Do you have the right to insist on being induced?

Question

My due date is Oct. 2nd and I tested positive for GBS. My Dr says they don't induce until 41.5 weeks, which would be Oct. 14th. I am worried my water will break or I will go into labor before I will be able to get the antibiotics for the GBS. My next Dr.'s appt. is tomorrow--So I was wondering if I have the right insist on being induced on my due date and not a week and a half later???

Answer 1

You have the right to insist on whatever you want - and the doctor has the right to refuse.

Many women are GBS positive and they don't induce early simply out of fear that you might not get the antibiotics. There is almost ALWAYS time for antibiotics, it's a very rare occasion that a woman delivers her baby at home because she didn't make it to the hospital, and it's a rare thing that a woman delivers her baby at the hospital only moments after arrival.

Even if you are not treated, the risk of transmission is still very very very small. Yes, it's a serious infection IF your baby gets it, but transmission rarely happens even when the mother is not treated.

If they don't treat you in time, sometimes they will prophylactically treat the baby immediately after delivery, thus covering their bases and making sure baby will be fine.

Don't worry so much. Especially if this is your first baby - those super rapid labors don't happen to very many women.

Answer 2

No, you don't have that right unless your life is in danger if you continue with the pregnancy - which is not the cases when you have GBS. Doctors don't HAVE to perform any procedures that aren't absolutely necessary. You do, however, have the right to ask another doctor to induce you - but chances of finding one to take you on at this point are slim. I don't see why you don't trust your doctor to make that decision though. Do you think you are the first woman who tested positive for GBS?

Answer 3

You have every right to insist on it, but before you do, I would get a second opinion. My husband and I had to fire our first OB because she pulled some pretty unethical practices on us, and did not reflect the care a doctor should for her patients. It won't hurt you to ask, even if you just call another doctor's office and talk to the OB there.

I hope the best for you and your family. Try not to rush it though. Mine was three unbearable weeks late and I had gestational hypertension, was on bed rest, for the last two months, I gave blood once a week, and returned twice a week for bp checks and non stress tests.

Tangent aside, YOU are the mother, and mommies have been having babies for millions of years. Mommies know best. It's instinct! Good luck!

Answer 4

You don;t have to worry, even if you go into labor it will be hours before delivery, there will be plenty of time to get antibiotics.

An induction is considered a voluntary procedure, so your dr has the right to refuse, just as you have the right to refuse it if you don;t want one.

Answer 5

You should have plenty plenty PLENTY of time to get your antibiotics once labor starts or after your water breaks. Plenty. The risks to your baby from an induction are far greater than the risk of you not getting your antibiotics in time.

Answer 6

It will be OK.. they will have plenty of time to give you the antibiotics before you have the baby even if your water did break before you got to the hospital everything would turn out fine.... I had gbs with my first son :)

Answer 7

No, you do not have the right. But Talk to your doctor. Openly express all your concerns and try to find something you can be comfortable with. You'll be OK. Good Luck

Answer 8

your doctor choses if he induces you but you can keep on him till he does! my doctor agreed to induce me 1 week before my due date with my first becase i was in a lot of pain. good luck!