Should induction be accepted for polyhydramnios?

[Purple_Turtle456]

We’ve been told we have mild polyhydramnios and offered an induction, but I’m really not sure if this is the right/necessary thing to do. Sources online (including NHS website) seem to suggest spontaneous labour should be allowed for mild cases. Has anyone had experience of mild polyhydramnios and were they advised induction or to allow spontaneous labour? What reasons were they given?

Thanks

[Jkfirman]

Hi, I Had a scan on Thursday 36WG to be told I now have mild polyhydramnios AFI 25.6, I said I really did not want an induction as I do t want to force my body to do something it’s not ready for the consultant said they will do another scan at 39 weeks and then book me in for an induction which I do not want. Hopefully I go into labour naturally prior but depending on how far along you are? and how high your AFI is? you don’t need to do an induction if you don’t want it’s your choice unless there is an urgent medical need. I would ask what is the benefit, risks and alternatives or if you do nothing and you can make a more informed decision what you’d prefer?

[Purple_Turtle456 in reply to Jkfirman]

Thanks, I’m currently 37 weeks and AFI deepest pool on Thurs was 10.2 (my hospital don’t seem to measure total AFI). I was also told this was mild, but the main risk they have scared me with is increased chance of cord prolapse, but I’m not sure how much of a risk this really is for mild polyhydramnios. Also if nearer due date babies head is engaged, is it actually a risk anymore? I also don’t want to make my body & baby do something it’s not ready for unless there’s a clinically justified reason, which I’m not yet convinced of. I’m pushing to discuss further with someone, as it was a lot to process after the scan and now have a lot of questions having had time to think! Definitely don’t feel fully informed about risks and potential alternatives to induction yet.

[Jkfirman in reply to Purple_Turtle456]

Hiya yeah I totally agree at the time I was overwhelmed and after have a million questions, don’t feel pushed and pressured into doing anything, if it was serious they would call you in straight away. I had a midwife app today and she said the same risk of cord prolapse due to the excess fluid??! Said I have to be in labour ward now regardless no pool and no BC which is exactly what I didn’t want but I guess I just need to focus on having the baby the safest possible way just hope I go into labour before 39 weeks It could be if you have another scan the fluid goes back to normal again!!! as there is so much room for error I was told the measurements can be out by 10-20% so we maybe worrying over nothing!!!

Good luck 🤞🏼 and remember you have to give consent for them to do anything so don’t feel pressured by anyone 😊👍🏻

[Purple_Turtle456]

Yeah exactly the same for me now - no BC or pool and also hoping to go into labour before 39 weeks!

[Randomuser2]

This was my experience but it was 8 years ago and I was never offered an induction. I was told I had polyhydramnios, my midwife scared me half to death about the cord, when my waters broke few days before my due date I was petrified, called up the hospital as this is what my midwife said and she also told me to tell them about the polyhydramnios, they told me to wait at home, there was no urgency or anything, they didn’t seem to think it was a big deal. My baby was 9lb 4oz when he was born, my labour was 36 hours and was a natural delivery. I would avoid inductions unless you really would like one or it’s necessary but that is just my opinion.