Hi there, I am new to this forum, but am thrilled to have finally found it!

After doing a lot of reading from this particular thread tonight, I have decided that you seem like very wise women, so a little advice would be great.

I am pregnant (approx 26 weeks) with my fourth baby (you would think I would be an expert by now hey!!!) Anyway I have been induced with all three of my previous pregnancies (all over due, big for dates blah, blah, blah). In all fairness to myself they have been biggish babies (9-10lbs), but I have had no troubles birthing them (except the first, but that is a long story, and I still got him out in the end!!!)

My main predicament is talking with the ob's at the hospital. I am a public patient, and I feel completely helpless, intimidated, and powerless up against the ob's. The last ob I saw wrote on my notes without discussing with me "not to go beyond 7 days overdue" (or something like that). How can I explain to them in the nicest possible way that I would be happier going to 42 weeks to see if the baby arrives on its own. I am not a pushover, I just get scared when they start with the scare tactics. And I do not want them to "have it in for me" once I am in the labour ward. I have not had good experiences with any ob's in the labour ward and on the whole they have been completely unsupportive and unhelpful. I hate causing trouble, but I know in my heart that I do not need to be induced for fear of having a big baby.

None of the previous babies have ever come out looking overdue (despite being up to 12 days past the EDD). I am sure I just have bigger than average babies, that are not overdue. Is it possible that some women can go beyond 42 weeks and it still be OK? Why are the ob's so scared of big babies? Surely having done it 3 times before is a positive indicator of my abilities.

I am not in actual fact opposed to induction or any other sort of medical intervention, I just want it to be for the right reasons.

Can GP's act as go-betweens?
Can I suggest monitoring of the baby once I go 7 days overdue?
Does my questioning "authority" get written in my notes, will I always be classed as a "troublemaker" if I have more children?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this and I am looking forward to hearing some inspirational replies!!!