Is it too soon to ask my doctor to induce labor?

Question

My due date was about a week ago (Nov. 3). I have another doctor's appointment for Monday, the 13th. If I don't give birth this weekend before my appointment, can I ask my doctor to induce labor? I'm in a lot of pain.

At my last appointment earlier this week, I was already 3 cm dialated... so I must be on my way. This baby is killing me! I just want her OUT.

Answer 1

Hi there!!

You poor thing, it sounds like you're getting ready to pop! I'd say there is nothing wrong with asking your doctor if he/she is willing to induce you. Since you've carried your baby to full term and you're a week late there is really no harm in inducing. Good luck girl, and congratulations!! :)

Answer 2

Dont' let people scare you about induction. Yes, they can lead to c-sections, but not always. I was induced because of high blood pressure at 38 weeks...it went fine and I didn't need a c-section. A friend of mine was induced with both her kids (the first for medical reasons, and the second just because she wanted to). If you're past your due date, by all means ask. Doctors differ in their opinions on induction, but in the end it's up to you- you are the patient, it's your body and your baby. These days inductions are relatively safe, and there's the convenience of checking into the hospital and getting settled before you go into labor. Personally, I was thrilled to be induced.

I also wanted to add that if you are already 3 cm dialated, you may very well go into labor on your own...but if not, at 3 cm, an induction should go relatively smoothly for you.

Answer 3

Due dates are only estimates of when your baby will be born. Most doctors will wait until 2 weeks after your due date to induce your labor. The only reason they would do it is for a medical reason. I was 37 weeks and 4 cm. dilated so they went ahead and induced me because of advanced cervical dilation. (I was already in labor anyway and when they did finally induce I was at 6 cm. and 100% effaced but I'd been in labor a long time) Depending on your doctor though, they MIGHT induce if you request, but most doctors won't.

Answer 4

I was induced on my due date. Anywhere from 38 to 42 weeks, the baby is ok. I hope that helps a little. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

yes well and truely i am a midwife usually your doctor will give you the option any babies that begin to become over due say a week plus would be safer delivered any way i have 2 daughters my first was induced on her due date my second was induced two weeks early due to her size 9lb at 38weeks goodluck to you hope everything goes great not long now you must be excited.

Answer 6

Yes, you can. If you're pass 40 weeks, the doctor will recommend inducing labor.

Answer 7

I believe once you are late doctors will induce you, especially a week. Good Luck!

Answer 8

You probably won't have to ask the doctor to induce you. If you're overdue, you can probably, safely bet your bottom dollar that they are going to start talking to you about when you want to schedule an induction.

Good luck.

Answer 9

My doctor has said that he doesn't like to induce until atleast 42 weeks, especially on first time moms. But, it can't hurt to ask...especially if you're in pain.

Answer 10

You can *ask* your doctor to do anything you want. Whether he/she will do it, is completely a different matter. ;)

If you are healthy and not on bedrest try walking around a lot, it may encourage things to "move along". Ask your doctor or the nurses for advice on how to encourage labor.

Have you tried talking to the baby and asking him or her to "vacate the premises"?

Good luck!