What happens if my pregnancy goes past 40 weeks? Will they induce me?

In modern obstetric practice, induction is common-place and the number of women who are induced has risen dramatically in recent years, going from 21% in 2010 to 34% now. So, what has happened during that time? Have our bodies suddenly forgotten how to birth? It seems unlikely. However, the dramatic increase means that more and more women are facing the decision on whether to wait, or to be induced. Here we look at some of the things that are often overlooked when it comes to induction.

There is no standard day for induction

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to the timing of induction. Different hospitals and healthcare providers adhere to varying timelines. While one hospital may want to induce you at 40 weeks and five days, another may be happy to wait until 41 weeks and two days. This demonstrates the subjective nature of induction. Maybe it’s not as urgent as you think it is.

The day you’re given could change

This uncertainty around induction is further exacerbated by the unpredictable nature of scheduling. The likelihood is, you will be given a date for your induction but they’ll ask you to phone up on the day to find out when to go in. If there is a lack of beds or staff, you may be told you need to wait until the next day and do the same thing. If this happens to you, maybe your induction isn’t that urgent. Of course, if you feel there are any issues which need attention, please let your midwife or a hospital know and insist on being seen.

Induction can take a while

Unfortunately, the day you are induced probably won’t be the day you meet your baby. It could still be several days before they arrive or before labour even begins. Particularly for first-time mums, it’s not unusual for induction to last several days. When I had my daughter, I was induced on Thursday and she didn’t arrive till Monday morning. This is where hypnobirthing techniques can really help increase the oxytocin which is such an important part of labour.

You’re more likely to need help

If you are induced, you are statistically more likely to end up having what is known as an “assisted delivery” or even an unplanned c-section. This means that your baby will need some help making their exit and this usually comes in the form of this like a suction cap (venteuse) or forceps. The risk of this is significantly higher than if you go into labour naturally. Understanding this possibility is crucial for expectant mothers when they’re weighing up the risks and benefits of induction and unfortunately, it’s something that you’re often not informed about beforehand.

You can stop induction

Even if you choose to be induced, you can also choose to stop the induction process at any time. This is where a hypnobirthing course can help you look at alternative options or use decision making techniques to help you assess your options. At the end of the day, it is your body and if you are not happy with how things are progressing you have options. Depending on the urgency, you can either ask for a c-section or simply ask to go home to await natural labour. It is your choice.

You can say no

Above all, induction is always a choice and you do not need to say yes. Doing one of my courses can help you decide on whether induction is right for you and the risks and benefits associated with it. You have the right to decline induction if you feel it is not right or necessary for you and your baby and your hospital should work with to look at other options such as increased monitoring or a c-section. In all likelihood, if they feel your baby needs to come out urgently, they’re more likely to be offering you a c-section in the first place.

My courses aim to inform you of the risks and benefits associated with induction and help you decide whether induction is right for you and your baby. As someone who has been induced twice, I have first-hand experience of having to make those decisions and would never attempt to sway someone one way or the other. By shedding light on the facts surrounding induction, we empower mothers-to-be to make informed decisions regarding their childbirth experience and embrace the journey into motherhood with confidence and clarity.

If you would like more information on induction, check out Sara Wickham’s website and books.

If you would love to work with me, you can check out my group courses here or email hello@fionadeans.com for information on one-to-one courses.

Featured