will "Inducing" harm the baby or the mommy?

[Aalia10]

I am 32+2 weeks pregnant and today after the ultrasound, my doctor said I have a big baby weighing 2.55 kg and she said she might need to induce the baby when the baby is 38 weeks or so. I really want to have a natural birth and I think my body is good enough for that, but if the baby is induced, they will use lots of medication and might even complicate the process, so I am starting to worry. I have gestational diabetes but have been controlling really well by exercising after each meal. The doctor said it must be genetical since my husband was also quite big when he was born. so dear moms, has your baby been induced as well? how did they do that? was it hurtful? must I need epidural?

[Sisi14]

Aw my lovely sorry you feel stressed about the whole procedure of inducement, but it’s not as bad as it sounds . I’ve had two inducements because my baby just didn’t want to come out after they 2 week extra stay. My first inducement was slower she was my first my baby and I was 20 , I had to have 2 pessary inserted as the first didn’t work and it’s to soften cervix to help the labour start my second I went in at 1pm and they broke my waters at 3pm and my daughter was born 5 hours later. They were both over 8lb , the only frustrating bit is being monitored on the straps and sometimes limited to moving around as it checks the baby’s heart rate and contractions but your be fine all don’t stress out . Xx

[Hidden]

No it doesn't hurt the baby. You won't need a epidural unless you want one. The doctor won't do anything that will intentionally hurt the baby. Our child was induced and everything went fine. My water broke so they had to induce me. Maybe your baby will break your water since he's so big. It seems like they induce everybody these days. Don't worry so hard about being induced you will be so happy when the baby is out and you get to hold it.

[Hidden]

Find a local doula and look into how they could support you during birth. Scans do not always show accurately the size of your baby. I have spoken to plenty of people who were told their baby was big during a scan and then when baby was born it was average size. Inductions are different for everyone, but they lead to a higher risk of having to have a c section.

Baby’s size usually follows the mothers side of the family, I was 8lbs 1oz, my first child was 8lbs 12oz and my second was 9lbs 5oz they were both vaginal births without being induced. 4 months ago my sister who was 10lbs 8oz at birth had her second baby at home in a birthing pool, she weighed 10lbs 2oz. Big babies can be birthed naturally.

I understand the gestational diabetes will make it more complicated as they’ll insist on monitoring you more closely and will scare you with things that could happen if you don’t do as they say, which is why I would say hiring a doula is well worth the money as she could reassure you and give you all the facts.

Ask as many questions of your health professionals as you can, be as informed as possible. Take care and enjoy your baby whenever they arrive. X

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I agree, there is no reason to be induced just because baby is measuring big. Those scans are great but not accurate, the doctors and midwives were 2lb off the birth weight of my son, was told he was small and would be 5lb, he came out 7lb 1oz!

As long as your GD is under control there is no need to be induced early.