getting induced

hi. i was hoping to get some opinions on being induced. i for one am not all that into forcing labor for no medical reason but this time around i'm truly considering it.

so here are the reasons i'm really leaning towards it: i'm 36.5 weeks and at 35 weeks the babies were measured as weighing 6.5 and 5.8 lbs. now i'm only 5 feet tall so i think you can imagine how large i must be if the babies are that big (of course they could be off by 20% but i had two separate u/s specialists come up with very similar numbers). largeness aside i'm truly uncomfortable. i've got groin muscle issues to teh point where i can hardly get in my minivan and i cry out in pain everytime i get on and off my bed or turn over, sciatica, extreme exhaustion, feet and hands are starting to swell and feel stiff and now my carpal tunnel has kicked in. my other issue is that i've been told that i absolutely want to avoid being in the hospital at the beginning of july since that's when all the med students and residents switch rotations. everyone is new and inexperienced. and the final reason is because i'm scared to go into labor on july 4 when the hospital is sure to have a skeleton staff and the least experienced staff at that.

sounds like i've made up my mind right? problem is i also feel like one should respect nature and let the babies come out on their own timetable. i know getting induced increases your risk of c-section as well which doesn't make me happy. oh and let's not forget the whole being strapped to a bed thing while waiting for the meds to even kick in.

so - opinions? to induce or not to induce....

thanks!

 

ask me now and my answer would be not to induce BUT if you had asked me at 36.5 weeks preg w/ my twins you bet your bottom dollar I would have!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

 

QUOTE(Heathermomof5 @ Jun 16 2008, 07:34 PM) [snapback]830134[/snapback]
ask me now and my answer would be not to induce BUT if you had asked me at 36.5 weeks preg w/ my twins you bet your bottom dollar I would have!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!


LOL. your advice cracks me up. i can completely understand what you are saying and where you are coming from. i truly wasn't even thinking about it much until i saw a different doctor in my practice than i usually see and he was like "i like to throw a birthing party at 38 weeks with twins". later on he also asked me if i want my tubes tied (these will be babies 3 & 4) .

 

I begged to be induced but my docs wouldn't go for it - eventually delivered at 38w2d.

As far as the newbie crew at the beginning of July - I really wouldn't worry - the newbies have a ton of supervision and the nurses are so protective. I worked in a teaching hospital for 8 years and delivered in one on July 10th - the whole experience was soooo much better than I could have planned. My intern was there, but the attending and resident were the hands on docs.

Good luck

 

I was induced with my first three, and all went very well. The first two I hadn't even had any cervical changes. I went into labor on my own with the twins, but did need pitocin to pick things up a bit. I say go for it if your OB will.

I agree with pp about the teaching hospital stuff. I also delivered in July (10th and 16th!), and there were more people around, but it was the resident and attending who did everything.

 

Quite honestly I would wait. Uncomfortable doesn't = good reason for me.

I know it is very hard the last few weeks, but it is so worth it.

 

I can see where you may be super frustrated and concerned, however, size doesn't mean that they won't have issues being born early. IMO it is best to let them cook as long as possible so to be sure that there is no NICU time.

 

If they are your first, I'd be inclined to wait. I was induced with my twins (they were 2 & 3) but I was also 38 weeks. so I was more than ready!! Just let them cook a little bit longer!

 

I'm right there with you (although I'm five inches taller, so I'm probably not quite as uncomfortable). I'm still committed to letting these babies come when they're ready; it feels like absolutely forever now, but I do realize it won't as soon as they're out. After all, it's not their fault they came at the same time and made me so uncomfortable; they need to grow just as much as single babies would.

Another thing I keep reminding myself is that the closer they go to full term, the easier they are likely to be to handle once they get out. Those extra couple of weeks can make a big difference in eating and sleeping. (I've had a 40 week baby and a 37 week baby, and I do think it's true!) It *is* a blessing to be able to carry twins full term, however miserable it may be in the meantime.

OTOH, I'm about ready to start taking long walks and that sort of thing. And I do feel a little envy towards those who have a definite final date to count on!

 

I work in a teaching hospital and just want you to know that you have the choice of asking for an attending or a 2nd or 3rd year resident to deliver you. You pretty much call the shots. I also agree with the previous post that the RN's watch over the "newbies" and are quite protective of their pt.'s (especially at this time of year). I am one of them and seen this firsthand. If you want to be induced, will you MD do it before 37-38 weeks or were you talking about waiting until this time? I had both of my babies by induction (first one not my choice, I had pre-e) and luckily all went well. The only thing that I do hear fairly often is the rate of c-section goes up with induction (sometimes your body/babies are just not ready), and it is more painful and has more unnecessary interventions. Good luck with your decision, I am sure whatever you choose will work out wonderfully in the end. :lol:

 

Are you at all dilated or effaced? I know my doctor wouldn't induce me unless I was because otherwise your chance for c-section goes up GREATLY. I was 3 cm dilated, 90% effaced for about a month. At my 37 week appt. I scheduled an induction for the following week (I would have been 38 weeks) but luckily, my water broke at 37+4! I still had to have pitocin though because my contractions weren't doing anything. Good luck!

 

My hospital would NOT induce without medical reason before 38 weeks, no matter my size and no matter their size. Mine both measured lower 6lbs range at 34 weeks (which turned out to be pretty accurate). I was always afraid to go early due to their size / weight (and the fact that I had a heavy child before and a d&c), and even though they would be nice size, that doesn't mean their lungs are matured. It was very uncomfortable, especially the last 3 weeks but I was happy I waited. I had a very smooth induction at 38w2d and they were born close to 8lbs a piece without any problems. I was 4 1/2 cm when I arrived (2 cm since week 32).

 

QUOTE(KellieandNolan @ Jun 16 2008, 09:58 PM) [snapback]830416[/snapback]
If they are your first, I'd be inclined to wait. I was induced with my twins (they were 2 & 3) but I was also 38 weeks. so I was more than ready!! Just let them cook a little bit longer!



these are my 3rd and 4th kids and i wouldn't be getting induced until 38 weeks. they actually aren't allowed to induce me before then unless medically necessary. definitely not looking to go early, just want to not go to past where i have to.

 

QUOTE(Mom2SofieAndTwins @ Jun 17 2008, 12:27 PM) [snapback]831247[/snapback]
My hospital would NOT induce without medical reason before 38 weeks, no matter my size and no matter their size. Mine both measured lower 6lbs range at 34 weeks (which turned out to be pretty accurate). I was always afraid to go early due to their size / weight (and the fact that I had a heavy child before and a d&c), and even though they would be nice size, that doesn't mean their lungs are matured. It was very uncomfortable, especially the last 3 weeks but I was happy I waited. I had a very smooth induction at 38w2d and they were born close to 8lbs a piece without any problems. I was 4 1/2 cm when I arrived (2 cm since week 32).


yeah, i meant getting induced at 38 weeks. i'm not looking to go early but there is a serious chance of me going past the 38 week mark according to all the doctors i've seen so i'm looking for an out at 38 weeks. my insurance and hospital also does not induce before 38 weeks without medical reasons. size is definitely not a reason. my first two were 8.5 and 9 lbs respectively so it's not like i can't put out two 8 pounders

 

QUOTE(fishfood2 @ Jun 16 2008, 07:16 PM) [snapback]830102[/snapback]
hi. i was hoping to get some opinions on being induced. i for one am not all that into forcing labor for no medical reason but this time around i'm truly considering it.

so here are the reasons i'm really leaning towards it: i'm 36.5 weeks and at 35 weeks the babies were measured as weighing 6.5 and 5.8 lbs. now i'm only 5 feet tall so i think you can imagine how large i must be if the babies are that big (of course they could be off by 20% but i had two separate u/s specialists come up with very similar numbers). largeness aside i'm truly uncomfortable. i've got groin muscle issues to teh point where i can hardly get in my minivan and i cry out in pain everytime i get on and off my bed or turn over, sciatica, extreme exhaustion, feet and hands are starting to swell and feel stiff and now my carpal tunnel has kicked in. my other issue is that i've been told that i absolutely want to avoid being in the hospital at the beginning of july since that's when all the med students and residents switch rotations. everyone is new and inexperienced. and the final reason is because i'm scared to go into labor on july 4 when the hospital is sure to have a skeleton staff and the least experienced staff at that.

sounds like i've made up my mind right? problem is i also feel like one should respect nature and let the babies come out on their own timetable. i know getting induced increases your risk of c-section as well which doesn't make me happy. oh and let's not forget the whole being strapped to a bed thing while waiting for the meds to even kick in.

so - opinions? to induce or not to induce....

thanks!



i just wanted to clarify that i'm actually questioning whether i should be induced at 38 weeks and not before. i definitely would like to go full-term if my body lets me but i'm not sure i can handle going a day longer than that! thanks for all your opinions and stories!

 

How is your dilation and effacement. If you don't have some significant changes in your cervix then I wouldn't do it. There is a thing called a Bishop score (google it to find the chart) that can help you predict the chance of a successful induction. Also, did you have an early u/s so you are positive about the gestational age of the babies? That makes a difference as well. Good luck with your decision!

 

With my son I went past 41 weeks.
I called that hospital up crying begging to be induced but scared because I hear its more painfull. I talked to my dula and she said she drank 2 oz. of castor blended with ice cream and chugged it and had all three of her singletons that way. I ended up doing that and had him 4 hours later all natural minus the oil. His due date was 4th of July and I didn't have him until the 15th. I still swear by the oil but that's because I was so far along and he was 8#10oz and 23in. I needed him out by that point!

I'd say hold out if possible though. Really wouldn't recommend the oil unless you're that far along and just having one baby.

 

QUOTE(Kimani @ Jun 17 2008, 10:32 PM) [snapback]832429[/snapback]
With my son I went past 41 weeks.
I called that hospital up crying begging to be induced but scared because I hear its more painfull. I talked to my dula and she said she drank 2 oz. of castor blended with ice cream and chugged it and had all three of her singletons that way. I ended up doing that and had him 4 hours later all natural minus the oil. His due date was 4th of July and I didn't have him until the 15th. I still swear by the oil but that's because I was so far along and he was 8#10oz and 23in. I needed him out by that point!

I'd say hold out if possible though. Really wouldn't recommend the oil unless you're that far along and just having one baby.


perhaps i'll try the castor oil. my singletons were 8lb 7oz and 9lbs respectively at just 40 weeks and it looks like these kids will be that by 39 so i hear ya on the large thing.

QUOTE(Ali M @ Jun 17 2008, 08:51 PM) [snapback]832185[/snapback]
How is your dilation and effacement. If you don't have some significant changes in your cervix then I wouldn't do it. There is a thing called a Bishop score (google it to find the chart) that can help you predict the chance of a successful induction. Also, did you have an early u/s so you are positive about the gestational age of the babies? That makes a difference as well. Good luck with your decision!


very positive on gestational age. these are IVF babies. can't get more exact than that

 

I was induced at 37+5 b/c my bp was creeping up and they didn't want me to develop pre-e and need an emergency c-section. Both babies were over 6 pounds and although they had to be monitored in the special care nursery for 2 hours came home with me less than 48 hours later. I think that if you are dilated/effaced at all plus the fact that you have had other vaginal births lowers the csection rate a bit. What does your ob say, I would go with their opinion.

I feel your pain though, I am almost 6 feet tall and was still bursting at the seams and majorly uncomfortable, I can't imagine having 12 less inches of room!

 

I was induced at 37 weeks on the dot, I was having blood pressure issues but honestly that wasn't the only reason. I was miserable uncomfortable and had all of the same ailments as you. I was started on Pitocin at 6:30am and at 7pm I had only dialated 1/2 cm so there is something to be said about waiting until your body is ready. My choices were to stop the Pit and restart it the next day or have a section. So I opted for the section and my boys were born at 9:49 and 9:50pm perfectly healthy and weighing 5lb11oz and 5lb15oz and were able to stay with me the whole time. Each and every ob and perinatologist that I spoke with my entire pregnancy explained that medically there really isn't a benefit to letting twins go past 38 weeks. I delivered them at the Cleveland Clinic and I really trust the doctors there so I wouldn't state that piece of information unless I had heard it directly from each doctor's mouth. Good Luck with your decision and no matter what you decide and whenever you have them it will be the BEST day.

 

I went into labor and c/s at 35 weeks with NICU time. I am 4'11" and had all of the same issues as you. I was in such pain I would cry most days, my carpal tunnel was so bad I had no feeling in my hands and on and on. If I knew then what I know now I would not have come off of my terb and I would have stayed on bedrest, well I never came off because I could barely move. It is uncomfortable as can be but you are really so close. All the pain that you have now will subside once these loves are born. Hang in there.

 

I was induced with my oldest at 38.5wks due to rising BP. I had been in the hospital 3x's in 3 days due to it. I felt horrilbe not b/c of the discomforts of pregnancy, but the high BP. Dizzy, sick, headaches. I had a meltdown at the hospital the 3rd time. The nurse claimed it could be malpractice if they induced me (like letting the BP go wasn't), and that I was to go on bedrest. My docs had been talking about inducing for the past 2-3wks b/c of possible IUGR. I had had it! Doc came in...explained all the stuff, and that was that. I got the gel on my cervix...went home...2hr later I was back and staying put til she was born. I was induced the next morning and besides my epi not working it went fast (1st baby).

The twins I had a c/s. My scheduled c/s was at 39w3d. My OB, and now I think it is state law or something, that hospitals will not induce nor do a scheduled c/s til 39wks unless there is medical reason. I had my girls 36w4d due to abnormal bloodflow. It was an emergency c/s. I got to the hospital at 11...girls were born at 1:45.

I would hold out. As happy as I was b/c I was MISERABLE for them to be out not to be pg again...I ended up wishing that I made it to my scheduled c/s. Claire wouldn't of made it though...possilbly not another day according to my OB. I truely believe him b/c me nor my sister who has him too have never seen him be so serious....he is a chilled out cool doc too.

I actually just saw him a few weeks ago about something else, and he even mentioned the chaos that was happening that day.

April

 

Our plan was to be induced at 38 weeks (earliest the hospital would allow), but due to my Dr. being out of town for Thanksgiving, it ended up being 38 weeks 4 days. I was only at 1, maybe 2 cm when I went in to be induced. My labor didn't really progress until they broke my water (started the drip at 9am, broke my water at 6pm, had them at 2:17 & 2:45am), but overall I had a very uneventful labor and delivery. My girls were born vaginally, were each 6lbs 2 oz and came home with me.

I would say go for it any time after 38 weeks if your dr. is on board too. A lot of dr's don't like a twin pregnancy to go much past 38 weeks anyway. I think most of us thought you were thinking of inducing prior to 38 weeks, thus saying to hold out.

 

when we found out it was twins my ob said i would not make it till 37 weeks
well at 38 weeks i was asking when we were going to induce.
4 days later we did.
glad i made it as far as i did but i was so uncomfortable at the end.
but no NICU time for either baby and everyone was healthy and happy so i am glad i was able to wait as long as i could
i feel ya, there was NO sleep for me two weeks prior to delivery
its hard.

 

QUOTE(fishfood2 @ Jun 17 2008, 09:17 PM) [snapback]831696[/snapback]
i just wanted to clarify that i'm actually questioning whether i should be induced at 38 weeks and not before. i definitely would like to go full-term if my body lets me but i'm not sure i can handle going a day longer than that! thanks for all your opinions and stories!


Thanks, that wasn't clear to me, I had the impression you were talking pretty much "ASAP".