RFM 39 weeks - suggested induction.
Hi mums, I could really use some input.
Yesterday I was 39+3 and went into hospital due to reduced fetal movements. I was put on the CTG and thankfully baby started moving well pretty quickly, and the monitor went green. But the doctor still recommended induction, saying they routinely offer it after 39 weeks as baby is “probably safer out than in.” They also mentioned that they can’t really determine the exact cause of reduced movements and seemed to suggest it’s better to be cautious — which I totally understand is part of their protocol, but I also feel like it’s partly to cover their backs.
I had a sweep 3 days ago that didn’t work, and then another sweep yesterday while in hospital. I was told I’m less than 1cm dilated, cervix is soft and starting to come forward, but still not fully forward. They booked me in for an induction today (I’m 39+4 now), and I just feel like it’s all a bit rushed, especially since I haven’t even reached my due date yet (due on Tuesday).
What’s really getting to me is that I feel disheartened — I’m so close to my due date, and I’m barely dilated at all. It makes me feel like my body isn’t ready and this induction will end in a long process or a C-section, which I’m honestly really scared of (though of course I’d have one if needed to keep baby and me safe). I just hear so many stories of failed inductions starting from an “unfavourable cervix,” and I’m worried that’s the path I’m heading down.
Would love to hear from anyone who’s been in a similar situation:
• Did you have a successful induction even with little to no dilation?
• Has anyone gone into spontaneous labour around this stage after showing no signs?
• Any tips or reassurance welcome — just feeling really unsure and emotional.
Thank you so much 💛
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Hi I had a really similar situation with my first pregnancy. I had reduced movements at 39+3 and got induced at 39+5. I didn't really know what to do either but felt like maybe it was better to just get things moving. I also had no signs of labour or any dilation at that point. The night before I went in I didn't sleep that well and had some cramps but I thought it was just nerves and when I went in to be induced they put me on the monitor and it actually showed I had started regular tightenings but they weren't painful yet. I had one pessary about 1pm, by 4pm I was feeling contractions, by 10ish I was 4cm so was moved to the labour ward. My son was born around 5am by forceps because he wasn't moving after pushing for over an hour. I think though that was more to do with the size of his head than the induction but it's obviously impossible to say! So the recovery etc wasn't great as I had a lot of tearing but I didn't have a negative experience of the induction I'd say!
I was in a similar position except I was induced for gestational diabetes at 40+1. I had a sweep and they said I wasn’t dilated and cervix was so high up they only just managed to perform the sweep. Sweep did nothing for me so was induced the next day. I won’t go into all the details but had my son vaginally at 40+4, however in hindsight my body was just not ready at all. It’s such a hard decision when medical professionals are advising and your natural instinct is to take their advice, but only you know what is right for your body at this time (I know, not helpful). If movements are still off I would personally agree with doctor that baby is best out than in at this point. Good luck x
I had an induction with my daughter at 38 weeks due to preeclampsia. My cervix was completely closed when they checked and I had the pessary inserted. The whole labour and birthing process for me went really well, from the moment they inserted the pessary to the moment she came out was 12 hours total. It’s not all doom and gloom! X
Hey! I’ve had 2 sweeps with movements - my midwives actually informed me yesterday they can perform
Another sweep whilst inducing too long as it’s within the time frame!
I’m going in in literally 30 mins to start induction but difference is I’ve dilated to nearly 3cm already but not even aware really! Just twinges here and there xx
Hi!! I'm currently in hospital being induced at 37 weeks.
I had an induction booked for next Thurs cause I've got diabetes. I fought the idea of induction for a long time after eventually accepting that it was indeed safer all round.
Anyway, went to the hospital for monitoring on Thurs cause I was having blood sugar issues which is an indicator of placenta issues, and they said they wanted to induce me that night which was terrifying as I felt even further away from physiologically being ready.
First exam - cervix hard, posterior, closed
Pessary went in for 24 hrs and I had quite bad cramping but it was manageable.
2nd exam after 24 hrs - cervix soft and starting to dilate but not enough to break waters so was given my first dose of gels. Towards the end of the 24 hrs the cramping went away and I felt loads better. The gel didn't cause any cramps for me which was a huge relief.
3rd exam, 6 hrs later - 1cm dilated so second dose of gels given.
4th exam happening this afternoon and hopeful for more progress! Good luck with whatever you choose!
I had reduced movements with my son from about 25 weeks until 38 weeks. It was awful and so mentally draining. I had an induction at 39weeks & was only 1cm when I was admitted…. he was born at 39+2 with an assisted delivery as his head was facing wrong way. Had pessary twice, then all kicked off without further need for intervention 😊
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