Induction of Labor at 39 Weeks: Risks and Vaginal Delivery

Question
I am 37 weeks pregnant.  Due to my job I would like to induce at 39 weeks.  However, I do not want to increase my chances of having a cesarean.  Is this a possibility?  I have had 1 healthy delivery that went great.  I was induced the 1st time, but it was on the actual due date.  

Answer
Dear Lori,

There should be no reason why an induction one week prior to your due date should necessarily increase your chances of a C-Section if you had a previous vaginal delivery without any complications. More than likely in the next two weeks your uterus will begin to have some Braxton Hicks contractions to ready itself for labor and delivery anyway. This will be thinning out your cervix and possibly beginning some dilation.

Explain the situation to your doctor. As long as there aren't other factors that would make him/her hesitate to deliver the baby early, an induction should not be out of the question.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you another great experience!

Brenda