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Baby 1 induced at 34 weeks, unclear plan from obstetrics for second??

J

JBlaza

Active Member
Messages
40
Location
London
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Dislikes
Cold weather, traffic fumes
My first baby was induced at 34 weeks as my insulin requirements dropped and it was thought safer all round.

I am now 28 weeks pregnant with my 2nd. When I saw the obstetrician around 20 weeks, he said the plan would be to induce me at 37/38 weeks unless there was any indication again she needed to come out any earlier.

I went to see the obstetrician again last week, a different person in the same team. This time I was told that because my first came out at 34 weeks they are planning to induce me at 34 weeks again. There has been no change from either me or the baby with growth scans normal, all test results normal, glucose levels are fine. When I questioned this she said it was in their guidelines but couldn't give me a reason why. I was surprised as I would have thought it was best to leave her in there for a few more weeks unless there is any indication otherwise - I am completely on board with being induced sooner if there are any indicators to suggest that.

I am going to speak to the diabetes midwife and consultant about this next week. I have got an appointment with the chief obstetrician but not until I'm 33 weeks, so a bit close to 34 weeks if they want her to come out around then! I know babies work to their own schedule anyway but I've told work I'm going on mat leave at 37 weeks and I was looking forward to a few days at home to rest up beforehand!

I wondered if anyone else had any similar experience?
 
Hello @JBlaza I don't have similar experience in terms of being induced at 34 weeks, I was induced at 37 weeks, however my sister in law is a trained midwife and throughout my pregnancy she was a great source of support, in basic terms she advised that we have patients rights, so if you feel this advice in incorrect then stick to your guns and speak to Diabetes midwife/consultant and work with them. Ultimately of course it's what's in the best interests of baby and if they feel you can wait till 37 weeks then go with them. Also do trust your intuition too in regards to what you feel right too, I think this advice to induce you at 34 weeks and the baby is progressing well then is it really necessary ?
 
Thanks, my thoughts exactly! It is hard to balance between what I think is right intuitively and thinking 'but they are the experts'
 
Hi @JBlaza To be honest I know they are the 'experts' but a mother's intuition should be trusted, experts don't always get it right and particularly text book ones, I appreciate your probably feeling apprehensive but wait till you see your team, am sure they will put your mind at rest
 
My team wanted my 3rd out roughly same time as my middle baby was born 2017 at 35 for same reasons !
I put my foot down as no actual reason to induce so early as had no issues and placenta scan was great I wanted him at 39 but I settled in 38 hrs a month old now and healthy bs after birth x
 
Each case is different just because you were induced early with your first doesn't mean you will need to with your second. If your bloods are ok and baby is ok why rush them out?

I was induced at 38 weeks with my first because it was the done thing. With my second the on asked why? He was shocked. They were going to leave me to go naturally and kept track of baby's weight. Baby decided to put in an early appearance


Can I ask do you go to a diabetes clinic and a separate ob clinic. Or is it combined? I've had experience of both and have to say the combined was better because the ob had an understanding of diabetes and they were there to consult with each other when needed.
 
I see the diabetes consultant and diabetes specialist midwife at the same time, then the ob separately. It seems very hit and miss whether the OB knows anything at all about diabetes so I agree a joint appointment would work better. However they obviously all have a (good hopefully!) working relationship so I am assuming if the diabetes team can't answer my questions they will be able to go and speak to the OB team on my behalf to get a bit more insight.
 
Might you be better off bringing forward your leave just in case? Each pregnancy is different and I am sure you will be monitored for any signs of problems with the growth of the baby. I think it is a bad sign if the OB can't give you a coherent reason for inducing you early. I found it very useful to have the OB consultant in the room with a diabetic nurse and midwife!
Loved my 2nd pregnancy because he made it to 37+5 which allowed me to have the maternity leave I had missed out on with no.1 (a 34 weeker) -big sister had a couple of days in nursery.
Good luck at going the distance!
 

Hi there,

I have had 3 babies all whilst being a T1. My first I was induced at 38 weeks, came via C-Section after failed induction. 2nd baby came at 29 weeks (due to placenta abruption) and 3rd at 32 weeks after my waters broke at 27 weeks. I would be questioning why they want to induce you so early if there is no concern for you or the baby. I only tell you about my two premature births because, my second baby, I was in hospital for 3 weeks before she was born and everyday I would bleed heavily but because when the baby was monitored she was fine and I was fine just in pain, they left her for as long as possible. The same with my 3rd, my waters broke at 27 weeks but I was monitored closely, I had weekly checkups, antibiotics etc and the only reason they delivered her at 32 weeks was because I started to bleed again. If there is no cause for concern, they should leave you and baby alone. I think you should express to them that you would like to leave baby alone for as long as possible unless there is cause for concern for babies health or yours! Hope that helps! xx
 
Hi all, just a quick update in case its useful to someone else in the future.
I spoke to the diabetes team about this who said there was no need in their opinion to aim for anything other than induction at 38 weeks at this stage. So fingers crossed nothing 'bad' happens before then that would indicate a need to bring that forward...
 
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