Is being Induced hard on the baby?

Question

I was induced with my first (because my water had been broken for so long without going into labor on my own) and she ended up suffering a stroke and some severe brain damage, yes, it does happen, look here for more info on that: http://www.pediatricstrokenetwork.com/
But anyways, they said it wasn't related and could never find out why she had the stroke. My doctor wants to induce me with this next pregnancy on August 23. I will be 39 weeks. He said he wants to monitor me and the baby the whole time and that is why he is inducing. Do you think inductions are harder on babies than going naturally?

My water had been broken for about 32 hours before I went to the hospital, because I didn't know it had broken I thought the baby was pushing on my bladder. He wants to induse the labor at 39 weeks because it is medically necessary. He wants to monitor my entire labor from begining to end to make sure nothing happens to the baby. He at first wanted to have a c-section but I talked him into this. He sais we still may end up doing the c-section (because it is easier on the baby) if the heart rate varies to much. I'm okay with anything as long as baby is okay. Don't want any more children with life long problems. Just want a healthy baby.

Answer 1

Statistics show that the C-sec rate is much higher when the labor is induced. The baby is more likely to go into distress. Natural is safer the majority of the time.

Answer 2

Why does your doctor want to induce you? Especially at 39 weeks, inductions should never take place until two weeks after your due date, should you not go into labor; or in the case of a high risk pregnancy if you are experiencing any complications. But yes, I have heard from various sources that inductions have a much higher likelyhood to lead to c-sections because they can really affect the babys heartrate. Im no expert on them of course but I would not be induced unless its absolutely necessary and there is a medical reason for it. I would look into this doctor and your past experience much more to determine what exactly happened. I know you mentioned that your water was broken for quite a while and I believe that infections and fetal distress can occur should you not deliver within 24 hours of your water breaking. So maybe it was due to that? How long was it since your water broke that you delivered? If they cannot give you the answers you want then why should you trust them to do it again.

Answer 3

Induction is commonly used and considered safe. Sometimes it can cause stress on the fetus. This should be immediately apparent because once you're on Pitocin, your doctor should have you hooked up to a fetal monitor, just to keep track of the baby's heart-rate.

If you're unsure, get a second opinion. It's your child and the last thing you or the baby need is stress.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

To me anything that doesnt happen natural with pregnancy where the doctor has to make things happen is always risky. I know being induced with pitocin makes contractions come on stronger and unnatural. If you believe in God, just pray that all things will work out for the good of you and your baby. Stay positive hun !!! Being pregnant is a risk if you ask me .....

Answer 5

Maybe the stroke happened bc she needed to get out but she couldn't.