40 yrs old, 32 wks preg., Dr. talking induction at 39 wks.

[anon_in_ct]

Hi, my OB's group believes in inducing women at 39 weeks if they are 40 years old. I have had a very healthy pregnancy with no problems. Blood pressure is good, glucose tolerance was excellent, weight gain and BMI are both good. I am also taking a prenatal fitness class. The baby has been very active.

I am really pretty taken aback at the thought of being induced just because I am 40, especially at 39 weeks. If the baby is happy in the uterus, then I do not want to induce. Does anyone know if I should expect a major battle over this with my OB? This is all coming as a surprise to me.

[debi6710]

I believe some research indicates that the placenta starts to break down earlier in older women, and that's probably why they do it. Have you talked to your doc about it? Wasn't an option for us as I was in PTL at 23w and delivered at 32w. Maybe some others will weigh in with opinions.

[anon_in_ct]

That may be true. However I think that the health of the placenta can be monitored closely by checking the fluid level with ultrasound. Apparently they will be doing that with me after 38 weeks. So I am getting nervous about the big confrontation where they try to insist on induction, and I insist on receiving a diagnosis first. I just don't consider my birthday to be a diagnosis.

I think we will try everything to self-induce at home, except for castor oil...

Yes, I have emailed my primary OB about this. Apparently she is coming back from vacation in a few days. We have 8 more weeks to get this sorted out. Sigh.

Originally Posted by debi6710

I believe some research indicates that the placenta starts to break down earlier in older women, and that's probably why they do it. Have you talked to your doc about it? Wasn't an option for us as I was in PTL at 23w and delivered at 32w. Maybe some others will weigh in with opinions.

[srebes]

I started to have palcenta calcification and they took my son at 38 wks. I was 40 at the time. I am currently 43 and 19 weeks pg and my ob thinks we will probably go again at around 38 wks. I would like to make it to 39 if possible.

[anon_in_ct]

Thanks for the info. How could they tell that you had placenta calcification?

Originally Posted by srebes

I started to have palcenta calcification and they took my son at 38 wks. I was 40 at the time. I am currently 43 and 19 weeks pg and my ob thinks we will probably go again at around 38 wks. I would like to make it to 39 if possible.

[srebes]

He would do US and he looked at my placenta.

[anon_in_ct]

Aha. OK thanks. I will keep my radar up for these kinds of issues.

Originally Posted by srebes

He would do US and he looked at my placenta.

[BC-GoMom]

anon,
I am guessing this is your first. If so, remember that most OBs will err on the side of caution. BY 39 weeks- in shape or no- remember that your little one will be fine if delivered. It will be very important to assess many things by that time- being an older mother- OBs know to look out for things...

And do not be surprised if your birth plan changes dramatically once the time comes. They rarely go as planned. Remember the goal is a healthy mom and baby after delivery.

Keep posting and let us know how it is going!

None of my labors turned out as planned.. each had a turn I didn't expect.... and I delivered 4 different times!
Best to you!

[anon_in_ct]

Bingo. This is my first. I am trying to remain open-minded about a birth plan. My only concern is that everything will be checking out fine, but someone will look at my birth date on a piece of paper and announce that I need pitocin. With respect to everything but that, I can be flexible.

I have the name of an accupuncurist, and am going to see about speeding things up that way when the time comes.

Originally Posted by BC-GoMom

anon,
I am guessing this is your first. If so, remember that most OBs will err on the side of caution. BY 39 weeks- in shape or no- remember that your little one will be fine if delivered. It will be very important to assess many things by that time- being an older mother- OBs know to look out for things...

And do not be surprised if your birth plan changes dramatically once the time comes. They rarely go as planned. Remember the goal is a healthy mom and baby after delivery.

Keep posting and let us know how it is going!

None of my labors turned out as planned.. each had a turn I didn't expect.... and I delivered 4 different times!
Best to you!

[BC-GoMom]

I will admit- I am not a fan of pitocin- nor is my friend that is a doula. If there is a medical reason to speed things up- I understand- but for convenience -no.... I ended up with c/sections for my earthly 3!