Hi all,
37 + 3 weeks pregnant with my first and looking for a little bit of advice. I tested negative for GDM but have been measuring big throughout my pregnancy. I had a growth scan at 37 weeks and the not so little man is already weighing 8 pounds or on the 97th centile. My pre-pregnancy BMI was 32 and I have gained 10KG so there’s probably an element of over nutrition, but both me and my partner are tall I’m 5 ft 10 and he’s 6 ft 2 and we both come from a family of big babies.
My obstetrician initially said she wanted to induce me immediately, then re thought it, my blood pressure and sugars are perfect and his movements and fluid levels are good.
Then she asked for my preferences and said she would be guided by them, but she does not advise going past 39 weeks which is completely fair. I personally have a weird bias against inductions, I feel as a first time Mum with a big baby it’s unlikely to work, in my head I envision labouring for 48 hours then needing an emergency section at 4am when me and the treating team are exhausted. Kind of getting the worst of both worlds. I’m really not against an elective section at 39 weeks, I know you’re slower back on your feet and it is major surgery after all but I would prefer it over a tear and the main thing is my little man is okay.
Maybe I have an overly negative view of inductions in my situation? I would love to hear any positive stories of people who have gone through similar!
My baby wasn't quite as big but she was 8lb 9oz when she was born at 39w so she was over 90%. My bmi was normal pre pregnancy, I put on 13kg (within normal guidelines) and didn't have GD, so she was just a long kid
I had an induction booked at 39+4 but that was due to IVF (they don't want you going over 40w), my waters actually broke at 39w so I was induced after my labour didn't progress
I was concerned about a potential emergency section and when I was pushing, baby's head would move but then go back to same position (her head was big!), they got the doctor in, I got an episiotomy and one go of the forceps and she was out. I had an epidural so didn't feel anything
Recovery was actually fine, episiotomy healed up well with no issues and I was up and walking around the shops 3 days after giving birth.
First baby induced at 39+1 for big baby. Propess in for 24 hours, waters broken 5 hours later, oxytocin, epidural, fully dilated 8 hours later, pushed for 30mins, no stitches. The best experience ever. Induction wasn’t my preference but think I’ll be requesting one the next time! was such a calm and controlled experience
I was 41 weeks, had GD and was induced. I had a pessary but had it removed after a few hours as it was causing contractions regularly, but no progress. I then had a shot of pethadine for the pain with the plan to sleep and try again in the morning but it caused my waters to break! Baby was born 10 hours later. They were 8.7 pounds and 55cm long, so very big considering I'm only 5ft myself!
I did have to have forceps to help baby along. While not ideal, I'm glad I was induced and would be again. Like you, I was a FTM so nothing to compare the contractions pain to. I would say ignore the horror stories and do what you feel is right for you and your baby. Best of luck with it all
I had an induction with my baby back in September and I had a nice experience. Also first time mum but no GD. My baby was born 9lbs 4oz and was delivered via forceps. We tried a vacuum but it snapped 😅. I got my first gel on Thursday evening around 6pm and had my waters broke at 8.30 am on Friday. The contractions were tough as with the induction you’re forcing your body into labor. I have a low pain tolerance but I lasted till 5pm until I got the epidural. Started pushing around 1am and she was born at 1.40am. She was born in the 95th percentile.