The deciding factors behind why I chose to induce early
As I have mentioned before, I was not one of “those girls.” You know- the unicorns that loved being pregnant and glowed and felt sexy. Nope. That is saved for the lucky bitches. I felt {and looked} like a tired troll 99% of the time; and the other 1% I was sleeping. So when I went to my doctors appointment at 30 something weeks and they mentioned I had the option to electively induce at 39 weeks, I was so excited I almost popped a hemorrhoid.
My OB went on to explain that there was a recent study in the National Institutes of Health that stated “The researchers estimate that one cesarean delivery could be avoided for every 28 low-risk, first-time mothers undergoing elective induction at 39 weeks.” … and “no more likely to experience stillbirth, newborn death or other severe complications, compared to infants born to uninduced women.” This may not sound like a lot, but given that there are about 4 million births documented in the US every year, I think it is pretty significant.
Study referenced here.
Some important key factors to be a candidate were:
- Having a “favorable” cervix (I was already dilated at 36 weeks)
- Had to be your first pregnancy
- Essentially healthy otherwise
Part of the study was even performed at our local hospital, Christiana Hospital (where I was delivering.)
Of course this was all elective. I could choose to let nature run it’s course and they would let me go up to a week late. BUT selfishly I was SOO done being pregnant, my husband and I decided to explore this option more.
SIDEBAR: My husband is an analytical scientist. Nuff’ said. He needs ALL of the facts for basically any decision ever. Whether we are discussing buying a new mattress, what we are eating for dinner, or how we want to have our baby; he needs to analyze every potential outcome and statistically evaluate what can happen. Me on the other hand- I live a little more loosely. AKA GET THIS BABY OUT OF ME. Anyway, my point is he was particularly invested in researching this study more as this was a huge decision.
My Emotional Exploration
While he researched the facts, I dealt with my emotions.
I felt super guilty (and somewhat selfish) for making a medical decision based on my inability and impatience in dealing with this pregnancy anymore (future posts to come about this). I went back and forth on this for a few weeks and after many discussions, Evan and I decided this was what was right for us. He felt confident and comfortable after doing all of his research and I felt like my body was at its limits.
I figured this was my first test in doing what was right for me and my family, and not worrying about what other people think.
Because trust me… once we told people, ALL of the opinions came out.
Considerations
Aside from physically being done with being pregnant, I loved the idea of how planned this was. Of course there is beauty in spontaneity, and this is probably one of the few moments in life that are not meant to be controlled; but that’s just not how I roll. I loved the calmness of this process. Knowing exactly when I’d be heading to the hospital so I could eat a great steak, take a bath, and have everything packed and ready. Granted I knew that circumstances could change, but this was ideal in my mind. I also LOVED a few doctors in my practice, and less thrilled about others; so the idea of being able to essentially choose the doctor that would deliver my babe was a dream.
Also this (Evan’s deciding factor):
“Healthy first-time mothers whose labor was induced in the 39th week of pregnancy were less likely to deliver by cesarean section, compared to those who waited for labor to begin naturally, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. “
National Institutes of Health
I wasn’t opposed to a c-section. I had no perfect “birth plan.” Just an idea of what I hoped it would be like, unfortunately I knew it was basically out of my hands. But being offered the option to hopefully avoid a c section and have a healthy baby and mommy sounded like a win to me!
We weren’t actually allowed to make this decision until 38 weeks and the Dr. gave the green light. At which time we walked to the front desk, got the doctor’s schedules, and scheduled our induction for the following Monday.
Then my OCD kicked in with the concept of “choosing” my daughter’s birthday. I preferred and even number and maybe a date that spoke to us. My husband’s lucky number is 16, so I really was hoping she could be born on the 16th. But in the end, I went with the doctor that I felt the most comfortable with. Meaning I knew/ hoped she would be born on he 15th. Therefore my Virgo brain had to deal with the odd number… As if any of that really mattered.
I couldn’t believe it. This wasn’t just any old doctors appointment. This was the appointment to finally meet my daughter.
Reflections
I can’t wait to share my birth story with you, but that is for another time. After reflecting on the process, it couldn’t have been planned more perfectly. I am glad I had my “final day” as calm and peaceful as it was. I am grateful I was at the hospital when I was in active labor and I am absolutely grateful my little bean cooperated with my “plan.” I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Xo, Emily
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