Would you induce under these circumstances?

[AcrossTheUniverse]

Originally Posted by Pyrodjm No, I would not induce if the only issue was a suspected large baby. Induction doesn't mean the baby won't still be posterior or face presentation.

I agree. I was in a similar situation with baby #3 and I ended up going into labor at 40w1d and having an 11lb baby. But, his labor and delivery were quite easy, I was surprised he was that big when they weighed him.

ETA: He was born at home and I pushed him out on hands and knees in about 30 minutes. I imagine the pushing stage would've been very difficult had I not been unmedicated and able to get into different positions.

[justineybean]

How scary The induction, and the idea of having a 12 lb. baby, posterior, face presentation. It's so hard to know what to do. Although your other births were difficult, I would say that it sounds like you are able to birth big, healthy babies. I guess you have to weigh the risks to you and your baby if the baby is really large vs. the risks of induction. For me, I would try to wait it out and try my best not to let the u/s and my doctor scare me. I went in for an NST/BPP at 41 weeks and the doctor offered me a c-section just because my baby was suspected to be big. She turned out to be 10 lb. 2 oz. but her birth was perfect and MUCH easier with quicker recovery than my induced birth with DS who was 9 lb. 4 oz. I hope 3 is a charm for you and you get an easier birth!!!

[klevmomma]

I believe that in your circumstances, I would go ahead with the induction.

A lot of people said they wouldn't induce for a "suspected large baby", and I agree with that. But I don't think that you are considering an induction just because an u/s said you'll have a big baby. I think with your history, it is reasonably likely that you will have a big baby. Also, you have the BP and heart issues. It is all these factors together that would make me personally inclined to go ahead with the induction.

Now, having said that, I guess I would also do a few other things. First of all, I would want to know my bishop score. If I weren't favorable for an induction, I'd probably wait 2 days and then re-evaluate.

Additionally, I would also try whatever methods I could to get the baby into LOA position. I would go to spinningbabies and do the exercises they talk about and also read up / print out the materials on what you can do to turn a posterior baby during labor. I would also try chiropractic and possibly accupuncture.

Several others have stated that induction won't do anything about a posterior baby / face presentation, except possibly make those issues worse, and I actually agree with that. But, you sort of have to sets of issues - size/position/SD history AND BP/heart issues.

For these reasons, I would do whatever I could to get the baby in the best position possible, and then I would proceed with the induction as soon as my body was favorable.

Good luck to you, whatever you decided, mama! - it's tough, I know!

[badhayrday]

I didn't answer the poll because I just don't know...I mean you have several factors that would make you a more likely candidate for induction but just because you are induced does not mean your already big baby will be in a better position. You still may have a face up baby and then on top of that you will have MUCH stronger contractions which will be MUCH more painful and also the stronger contractions combined with an unfavorable position for the baby will add more stress to the baby and when your baby doesn't handle those strong contractions well your chances of CS go way up. I am all for everything as natural as possible but honestly if I knew I had to take pitocin again I would seriously consider an epi. I just don't know if I have it in me to do that again. The pain was so much worse than my next two births. That being said an epi is not going to help you push out your baby so probably not a good idea either. Not trying to discourage you just being honest. I wish more people had been honest with me about certain things so I could have prepared myself beter.

Go to the chiropractor and the accupuncturist. The chiropractor can work wonders for helping your baby move into a more favorable position and the accupuncturist is a WONDERFUL way to start your labor without the pitocin. And even if you decide to go with the induction got to the chiropractor and check out spinningbabies.com and try everything in your power to get that baby in a better position. Check into it and good luck!

[eracheld]

I would probably do it. It's only a few days before your edd. And with the chance of Pre-E and all the other things you mentioned, well I just think there are too many things going on to not go ahead and do it. I'm not a fan of induction either but it seems like that would be the healthiest thing for you and your baby. If it were just one of the things on their own I would say know, but with all of them together... it's just not a risk I would feel comfortable taking. GL with whatever you choose!