Any experience refusing an induction at 42 weeks? Update post #22

[lightheartedmom]

I'm 41w today, had antenatal testing which confirmed that the baby is fine (duh). My fluid levels are a *little* low-ish, but nothing bad. I think she said my "number" was like 11...somewhere in there. Basically, the MW's informed me that their protocol is to schedule induction AT 42 weeks (which is Sunday for me). I finally broke down and asked for an internal to see if all those period-like cramps I've been having have done anything. I'm 1 1/2cm dilated and pretty much not effaced at all (I laughed out loud when she told me that...somehow I just knew).

Does anyone have experience refusing an induction at this point? I really don't want to do it, even if I go past 42 weeks. I know they can't refuse to treat me when I show up at L&D in labor, but I hate to create a hostile relationship w/ the practice (I really love all the midwives in the group). I'm just torn. I really feel like I need to trust my body and if I'm showing so little sign of being ready, I'm hesitant to sign up for an induction that might fail because my body still isn't ready to have the baby.

So frustrated...And we've been trying all the usual tricks to induce labor. Nothing's worked so far, reinforcing my belief that there really is a reason that the baby is still in there. The MW suggested acupuncture, but DH kind of rolled his eyes at that...I've never done it before and it would be super difficult for me to get to any kind of appointment like that this week. She also offered to sweep my membranes on Wednesday, but...meh...not a guarantee that it would work.

Any suggestions?

Update: I am going back tomorrow for round 2 of monitoring. The baby continues to move comfortably, I continue to *not* have contractions. DH and I are still discussing our other options as far as membrane sweeping, etc. At this point, I am not planning on refusing induction. I'm pretty much at the end of my rope with the whole guessing game. I don't want to make any decisions motivated out of fear, which is hard when there's worry on one side about the possible complications stemming from induction when my body isn't ready, and on the other side for a baby born so far past term. I'm trying to just relax and remember that Sunday is still a ways off and a lot can happen between now and then.

I'm thankful for all the advice and kindness I've received here. You ladies are great. But I do want to say...since I've received quite a few (thoughtful) PM's...please do not send any more stories about stillbirth or babies dying. I seriously don't need that additional stress. I know everyone means well, but there's definitely a line to what's helpful.

[JD5351]

I would try anything at this point. Call around and see about acupuncture..What could it hurt to try? And I'd do the membrane sweep. No guarantee either would work, but if they DID, and you could avoid the induction wouldn't it be worth the trouble?

And Sunday is a ways away...Anything could happen!

[tofutti]

hey mama, chiming in from another DDC - but i went thru this with DS. i managed to hold off inducing until 42 weeks and a day (and i was very very stressed about inducing, and considered just skipping out and staying home)

well....i was nowhere NEAR being ready....not dilated or anything....so we did the whole cervadil and pitocin thing.......and in the end, labor and delivery went fine, vag. delivery after about 12 hours of labor or so. not even much tearing. i did need an epidural because of the pitocin but i also stubbornly held off on that for a good while.

DS was big and healthy BUT because he was late, and big, his blood sugar was really low, which set off a nightmarish chain reaction of formula feeding and regular blood draws (for DS) every few hours for days....and threats of the NICU and crap like that. not very nice! finally it all stabilized and we went home and he has been perfectly healthy ever since!

so, in retrospect, (and also learning about how the stillbirth rate truly does rocket up after 42 weeks), i think i might have gotten induced a bit earlier.

good luck and PM me if you want!

[cmoma]

I would definitely get the sweep. It may not work, but like JD said its better than an induction. I think I would also try the acupunture too. Never had it done but well it too sounds better than pit and all the rest of the stuff.

Good luck hope baby comes soon for you and I agree Sun is a still a bit away.

[CookAMH]

No suggestions since I went early with Ezra, but are you doing evening primrose oil to soften your cervix?

I'll be praying for you Laura, for wisdom and for labor .

[Asher]

I agree with accupuncture, accupressure...honestly, I'd try just about anything before a medical induction. I know my accupuncturist says 7 out of 10 women go in labor after she does her thing. If I make it to 41 weeks, I'll probably do it, but I think this bub will come between 40 and 41 weeks so we'll see when the time comes.

Meanwhile, 11 is a great fluid level! That's not low. 8-18 is "normal" so 11 is good. It's expected to decrease some late in pregnancy, too. As long as babe and placenta looks good, it sounds like they're just reaching for things.

And, I went from basically NOTHING one day (dilated/effaced) to water break and baby within 2hrs15m so please do not think that lack of dilation/effacement means that babe will not come soon.

[New_Natural_Mom]

Acupuncture really does work, but I would do it after sweeping the membranes. I had acupuncture done to induce labor twice...it got the contractions going, but they didn't have anywhere to go because I was 0 dilated and 0 effaced. It absolutely does work though.

[alegna]

Not in your group, but had to respond. I was in your shoes a year ago (well, no real pressure to induce- I have a way-laid-back homebirth midwife...)

Ds was 43 weeks 5 days. And WAY more newborn-ish than dd was.

Babies come when ready.

-Angela

[Lunaria]

I can understand not wanting to ruffle feathers by going against their policies. But if you feel that the baby and you are fine(and it sounds like everything is great)then refusing induction makes perfect sense. As midwives they should respect your decision, it is only supposed to be their job to give you the information you need to make the right choice for you. I personally wouldn't even go with the 'membrane sweep.' The acupucture sounds like a great idea though Good luck with your decision, it's a tough spot to be in.

[ScootchsMom]

Originally Posted by lightheartedmom

I'm thankful for all the advice and kindness I've received here. You ladies are great. But I do want to say...since I've received quite a few (thoughtful) PM's...please do not send any more stories about stillbirth or babies dying. I seriously don't need that additional stress. I know everyone means well, but there's definitely a line to what's helpful.

Whoa, seriously? People are PM'ing you with this cr*p? Not what you need right now, and not helpful at all. I'm : for you!

Anyway, I would try the sweep. I was only slightly dilated with DD, let the OB do a sweep and went into labor that night. It shouldn't send you into labor if you aren't ready.

[Marlet]

: I don't understand "helpful" horror stories. There is nothing helpful about them. I can't believe people are pming you that!

Maybe ask your mw to do the sweep in the way my pm told you? Couldn't hurt. Hope you have your babe soon and without a lot of hassle!

[lightheartedmom]

Yes horror stories...I know everyone means well though, so I don't really fault them...just...pregnant mamas don't need to hear that stuff.

I think I"ve decided to do the membrane sweep tomorrow. I've been having very mild ctx most of the day and I think that maybe just a little nudge will help get things started.

Thanks for all the kind words!

[mandalin24kd]

Not in your DDC.

Don't let them bully you into a majority or statistic. Do what feels right. Follow your instincts and what needs to happen will happen. The outcome is yours to determine even if it's not what you anticipated.

[octanebeetle27]

I don't have anything new to add, just wanted to say good luck and I hope the membrane sweep throws you into labor! And that I'd do the accupunture/pressure deal too--can't hurt and in the event you do end up getting induced you will know you did all you could do (and who knows--if you get induced it may go really well and you can labor/birth just as you would if things had started up all on their own!!).

[Asher]

Originally Posted by lightheartedmom

I'm thankful for all the advice and kindness I've received here. You ladies are great. But I do want to say...since I've received quite a few (thoughtful) PM's...please do not send any more stories about stillbirth or babies dying. I seriously don't need that additional stress. I know everyone means well, but there's definitely a line to what's helpful.

Seriously?! I cannot believe anyone would think that was okay or helpful!!! :

[cmoma]

Originally Posted by lightheartedmom

I think I"ve decided to do the membrane sweep tomorrow. I've been having very mild ctx most of the day and I think that maybe just a little nudge will help get things started.

Thanks for all the kind words!

Hope those ctx are still around! Good Luck with the sweep today!

[seraphim0517]

Hey just wanted to offer some support. My first was my only hospital birth, I simply told them I would not induce without a valid medical reason, and a day on a calendar was not one. He arrived at 42+1 just perfect, it was the right time for him. my Dr. at the time didn't even suggest doing an NST till over 42 weeks. I would personally not go for the swepping because of the risk of PROM and getting put on the clock, but that is me. Hope all goes well, and they will get here eventually

[mysticmomma]

Please let a mod know about those pm's.

[JD5351]

Crossing my fingers for you that today is effective!

[mamaw/two]

Hi, just wanted to wish you luck with the sweep. I have had that work twice for me. I have also had two babies born at 42 1/2 weeks and were perfect term babies, don't let anyone scare you into an induction that you don't feel is necessary!
Also, if baby is not ready the sweep won't work, I had it done last week at 40wks 6 days and it didn't work...thinking about getting it done again today. I had a medical induction with my first and would so much rather prefer the membrane sweep to pitocin!