To Induce Or Not To Induce...
Friday, January 20, 2006
The last few days have been full of discussions on weather or not to induce labor at 38 weeks. Hubby and I have had countless conversations and even asked family members for their opinion.
The funny thing is that I was secretly thinking I wanted to induce but I thought Hubby would be against it because he wants the baby to be as big as possible. As it turns out, he also wanted to induce, but didn't want to tell what to do - especially if it would cause a more difficult labor. How sweet huh? We finally figured out that we both wanted the same thing and decided to make the induction appointment with the understanding that we could always cancel it.
Reasons Not To Induce:
1. Pitocin causes intense labor and it will probably be more painful than a natural labor.
3. The risk of needing a c-section increases with induced labors.
Reasons To Induce:
1. The doctor feels comfortable with us inducing at 38 weeks because the baby's lungs will be fully developed and beyond that point, we're waiting for problems.
2. The baby will be slightly smaller and may be easier to deliver (I have very narrow hips and my mother had a horrible time delivering me).
3. Taking the baby two weeks early will lessen the pressure she's puts on my heart (long story).
4. Our doctor will be able to deliver the baby.
5. We have some aspect of predictability and can better plan for the geneticist to meet us at the hospital for an evaluation.
Okay, I know the last two are pretty lame excuses and by themselves can't justify an induction, but they are benefits that we are considering on top of the main reasons.
The induction is scheduled for February 7th. I'll go in on the 6th for the hormone that soften the cervix. They'll keep me overnight, strapped to the monitors and start the pitocin in the morning. I think we made the right decision because as soon as I scheduled the appointment, I felt soooooo much better.
posted by Avorie @ 8:08 AM,
5 Comments:
-
At 10:01 AM,
Reesh said...
-
Wow! Well at least you can totally plan around that particular day and don't have to play this strange waiting game we're playing now. If our baby actually arrives on time we'll have our babies on the same day!
-
At 10:21 AM,
AnnaBana said...
-
Oh my goodness! That is so soon! You must be so excited. I think you made a good decision, especially because you feel so good about it. The possibility of a little more difficult labor is a small price to pay for a healthy baby--and mommy!
-
At 11:07 AM,
Isabel said...
-
(I e-mailed you before I read your post...)
It sounds like you guys have thought about your options and made the best choice for your little family. That is all that matters.
I wish you nothing but the best of luck (and much sleep) until February 6th. -
At 12:01 PM,
Erika said...
-
I think it's a great decision. It's one way to hold onto SOME control, and I think all your reasons are good!!
-
At 1:51 PM,
Corinne said...
-
that's awesome!! That's so soon.. and I'm so jealous!! You know when exactly you're going to deliver! Me, it's just a guessing game. :) Congrats... and good for you for making the best decision for youreselves
