QuestionThis is my first child and i am getting closer to my predicted due date of Febuary 8th and i went to see the doctor this past week and he stated without any explaintion that he wanted to induce me and to have my child on the 5th. So far he has stated that my cervix is soft, i have not started to dilate yet, and the baby has not decended yet...now i am excited about being able to have her but at the same time i am not excited about the chemicals used to induce and the baby's safety in regards to coming out earlier than my body wants her too ... i am very conflicted and could use some solid advice...Thank you
AnswerUnless there is a clear medical indication for an induction, this could be risky for both you and the baby. Induction automatically raises your risk of a c-section for "failure to progress" to as high as 50%. Your baby is not ready to be born if labor has not started on its own, and so your body may fight the induction and try to keep the baby inside. Also, by forcing your baby to be born before time, you are increasing the risk of breathing and feeding problems. Normal gestation lasts 37-42 weeks. Some babies truly need those last two weeks, and this is not abnormal, but just a variation of normal.
Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more common for doctors to induce babies at or near term for many reasons, none of which are backed up by concrete medical evidence. If you have any doubts at all, you have every right to refuse the induction, or at least ask your doctor for specific reasons and evidence to back them up. Good luck, and congratulations in advance on your new baby!
