Opinion Q...Why, do you think more and more Drs are pushing induction?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2006

It's more convenient for them if you choose induction, so they aren't called in the middle of the night or on a weekend.

Also, more and more of the public are wanting induction, so it doesn't disrupt their lives and work schedules, or they want the baby's birthday to be a special day for some reason. It's not only MD driven, it's "customer" driven.

Altalorraine · Jan 16, 2006

...my drs are already talking about giving me the option of induction at 38 1/2 weeks if my cervix is ripe. I am only 14 weeks pg!! This will be my 3rd child.I told them I am really not interested, I had a 9 lb baby w/ no probs and I think my body can do it again. My Dr said well, you can, but should you? I guess he was implying something about incontinence. Have this somewhat already, not really worried, I'll just grab a poise and go :rotfl: I was induced w/ my DD and it was so much more painful than natural labor w/ ds. Why are more and more Drs pushing for induction when there are such risks, for moms who are not overdue? I have read the risks and I just don't get it! Just curious as to your, as RNs, opinions...I have made up my mind to let nature take its course, my Drs are fine w/ it, not super pushy, but I can tell they'd be just as happy if I did go for the induction...

I think it's because the risk (real or perceived) of doing nothing and getting sued for negligence is higher than the real but small risk of a slightly preterm baby or complications from a c-section.

Altalorraine

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2006

...my drs are already talking about giving me the option of induction at 38 1/2 weeks if my cervix is ripe. I am only 14 weeks pg!! This will be my 3rd child.I told them I am really not interested, I had a 9 lb baby w/ no probs and I think my body can do it again. My Dr said well, you can, but should you? ...

:uhoh21: Have you thought about finding a new OB?

palesarah · Jan 16, 2006

:uhoh21: Have you thought about finding a new OB?

:yeahthat:

It doesn't sound like you & your doc are on the same page. I personally would not be comfortable staying with a doc who responded to my concerns in the way yours did to you. Clearly you're a strong woman who trusts your body's ability to birth this baby safely (good for you, it's rare these days!)- I think you may be happier if you can find a doctor or midwife you shares this belief.

This is all just my opinion, of course :)

As for why docs are offering/encouraging early inductions- it seems to be a combination of the old-school scheduling deliveries for the doc's convenience, customer driven demand for social inductions, and liabilty issues. I worked with a great group of OBs and CNMs at my previous hospital who all really trusted in women's bodies and the birthing process. Now that I'm a different hospital, with much higher induction/C-section/general intervention rates, I really appreciate how unique their practice was. BUT that doesn't mean you won't necessarily be able to find an OB/CNM that trusts you, your body and your baby if you do want to switch.

imenid37 · Jan 16, 2006

The mentality of many docs and pts. is convenience and ability to plan and control the situation. My ob doc said she is disappointed that her daughter-in-law(who lives in another state) is having a scheduled, elective C/S for her 1st baby. The young lady works as an RT and wants to plan it all and know when the baby is coming, etc. to make all of her "arrangements". Shame on her doc for offerring this. We no longer do VBACS and are not alone in this practice. Why on earth a person or their doctor wants to take on the risk from a medical procedure like elective induction or C/S, I do not know? I get very irrate about how impatient everyone in society is about planning and having total control. Why can't this doc the OP speaks of wait and see. Sure if baby looks like he's 10 lbs. at 37 weeks, talk again to mom about this. I did have a pt. who delivered lady partslly w/o shoulder dystocia or any comp's and had an 11 lb 6 oz. baby. 4th baby, all others over 10 lbs.

Kaseyrn2b · Jan 16, 2006

It doesn't sound like you & your doc are on the same page. I personally would not be comfortable staying with a doc who responded to my concerns in the way yours did to you. Clearly you're a strong woman who trusts your body's ability to birth this baby safely (good for you, it's rare these days!)- I think you may be happier if you can find a doctor or midwife you shares this belief.

Palesarah & dawngloves:

Yes, I have thought about switching, but no better OBs on my health ins plan, and nearest midwife/ birthcenter is 50+ mintues ( w/o traffic!) There are basically 4 huge OB offices in my town...and all are very interventionist and indcuction/schedule c-section type. Actually these 2 are the best of my choices..I'm just trying to work w/ them. When I had my son 2 yrs ago, they were w/ some older drs who seemed more likely to let you go to/past your due date, but the other 2 drs had horrible bedside manners and seemed fairly bored w/ their profession. Now they are on their own, just the 2 and I imagine they're trying to get around always being on call...Ah, if only I were still w/ my MW in WV...she was fantastic! I actually went to 42 weeks, and I still wasn't worried :) She had the best attitude and was a total advocate for me. Anyway thanks for the responses!!!

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 16, 2006

Armed with education and asking the right questions, you will see the dr more likely to listen to what you want versus what fits his/her schedule. Don't be pushy, but be very assertive. It's YOUR body and baby, after all.

gypsyatheart · Jan 16, 2006

Maybe the doc mentioned this because of the risk of macrosomia (large baby) which could lead to a higher risk of c/s. Maybe he was just giving you an idea that it could be a possibility. Why don't you just ask outright..."why do you mention induction?".... If not for the risk of macrosomia, then what, at 14 wks pg? Don't be afraid to stop a provider and ask them on the spot what they are talking about, and why.

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Jan 17, 2006

Convenience. Especially to prevent delivery on weekends or holidays.

judyblueeyes · Jan 19, 2006

I don't think the Doc, in asking that question, is 'bad'. Many people want to schedule for all of the reasons already mentioned. It seems like the Doc was just tring to find out what you want. Question answered!

scarta105 · Jan 19, 2006

My first child was born 2 weeks after her due date at 8lbs, 10oz-doc never mentioned induction and just let nature take it's course. My second was born exactly on his due date at 10lbs, 7oz. No problems with either of them. Both my doctors believed that natural was the best. Of course this was 20 years ago.