Inducing Labour

by Subha
(Bangalore)

Quesion: Hi,I am 37 weeks pregnant and feeling contractions in my lower abdomen. I don't feel like I am actually having labour pain as its not very rhythmic and doesn't last very long.But my doctor is suggesting I go for an early delivery by end of this week as she thinks baby is not growing fast enough. My baby's weight is now 2484 gm and movement is good enough. I don't want a c-section at all. Can you please guide me.

Answer: It's completely normal to feel contractions this late in pregnancy- you're probably experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, which are "practice contractions" as your body prepares for labor.

You're right in being concerned about a C-section with an early induction. Artificially inducing labor greatly increases your likelihood of C-section, especially when inducing before your body is ready.

In this situation, I would suggest having a thorough discussion with your doctor on the benefits and risks of waiting for labor to start on its own. If you are questioning her advice, it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion from a provider who takes more of a waiting approach- perhaps a midwife.

Some doctors do tend to push induction when it isn't necessary. However, I'm not a doctor and I don't know your complete situation. So, as with most decisions, you'll need to weigh the benefits and risks of each option.

It may be helpful to keep in mind that weight estimates from ultrasound are not always accurate- they can vary by up to 2 pounds. Also, babies can gain a pound per week (about 450gm) in the last few weeks of pregnancy. If that were the case, your baby would be a good sized 3600gm baby at 40 wks.

It's possible, though, that your doctor is seeing a concerning growth pattern. Perhaps your baby's growth from week to week isn't where she thinks it should be. It would be helpful for you to take a look at it yourself, do your own research, possibly get a second opinion, and make your own educated decision.

Good Luck!

Stephanie