Would you wait or have an induction?

I am 39 + 1 and was offered an induction earlier by the consultant due to numerous episodes of reduced movements throughout the duration of my pregnancy. Despite this, I am healthy, considered low risk and there are no concerns about the health of the baby (growth, placenta and heartbeat have been fine throughout). I was originally at risk of preterm delivery and had steroid injections at 28 weeks, however this turned out to be a false alarm due to the inaccuracy of the test. As I have mainly heard negative stories about induction, I declined, and instead requested a growth scan which I am due to have tomorrow. It has however been playing on my mind that perhaps I should accept an induction rather than wait. My main concern is the risk of stillbirth! What would you all do in my situation? Would you wait or have an induction?

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If I’d had numerous episodes of reduced movements then I would probably take the induction to get the baby out so I know they are safe and I could stop stressing about the reduced movements x

I would have the induction because remember at the end of the day all that matters is that your baby will be safe once out!

I was in the same position. Had a really healthy pregnancy but got gestational diabetes at 35 weeks, monitored my sugars and they were fine with not any need to change diet. I was against induction but got to 40 weeks and still no sign after couple of sweeps. I had a growth scan and all perfectly fine but they still recommended induction due to the diabetes. Very difficult to go against medical advice even though everything was fine. I went ahead with the induction. Not the greatest of experiences but perfectly healthy bubba which is all I could have asked for. You do what you feel is right, there is no wrong answer in my opinion.

I agree with Letitia. If you’re having multiple occasions of reduced movements, there may be a reason for it that the doctors haven’t picked up on so personally I feel it would be safer for baby to come out earlier and I think that’s what I would do. I saw a post earlier about a mother’s experience with reduced movements. I will try to post the link if I can

The comment from Bethany is the one I’m referring to https://www.peanut-app.io/share/kgE91lI0sJb

We've been recommended to have an induction since pretty much the early stages of our pregnancy due to having low papp a (which I'd never even heard of). I think because I was told so early on, that's all I've known and now I couldn't imagine an induction not being an option for us. All I can say is although there are negative stories out there, there are also sooooo many positive ones. Everyone's birth story is going to be different and an induction/no induction could lead to a positive/negative birth, we don't really have that much control over what will happen. I would likely take the advice you're being given and put your trust in the fact that you're in the best hands possible, regardless of how positive/negative your birth journey ends up being.

Wait. I was induced before and it was the worst thing I've ever experienced. The contractions for me were so stop and go, I got body chills and puked. I had the pill you put in your cheek for it. Then I got an epidural which took away most of that other than the chills, BUT then the epidural paralyzed me and I was so anxious and uncomfortable. I couldn't win 😅 I'm going to try and go natural no help for labour if I can. But I apparently don't seem to react well to meds. Not saying I'll go un medicated, I'll take what I can before I try an epidural again. But would rather I go in to labour without help haha

You could get them to check how dilated you are so you know if induction is likely to work? You could also go in for daily monitoring for the next week to reassure yourself baby is okay and give your body a little longer to go in to labour?

I’d personally wait a little while longer, if possible. I had an induction last week and had a horrible labour experience as a result of the pessery. But your choice entirely. Everyone’s experience is different xx 😊

Maybe ask for some sweeps instead?