Induction

I was reading on another forum that "the doctors have to induce you at 42 weeks and they won't let you go over no matter what". I'm not looking for a debate on whether going over 42 weeks is safe or not but some info on whether the doctors HAVE to induce you and how forceful they will be at trying to convince you to sign off on an induction would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

You can say no. It is your body. However if they think there is a problem with you or the baby then they will push it and explain why it needs to be done. Many mums carry to 43+ weeks and deliver healthy babies, each mum is different in how long they need to "cook" each child. If you feel comfortable continuning until baby is ready then do it.

No-one can 'make' you agree to a medical treatment, except in extreme circumstances (like if you're life is at great risk or if you aren't right in the head- sorry couldn't think of the PC way of putting that lol)

However you will get a lot of pressure in the form of 'we highly recommend'- remember this is NZ and they only have your and your babies best interests at heart. Going over 42 weeks increases the chances of still births as the placenta starts breaking down from 41 weeks.

Of course, it all depends on how healthy you and baby are, and what your preferences are. My baby was 18 days overdue- which was 4 over the '14 day rule'. I was/am young, and healthy, and possibly could have gone another day over but was developing pre-eclampsia. For some MWs or obstetricians, the minute I started developing PET they would have been inducing me but because I had a supportive MW, was aware of the risks, and was very proactive if something did go down hill, the fact that I was strongly opposed to being induced meant I was able to put off the induction for awhile.

In the end I needed inducing anyway, and even though I was so far over, my body showed no signs of being ready for an induction. MW said I must be on of those women who's body likes to over cook babies! The placenta was surprisingly good nick as well, so if I were able to have another natural birth I would probably go a bit over 42 again.

Just be open with your MW and clear about what you want. You never know, you might reach 40 weeks and be so uncomfy that you are counting down the days til an induction lol!

I was induced at 41 weeks through choice. (after that DH could not have been there due to work). When he was born the plavcenta had started to break down and he had to be on oxygen for 30 minutes or so. He was fine but the doctors on seeing the placenta said he would not have been okay for much longer as in days not weeks.
If he had developed a problem it would have meant a c section. As for inducing me, they put some cream on my cervix in the hospital and within an hour I had gone into labour. Sometimes people get scared by the idea of an induction when in actual case it is the safest alternative.

All you can do at the time is way up all of the options and decide what is best for you and your baby. Make sure you are really clear on your dates and listen seriously to the advise of the doctors as they have alot of medical training and experience and they only have your best interests at heart. Also ask yourself if I don't take there advise and baby developes a problem because it is over due, how will I deal with that?

Good luck with everything. Hope you have a happy healthy bubs and a positive experience.