I had an induction at 38 weeks due to preeclampsia. My ob told me at the time that there was in increased risk of c/s at the time, but we didn't really have a choice, except elective c/s. It did end in a c/s but due to my bp etc, not the induction itself.

I agree with Leasha; it is painful quickly. Also, because my cervix was not ripe, I required the prostoglandin gel to make me dilate. This meant more cervical assessment and things/hands being stuck up there more than if you go into labour spontaneously. I would imagine that at 39 weeks with your first there is a good chance your cervix would not be favourable, and that makes your chances of success lower. I was allowed to walk around while it was just the gel, but once you are hooked up to the drip monitoring is required.

Besides the risks and discomfort for you during labour, there are risks for the baby. It is quite possible that your baby won't really want to be out until about 42 weeks, so you would be taking them out weeks early. It is much better for them to be born when they are ready, not when mum has had enough.
Not having gone into labour myself the first time made the second time around more stressful too, as I didn't know what to expect; how many weeks would I have gone to? would it have been a long labour? Would I lose my plug/ have my waters break early? Basically all the stresses of a first time mum were mine again the second time round when I felt like I should know what I was doing.


I would recommend waiting to go into labour yourself unless there is a problem with the pregnancy going any further. My second pregnancy I went into spontaneous labour and it was a much better experience. We all get impatient, just hang in there. It will be worth it in the end.