Seeking Early Induction
**Information:** - **Gender:** Female - **Location:** Central North Carolina, characterized by significant scratching on my abdomen. - **Age:** 30 - **Height:** 5 feet 5 inches - **Ethnicity:** Chinese - **Weight Prior to Pregnancy:** 118 lbs - **Current Weight:** 141 lbs - **Health Background:** Currently pregnant, known carrier of beta thalassemia. - **Lifestyle Choices:** Non-smoker - **Medications:** Daily intake of 10 mg Lexapro, prenatal vitamins, and I recently received an iron infusion. - **Gestational Age:** 32 weeks and 3 days. **Additional Context:** This is my fourth pregnancy; I’ve experienced two miscarriages, including one partial molar pregnancy. The losses occurred after a successful first pregnancy. Now at 32 weeks with my second child, my first delivery took place at 39 weeks and 2 days. The experience was quite painful due to my baby being positioned posterior. I was sent home twice without pain relief because of insufficient dilation, but eventually returned a third time, insisting on remaining until I received help while in distress. Labor lasted a remarkable 61 hours, followed by 2.5 hours of active pushing after receiving Pitocin for six hours. I suffered from chorioamnionitis, was administered significant fluids, needed an episiotomy, and sustained a second-degree tear during delivery. Fortunately, they managed to stitch me in the room, sparing me from surgery, although I did lose around 18 ounces of blood. Ultimately, my daughter weighed 9 lbs at birth. A big baby indeed! My husband is an emergency medicine doctor, and I have been supportive throughout his medical journey, which made me all too aware of my surroundings and complications during my delivery. In my current pregnancy, I’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which is currently managed through diet alone. However, I’ve requested insulin since my fasting numbers have been persistently above 100. While I can maintain decent numbers with my carb intake around 22g for lunch and 15g for dinner, exceeding those triggers my postprandial numbers into the 130s, even after activity. Managing this alongside a toddler is exhausting. I’ve repeatedly communicated with my OB about documenting my wish for an early induction to prevent a potential C-section due to the size of my baby. At just 32 weeks, he’s already measuring 5 lbs, with measurements for his head and abdomen exceeding the 95th percentile. With my provider hesitating on insulin, my concern is growing that we might run out of time to keep him from becoming excessively large. He is likely to be another sizable baby, similar to his older sister, and given my smaller stature, I am strongly inclined to consider an induction around 37 weeks. The traumatic experience of delivering a 9 lb baby left me shaken, and I want to avoid repeating that scenario. To the OBs of Reddit, would you consider allowing me to have an early induction?
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 4:20:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about your upcoming delivery, especially given your previous experiences and current pregnancy challenges. Your desire for an early induction stems from a genuine need to manage the size of your baby and to potentially avoid the complications you faced in your last delivery.
Explanation:
In your situation, there are several factors to consider regarding early induction. Your history of delivering a large baby and experiencing a long and traumatic labor, combined with your diagnoses of gestational diabetes and beta thalassemia, provide valid reasons for advocating for your preferences during delivery. Generally, the goal of induction at 37 weeks can be considered if there are clear medical reasons and if the benefits outweigh the risks both for you and the baby.
Specific, Prioritized Next Steps:
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Continue Open Communication with Your OB: Carry on documenting your concerns and desires for an induction around 37 weeks. Emphasize your previous delivery experience, the size of your current baby, and your management of gestational diabetes. Ask if they would consider a thorough discussion regarding an induction plan.
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Discuss Risk-Benefit Analysis: Request a detailed explanation from your OB about the risks and benefits of early induction based on your unique circumstances, including your diabetes management and the potential size of the baby.
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Consider a Nutrition Review: Since you are managing gestational diabetes through diet, it may benefit you to consult with a dietitian specializing in maternal health. They can help optimize your meal plan to stabilize your blood sugar more effectively, which might influence your OB's decision regarding insulin and induction.
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Prepare for Your Birth Plan: While you advocate for an early induction, also consider what steps you would want in place should it not be possible. This includes discussing pain management options and considerations for an emergency C-section if necessary.
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Seek Support: Managing a toddler while pregnant can be exhausting. Seek help from family or friends to ease some daily stressors. This can also provide emotional support during this crucial time to prepare for the upcoming delivery.
It's important to empower yourself with information and continue advocating for your health and preferences. Maintaining an open dialogue with your healthcare team will be key in ensuring you feel supported through this pregnancy. Let me know if you have further questions or need more guidance!
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