Induction

I was advised against membrane sweep as a first time mom when I was pregnant with my son because they are quite unsuccessful for first time moms. Also, have you had an ultrasound recently to confirm baby is in position? I was told for months my son was head down and in fact he was not when I went in for induction at 42.5 weeks we found out he was breached and scheduled a C-section. He was 11.5lbs 🫠

Thanks for your reply 😊 I’ve had a few scans and he’s been head down since about 30 weeks consistently, did you have a planned c section? How was it? (If you don’t mind sharing) x

I was 5ft 2 and my baby was measuring big scanning 9lb 5 at last appointment. I got a sweep around 38wk around Christmas period it done nothing. 30th jan they brought me in give me another sweep and started the induction process balloon and pessary. I didn’t dilate any further and developed sepsis prob from all the poking and prodding down below and ended up emergency section. She was born 8lb 10oz. Big baby for my size but as you said both you and your partner are tall. I would try to hold of intervention as long as you can due to possible complications from it

You might like to have a look at the NICE guidelines for suspected "big baby", they don't say that you should have an induction just because you're predicted to have a big baby. I would ask specifically what they're inducing you for/to avoid? Because there is no difference between induction and spontaneous delivery in terms of peri-natal death, injury from shoulder dystocia, or emergency c section. There is an increased chance of third and 4th degree tears with induction in suspected big babies than spontaneous delivery. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng207/chapter/Recommendations https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/five-questions-to-ask-if-youre-offered-induction-of-labour/ https://www.sarawickham.com/articles-2/induction-of-labour/

I personally don’t believe baby size is a reason for induction. I’ve witnessed 10lb+ babies be born with no complications and no tearing, no intervention required. Like you said, you and partner are both tall so a larger baby is to be expected - especially since baby’s femur (leg bone) is used to estimate the fetal weight. I always say to women if you go for an induction, you need to be absolutely sure that it is what you want and 100% aware of all the risks and statistics involved, and don’t allow people to scare you into it

I would not do the membrane sweep if i were you thats what I ended up doing at it helped with nothing the only thing it did was cause so much pain. You do you but from experience i would never do it again its very painful and doesnt help half the time.

I agree with some of the above girls. Big baby is not a reason to induce/have a sweep. I’m 39 weeks and I’ve also been measuring big. Me and my partner also aren’t the tallest people in the world. no GD either. I declined a sweep and induction and explained I want labour to start naturally (if time allows!) and they just said cool and sent me on my way. Obv if we go all 42 weeks then things will be different but for now don’t feel like you can’t decline! Like you said, scans are never accurate. good luck with whatever you choose and your delivery! xx

I had allll the sweeps and they did nothing and by the time I then got induced (which I personally wouldn't do again unless emergency in which case I'd probably opt for c section) I was so touched out and fed up of being poked and prodded down there

I did have a planned C-section after learning he was breached last minute. We were both healthy although late at 42.5 it wasn’t an emergency to get him out so we were able to get the C-section scheduled for roughly 8 hours after I went in for induction. At first it was the last thing I wanted I was so upset hearing I needed one but honestly it was so quick and easy. I didn’t have to worry about labor pains or vaginal tearing . The only downside is recovery is harder . The first week /week and a half was rough because it’s really hard to get up from lying down. The incision area stays numb for months and that feeling was very weird but I said after the first one I’d 100% do C-section for the next