Anyone here been induced early?

ComplicatedLo · 08-27-2008, 02:55 PM

Hi guys-

It's been awhile since I posted, I'm now anywhere between 35-37 weeks... I've measured "large" my whole pregnancy, and when I went in for my 3d ultrasound, both times (I got to go back because they couldn't get a pic of his face because he was hiding behind my placenta) they told me that my due date had to be off. Anyway, I took it all with a grain of salt, because from what I hear people get told ALL the time that they're measuring large, and they go on to have perfectly normal weight babies. Two of my husbands co-workers were induced early because they were told their babies were already measuring 10 lbs, only to have 6-7 lb babies...

However, my doctor hasn't done her own ultrasound on me since probably around 14 weeks (she told me since I was going for the 3d she didn't need to, she just took the paperwork that the 3d place gave me.) She has measured my belly and said that I've been measuring large... But again, I'm a bigger girl and from what I hear even smaller girls get told that all the time and it doesn't mean anything. She told me I'd be coming in for weekly appointments starting next week... Only when I came in for this past appointment, she measured my belly and seemed to change her mind. She's waiting 2 weeks, sending me out for an ultrasound, and then doing a visit. I'm wondering if she's doing this because she plans to induce me? I mean in 2 weeks I'll be 37 weeks from my original due date (the one they gave me before any ultrasounds) and I read that's considered full term. She said my belly is 44 cms, and I read the cms are supposed to correspond roughly with the number of weeks you are...

Anyway, I'm trying not to worry about it (but I'm a first time Mom and therefore worry about EVERYTHING, lol.) And I know there's no way of knowing if she's going to induce me until my next appointment when she tells me or not, but I was trying to find more info about being induced. Part of me would be glad because, well, like most women I'm ready for this to be over and have my body back as well as my baby. Plus I've pretty much taken on the attitude that whatever my doctor thinks is best is OK by me. But, then on the other hand, I've heard inducement tends to hurt worse (contractions are stronger) and I also can't help but think he'll come when he's ready? Anyway, any stories/advice or whatever would be appreciated!

Second Chances · 08-27-2008, 05:02 PM

From what I've read and been told, and what has happened to me myself with being pg 4 times while heavy, they don't induce you early, almost ever.

You are right to not believe this 'large baby' bologna. My last son, I was told would be almost 10 lbs. and he came out a 7 lbs, 6 oz.

ComplicatedLo · 08-27-2008, 05:19 PM

I guess early is the wrong word, because at 37 weeks I'd be considered full term, so technically it wouldn't be early, just earlier than 40 weeks? I didn't think they'd do it either, unless the baby was a danger to the mother (i've seen a few baby stories where they really did induce EARLY, like 34-35 weeks if they thought something was going on, but they usually test the lungs first to make sure they were mature) but I know people that have been induced at 37-38 weeks. The two co-workers of my husbands were both induced around this time because they had "large" babies, when both came out normal sized. Like I said, I'm not really worried that he is large, just wondering if my doctor does tell me that she wants to induce me, if I should let her do so or maybe tell her I'd rather wait and see?

Second Chances · 08-27-2008, 08:01 PM

I've been induced all 4 times I had babies. The first one was 11 days overdue.

I know that as much time as they can spend inside you, is better than them being outside.

And full term is still considered 40 weeks. Anything less is medically noted as less than full term.

I would say wait and see. To me, it is rediculous, and just another example of doctors trying to play God with 'we'll decide for you to have the baby now because its 'big'

They don't know squat.

My vote is wait. I doubt your baby is that big and it is better for he/she to stay put. You can always reconsider again at 39 or 40 weeks.

ComplicatedLo · 08-27-2008, 08:14 PM

Everything I've read so far, says that anytime before 37 weeks (and one article actually stated 36 weeks, but that's the only one I've read saying that, so I don't fully trust it.) but my books and several online articles, as well as my doctor says that a baby coming 37 weeks or after is considered "full term" and you're not actually considered "Over due" until you're 42 weeks. If you deliver before 37 weeks, you're considered premature. My whole thing is you're right, from everything I've read/heard, the longer they stay in, the better... And I feel you're right again when you say inducement is kinda like playing God. For years we did just fine and birthed babies without being induced... I kinda see it if you're late, but I'm unsure about being early. On the other hand, I really trust my doctor, and as I said in my first post I've usually gone along with what she said, so I'm having a hard time IF she says they want to induce me early, if I should still trust her... After all, she went to medical school, and I have not. I haven't read much on inducement either, so I just kinda wanted to feel out what other people who had been through it say. Also, the 35 week mark I'm getting from the first ever due date they gave me... Before any ultrasounds were done, and I can't exactly remember the date of my last period. All my ultrasounds I've been measuring large, as well as my belly measurements, and the 3d lady said she thought my due date was off a week to 2 weeks, so by the time I go in in two weeks, I'm anywhere from 37-39 weeks. Like I said, the measuring large thing doesn't really mean much to me, but I do feel like I'm farther along than my original due date, just based on things like when he flipped head down, and when I feel like he dropped... I dunno, this whole waiting thing sucks! LoL, I think the worst part of it is that there are SO many maybes, and even if you're due date is right, it doesn't mean he still won't come late! I guess there's no point worrying about it, and he'll come when he comes, I just wanted to kinda form my opinion before I went in, just in case she asks me how I feel about it. Some days I think it'd be nice to have him here already, just cause I'm tired of being sore/tired/pregnant, lol and I want my son! But on the other hand, I want the best for him, and the longer he's in the better... Unless of course he goes too long and then there's merconium (sp?)

KnittingMarie · 08-28-2008, 11:07 AM

I was sent to L&D at 36 weeks for an induction because my daughter's amniotic fluid was low. I "checked in" on a Thursday afternoon, and didn't actually go into labor until Saturday evening around 7p when my water broke (on its own, if you don't count the induction medications.)

I went from having no contractions to having them back-to-back within about 45 minutes. I went into it wanting a natural childbirth, but quickly realized I was insane and begged for the epidural. I got it pretty quickly, but not quickly enough, in my opinion. I think that I probably would have wanted the epidural even if I had gone into labor "naturally".

Anywho, I didn't feel a thing after the epidural was in and my daughter's birth was calm, pleasant and painless. It was well-attended because her heartrate was dropping just before delivery. I swear there were at least 3 OB-GYNs, a medical student, 2-3 pediatricians, and god only knows how many nurses, but I hardly noticed. It wasn't until after she was delivered and I was waiting for them to bring her back to me, that I noticed how many people were in the room. I should have sold tickets!

The story has a very happy ending. My daughter was born just after midnight, so she was 37 weeks by about 20 minutes and she had no problems whatsoever. She came home from the hospital with me and we've lived happily-ever-after so far.

I say, if you trust your doc, then, unless she has done something to violate that trust, continue to trust her. However, that doesn't mean that you have to blindly submit to her will. Dont' be afraid to ask her why she wants to do things, and what her rationale is. You have a right to make informed decisions about your care. As long as you maintain a positive attitude and treat her the same way you would want to be treated, she shouldn't mind answering your questions and explaining her reccomendations. Remember, she's is as human as you and puts her pants on one leg at a time, just like you. Be open about your concerns, and talk to her!

ComplicatedLo · 08-28-2008, 12:46 PM

So you got the meds for about two days before labor started? I've also read that the actual labor, while it tends to be more intense, also tends to be shorter, would you say this was the case in your situation? (Not that I would do it just for a shorter labor, just curious!) Thanks for sharing!

alms · 09-05-2008, 06:10 PM

ComplicatedLo, I was just induced a couple of weeks ago at 37 weeks. I was induced because my water broke. I was put on Pitocin at a low dosage and then that dosage was increased until I had 3 contactions in 10 minutes. That took about 2 hours to figure out the right dosage. Then I was left on that dosage until I was ready to deliver, which was about 12-13 hours. The higher the pitocin dosage the more intense my contactions got. I remember telling the nurse to stop increasing the pitocin because I felt my contractions were intense. She laughed at me and increased it. Contractions got very painful and were coming in one on top of another. I was ready to climb the walls. The nurse came back 15 minutes later, saw the read out and turned the pitocin down. I think pitocin does make your contractions more intense. I was able to manage until I got to 6cm. Then I HAD to have my epidural.

I've also read that 37 weeks was considered full term. My OB said the same thing. Then when I delivered I found out that it's not entirely true. Apparantly 37 weekers are on the cusp...right smack on the border of preterm and full term. And sometimes 37 weekers can exhibit some preemie symptoms...like my ds who was a lazy eater (had not learned to suck yet) and he was jaundiced other than that everything was normal.

ComplicatedLo · 09-06-2008, 07:25 PM

Ugh, everything is such a mess right now, lol. I go to my doctor on Monday, so we'll see what she says, but I'm thinking she's leaning towards inducing me, and some days I'm like OK good, and other days I'm like... Maybe not. We found out my husband needs knee surgery, and he's scheduled to do that on the 15th... He'll be off work for a week to two weeks, and off "normal activity" (what that means exactly, I'm not sure) for a month, so I'm trying to figure out if it'll be a good thing if the baby comes before or after his surgery. I did hear that inducement makes your contractions intense, which is also something I worry about, because I'm such a wuss.

lilpink003 · 09-06-2008, 07:41 PM

I was induced with my dd at 39w1d. I had a pinched nerve and had a severe migrane for 3 weeks prior to the induction. My doc said the only way to relieve the pain was to have my dd. So they started the induction at 9PM with pitocin and they broke my water at 11PM and she was born at 3AM. I was also already 3cm when I arived at the hospital. I was all about doing a natural child birth and I did it. ((Had my BFF with me who had 4 kids all natural))When I got to the point where I couldnt take the pain anymore they told me it was time to push. (((I felt like I had to take a dump)))...I naturally have severe cramping so the contractions to me felt like my cramps.. I hope this helps ...And you don't think that pitocin makes really bad cramps for everyone because it varies with each person.

08-27-2008, 02:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
ComplicatedLo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 18	Anyone here been induced early? Hi guys- It's been awhile since I posted, I'm now anywhere between 35-37 weeks... I've measured "large" my whole pregnancy, and when I went in for my 3d ultrasound, both times (I got to go back because they couldn't get a pic of his face because he was hiding behind my placenta) they told me that my due date had to be off. Anyway, I took it all with a grain of salt, because from what I hear people get told ALL the time that they're measuring large, and they go on to have perfectly normal weight babies. Two of my husbands co-workers were induced early because they were told their babies were already measuring 10 lbs, only to have 6-7 lb babies... However, my doctor hasn't done her own ultrasound on me since probably around 14 weeks (she told me since I was going for the 3d she didn't need to, she just took the paperwork that the 3d place gave me.) She has measured my belly and said that I've been measuring large... But again, I'm a bigger girl and from what I hear even smaller girls get told that all the time and it doesn't mean anything. She told me I'd be coming in for weekly appointments starting next week... Only when I came in for this past appointment, she measured my belly and seemed to change her mind. She's waiting 2 weeks, sending me out for an ultrasound, and then doing a visit. I'm wondering if she's doing this because she plans to induce me? I mean in 2 weeks I'll be 37 weeks from my original due date (the one they gave me before any ultrasounds) and I read that's considered full term. She said my belly is 44 cms, and I read the cms are supposed to correspond roughly with the number of weeks you are... Anyway, I'm trying not to worry about it (but I'm a first time Mom and therefore worry about EVERYTHING, lol.) And I know there's no way of knowing if she's going to induce me until my next appointment when she tells me or not, but I was trying to find more info about being induced. Part of me would be glad because, well, like most women I'm ready for this to be over and have my body back as well as my baby. Plus I've pretty much taken on the attitude that whatever my doctor thinks is best is OK by me. But, then on the other hand, I've heard inducement tends to hurt worse (contractions are stronger) and I also can't help but think he'll come when he's ready? Anyway, any stories/advice or whatever would be appreciated!

08-28-2008, 11:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
KnittingMarie 1000-4999 post queen of hearts Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southwest MO Posts: 4,178 Blog Entries: 43	I was sent to L&D at 36 weeks for an induction because my daughter's amniotic fluid was low. I "checked in" on a Thursday afternoon, and didn't actually go into labor until Saturday evening around 7p when my water broke (on its own, if you don't count the induction medications.) I went from having no contractions to having them back-to-back within about 45 minutes. I went into it wanting a natural childbirth, but quickly realized I was insane and begged for the epidural. I got it pretty quickly, but not quickly enough, in my opinion. I think that I probably would have wanted the epidural even if I had gone into labor "naturally". Anywho, I didn't feel a thing after the epidural was in and my daughter's birth was calm, pleasant and painless. It was well-attended because her heartrate was dropping just before delivery. I swear there were at least 3 OB-GYNs, a medical student, 2-3 pediatricians, and god only knows how many nurses, but I hardly noticed. It wasn't until after she was delivered and I was waiting for them to bring her back to me, that I noticed how many people were in the room. I should have sold tickets! The story has a very happy ending. My daughter was born just after midnight, so she was 37 weeks by about 20 minutes and she had no problems whatsoever. She came home from the hospital with me and we've lived happily-ever-after so far. I say, if you trust your doc, then, unless she has done something to violate that trust, continue to trust her. However, that doesn't mean that you have to blindly submit to her will. Dont' be afraid to ask her why she wants to do things, and what her rationale is. You have a right to make informed decisions about your care. As long as you maintain a positive attitude and treat her the same way you would want to be treated, she shouldn't mind answering your questions and explaining her reccomendations. Remember, she's is as human as you and puts her pants on one leg at a time, just like you. Be open about your concerns, and talk to her! __________________ Dx PCOS in 1999; Married to Jim in 2002 Proud Mama to five miracles: Bonnie 2 years, and The Quads: Melanie, Oliver, Teddy, and Audrey, 7 months!

09-06-2008, 07:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
lilpink003 5000-9999 post king of hearts Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 5,623 Blog Entries: 31	*total barge** I was induced with my dd at 39w1d. I had a pinched nerve and had a severe migrane for 3 weeks prior to the induction. My doc said the only way to relieve the pain was to have my dd. So they started the induction at 9PM with pitocin and they broke my water at 11PM and she was born at 3AM. I was also already 3cm when I arived at the hospital. I was all about doing a natural child birth and I did it. ((Had my BFF with me who had 4 kids all natural))When I got to the point where I couldnt take the pain anymore they told me it was time to push. (((I felt like I had to take a dump)))...I naturally have severe cramping so the contractions to me felt like my cramps.. I hope this helps ...And you don't think that pitocin makes really bad cramps for everyone because it varies with each person.

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08-27-2008, 05:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
Second Chances Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jacksonville, Fl Posts: 1,085	From what I've read and been told, and what has happened to me myself with being pg 4 times while heavy, they don't induce you early, almost ever. You are right to not believe this 'large baby' bologna. My last son, I was told would be almost 10 lbs. and he came out a 7 lbs, 6 oz.

08-27-2008, 05:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
ComplicatedLo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 18	I guess early is the wrong word, because at 37 weeks I'd be considered full term, so technically it wouldn't be early, just earlier than 40 weeks? I didn't think they'd do it either, unless the baby was a danger to the mother (i've seen a few baby stories where they really did induce EARLY, like 34-35 weeks if they thought something was going on, but they usually test the lungs first to make sure they were mature) but I know people that have been induced at 37-38 weeks. The two co-workers of my husbands were both induced around this time because they had "large" babies, when both came out normal sized. Like I said, I'm not really worried that he is large, just wondering if my doctor does tell me that she wants to induce me, if I should let her do so or maybe tell her I'd rather wait and see?

08-27-2008, 08:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
Second Chances Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jacksonville, Fl Posts: 1,085	I've been induced all 4 times I had babies. The first one was 11 days overdue. I know that as much time as they can spend inside you, is better than them being outside. And full term is still considered 40 weeks. Anything less is medically noted as less than full term. I would say wait and see. To me, it is rediculous, and just another example of doctors trying to play God with 'we'll decide for you to have the baby now because its 'big' They don't know squat. My vote is wait. I doubt your baby is that big and it is better for he/she to stay put. You can always reconsider again at 39 or 40 weeks.

08-27-2008, 08:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
ComplicatedLo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 18	Everything I've read so far, says that anytime before 37 weeks (and one article actually stated 36 weeks, but that's the only one I've read saying that, so I don't fully trust it.) but my books and several online articles, as well as my doctor says that a baby coming 37 weeks or after is considered "full term" and you're not actually considered "Over due" until you're 42 weeks. If you deliver before 37 weeks, you're considered premature. My whole thing is you're right, from everything I've read/heard, the longer they stay in, the better... And I feel you're right again when you say inducement is kinda like playing God. For years we did just fine and birthed babies without being induced... I kinda see it if you're late, but I'm unsure about being early. On the other hand, I really trust my doctor, and as I said in my first post I've usually gone along with what she said, so I'm having a hard time IF she says they want to induce me early, if I should still trust her... After all, she went to medical school, and I have not. I haven't read much on inducement either, so I just kinda wanted to feel out what other people who had been through it say. Also, the 35 week mark I'm getting from the first ever due date they gave me... Before any ultrasounds were done, and I can't exactly remember the date of my last period. All my ultrasounds I've been measuring large, as well as my belly measurements, and the 3d lady said she thought my due date was off a week to 2 weeks, so by the time I go in in two weeks, I'm anywhere from 37-39 weeks. Like I said, the measuring large thing doesn't really mean much to me, but I do feel like I'm farther along than my original due date, just based on things like when he flipped head down, and when I feel like he dropped... I dunno, this whole waiting thing sucks! LoL, I think the worst part of it is that there are SO many maybes, and even if you're due date is right, it doesn't mean he still won't come late! I guess there's no point worrying about it, and he'll come when he comes, I just wanted to kinda form my opinion before I went in, just in case she asks me how I feel about it. Some days I think it'd be nice to have him here already, just cause I'm tired of being sore/tired/pregnant, lol and I want my son! But on the other hand, I want the best for him, and the longer he's in the better... Unless of course he goes too long and then there's merconium (sp?)

08-28-2008, 12:46 PM	#7 (permalink)
ComplicatedLo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 18	So you got the meds for about two days before labor started? I've also read that the actual labor, while it tends to be more intense, also tends to be shorter, would you say this was the case in your situation? (Not that I would do it just for a shorter labor, just curious!) Thanks for sharing!

09-05-2008, 06:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
alms 0-99 post 2 of hearts Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 56	ComplicatedLo, I was just induced a couple of weeks ago at 37 weeks. I was induced because my water broke. I was put on Pitocin at a low dosage and then that dosage was increased until I had 3 contactions in 10 minutes. That took about 2 hours to figure out the right dosage. Then I was left on that dosage until I was ready to deliver, which was about 12-13 hours. The higher the pitocin dosage the more intense my contactions got. I remember telling the nurse to stop increasing the pitocin because I felt my contractions were intense. She laughed at me and increased it. Contractions got very painful and were coming in one on top of another. I was ready to climb the walls. The nurse came back 15 minutes later, saw the read out and turned the pitocin down. I think pitocin does make your contractions more intense. I was able to manage until I got to 6cm. Then I HAD to have my epidural. I've also read that 37 weeks was considered full term. My OB said the same thing. Then when I delivered I found out that it's not entirely true. Apparantly 37 weekers are on the cusp...right smack on the border of preterm and full term. And sometimes 37 weekers can exhibit some preemie symptoms...like my ds who was a lazy eater (had not learned to suck yet) and he was jaundiced other than that everything was normal.

09-06-2008, 07:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
ComplicatedLo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Ohio Posts: 18	Ugh, everything is such a mess right now, lol. I go to my doctor on Monday, so we'll see what she says, but I'm thinking she's leaning towards inducing me, and some days I'm like OK good, and other days I'm like... Maybe not. We found out my husband needs knee surgery, and he's scheduled to do that on the 15th... He'll be off work for a week to two weeks, and off "normal activity" (what that means exactly, I'm not sure) for a month, so I'm trying to figure out if it'll be a good thing if the baby comes before or after his surgery. I did hear that inducement makes your contractions intense, which is also something I worry about, because I'm such a wuss.