Anyone ever refused an induction while pregnant?

[Dustybug]

Has anyone dealt with refusing to be induced when a dr. was really pushing for it?  I'm currently 40 weeks, 4 days pregnant with my 4th child.  I have gone "over" every time (7 days with #1, 10 days with #2, and 6 days with #3).  My first was a medically necessary induction due to a placental abruption, but the experience was rather traumatic and since then, I had decided never to induce again unless it was 100% necessary.  The midwife who delivered #2 and #3 (who was FABULOUS) moved and so after switching doctors 4 times this pregnancy, I settled on the dr./midwife team at the practice I'm at now.  The dr. keeps telling me he isn't going to "let" me go past the 10 day mark, even though I've told him that I could go that long (based on history with #2) and that I do not want to be induced if it isn't completely necessary.  

If I haven't gone into labor by the Wednesday(the 41 week mark), he is going to want to schedule the induction for next weekend.  I plan to refuse, but wondered if anyone had any experience with this? I have had a completely normal, healthy pregnancy with no complications thus far.  My biophysical profile on the baby last week was "perfect" according to the midwife.  I have an NST tomorrow and I don't anticipate any issues.  If you have refused an induction, did the dr. become hostile afterward?  Drop you as a patient?  Pursue CPS charges (I have heard of this happening)?  

[mommymilkies]

Just don't show up if they push it.  I dumped the last doctor who got pushy on me against medical need.  EDD is an estimation, not a timer.  There is no medical necessity, so it is not warranted, given lack of other risk factors.  

[tkdkidsmom]

 The dr. keeps telling me he isn't going to "let" me go past the 10 day mark...

 

 

No experience with refusing an induction, but the dr's attitude really irks me. 

 

Hopefully you will have a stress-free birth whenever your sweet baby is ready.

[*********]

Just don't show up if they push it.  I dumped the last doctor who got pushy on me against medical need.  EDD is an estimation, not a timer.  There is no medical necessity, so it is not warranted, given lack of other risk factors.  

 

What she said.

 

Let him tell you to schedule with the nurse on the way out. Then tell the nurse you'll have to call after talking to your husband, checking your calendar, whatever. Then just don't schedule it. 

 

They can't make you. And if he called CPS, which I think would be VERY unlikely given your uneventful pregnancy, what's he gonna say? Uh, it's my habit to schedule inductions if the mother's gone 10 days past her EDD, and this patient doesn't want to". Um, yeah. Doesn't sound very convincing to me.

 

Don't borrow the "what if he calls CPS" worry. It seems so unlikely; but even if he did, he has NO case whatsoever. 

[Dory]

Up here they'll let you go 3 weeks over before they start pushing a little for an induction. They'll let you go up to a month before they really start insisting on things.

[Sisyphus]

A little horror story to help you, lol. My dates were bad due to wonky periods and we moved and I had no prenatal care until 7 months pregnant. So the pregnancy was dated via ultrasound and I reached my due date. Two weeks before, the dr was pushing to induce because the baby was big. I went into labor on my supposed due date and gave birth to a 35 weeker, barely 4 pounds. If I'd done the induction, he would have for sure landed in nicu. I shudder to think what could have happened, really. It's no ones fault, ultrasound dating and weighing are just not accurate, but pushing inductions for non emergency reasons is just foolhardy IMO.

 

Oh yeah, he was a girl on the ultrasound, too. I swear they looked at someone else's uterus the whole time....

 

I didn't consider the induction because I had a little voice telling me not too. It sounds like you do, too. Listen to it- I wish I had in other circumstances!

[prairiewindmomma]

If you've had an abruption, you shouldnt have an induction outside of medical necessity. Even then, it should just be a water breaking.

 

How did you avoid an immediate cesarean with your previous abruption? My cesarean was immediate as baby was being deprived of oxygen...

[Dustybug]

If you've had an abruption, you shouldnt have an induction outside of medical necessity. Even then, it should just be a water breaking.

 

How did you avoid an immediate cesarean with your previous abruption? My cesarean was immediate as baby was being deprived of oxygen...

 

My abruption clotted.  I had no symptoms(bleeding, etc).  I was already past due (6 days) and went in for an u/s to check fluids, etc.  They discovered the clotted abruption then, told me to go home and get my things and return to the hospital for the induction.  We were quite stunned. 

[Dustybug]

Thank you for your replies.  I do have a little voice telling me not to do this.  I don't think it's unreasonable to ask to wait until the 42 week mark, especially since I have a history of going at least 6 days past the EDD.  The size of the baby isn't a concern either.  Mine have all been near or over 9lbs so far and that has never caused any complications. 

 

This dr. has been rather dismissive whenever I mention that I do not want to be induced.  

[tricia]

Of all 12 of my kids I went past my due date.  Fortunately I had awesome midwives with nearly all of them.  With my 10th child I had a midwife in hospital and obviously working under doctors who normally pulled the strings.  As usual I went over.  About my 3rd day over I started getting phone calls from my midwife.  Finally at a week over she informed me she was talking to me under direct orders of the doc.  Too bad was still my response.  I didn't go through it.  I've birthed at home as well and by the time baby 10 came along I wasn't easily intimidated.  And that is usually what it is.  I refused and she was born healthy.  I'm not suggesting you ignore the advice but I really feel that if your baby and you are handling the pregnancy well then I don't see why you should do their bidding.  Obviously, if things are not going well and baby is stressed then I'm sure you would proceed with what was best.  Best of wishes for you and baby.

[myfunnybunch]

I refused. I told my doctor, fairly nicely, that if he scheduled an induction for me before I hit 42 weeks that I would not show up.

 

I think he wanted to induce because it was so near Thanksgiving. Guess what day my son was born on? :p And we were supposed to have Thanksgiving dinner at my house, too!

 

Cat

[Kakids]

I don't remember being pushed for an induction very much.  I know it was discussed, but I pretty much said I'm not ready yet and they just sent me for NST's.  I agreed to an induction at just over 43 weeks.  It was a bit amusing that when my Dr. met me at the hospital he said he wasn't sure I was going to show up.

[Moxie]

Just be prepared to hear all the "dead baby statistics" from your doctor.

[Halftime Hope]

When I was 10 or 11 days overdue with #3, the midwife sent me for an ultrasound to check the status of the placenta--was it still adequately providing for the baby?  I had to drive 70 miles, so I don't think it was a run-of-the-mill sonogram, there was something special about the provider that did it.  (I wish I remembered more detail.)  Everything checked out fine, but when ds was born at 21 days over, she looked at the placenta and said that it was past it's prime, or something similar that indicated that much longer wouldn't have been good for ds.

 

Something to think about.

[Dustybug]

Just be prepared to hear all the "dead baby statistics" from your doctor.

 

Yes.  I am prepared for this.  Being my 4th time around the block though, I don't think I'll have a problem letting that roll of my shoulder. 

 

When I was 10 or 11 days overdue with #3, the midwife sent me for an ultrasound to check the status of the placenta--was it still adequately providing for the baby?  I had to drive 70 miles, so I don't think it was a run-of-the-mill sonogram, there was something special about the provider that did it.  (I wish I remembered more detail.)  Everything checked out fine, but when ds was born at 21 days over, she looked at the placenta and said that it was past it's prime, or something similar that indicated that much longer wouldn't have been good for ds.

 

Something to think about.

 

I am not opposed to discussing induction if I hit 42 weeks, as I know there are risks after a certain point.  I have gone as far as 10 days past though, so I don't feel it is unreasonable to wait until the 42 week mark.  My dr. seems to think I'm crazy for suggesting this. 

[Susan in TN]

Well, my OB was pushing for an induction at 38 weeks (I had completely controlled GD). I was resisting "somewhat" strongly because my ultrasounds and other tests done indicated that the baby was not large and there weren't any other causes for concern. At my 37 week appt., we went through the conversation again. And then during the exam my OB swept my membranes (i had had this done in a previous pregnancy with my consent, but I didn't realize until I was walking out of the appt. what had happened). My water broke that night.

[VeganCupcake]

Well, my OB was pushing for an induction at 38 weeks (I had completely controlled GD). I was resisting "somewhat" strongly because my ultrasounds and other tests done indicated that the baby was not large and there weren't any other causes for concern. At my 37 week appt., we went through the conversation again. And then during the exam my OB swept my membranes (i had had this done in a previous pregnancy with my consent, but I didn't realize until I was walking out of the appt. what had happened). My water broke that night.

 

Yes, I think it's a good idea to keep your pants on if you really want to avoid anything like an induction. :)

 

I haven't had to refuse an induction, but my first was born at 41+4 and my second at 40+6. I had my care from a midwife and there was no talk of an induction prior to 42 weeks. I did do daily kick counts, though. Both babies were very healthy.

[Coco_Clark]

I refused an induction with my first until a little over 43 weeks. At 40 the doctor shrugged his shoulders, at 41 he got a little cranky, at 42 he flat out said "well, c-sections are easy these days." At 43 I finally gave in, lol, and I had my son vaginally three days later with an induction.

 

My next kids were 42 and 41.5 weekers, no inductions even suggested because I picked a better provider. Good luck!

[tammyw]

My son was born 100% naturally, 14 days past my date. I was heavily pushed into induction to which I flat out refused. At one point they called me at home and I told them I would just have my baby alone, at home. By that point, I was really mad at them, especially for the scare tactics they used on me. I would have chosen a home birth with a midwife, but we were living in NC at the time and home births were illegal.

 

Fwiw, my mom had two boys - one was 2 weeks past date and the other 3 weeks past date. I wasn't worried at all. I was more worried about the complications of forcing a baby out before ready. Interestingly, I recently read an article that pointed to a link between induction and autism in boys. No idea of the accuracy of that, of course.

[LMV]

My OB was willing to induce between forty and forty two weeks.  She didn't like to induce before that unless there was some evidence of fetal compromise (and in general in many of those cases you're better off just getting the baby out with a c-section rather than inducing).  She also liked to induce by forty two weeks because she felt that the risks increased significantly after this point.  Although out of my field, as a physician I didn't disagree with her, so, I was scheduled to be induced exactly at forty two weeks with our last daughter.  I ended up going into labor about twenty four hours before my scheduled induction.  Ultimately, you have to do what you feel is right for your baby, however, if you're comfortable being induced at forty two weeks if you go that far then you might offer to schedule your induction for then.  That might assure your OB that that he won't just be continually debating induction and he may feel more comfortable with the plan.

[Murphy101]

Well, my OB was pushing for an induction at 38 weeks (I had completely controlled GD). I was resisting "somewhat" strongly because my ultrasounds and other tests done indicated that the baby was not large and there weren't any other causes for concern. At my 37 week appt., we went through the conversation again. And then during the exam my OB swept my membranes (i had had this done in a previous pregnancy with my consent, but I didn't realize until I was walking out of the appt. what had happened). My water broke that night.

I had an OB do that to me with one of mine. I was bloody flipping furious bc I had literally told her I did NOT want her to do that. I have very hard very fast labors. I barely freaking made it home, much less had time to call a sitter and have my dh drive me to the hospital. and she didn't tell me she did it either. Her nurse said when I called to say my water broke, "oh she told me to expect your call after she striped your membranes."

 

Omg. I was so pissed. I'm STILL pissed about all the jerk drs and crappy lack of decent medical care I've received over years. Whenever a dr says I seem untrusting, I just say that's based on 18 years of pregnancy and childbirth.

 

So yeah. Keep your pants on.

[beaners]

I did with one pregnancy, and ended up going into labor at 10 days while pushing to wait until 14. The hospital practice midwife was okay with it. In retrospect, I don't know if I wish I'd had the induction.  The labor was fine, but there were a few delivery complications. We've had a couple of specialists suggest CP, and I question if it would have been different or the same if he had been born earlier.  It probably wouldn't have made a difference, but I can't know that. At the time I was glad I waited, and there's no way to have known those complications would have happened.

 

I did have a horrific induction before that, so I understand why someone would want to avoid that at all costs.

 

My 4th child was also an induction (pitocin only), and was actually my nicest birth.  I didn't use any pain meds, and wasn't terribly uncomfortable until the end.  I didn't think it was possible for an induction to be anything other than hell on earth until that point.  So they don't have to be terrible.  I refused to have my water broken, which kind of threw the midwife on call for a loop in front of the students following her that day.  Being able to choose how most of that labor went made a big difference in my mental state.

 

I think one way or another, power over the situation makes it better.  That's a hard thing to come by in labor and delivery.

[homeschoolkitty]

I have refused to be induced.

 

(you can play the re-scheduling game, and be compliant) like my appointment for the biweekcly visits move a couple days one of your apts. even One day would help.

 

I have 4 children, Praise GOD! and the 1st was a horrible induction, baby in NICU.

The next two were homebirths, didn't want to be near a hospital.

the 4th had to be hospital due to money issues, my insurance would not cover the midwifes.

 

SO I had a Nurse midwife with this one. they would let me wait for 2 weeks over due date so long I passed the Non Stress Test for baby.  That is the test I failed to pass with child #1. They want 3 strong, fast heart rate, movements from baby within 10 to 20 min apart. so they naturally schedule me for the time I know my baby was sleeping, most active baby was at night while in utero. Since I could not schedule for an evening, I did the next best thing, FOOD! Orange juice half gallon, Kentucky Fried Chicken, ton of loud instruments and my computer.  We went into the room with all this... We for one REFUSED the BUZZER, a horrible thing that is meant to scare baby awake in utero.

I ate before going to apointment (you know how fast baby feels food after you eat) my kid got his food pretty fast so... ate a chicken breast on my way there, had some grapes and OJ. .... well the office was running late AND lost my appointment so had to wait... and baby was moving so much there in the waiting room. Then put us in the Testing room, I went in ther with my KFC bucket and my half gallon OJ.  and I ate after getting strapped and hubby played annoying toys, but baby was not moving so much, so drank OJ and put my laptop on my belly and as he did everytime, he kicked it off my belly..... it was a game we played... me putting the laptop and everyone waiting how long it would take for baby to move it...

 

I was out of that office in 20 min! Heart rate correlates to placenta working properly. and the heart rate of my baby showed that....my placenta was not as aged as I am. =o) that was friday.

 

So after that appointment I had to go to my next bi weekly apointment...where they suggested me to come and be induced on mon, if id dint' go to labor in the weekend.

 

My placenta did not work, was getting old with my 1st.

 

Baby was born on the Tuesday afer... and to tell you the truth at that time I was soooooo ready to deliver! I induced with couple spoons of an oil... rather go in labor with natural products than to do it with artificial things.... 1st if you are not rippend they will do prostaglandins...(so I used hubby's love instead... same thing) then pitocin a form of hormone... oxitocyn is natural in you and breast stimullation can help, so use your breat pump to help. sadly my midwife said that I had to do it for a few min a the time for 20 min!

 

hope you find this useful, I wish someone would have told me this info... I was a lamb going to the slaughter and I didn't say a pip the first time... felt like getting robbed, you are victimized yet you are so angry about it.

[homeschoolkitty]

I did with one pregnancy, and ended up going into labor at 10 days while pushing to wait until 14. The hospital practice midwife was okay with it. In retrospect, I don't know if I wish I'd had the induction.  The labor was fine, but there were a few delivery complications. We've had a couple of specialists suggest CP, and I question if it would have been different or the same if he had been born earlier.  It probably wouldn't have made a difference, but I can't know that. At the time I was glad I waited, and there's no way to have known those complications would have happened.

 

I did have a horrific induction before that, so I understand why someone would want to avoid that at all costs.

 

My 4th child was also an induction (pitocin only), and was actually my nicest birth.  I didn't use any pain meds, and wasn't terribly uncomfortable until the end.  I didn't think it was possible for an induction to be anything other than hell on earth until that point.  So they don't have to be terrible.  I refused to have my water broken, which kind of threw the midwife on call for a loop in front of the students following her that day.  Being able to choose how most of that labor went made a big difference in my mental state.

 

I think one way or another, power over the situation makes it better.  That's a hard thing to come by in labor and delivery.

 

I didn't let them break my water with any of my children. It is the only cushion that helps baby not to get too much pressure and helps mama too as a cushion. I can't imagine my fist child (from pitocin to birth almost 48 hrs with no pain meds) If the water would have been broken I would have ended in a C section I think.

 

[Shamzanne]

No advice, but I want to say "way to go, Dustybug!" I applaud you for not letting a doctor make decisions that aren't right for your birth.

[Dustybug]

Well, my OB was pushing for an induction at 38 weeks (I had completely controlled GD). I was resisting "somewhat" strongly because my ultrasounds and other tests done indicated that the baby was not large and there weren't any other causes for concern. At my 37 week appt., we went through the conversation again. And then during the exam my OB swept my membranes (i had had this done in a previous pregnancy with my consent, but I didn't realize until I was walking out of the appt. what had happened). My water broke that night.

 

My dr. stripped my membranes without permission at my 38 weeks.  I was livid.  My midwife the next week said that my cervix was so high she couldn't strip them, even if she wanted to, which makes me even MORE mad.  I have my 41 week appt. with the dr. this Wed. and I will NOT be allowing a check. :/

 

My son was born 100% naturally, 14 days past my date. I was heavily pushed into induction to which I flat out refused. At one point they called me at home and I told them I would just have my baby alone, at home. By that point, I was really mad at them, especially for the scare tactics they used on me. I would have chosen a home birth with a midwife, but we were living in NC at the time and home births were illegal.

 

Fwiw, my mom had two boys - one was 2 weeks past date and the other 3 weeks past date. I wasn't worried at all. I was more worried about the complications of forcing a baby out before ready. Interestingly, I recently read an article that pointed to a link between induction and autism in boys. No idea of the accuracy of that, of course.

 

I am in NC.  While I didn't want a homebirth, I do miss my old midwife who was much more laid back about these things.

[mommymilkies]

Inductions can be extremely risky.  I would be VERY wary of a doctor who dismisses your opinion.  This is your body.  

 

FWIW, they told me my ds was "huge" via u/s at the end of my pg because my first was 8 lbs. 1 oz. and they were worried he would be "big too".  Turns out that my edd was waaaaay off-not surprisingly, I was bf and never had a return of menses before I found out I was pg.  I ended up with a horrific induction, a premature baby with neurological and digestive issues, and a seizure and shock from what the induction did to my body.  This is nothing to mess around with.  The risks dramatically increase with non-medical inductions.  Your abruption history is a negative indicator for an induction, first of all, as pitocin increases that risk.  Your cervix being that high is another negative indicator.  That caused them to take over an hour trying to break my water during my induction.  The Bishop Score would show you this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop_score

[Pretty in Pink]

Inductions can be risky and with your history of abruption the risk increases. I don't understand the push for a non-emergency medical induction?

 

I turned down induction with my last baby but made the mistake of allowing my CNM to do a pelvic exam during which she stripped my membranes without asking. If you really want to avoid induction then I'll echo the recommendation of everyone before me and tell you to keep your pants on. Barring complications, there is no need for her to do an internal exam.
 

[kroe1]

As long as you walk into your physician's appointment fully armed with knowledge on the risks and benefits of induction vs. Waiting at 41 to 42 weeks, then your doctor will probably appreciate your decision. If you walk into your appointment with only yours or a friends past experience, then your doctor will feel like he has to educate you on statistical risks. During this "education" many patients feel like a doctor is disagreeing with them when that is not always the case. The doctor just wants you to be making an informed decision based on evidence rarher than passion or romanticism. Waiting may still be what you decide, but the doctor will know that you have weighed all the statistical evidence into your decision.

[IHaveNoIdeawhatIAmDoing]

Just be prepared to hear all the "dead baby statistics" from your doctor.

 

Yup. I got that lecture when they thought my son was going to be over 9 pounds. They told me that he was going to get so big that he would squish the cord and die. He was 10 pounds, 4 oz and he was fine. 

 

 

[Dustybug]

No, he is merely trying to fit me into his schedule. He doesn't care about appreciating my decision.  I had my NST today.  Everything looked great and I only had to stay for about 20 minutes.   Nurse left the room with my results to show the dr.  She returned and said, "He said he'll talk to the mw and see what she wants to do but she can induce you  Th., he can do it Fri., or maybe midwife can do it Monday.  That's Labor Day though, so I don't know if she has plans."  Um, I don't really care if you have weekend plans.  Isn't it your JOB to be on call to deliver babies?  Not to schedule their deliveries in to suit your schedule?  He kept saying he'd give me until 10 days, so I'd really hoped to have at least until then (Sat) before I'd have to have this battle.  I didn't say much to the nurse because what can she do, kwim?  I did say, "Well, I'll be waiting until at LEAST Monday."  Her response was, "I'll mention that to him." I may just cancel my checkup on Wed. to avoid the conversation but DH doesn't really want me to do that.  *sigh* 

[happypamama]

Yup. I got that lecture when they thought my son was going to be over 9 pounds. They told me that he was going to get so big that he would squish the cord and die. He was 10 pounds, 4 oz and he was fine.

Ugh. Stuff like that annoys me so much. You just don't know want a mom can do until she tries. My 8 lb. baby and my almost 10 lb. one were the same size, but the big one just had more chub. Chub squishes.

 

Dustybug, I keep checking in on you. I hope your sweet baby appears soon! I was at the "this baby is never coming out" stage, because I'd been having contractions off and on for two weeks, and then when he did come, it was FAST!

[Pretty in Pink]

I hope your little one comes soon, too. <3

 

I like your idea about just not going in for the next appt. I might just be busy that day and forget.
 

[celticmom]

You could always reschedule your appointment for Friday afternoon. Then it would be inconvenient for his schedule to induce you anytime before Tuesday.

[tammyw]

Induction often creates complications :( it's sad that doctors care more about their schedule than the health of mom and baby.

[MicheleinMN]

Well, my OB was pushing for an induction at 38 weeks (I had completely controlled GD). I was resisting "somewhat" strongly because my ultrasounds and other tests done indicated that the baby was not large and there weren't any other causes for concern. At my 37 week appt., we went through the conversation again. And then during the exam my OB swept my membranes (i had had this done in a previous pregnancy with my consent, but I didn't realize until I was walking out of the appt. what had happened). My water broke that night.

 

I can't even tell you how angry this makes me.  How dare anyone do that to a woman without her knowledge and consent! 

[countrygal]

Maybe you can meet half way and have them check your amniotic fluid every few days via ultrasound and do non-stess tests. Our midwive/drs do an ultrasound every other day if you are over a week over due (so starting day 9) just to make sure there is enough fluid. That's non-invasive other than it takes up some of your time, but reassuring to everyone.

[lexi]

I wish I had..

I did refuse a c-section that I felt was not necessary at all. No regrets on that.

The dr was cranky but I have a cute little one who is just fine and I'm fine too :)

If there's not a medical reason I don't get it. His comment was not appropriate. "Let" you? That would upset me.

[Dustybug]

Maybe you can meet half way and have them check your amniotic fluid every few days via ultrasound and do non-stess tests. Our midwive/drs do an ultrasound every other day if you are over a week over due (so starting day 9) just to make sure there is enough fluid. That's non-invasive other than it takes up some of your time, but reassuring to everyone.

 

This wasn't given as an option.  He has been very much about "if you go past X, then we will induce."  The X was initially 10 days, but now he's talking as soon as Thursday, which would only be 8 days over.  

 

I am supposed to go in tomorrow.  DH doesn't really want me to cancel the appt. but I'm dreading it because of the conflict from me refusing an internal exam and the induction. 

[Pretty in Pink]

This wasn't given as an option.  He has been very much about "if you go past X, then we will induce."  The X was initially 10 days, but now he's talking as soon as Thursday, which would only be 8 days over.  

 

I am supposed to go in tomorrow.  DH doesn't really want me to cancel the appt. but I'm dreading it because of the conflict from me refusing an internal exam and the induction. 

 

Why is your dh opposed to your cancelling the appointment, if I may ask?

 

"Thank you for your advice, Dr. So-andSo. I am going to pass on the internal exam. I'm not comfortable inducing without a serious medical indication. My baby's health is, of course, my utmost priority; as such, I'd be happy to come in every other day for [fill in the blank: ultrasound to monitor fluid levels, NST]. Can I schedule something with your receptionist on the way out?"

 

End of conversation.

 

How are you feeling today, Dustybug?

 

 

[Dustybug]

Why is your dh opposed to your cancelling the appointment, if I may ask?

 

"Thank you for your advice, Dr. So-andSo. I am going to pass on the internal exam. I'm not comfortable inducing without a serious medical indication. My baby's health is, of course, my utmost priority; as such, I'd be happy to come in every other day for [fill in the blank: ultrasound to monitor fluid levels, NST]. Can I schedule something with your receptionist on the way out?"

 

End of conversation.

 

How are you feeling today, Dustybug?

 

 

 

He just wants to make sure the baby is okay since we had the abruption with #1.  I told him that they won't check anything with the baby tomorrow except the heart rate.  I am thinking of calling in the morning to reschedule until Friday to buy me more time. 

 

 

I'm feeling okay.  This anxiety is wearing on me and I'm just tired, which is to be expected. Just waiting!  I'll be 41 weeks tomorrow. 

[countrygal]

This wasn't given as an option.  He has been very much about "if you go past X, then we will induce."  The X was initially 10 days, but now he's talking as soon as Thursday, which would only be 8 days over.  

 

I am supposed to go in tomorrow.  DH doesn't really want me to cancel the appt. but I'm dreading it because of the conflict from me refusing an internal exam and the induction. 

 

Maybe you could ask him about it, but usually if it's the patient's idea (and not his) the doctor says no even if it is good and valid. Doctors like that just burn me. They treat you like you are stupid. A lot of times dates are off. Not everyone ovulates on day 14 (and men who don't have a cycle know more about this than you do!? Sorry, I'm getting sarcastic.)    IMO (for what it's worth) I wouldn't refuse and internal exam if past-due, but I have success with stripping my membranes and going into labor and delivering naturally the next day. Refusing prior to your due-date shouldn't be a problem but they make it into one.   Most importantly, relax! I swear babies don't want to come out if you 're stressed. Hope everything works out well.

[countrygal]

ps- don't forget to fill out the survey about your dr. if they mail you one. I get these in the mail all the time.

[Tangerine]

I have.  I delivered at 41.3.  I did have a midwife in the practice who the doctors just foisted me off on because of my crazy shenanigans like refusing an induction. So I had support within the practice.

[Dustybug]

Maybe you could ask him about it, but usually if it's the patient's idea (and not his) the doctor says no even if it is good and valid. Doctors like that just burn me. They treat you like you are stupid. A lot of times dates are off. Not everyone ovulates on day 14 (and men who don't have a cycle know more about this than you do!? Sorry, I'm getting sarcastic.)    IMO (for what it's worth) I wouldn't refuse and internal exam if past-due, but I have success with stripping my membranes and going into labor and delivering naturally the next day. Refusing prior to your due-date shouldn't be a problem but they make it into one.   Most importantly, relax! I swear babies don't want to come out if you 're stressed. Hope everything works out well.

 

What good is an internal exam even if I'm past due?  I'm refusing it because he stripped my membranes without permission at 38 weeks the last time he performed one.  I don't trust him not to do it again since he tried to tell me it was "routine."   I had my membranes stripped THREE time with #2 and he STILL went to 10 days past my EDD.  The last stripping was 3 days prior to his delivery, so they didn't do anything for me but make me crampy and more uncomfortable. :/ 

[Dustybug]

Many women do not have ANY internal exams until delivery. 

[Caitilin]

I'd reschedule the appt. for tomorrow. No need for you to deal with the additional stress of dealing with Dr. BigEgo; call at 8 am and tell them a family thing came up and you need to reschedule for Friday. :)

 

(The family thing that's come up is you don't think this doc is best for your family tomorrow.)

[VeganCupcake]

Many women do not have ANY internal exams until delivery. 

 

Yup, I have never had any before being in active labor. It really gives you no usable information and I have observed women getting all worked up about it for nothing. Plus, if your amniotic sac is ruptured during the exam, then you're on the clock. Keep that sac intact as long as possible, IMO.

 

It's hard to refuse the exam when most of us feel the need to be "good" patients. Hang in there.

[Pretty in Pink]

Many women do not have ANY internal exams until delivery. 

 

If you are GBS+ then internal exams are contraindicated because of the risk of introducing the bacteria into the uterus. Just FYI.

[Dustybug]

If you are GBS+ then internal exams are contraindicated because of the risk of introducing the bacteria into the uterus. Just FYI.

 

Huh.  I did NOT know that.  I have been GBS + for the last three pregnancies and no one has ever mentioned that.