IYO does this constitute a medical need?

[PeachyKeen]

So back story is I am currently being seen at a perinatologists office. I am 34.5wks pregnant with my 4th child and was dx with chronic hypertension in 2005. It has been well controlled since November 2009 and I am on medication and have had pretty much perfectly normal BP readings every time except for one (fluke I was rushing to get to the doc and they took my bp right when I walked in so of course it was higher than usual).
Long story short I was in for my 34wk check up. BP is fine but I had a tiny bit of protein which the peri was not concerned about. Then she drops the I bomb on me. I had a really bad experience with induction with my first and my third dds so I am adamant about not wanting to go that route and I explain why. I guess its what they do when you have hypertension, they automatically induce at 39wks.
I just need to put this into perspective and make sure I am making the right decision and not taking this too lightly. IMO it really seems unecessary given that other than HG and needing meds to control my hypertension, everything has been, well peachy! I want to make sure that I am doing what is best for not only myself but my unborn daughter as well.

ETA: I should also add I am currently doing NSTs twice a week (to get them off my back at least) and have had several "non reactive" strips.

[MujerMamaMismo]

If you hypertension is well managed and the baby is looking good, then no. I'd be watching the protein too and if a strip test is an issue then request a 24 hour collection and if that comes up clear, then I'd be fighting that induction for as long as possible.

[MegBoz]

Originally Posted by PeachyKeen

I guess its what they do when you have hypertension, they automatically induce at 39wks

I think this sentence is really key here... are they just "erring on the side of caution" and wanting to induce at 39W because "that's what they automatically do"? Or do they really think it's necessary for you?

Could you put it to your peri like that? "But if my BP is controlled, what's the risk in waiting for spontaneous onset of labor? I know the risks in inducing, but what's the risk in waiting?" (& in having such a convo, I'd also emphasis the stress to the baby! I wouldn't mention at all how unpleasant it is for you to be induced because if she thinks you're focused on that, she'll be more likely to just shoot you down (dismiss your concerns & emphasis importance of induction), I would guess.

As an example, for the induction issue, my DS didn't arrive until 41W4d (1st baby). I would guess that while he may have been able to breathe at 39W, I'd be willing to bet he wouldn't have been as strong if we'd kicked him out those nearly 3 weeks earlier. And therefore wouldn't have nursed so well! That kid came out strong as little horse! Had NO PROBLEM getting my supply to develop well. He gained an entire 1# his first week of life & an entire 1# more his 2nd week.

So, again, I don't think he would have had that strength to BF so well 3 weeks earlier. So there's that issue, aside from the whole minor lung development thing.

Best of luck!

[aikigypsy]

It doesn't sound like a medical emergency to me, and you have the monitoring ongoing, to alert you if it becomes a serious emergency.

I resisted induction, wound up having one anyway (at after 42 completed weeks) and kind of wish I'd left it even longer. There's nothing good to say about unnecessary induction.

[PeachyKeen]

Originally Posted by MegBoz

I think this sentence is really key here... are they just "erring on the side of caution" and wanting to induce at 39W because "that's what they automatically do"? Or do they really think it's necessary for you?

Could you put it to your peri like that? "But if my BP is controlled, what's the risk in waiting for spontaneous onset of labor? I know the risks in inducing, but what's the risk in waiting?" (& in having such a convo, I'd also emphasis the stress to the baby! I wouldn't mention at all how unpleasant it is for you to be induced because if she thinks you're focused on that, she'll be more likely to just shoot you down (dismiss your concerns & emphasis importance of induction), I would guess.

As an example, for the induction issue, my DS didn't arrive until 41W4d (1st baby). I would guess that while he may have been able to breathe at 39W, I'd be willing to bet he wouldn't have been as strong if we'd kicked him out those nearly 3 weeks earlier. And therefore wouldn't have nursed so well! That kid came out strong as little horse! Had NO PROBLEM getting my supply to develop well. He gained an entire 1# his first week of life & an entire 1# more his 2nd week.

So, again, I don't think he would have had that strength to BF so well 3 weeks earlier. So there's that issue, aside from the whole minor lung development thing.

Best of luck!

Its just what they do according to her. I found that really ridiculous considering since my transfer to their care I have had perfect bp readings and no other issues that would cause concern.
Thanks for advice on making it about the baby. Do you have any links to websites with specifics regarding the affects of induction on babies?

[mwherbs]

so are the non=reactive strips from the baby sleeping at the time you go in for the testing? how is your baby's growth?
why is the doc recommending a c-section? ask for specifics- what parts of this plan apply to you in your situation ? write down your questions and the next visit set it up to talk- before the exam