[lavatea]

Today at my doctor's appointment we discussed the possibility of inducing me the week before my due date. My daughter was born 6 days past her due date and weighed 9 lbs. 13 oz. so my doctor is concerned with the possibility of me having another large baby. I know that having a large baby puts me at risk for a C-section but wouldn't inducing me also put me at risk for one? I'm on the fence about this. I wanted a natural birth the first time around but my contractions were more intense than I was prepared for so I ended up with an epidural. I really want to try again for a drug-free labor, but I've heard that inducing can make the pain even worse - not to mention the fact that being induced seems the complete opposite of "natural". There's also the fact that I am extremely against the idea of a C-section. I know I could end up being pushed toward that route whether I get induced or wait, but I want to keep the odds in my favor.

I found this blog on the subject but would like more advice:
http://pregnancy.families.com/blog/w...-to-be-induced

What are your opinions?

[MissyChrissy]

First, I would have an ultrasound as your due date approaches to try to determine if this baby is leaning toward the "large" size or not. I know it's not 100%, but if it's measuring as a 6 lb baby, then you wouldn't need an induction due to size.

Second, while it was painful and difficult (what labor isn't) why would another 9 lb baby indicate the need for c-section or inducing early? The 2nd one should be easier than the first. Unless the dr is fearing an 11-lb baby? j/k-don't have a heart attack!

Third, imo, if you don't want to be induced, then don't do it. I had 2 c-sections, then 2 vbacs. The 2nd vbac was almost impossible to get-I had to threaten to birth at home! But my point is, I got what I wanted by being a little assertive. The head obgyn probably would choose another word to describe me, but no matter.

I'm firmly of the opinion that it's your body, your baby, your birth, your choices. Be clear and decided about what you want and expect. You CAN do it. And you're right, and induced labor can be more painful than a natural onset one. I don't know why, but it's been known to happen that way frequently.

[twinzplus3]

The idea that women can't birth big babies just irks me. Women are perfectly capable of birthing big babies. That's why the babies heads mold, that's why we dilate. . .I won't go on. Suffice it to say, you are very likely capable of birthing a big baby. Yes--you are more likely to have a c/s if you are induced. . .but I think MissyChrissy hit the nail on the head--if you don't want to do it. . .don't. I have had two inductions and I didn't find that they were worse than the other labors. HTH

[lavatea]

I think you're probably right. I felt a little funny when she mentioned it. Just to be clear (and fair to my doctor), she wasn't being pushy about it at all, and she did say we would have a sono probably at my 38 week appointment and she would also check my cervix then. She said that if the cervix wasn't favorable she wouldn't touch me.

Since I originally posted this I've been looking at articles on the internet and most of them are pretty against inducing just for the sake of avoiding a "large baby". One thing I read that has me scared, though, is that in one study the incidence of C-sections in early labor was higher in women whose OBs just suspected that the baby was large - whether that ended up being true or not! So if we're suspecting a large baby, will I be pushed toward a C-section earlier than it would otherwise be considered? I was never pushed toward a C-section with my daughter, so I don't know that I would ever be pushed at all (I'm using the same doctor/practice), but it really scares me! How much power do you have when you're in the delivery room and they claim you have to be rushed off to an emergency C-section?

[swt1899]

Originally Posted by twinzplus3

The idea that women can't birth big babies just irks me. Women are perfectly capable of birthing big babies. That's why the babies heads mold, that's why we dilate. . .I won't go on. Suffice it to say, you are very likely capable of birthing a big baby. Yes--you are more likely to have a c/s if you are induced. . .but I think MissyChrissy hit the nail on the head--if you don't want to do it. . .don't. I have had two inductions and I didn't find that they were worse than the other labors. HTH

I agree.... it's like we are back in the 40s where they knocked women completely out because Doctors thought that women were too weak to handle child birth even though we have been doing this for thousands of years! My younger sister was induced a head of her due date... bothered me too. I know she was uncomfortable and tired and ready to have her baby, but I would have said no unless there was absolute need for it. Big babies happen. They happened to my oldest sister. She had 3 BIG 10-12 pound babies... ALL natural... she did it. Other women can too. I'd ask for a 2nd opinion! You need to have the birth YOU want, but make sure it is safe.

[MissyChrissy]

Originally Posted by lavatea

I think you're probably right. I felt a little funny when she mentioned it. Just to be clear (and fair to my doctor), she wasn't being pushy about it at all, and she did say we would have a sono probably at my 38 week appointment and she would also check my cervix then. She said that if the cervix wasn't favorable she wouldn't touch me.

Since I originally posted this I've been looking at articles on the internet and most of them are pretty against inducing just for the sake of avoiding a "large baby". One thing I read that has me scared, though, is that in one study the incidence of C-sections in early labor was higher in women whose OBs just suspected that the baby was large - whether that ended up being true or not! So if we're suspecting a large baby, will I be pushed toward a C-section earlier than it would otherwise be considered? I was never pushed toward a C-section with my daughter, so I don't know that I would ever be pushed at all (I'm using the same doctor/practice), but it really scares me! How much power do you have when you're in the delivery room and they claim you have to be rushed off to an emergency C-section?

You have a lot of power. Just be very up front that you will not agree to a c-section unless you or your baby is in imminent danger. I don't be "suspected" or "possible" but heart-rate dropping, something is wrong right now danger.

[wanna be a young mother]

My best friend was told her baby was 9 1/2 -10 lbs by an u/s estimate so the Dr. induced her at 38 weeks and she ended up with a C-section b/c she would not go past 7cm and the babys heartbeat was dropping b/c of the pitocin! Her son ended up being 7lbs and 2oz. So sometimes they are wrong and yes I agree with everyone that being induced increases your chance of a c-section! I would say wait and see what happens! try not to worry about it to much. If you feel you can deliver a large baby again then dont let anyone change your mind or force you to do other wise! Good Luck!

[twinzplus3]

I was hoping Jean would see this thread. . .I know she was induced, bc she was supposedly 'late' and then when her baby was born she was clearly premature. Not quite the same thing, but my point being that sonograms are not always right. I bet there are oodles of women here too that have a similar. . .they told me the baby was going to be 9 lbs. and she was 7 lbs. In any case, good luck deciding what you'll do.

[twinzplus3]

re: how much power you have. . .You have all the power. Not that doctors and/or nurses can't be pushy but you have all the power. They cannot give you a c/s unless you sign a consent form. . .or you're unconscious and dying and then they have to get your spouse to sign that form.

From my experience in talking with various moms I find that those who have birthed before do not get pushed as easily as first time moms. So the fact that you've already birthed will help you. I also find that you can pretty much count on a doctor's philosophy in the delivery room. If you're talking about these things, and you're comfortable with your doctor, they are likely going to do what you think they're going to do. (Did that make sense?)

I highly suggest reading some good books on birthing and including your dh in on that. I found that my dh was a good advocate for me during birth. But the more information you have the more it will help.

[MiaCamille]

2 of my 3 pregnacies we're induced first and third and i got epidurals for both of them, i didn't get one for my second, the pain in much worst when you're being induced cause the contractions start on real strong right at the beginning, for my third i did not want to get induced because i knew what it was to be but my water broke and i didn't have any contractions for a while so they put me on it... I also believe that we can give birth to big babies we we're meant to have them.. If you have any questions about inducing don't hesitate to pm me...Good luck and remember it's your body.