How long is ok?

[Manxie]

How long overdue would you be happy to let yourself go before resorting to induction. I am currently 4 days over and as my hospital wont book inductions over a weekend I either have to be induced on Thursday 8 days over or Sunday night/Monday am 10-11days.

My sister and mum were both 10days over with their first and went into labour naturally so presumably I could follow this same pattern.

At the checkup on Friday bubs seemed to be happy and I am keeping a record of its movements. I am trying every alternative method under the sun to try and get bubs to make an appearance.

I do find it very stressful waiting and dont wont to subject the baby to any unnecessary risk. However, I have read pros and cons for each viewpoint and just wondered if anyone had any views from their own personal experience.

Thanks

[Lallas' Mum]

My eldest son was 11 days over and everything went quite well for us. I was booked for an induction but actually started labour naturally that very morning so the midwife just broke my waters to speed things up.

I have heard from many people that induced labour can be very painful so if you can hold out and hopefully go into labour naturally you may experience less pain. (Don't get me wrong though - it still hurts!!!)

Good luck to you.

[AM]

From the reading I have done, normal gestation is from 38 - 42 weeks, so I would definitely wait until the 42 week mark for any thing to be done to hurry things along, and even then I would try every natural way in the book before I would consent to artificial induction.

I have heard a lot of people say that they notice a trend with all of the children they have had, and also family trends.

Sounds as though the babies in your family just tend to cook that little bit longer.
I'd wait it out, but all the best with however it goes for you.

Angie

[Manxie]

Thanks girls, unless they tell me I really need to be induced early think I will try and hang on in there.

Just get a bit scared when I read stuff about the placenta packing up - yes I read too much!!!

Thanks again

[pregasaurus]

You can request an ultrasound to see how the placenta is doing. I had a friend who was refused to be induced and went 3 weeks over, having daily ultrasounds in the last week. Her baby was born very healthy and she went into labour naturally.

My first was born on the day she was due, but no.2 was 6 days over (little blighter!) :p .

[Manxie]

hi

Just thought I'd give you an update. Had appointment at Hospital today and they monitored the baby for a while. As I have an anterior placenta if the baby gets in a certain position I just cant feel it. Anyway all is looking good baby is happy and moving well.

Induction has been booked for Sunday - 11days over, fingers crossed I go before then. Apparently the registrar wasnt keen for me to wait that long but didnt have any specific reason why I shouldnt wait - Drs! Seems like there is a lot of pressure to be induced.

Thanks for all the advice - will let you know how I go

[Melissa1983]

Hi Manxie
I was in induced with my first at 36weeks. I didnt want to be induced but for medical reasons i had to. i had a really good labour with her, only 2 hours and drug free. Some people say it hurts more to be induced but i dont think it does. I wasnt induced with my second, and found it hurt more with her.
Anyway thats my advice.
Good luck

[AM]

I think the biggest thing I have against induction is not the pain of labour, but the fact that a baby *usually* knows exactly when it is ready to be born, then secretes the right hormones to bring on labour.
Artificial induction does not allow for the baby to be ready, and that can potentially have the outcome of the baby having health problems, needing to be in an incubator etc.
I guess that is why I feel so strongly that I would never allow induction before 42 weeks, unless absolutely medically necessary. And a lot of doctors do induce before it is medically necessary.

angie

[Jamily]

Hi Manxie

Just to wish you good luck! I was booked for an induction 11 days over with my bub and came naturally the day before. They say it happens a lot!

:)

[Sarah.V.]

Hi Manxie,
With my first I was 7 days late and due for an induction on the Monday at 8 am, he turned up at 5am (scared him out). My daughter was 8 days late and when I arrived at the hospital to be induced, midwife discovered I was 4cm dilated but they broke my waters at approx 8:30am. By 1:15pm had baby daughter but she was 9 pound 6 and her shoulders got stuck Doctors and midwife's had to struggle to pull her out and I had severe bleeding. But I survived and both deliveries were drug free. No. 3 is due 19/12/05 and I hope this time around to be induced close to due date but will have to wait and see. Hope all goes well for you and remember it is the end product that makes it all worthwhile.

[nemosmum]

My baby was 12 days overdue when they induced me and within an hour I was in labour.... although I have nothing to compare it too as i havent had a natural starting labour....i can tell you the pains come on very quick (contractions lasting about 40-1 minute and coming every 1 and a half minutes). My inducement was very painful BUT quick, within 2 hours my waters broke and by the fourth hour he was ready to come out. However the girl in the bed next to me had to be induced four times before bub made a move!!!

Telling all you expectant mummy's out there to relax and go with the flow is probably not going to help, i know how horrible the waiting is but hang in there :D it will be over sooner than u think

[Manxie]

Thanks everyone

Day 8 and still here - had some contractions this am but seem to have stopped :( . Lets hope the accupuncture this p.m. gets things happening. Bubs has got two days to put in an appearance before they induce.

Will keep you posted

[blessed]

Good luck over the weekend! We are all thinking of you. Can't wait to hear how it all went.

Cheers!
Leanne