Asking to be induced at 37 weeks?

[amym]

*Also posted in 3rd tri*

Is this crazy? I am so worried now, have been bleeding (losing big blobs of brown-red jelly) for 14 days now.... scan tomorrow to check placenta but am seriously starting to think about asking for an early induction.

Not a day before full term, obviously, but am concerned that my body won't be able to keep him safe, that he'll be better off out than in. And it's making me anxious, even though I can feel him moving around quite happily.

What do you think, ladies? What would you do in my position?

 

[lizziedripping]

Hi hun - defo don't get induced if you can possibly avoid it. Your baby sounds fine, and is much better off on the inside until 40wks my sweet.

Anxiety like this is common towards the end of pregnancy, your hormones are exerting their influence on you and sending your emotions haywire. Hang on in there, and try not to be stressed. Discharge is common, and a sign that your cervix is preparing for the birth in a month or so. Relax, and try to enjoy these last few weeks of your pregnancy hun xxx

 

[angelstardust]

If you have a gut feeling, follow it!

The whole way through with DS2 I knew something would happen. The day he was born I knew something was wrong, and I was right.

Rest and relax as much as you can, anytime you feel that you want a check up go get one.

Let us know how your scan goes.

 

[Tanikit]

I would say ask, but dont push - you need to know what your doctor thinks the risks are - an induction at 37 weeks is dangerous for a number of reasons -

1) A baby who would have been born at term (and I mean 40 weeks) is likely not to have the best lung development and while 37 weeks is term you are still putting him at risk for breathing difficulties.

2) If you are only going to give birth at 40 weeks naturally then an induction is highly unlikely to work at 37 weeks and you could easily land up with a C-section. They need to check everything before an induction and give you the chance of it working - they check things like cervical softening, baby position, any dilation and cervical length and some other things I don't know and give you a score out of 30 - anything less than 6 and the induction will definitely not work, the lower the score the less likely it is to work.

Nonetheless I would still ask and listen very carefully to what they say - the reasons given must make sense (whether they think its a good idea or not) so that you can judge what is best for your child and you.

Good luck - either way you are nearly there and will have your baby with you soon.

 

[angelkisses]

hi there, I was induced for both my babies at 36weeks because of pre-eclampsia both babies were healthy and my dr's were just waiting for me to get to the 36 week mark to do so obviously longer u go the better. I was reassured that it was perfectly safe for me to have the babies at 36 weeks. talk with ur midwife and dr to put your mind at ease.

 

[Charliemarina]

before u ask for induction id see what ur scan shows up first, ur baby will be safe being born at 37 weeks but it would be better for baby to stay inside as long as possible, with my first i was induced at 42 weeks YES 42 WEEKS!!! and i cant say it was the easiest thing to do it took hours and hours to even get the labour started then it prolonged my labour coz my body just wasnt ready yet and i ended up with a c-section and i was over due, induction is knows to cause slow labours and c-section as is epidural and spinals so id avoid it at all costs, but one thing i will agree with is mother instinct, during my labour i just knew i wasnt going to give birth naturally and i kept telling them something doesnt feel right but they left me 10 more hours b4 realising i was right so it does count for something so if u feel something is wrong do not hesitate to be checked out but if ur scan is clear and placenta is fine pls dont push to be induced early its normal to lose coloured cm at ur stage i did with my second but it was just my cervix softening and bleeding a tiny bit and coming out brown in my cm (was confirmed by examination) and i was told this was totally normal also towards the end of preg sex can irritate cervix alot and cause little bleeding and if that blood doesnt come out right away it ironises and goes brown and normally come out with cm also, hope this helps hunny

 

[amym]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your advice. Feeling much calmer now, scan showed no damage to placenta and although I still do't know what's causing the bleeding baby is obviously fine - in fact at 33 weeks he weighs 5lb9oz!

So I'm less anxious but will still discuss all options with consultant when I see him next x

 

[Charliemarina]

great news hunny glad to hear placenta is working well and baby is lovely size that should defo set ur mind to rest, maybe try and avoid intercourse from now and anything that can cause strain or irritation to cervix and u may find the bleeding/spotting subsides, great to hear everything is fine xxxx

 

[amym]

haven't had sex since before 20 week scan, so it's definitely not that causing the bleeding!

thanks hon

 

[Charliemarina]

then it defo isnt that lol, could just be softening cervix due to u being so close to being due, i do hope it resolves soon hunny xxxx

 

[lucy_x]

i would ask to speak to a consultant hun.
Amari was induced at 37+5 and she was fine.

In the mean time, relax with your feet up as much as possible and wait for the scan.
If the placenta is all good, stay relaxed until your ready for your bubs as bubs will be fine!

if the placenta isnt good they will offer to induce you anyway.

good luck.