Should I go for the induction?

[Kahlan]

Hi, I really need help.

I am now over 39 weeks and still no sign of bub wanting out. Went and saw my OB today who said that because my baby was conceived through IVF he is keen for me to go into induction next Monday (birth on Tuesday which is my EDD). As it is IVF the EDD is a given and he doesn't want to risk the baby having trouble in my belly. However, he is happy to wait a week if that is what I want. I am so confused I don't know what to think. Any advice from you lovely ladies would be appreciated. Currently I have normal BP, baby is well, good size.

Kahlan

[Oorki Galoorki]

term is 38-42 weeks
i would give your baby time to come naturally rather then force you and your baby into something that could result in trauma for both of you.

[PrincessXanthe]

Hi hun, how do you feel about the induction? I am confused about why your doctor wants one, purely because of conceiving via ivf? There are many reasons for an induction, some good and some bad, it is just about working out what is best for you and your baby. Good luck making the decision.

[Cassius2]

Could you ask for monitoring instead? that way as long as the placenta and fluid levels are good and bub is happy as larry in there i wouldnt see the need. as long as you and bubs are AOK then honestly, the risks associated with induction i would *think* would outweigh the risk of going into labour spontaneously.

could you try upping the natural methods like acupuncture, nipple stimulation and long walks etc?

[MamaPan]

i was going to say the same thing, it sounds like all is wel with the baby and you so maybe you can have monitoring and see how things go? what do you want to do?
i hope things happen for you naturally in the next few days.

[{sarah}]

My little miss was (is LOL) an IVF baby & she was born at 41 weeks, 3 days. There's no need for bub to come early (or exactly on time) just because you know the exact date they were conceived. Some babies need longer to be ready to be born, sometimes we just cook our bubs longer than other people. It all varies based on mum & bub.

Besides bub may surprise you & you could go into labour tomorrow

[babywannabe]

Both times my obs mentioned "induction" to me I went into labour spontaneously b4 the appointed date. Both times I didn't want to be induced and i would will the baby to come out! Guess they heard me.
As for you, it depends on the reasons your obs want to induce you and whether you want to or not. Weigh up the pros and cons and learn as much as you can so you can make an infromed choice. Good luck.

[Mildez]

As a midwife I know where I work inductions and elective c/s are often offered to women who's baby was conceived through IVF. I think simply because we see them as very special ones (not meant for insult over babys concieved by other methods) but simply because of the heartache I guess in ttc, cost and time families who have had IVF have endured. The risks are no higher at the end of pregnancy its a mind thing to "look after them that little bit better" to baby's concieved through spontaneous conception. Same with during labour and birth we tend to check the HR more then neccessary "just to be sure" may sound silly but it is a mind thing. I guess there are many woman who have had IVF that come towards the end of pregnancy and just want their baby safe in their arms asap thus elect for an induction which in most places is offered before or around the EDD over waiting for spontaneous labour. Your risk is no higher then the general population around this time and inductions are higher risk then spontaneous labour. Looking forward to reading about your new baby shortly. Either way its not far away.

[marcellus]

I don't think IVF is a reason to be induced early (and 39 weeks is still early). If it were me (and I had IVF and went post-dates) I would refuse the induction unless there was some reason for it.
I was induced at 42 weeks with DS and I kinda regret it still. He was fine, not overcooked at all and my placenta was ok too. That's me, everyone is different of course, but if you're being monitored and there are no other complications then it's probably not necessary. And an unnecessary induction is only likely to cause even more problems for you. And, the earlier you have the induction the more likely it is that you'll run into trouble because your body just isn't ready. If there are no signs of readiness then you're not really 'favourable' for induction anyway, so the risk of ending up with a ceasar is greatly increased.
My induction was 'ok' - DS went into distress and I had to have a forceps delivery.
I think the most important thing is that you make the decision yourself and are happy with it. Don't get pushed into anything you're not comfortable with, kwim?

All the best to you

[briggsy's girl]

EDD is no reason to induce hun - and trust me - if bubs isn't ready to come out, it will start the spiral of intervention and you'll end up with more and more happening simply cos body and baby aren't ready. i was induced a few days before EDD due to PE (so there was a reason for it) - and it ended in c/s - i don't regret it (cos i got my girl safely - the PE didn't progress) - but i wouldn't have done it just to have her on EDD. she was an AC bubba too so we knew EDD exactly - i don't consider that a good reason to induce (and your OB shouldn't either!)

[Nelle]

The waiting can be hard hey. But the girls have given you good counsel, if things are well, then maybe let bub choose his/her own birthday.

[Kahlan]

Thanks so much girls.

I rang the hospital and spoke to the midwife yesterday, rang my sister in law (who is a GP) and spoke to her as well. You are all right in that it comes down to my preference. DH is keen on the induction but indicates that it is up to me because I will have to do most of the work.

PrincessXanThe - I guess my biggest fear is stillbirth and I really want my bub to be safe... she will definitely be safer if she is delievered and in my arms right now! . My OB probably senses my anxiety throughout this pregnancy and that is probably the reason why he suggested it (and probably it is more convenient for him if it was planned during his hospital round anyway).

BG, Marcellus and Babywannabe, thanks for sharing your experience, I guess everyone is different in their experiences. However, I do know one thing from reading and talking to everyone - induction would be more painful and could be more traumatic.

After careful consideration, I think I will wait for another week if required. And as suggested by Cassius2 and Preagainpan I will request for monitoring. Hopefully I won't have to worry and bub would come out soon.

Thanks everyone for you input and advice.

[Nelle]

Sounds good Kahlan. Have you seen some of the BellyBelly articles? I think there are a few on induction, and labour in general so you can continue to inform yourself.

[PrincessXanthe]

Kahlan - it has to be really tough to go through the trials of AC and then wait for 9 months to meet your bubba. But you are nearly there!!! I think the monitoring is a really good idea, if only for your peace of mind. The articles on BB are great and will tell you about what commonly happens when labour is induced. Hopefully s/he decides to make an entrance sooner rather than later .

[Kahlan]

For those who are interested. I have given birth to a beautiful girl on the 8th of July. All natural. I am so glad, I'd waited. Went into labour at 2 am and delivered her at 12:06, weighing 3.44 kg, 47 cm. long. She is well and I am slowly adapting to the demand of motherhood!

[olive]

congrats hun and well done for waiting it out!!

[Cassius2]

congratulations!!! *mwah* a liddle bubba girl!!!

[briggsy's girl]

Congratulations Kahlan - i'm so glad you were able to hold out and deliver your baby naturally! Enjoy your time with your little girl - it's life changing (and such an awesome time waster after waiting so long for them!)