TW: IVF pregnancy and birth plan

The study this policy is based on is quite old, there is a review of it online that explains why this is the policy and why it might not be a good way forward for everyone. I really didn’t want to be induced early just based on this study, my consultant said they would still want to induce by 40+5. To try and avoid a medical induction I agreed to start having stretch and sweeps from 39 weeks. My feeling was if I’m healthy and appointments are confirming that the pregnancy is going well and baby is fine, why do we need to rush the baby? In the end I was very lucky and went into labour at 38+5 and baby born 38+6. I did have a stretch and sweep because my waters had broken but contractions hadn’t started, so they got me in to check it was my waters. They offered one then and I said yes and I was booked in for induction the following morning as waters had gone. My contractions started about an hour later. Xx

I'm not as far along as you but considering my birth plan early. I've decided against induction but would consider stretch and sweep. If they can give me a good reason why baby needs to come out early or before my body is ready I will have an elective c section. I don't believe that forcing my body into a process that it's not ready for will be beneficial to me or baby. Also I am autistic and need to cope with pain in specific ways, most induction labours are very quick and contractions are intense without the break that natural contractions have, and without the endorphins that help with pain relief, so that's part of the reasoning.

Here's an article referring to the study @joanna is referring to I think https://www.therealbirthcompanyltd.com/2021/04/28/ivf-and-stillbirth/ And here's a link to the study https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1471-0528.15509

It anything I'd do a cervical sweep to induce and try and walk lots, curb stepping, bounce on exercise ball. Induction with pitocin can be really hard on your labor and the baby. I had mines with a cervical sweep and born at 40 wks 3days no medication. Let baby say when they're ready don't let the doctor pressure you. Best of luck 🤞🏽

Thanks all! Really helpful responses. I agree that the original data seems outdated (and potentially flawed) so will see if I can get some extra monitoring and hold off on an induction. As well as the sweep, walking, sex etc I’ve also been told that acupuncture can help with a natural induction of labour so may also be worth a go