2 lbs.

All 3 of my children were induced. I was passed my due date on all 3. My oldest girl was 7lbs 3oz, my son was 8lbs 12oz, and my other girl was 8lbs 5 1/2oz. All healthy.

They do not know how big your baby is, those guesses are almost always wrong. If it is right, then your baby may gain another .5 to 1 lb in these last two weeks. Many women have birthed 9 lb babies naturally.

Can you find a friend or relative to come stay with you, or be on call to come to you in the event of a fast labor?

Sorry, but I would never agree to an induction unless more than one doctor could convince me the baby's life or health was in danger. I believe babies know when they are supposed to be born.

I had a great experience. I was worried and scared, and knew all the risks but still had to be induced for medical reasons. My son was born healthy about 10 hours after they started the pitocin, it was a very easy and uneventful labor (as labors go). Good luck, it sounds like you have thought through all the options and made your decision, go with it and don't second guess yourself!

Ultrasounds are grossly inaccurate in the late stages of pregnancy. It pisses me off that Dr.'s love to use such excuses to "induce" early, as if modern medicine knows better than nature as to when the baby is ready. Also, I walked around at 4 cm for two weeks. It means nothing. Baby's come when baby's come.

btw, I had a 10lb baby. At home. It was a super easy. I am a small woman. I have no idea why people are so scared of large babies. My less than 7lb baby was 10times more painful to labor! It's all about position, not necessarily size. Again, I think size is an excuse made by Dr's to get women thinking about convenience rather than what is truly best for baby.

I'm all for convenience, but let's just have an honest discussion about it.

I hated my induction - but there was (in my hindsight) no reason for it.

If you have a reason, and you trust your doctor, you will probably be fine.

You have had fast labors - that is a reason to be at the hospital right away.

That said - an ultrasound measuring a "big baby" is not a good reason for an induction. If you have had two babies that were 1 and 2 weeks over due and they were normal sized, I'd be worried that the doctor is inducing you too early. My babies were 9 days over (8lbs 7 oz), 11 days over (9 lbs 7 oz) and 5 days over (8 lbs 4 oz). They measured #2 and over 10 lbs by ultrasound the day he was born... it totally freaked me out! I wish I hadn't had that ultrasound because the labor/delivery was totally fine... I was surprised he was over 9lbs because he was so easy to push out.

I do worry for you, and hope it all goes well. If you go with the induction, wait till you are at 40 weeks (unless there is a medical reason to go before that). Then have them use cervadil to get you started, its inserted in the evening and for me it had started regular contractions by early morning. That way you are still doing things pretty natural (no pitocin) and with your history of fast labor, it could really work well.

I have a cousin who opted for an induction (because she was over due and dilated to 4 and had a history of fast labors) and they broke her water to get her started (since she was at 4 already). It worked like a charm and she had a 100% natural tub birth.

Good luck!

I had a friend who had a C-Section b/c her doc told her that she was having a 10+ lb baby from the ultrasound and her body wouldnt be able to handle it. Turned out the baby was only 5ish pounds and she could have gone naturally. I would wait until at least the due date, babies need that time in there. I'd be worried about possible side effects of taking him early, like his lungs not being ready, for example.

I was 3 cm dilated for almost a month before I finally went in to be induced on my due date.

Ultrasounds are rarely if ever accurate and generally up to 2lbs higher than reality.

I was 2cm dilated and 80% effaced for the last 2 weeks and 2 days of my pregnancy.

You had 'late' babies because that is what your child needed to be 100% ready, your baby will higher rates of fetal distress from induction then depressed reactions because you WILL need an epidural due to the 5 times more severe contractions pitocin gives.... not to mention more things can go wrong health wise for baby if it's forced to come early.

How would you feel if your baby was 9lbs or under after being told you'd have a 10Lb+ baby if you waited for the baby to choose his own birthday?

I did not see your earlier post, but wanted to tell you I was induced w/ my son...I couldn't walk because I was in so much pain and he was only 10 days early. It was very easy...I did have an epidural, too though. 10 hours from start to finish for me! I hope all goes well for you...best of luck!

A., I responded to your original question about inductions, and while I personally did not have a great experience with it, I do have a sister and other family members who have gone through it with largely positive experiences. I will say, it seems to be a plus if your body is already in the labor process because then the induction is only helping it along instead of trying to force the body to do something it isn't prepared to do. The women I know who ended up having c-sections after being induced for the most part were not even dilated yet, not having contractions, not in any way started on their own. I've heard over and over again, you can't force the body to give birth unless it's ready to give birth.

But you know, even those who had c-sections were fine, and so were their babies. The main thing is to have a healthy mom and child after all is said and done. Best wishes to you on a safe and timely delivery!

My first two were natural no induction. First labor was 3 hours, second labor was 7 hours but my little one got stuck coming down (still natural no drugs but big ol' shoulders...lol) so it took a little longer.

My third was induction (not by my choice) I had to. arrived at the hospital at 6:30 they broke my water at 8:30 and my little one was born at just after 10:30 in the morning. Very quick very easy and by far my most enjoyable delivery. I also did not use drugs during this labor and they didnt' enduce with pitocin or anything. I was 38 weeks on the day...they wouldn't let me go past even though I begged...lol

My little one was expected to be small and ended up just 2oz less then my middle child. I can't imagine if I had gone full term..haha ouch!

Good luck and congrats!

You are doing the best you can with what (information) you and your doctor have, and that's all anyone can ask of you. You're doctor cannot know everything for certain and cannot be absolutely 100% positive about the size of your baby and when and where you will suddenly go into labor. But your doctor did go to med school, she has delivered hundreds (if not thousands) of babies and has had to deal with numerous emergency situations. If she thinks this is what is best for you and your baby, I think you have to trust her.

Try your best to relax and remember that your doctor and the nurses are there to make sure you and your baby are healthy and that you have the best experience you can.

I was to be induced with our oldest. I went into the hospital the night before, and they gave me cervadil. The next morning they started me on pitocin, and one of my OB's partners broke my water. About an hour later I was sitting in a pool of blood. It was a very scary situation (the nurse freaked out on us), but as soon as my OB walked into my room, she looked at me and told me what was happening and, even though I was still scarred, I knew that she was going to take care of me and my baby. (Who, by the way, is now 5 1/2 years old and a complete class clown. But that's a story for another day.)

My point is, yes, things can go wrong. And you're right. For every 5 horror stories you here, there are 95 that went down without a hitch.

Your doctor is doing the best she can with what she has. She is looking at all the options, all the potential complications and recommending to you the plan that she truly believes is the best.

Good luck to you!!! Congratulations on your new addition.

Congrats on making a decision!!!

I responded to your other post. I had split experiences. Have you mentioned to the hospital where you will be delivering that you will most likely have two kids in tow?

If you approach the induction as scary, you will have a scary experience. I didn't know what to expect the first time, and had a hard labor. 11y later, I still remember it vividly. Going into the 2nd one, I was expecting the same experience, and was pleasantly, shockingly surprised at how smooth, and almost pain free it was. Its all about being calm, patient, and excited to meet your new little one.

For me, that's always the best part. The moment they enter the world. To see for certain what's been unknown. To count the fingers and toes. To see their eyes looking up, wondering, yet trusting. Checking out the face that goes with the voice they've been hearing.

I hope all goes well, and I'm so excited for you to have that baby in your arms soon!

I was induced with #2, and it was totally fine. Went in at 6am, the started me on Pitocin at 6:30 and things moved slowly but surely.
Bonus! I never had to feel a single contraction - some might not consider that a bonus, I realize. The doc came in to break my water at about 11am, and before he did, I asked for the epi. So I literally felt nothing but pressure for pushing when the time came.

I did wind up with a c section. DD's head was a funky angle in the birth canal, and they worried about me breaking her neck. But again, piece of cake.

My neighbor was also induced with #2. Same thing, started at 6:30, had a baby without complication by 11:30.
You'll be fine!

I was induced for both of my children. They were full term and the first was 9 lbs one ounce the second eight lbs eleven ounces. Here comes the ugly part. I had to be cut with a sissors down stairs and the vaccume used for my first child. I decided that doctor was too rough on me as my regular exams she would end up hurting me. No other doctor ever hurt me. She also gave me dumb advice for a issue I was having. So the second child was induced and she was so easy. The doctor was very kind. Just using a small razor to open me up more. (none of which I ever felt the recop time was much better though). It was a very different experience with the two incuctions . But I was much more comfortable with both children knowing when this was all going to take place. I would be confident that the doctor is giving you the best advice and the baby is ready to be born. Also being aware of the dangers you face when the baby becomes too large. This being said they dont know everything and if your not confident in the doctors desision talk to him in detail about your consirnes. Good luck, congrats and God bless your family.

Hi there. Just wanted to give you some warm hugs and well wishes. I've not had inductions, but c-sections. I think the unknown is the hardest part about anything. And to throw in the stress about wanting the best for your baby makes it that much more stressful. :)

My only advice is to:
1. put a question in your post so it doesn't get pulled,
2. Pack your things and try to enjoy this next week. Baby will be here in a week, regardless. :)

BEST OF LUCK!!! It will all be fine. Sounds like you are in good hands.

Oh, don't worry too much about it. My experience was not great (as per my prior post) but it wasn't the end of the world either. I came out of it with a healthy baby and I was just fine.

I just don't recommend inductions to anyone when it's really not medically necessary. Sounds like you'll need it in your situation.

WOW!

I was induced twice and I also had quick labor and large babies. My middle son was 6 weeks premie and 6 pounds, the other 2 were 9 pounds (on time) and 8#12oz (a week early)! I understand your concerns.

I would go with the scheduled induction. It lets you plan a little more. If it makes you more comfortable, talk to your Dr about not waiting until Thurs. Sure, there are risks, but you have had other children, so the risks of emergency c-section are lower (for real). Your muscles are all stretched out and already know what to do. I would do this especially since you have no help.

I didnt care too much for my induction. It worked, but it was rough. Either way your baby gets here is the safest way. Try not to stress and relax. I personally couldnt wait to have my baby and have a bed vacation for days! It was awesome!
Congrats on your new baby. I will say a prayer for a smooth delivery and healthy baby!

My induction in Dec was easier than my natural child birth with my daughter 6 years ago...I am against induction unless there is a serious reason for it! I read that it also depends if your Dr. uses petocin and how quickly he administers it...the quicker he gives it to you the more pain you would feel...yet my Dr. used this vaginal pill on me...and I am a huge baby, but I actually did this without any meds, so proud of myself since with my first I wanted meds within the first three hours lol!

I was induced with my third child and absolutely LOVED it! With my second child I barely made it to the hospital in time and I for sure was not willing to have a baby at home (I am kind of a weenie when it comes to pain). I also wanted my ObGyn to deliver my baby since with my other two I had the Dr. on call instead of my Ob. I did also want to make sure that I had someone to watch my other two. Sooo my husband and I decided this was the best option for us.
After being induced everything went fairly quickly. My doctor, my husband, the nurses, and I were all joking around and having fun while I was giving birth. (I know it sounds crazy, but we were.) It was the most relaxing and calm birth that I have had. I can actually say that I enjoyed it. The birth of your baby is what you make of it and if you want to induce you do it. (As long as your Dr says it is an option.) Try not to let other people's stories scare you (I know it is hard). Like they say every pregnancy is different. Good luck!