Expert: Catherine Beier MS CBE - 3/26/2008

Question
My daughter is 40 weeks and 4 days.  She had a NST today. She was on the monitor 30-45 min. She had several contractions and on one early contraction there was one late decel (110).  The dr. wants to induce even tho everything else looks good.  Also, she is 2 cm dilated, 50% effaced and at station -5.  She doesn't want to be induced and wants a natural childbirth.  The dr. has a reputation for inducing.  Please help!

Answer
Toni,


Refuse the induction.  Remind your daughter that she is the one in charge, not the doctor.  She is paying him to provide sound evidence-based medical care.  Suggesting a non-medically indicated induction does not meet that standard.


There is simply no research to support routine induction without true medical indications before 42 weeks.  In addition, the average first-time pregnancy worldwide averages 41 weeks, 4 days, not the 40 weeks used in some countries.


From what you've described on the NST, the baby looks fine. She's also making good progress on her own, which again doesn't support the need for induction. Barring any other complications, she can refuse to schedule the induction.  The doctor cannot force her to come to the hospital.


If this doctor is truly induction-happy, she may find that once she enters labor, he isn't supportive of her wishes to have a natural birth.


It seems that you are providing excellent support by seeking out true answers now.  She may well need this extra support during labor to prevent a high intervention birth.


I've had two completely comfortable, relaxed natural births myself.  Don't let her think for a minute that it can't be done or let anyone undermine her efforts.


Don't hesitate to write again if you have more questions.


Best,
Catherine