Percocet and Labor at 40 Weeks Pregnant: What to Know

Question
I am 40 weeks pregnant today and I have to take percocet for an injury to my shoulder and ankle.  I am taking about two a day.  I have not had any contractions or lost my mucus plug.  I am dilated 2 cm though.  My Dr is making me wait until my 42 week to induce.  Could the percocet be causing me not to go into labor?

Answer
Percoset will not prevent you from going into labor.

I know it's very difficult at the end of pregnancy to wait to go into labor on your own - I have 5 children myself and I remember how hard those last days of pregnancy can be.

If you induce, you are increasing your chance of a cesarean by 50%.  Also, your labor will probably be more difficult and more painful, so it is actually a good thing for you overall that your doctor won't induce before 42 weeks.

The chances that you will go into labor on your own in the next two weeks is very very good, and the percoset will not prevent that from happening.   

Hang in there!!

Dorothy H, LCCE