Being Seduced to Induce: What Women Should Know About Their OBs

[Francoise]

Hi Kelly,

Thanks for posting this. I came across this website about two weeks ago when I was 40 weeks. It was completely perfect timing as I was really quite ignorant about all things induction and intervention.

Reading this article encouraged me to spend a good 20+ hours looking into induction and intervention risks versus benefits.

I am 42 weeks tomorrow and baby still hasn't arrived yet. I'm being checked daily at my local public hospital, getting CTG scans and Amniotic Fluid Index level checks. The Doctors and Midwives tell me my AFI levels and baby's heartbeat are all good.

Despite this, since my 41 week check up I've been pressured into being induced.

At my 41 week CTG/ATI test, after saying that the baby had a good heartbeat and a relatively normal (considering gestation age) ATI level the Midwife said...

"Look, everything appears to be okay so it's not urgent but we'll get you in for induction tomorrow".


I turned to my husband and said, "Well honey, I guess we're having the baby tomorrow" (sarcastically)

I then went on to explain to the Midwife and Doctor that I did not want to induce the baby and that I'd see them at my next appointment.

They appeared rather shocked that I wouldn't agree to induce and I spent a good five minutes justifying my position.

My next appointment was at 41 +3 days and was again pressured into an induction. Again, I told the Midwife I wasn't interested. She then said I would have to come back every day until the baby came (naturally) to get the CTG and ATI tests done. I agreed.

The next day, this Midwife was considerably rude to me and actually said out loud that I would have to wait to get my tests done despite the fact I was the first person there at 8am in the outpatients clinic. My husband overheard her saying this whilst pushing my report form to the bottom of the pile.

Absolutely incredible... all because I told her I wouldn't do what she wanted (induction).

My appointment today lasted 2.5 hours.

I was hooked up to the CTG for 1.5 hours and then had to see a Doctor who again... tried to persuade me to induce.

So... my husband and I are incredibly tested atm. We have the 42 week appt tomorrow and no doubt they'll try yet again to book me in for induction.

I'd appreciate any links to testimonies from women who have had babies naturally without induction past the 42 week mark.



It will confirm in my mind that childbirth is natural.


Thanks again.

[onthefly]

Hi Francoise,
My first I was induced at 42 weeks. Second time round I went with midwifery care - we fully expected to have a long pregnancy again adn wanted less pressure.
Well, at 42+1 I decided to have a stretch & sweep, which my midwife performed at my house. (so technically I did have some intervention to bring on labour, but not a full inductino)

We discussed things previously and I decided I would go in for monitoring at around 42 weeks (and likewise would not consider an S&S till then).
So I went to the hospital at 42+2 and everything looked fine. The doc said induction. We said not unless there's a medical reason.
He was very taken aback by this and got a bit flustered! Kept insisting that just because things looked ok now, didn't mean they would still be ok later (of course, I realise that!) and that, well, it's hospital policy (NOT a good enough reason for me!).
Well, as it turned out, labour started that afternoon and she was born the following evening.

It sseems quite a few medical practitioners in maternity care think it's their responsibility to make all decisions etc - and they really get bent out of shape if you try to take responsibility for yourself (as is quite right, in my opinion, since it's your body on the line and your baby!).

The same doctor who was so insistent that we should induce - because it's hospital policy and all - was really good after the birth. I had a PPh and he came in and explained all the options, including all the risks and benefits of each, and gave his recommendation and then encouraged me to think about it and let him know what I wanted. Wow - so once the baby's out I'm suddenly capable of making rational decisions, hey?

Anyway - I hope your baby decides to make his or her appearance very soon and you have a beautiful birth!