Being induced for convenience, is it wrong?

Question

My husband and I moved last year to TN form OH. We have two daughters, 4 and almost 2, and little boy due March 27. But we don't know anyone whom we would trust to keep them while we are having our new baby. No one in our families can drop everything at the first contraction to come here and help with our daughters. My mom has a weeks vacation, that she can take at any time after Jan. but has to put in for it ahead of time. I have talked to my doctor whom said that with this being my third child, he would feel better inducing me a week before, so it is set for March 21st, because of our situation. My question is has anyone done this? Or do you feel it is wrong for us to have the pregnancy induced just because it is convenient for us and our family? Thanks!

At the time of being induced I will be over 39 weeks, so everything should be fine with the baby.

Answer 1

You are not being induced out of "convenience." You are benign induced out of necessity! If you were doing things because they were convenient, you'd let things happen naturally. THAT would be convenient, but you don't really have that option. So, you are doing what you need to do to take care of your family AND you aren't doing it--or wanting to do it--so early that it would hurt the baby in any way.

I understand a little of what you're going through. Two months after my son was born, they discovered something on my thyroid that was finally diagnosed as cancer. I had to have one side removed and then a week later when the cancer was confirmed, I had to go in and have the surgery again. Sometime that June, I had to have a radiation treatment that made me "radioactive" for two weeks and I had to be away from everyone. My in-laws had to come up from Florida to take care of my son and I had to move in with my dad who stayed on another floor from me. I know how difficult these decisions can be.

I commend you for making this tough decision to do what's best for your family! They are lucky to have a mom like you! Good luck!

Answer 2

There is nothing wrong with inducing labor. Your child will be anything but convenient for the rest of your life. This is the last chance you'll get to do things the way you want them done. I had both my second and third children induced b/c my first almost died due to my doctor's blunder. I ended up w/an emergency C-section and a child in intensive care on a respirator. I hand- picked my doctor's for the next two on the criteria that they did things my way. This is your body, your child, and your decision.
Anyway, w/three children (that's how many I have too), you are simply getting a jump start learning how to balance the lives of that many people with as little interuption for the others as you can manage. I think you are thinking correctly and headed in the right direction. It only gets more complicated from here and its your job to make it all look easy. Don't feel bad or like you need anyone's permission - YOU DON"T - You are the MOM!!!!!!

Answer 3

I don't think it is wrong at all. I was induced on my first and third child. It helped take the stress off of waiting for that all knowing "It's Time" moment, however, sometimes the baby comes early, so even the most planned event can happen early. Good luck

Answer 4

If it was just because, then yes. But in your situation, I totally sympathize. Better to know your children are safe than to keep waiting and be stressed at the birth. Sometimes things just happen that make the situation more difficult. And being a week early, you are more likely to not deliver until the induction. So don't feel guilty. You are putting the best interests of ALL your kids into this choice.

Answer 5

I'm not sure that your induction would be for conveneince or rather for necessity? You have two other children to consider and if there is no other time for anyone to care for them, you have to put those needs into your pregnancy needs also. I would urge you to research all the pros and cons of induction rather before you decide to schedule one, that way you are fully aware of the decision you are making and can make it with confidenc. Also, have you considered allowing your children in on your birth experience? My children were about the same age and witnessed the birth of our 3rd baby. It was exciting to them and they felt more connected with their baby sister than I think they would have if we just showed up from the hospital with her. Just a thought, but the ultimate decision is yours. Good luck.

Answer 6

Don't beat yourself up about it. There is nothing wrong with wanting to induce. I mean..what can you do? You have to have someone you trust care for your kids and if you can plan your birth, and have Moms come out on her vacation...I say do it. It won't hurt your baby and this was the advice of your doctor!

Answer 7

In my opinion this is a decision that you and your hubby need to make together due to the circumstances. I don't think that any one will condone you dur to induction. In my thinking this is the best hting to do in you situation. I have already scheduled my c-section for march as well but if I go into labor before then I will try to have a VBAC , so I totally understand. You go for what is right for your family.

Answer 8

"Wrong"...I don't want to say that. You situation is tricky, however - induction for your convenience takes the magic (the very last of it) away. I'm not a fan of induction, or of interfering with delivery. Babies come when babies come and rarely do they consider what our needs are.

The general rule for delivery is that the more intervention you have in a birth...they more intervention you will NEED.
Your Doctor was trained to do c-sections and he knows that every time he interferes with your delivery its one step closer to a c-section. Your Dr. feels better inducing you because he is in control...not you. My advice is to make you own choices and allow the God's to decide the 'convenience' of your birth.

Answer 9

I am not a supporter of inducing for convenience. I feel that nature intended for us to be pregnant until birth statrted naturally. However, I do understand that you are in a difficult situation with child care. Perhaps you could have someone come to the hospital with you and your husband to care for the children in the waiting room. That way you and husbabnd could monitor their care and all be in one place. It is not bery practical, I know but it is a suggestion.

Answer 10

As of 38 weeks, the baby is fully developed. I think it is reasonable to be induced a week early for that reason.