Feeling Pressured to Deliver HELP!!!

OK - if there is any way to get another doctor at this point, I would. This person is rediculous. I don't know if you can find a midwife or doula or someone to be with you for the next 3 weeks and to be there regardless of who the doctor is. Is he the only one in his practice or are there multiple doctors? When I had my son, there were 2 docs in the practice - I saw the female doc most of the time for appointments due to scheduling, but the male doc delivered my son.

If there are medical issues that would make it better to deliver earlier ( you mentioned you were on bedrest), then you need to do what is necessary. But otherwise, the "schedule it for my schedule" think is just obnoxious.

I felt this way toward the end of my pregnancy and I SO wish I had changed providers. I thought it would be too rude or too hard or something, but I wish I had delivered with someone who told me what was going on and listened to me. My daughter's birth was much more important than my provider's feelings!

If you said no date, let nature take it's course, the doctor should have just written that down unless he had an EVIDENCE-BASED reason for INFORMING YOU of the RISKS and BENEFITS of induction. In other words, if you and your baby are not having any symptoms that make induction medically necessary, he should not suggest it. If you are having symptoms that make it necessary, he should explain the risks of doing it and the benefits of doing it, so you can give informed consent or refusal.

You are not a prisoner, you are a consumer. You hired him. If he isn't taking care of you, find someone who will! You can go to www.thebirthsurvey.org and see if there is a recommended provider in your area. The website gets reviews from women who have had babies in the last three years--real feedback.

Thirty seven weeks is still very early; I would want to go full term too. I hope you find someone who cares about you and works with you! You deserve it!

Refuse any sort of induction and find a different doctor. I know its late in your pregnancy, but you don't have to put up with him for another minute!

.

So sorry to hear you are feeling pressured! This is a RED FLAG. RUN, don't walk away from this provider. I encourage you to find a new one, ASAP! I agree that you should REFUSE any sort of induction unless it is medically necessary.

Recently there was a post about a scheduled induction that resulted in many health issues for the baby. This was a non medical induction but the baby's lungs weren't fully developed and the estimated dates were inaccurate. The baby ended up in the NICU. Here is an article from the March of Dimes site. I encourage you to read this and think of what is best for your baby. http://www.marchofdimes.com/prematurity/index_women_48590...

Peace,
J.

First call your doctor back and tell him you are not comfortable with "picking" a delivery date unless it is for medical reasons. Due dates are really approximate anyway and that is why they say "two weeks either way". With my son, they said Oct 5 but I said Oct 16 since my ultrasound said the 14th they did not change my due date ("two weeks either way"). I went in labor the night of the 16th and delivered on the 17th. Had they induced early, based on the due date they thought he could have been born a month early for no good reason. With my daughter, my due date was Dec 10th and due to DG they wanted to induce early (so she wasn't too big and so I didn't have complications) and the date crept up (so instead of scheduling at 38 weeks, they scheduled me for induction at right about 39.5 weeks). I went in on my own two days before scheduled (when I suspected my due date to be anyway). If your doctor is not available, someone will deliver your child and I personally would prefer a different doctor deliver then have problems due to unnecessary premature delivery. Shame on your doctor for trying to bully you.

They do consider it safe to deliver two weeks before your due date; however, if they are wrong with your due date (like w/ my son), two weeks early to them is really four weeks early to the baby. Although your child would most likely be fine there is a lot of development that is done in those last few weeks (like lungs). Unless there is a solid medical reason for you or the baby, I would not go early...if forced to pick a date say at least a week past your due date (ie...Oct 15 due date, pick Oct 22 or after). That way you know your child isn't being delivered too early. First time deliveries tend to be past the due date.

I am not sure what medicines you are taking so I am not sure how to comment on that. Discuss fully w/ doctor who prescribed it and your OB to know the pros and cons for both you and your baby.

Please know I had to kick out my midwife during my first delivery or be forced into an unnecessary c-section -- this seems to be right down that road, so know now and change up, or know later you can force a change during delivery (patient's right). Both my children were 8 lbs 8-12 oz each, so your child will NOT be anything but normal.

Asthma and allergies are statistically assisted by saying 37 weeks is "full term", and if your baby's a boy, it's more statistically likely as lungs are very absolute last for boys.

Oh, and call and cancel your "appointment" so you're not billed for not showing up:)

set your date a week after your due date so you can let nature take its course.

Ugh! I am just as frustrated as you after reading this! Doctors want birth to be scheduled, for THEIR convenience! Sure! No evening births, no need to let the baby decide! AND, the best part- THEY MAKE MORE MONEY on C-sections! Of COURSE they want you to be scheduled. Good for you for not wanting this. If I were you, I would look into a great midwife. It's not too late to have your baby the way YOU want to. I had a midwife who let me go 10 days after my due date (4 days in labor)- they ARE out there! Don't give him any more of your money, honestly. Look around and see who else is willing to take you. It's too important- for you and your baby. Inductions lead to c-sections, very quickly. I would find another provider, then tell this doctor EXACTLY why I am leaving.

Sadly, medicine has become a game of money and convenience. It's not about "doing no harm" anymore. I hope you go after the birth you want- on your terms. This is exactly why we decided to have a midwife, and our 2nd baby was born at home. :)

Good luck to you,
T.

Get another doctor! Now! Doctors should have a back up for situations where their patients are all due. Deliveries should not be scheduled for their convenience! Do not feel pressured to deliver, or have a birth other than what you want and what is good for you and your baby. Good luck.

Do not let them induce you unless there is a real reason too. I was induced twice at 42 weeks, and it does make labor harder. Even if you scheduled a date, just call up and cancel it and let them know that you will call ahead once your contractions are 5 minutes apart. Let them know you would be happy to schedule a day in your 42nd week. If they fight just tell them you did not call to discuss it, only to let them know your choice, and stick to it.

40 weeks is full term.

If you have to stay with this doctor for some reason, I say pick a date at 42 weeks. Even at this stage, if you can, I would suggest switching practices. You can find one that has nurse midwives.

good luck

Go and rent the movie "The Business of Being Born"...this will help put it all in perspective. I'm a huge fan of letting nature do it's thing (unless there is some medical emergency).

Find another Dr. or midwife! NOW! Reading your post made me remember why I chose to have as little to do with conventional Dr's and hospitals for the birth of my children (Not a hate comment- I think they both have their place) But when a Dr starts pushing patients to fit into his schedule at the risk of harm to mother or baby- this is medical practice gone bad!
My first was born 8 mins after getting to the hospital with the help of a midwife
My second was born at home, under the watchful eye of a midwife!
I wanted individualized attention! Based on my lifestyle and needs

I'm so sorry you have to go through this. As the other posters have already said please trust your instincts on this one. Let nature take its course. I'd just call back and tell the office nurse or whatever that you thought about it at home and you are not up to scheduling a date to have your baby. You will take whatever Doctor is on call when you go into labor....I had my 1st boy at 37 weeks exactly. He was only 6lbs and ended up staying in the NICU for 4 days. 37 weeks can be really early still.. it is a + or - 2 weeks on estimated due dates, even with u/s.

I wish you all the best, and hope your doctor was just having a really off day and collects himself and realizes he really shouldn't have pushed so hard :)

i was induced do to my dr's "busy schedule" (her vacation was coming up) i was younge and didnt fully understand everything, i soo wish i had this site when i was preggo with my first! i was dialated and had lost my plug, but my body was not ready for labor. I went through constant contractions, no break at all. i only got to a 4 with hours of hard labor. they gave me a shot of pain killer to try and relieve some of the pain, anyway, long story short- i had to have an emergency c-section. DONT get induced unless its your choice to do so. dont let the dr talk you into doing something you dont want to do. I cant believe hes trying to push you into doing something u dont want to do...my dr with my baby now told me he had no plan on inducing me. we discussed my options, vbac vs c-section, and he let me make my own choice on how i wanted to birth my second child. he gave me the information and statistics and we talked about every option. even though i didnt know when we first talked about it what i wanted to do, he didnt pressure me about my answer, he said "when you know, i'll know" i hope you can find a new dr!

I was under the care of a pernatologist with both of my girls and things were based thru them, not my ob/gyn. If I were you, I would call them and have them speak w/your dr. It's not fair for you to be put on the spot & made to decide what's best. Good luck.

Oh, I'm so sorry you are going through this. They should have told you up front that your doctor is too busy to take new patients! This would infuriate me. What is his C-section rate? I would pick a date 3 weeks past my due date and let them have that on their books. Then, you go when your baby is good and ready to go. Oooh, this fires me up! Your doctor should not be practicing obstetrics. It sounds like it is purely business to him, and not about the women and babies. I would not, not, not go in to be induced to fit nicely into his schedule. What a backwards way of practicing medicine. He is setting you up for more interventions, which means he gets more money (and so does the hospital). Trust your instinct on this. They can't force you to come in at your "scheduled" time of delivery. If it weren't so close to the end, I'd fire that guy in a heartbeat! I would file a complaint. One more reason to use midwives and do homebirths. :)

I agree with all the other mamas. Cancel the induction and let nature take it's course. I think I read somewhere that inductions are more likely to end in a c-section too. If he's too busy when you go into labor then there are other OB's on call at the hospital. I've never been delivered by the OB I had during pregnancy, it was always the doctor on call. Congrats and good luck!

Let nature take it's course. DO NOT let your doctor make you do anything that you don't want to do. It's your body and your baby. Is there another dr. in the practice? If so, go see him/her. And be sure to speak to your specialist and get some advice there.

My OB has delivered both of my kids and I love him. If he ever pressured me to pick a date because it was convenient for him then it would be over. If another doctor will take you at this point I would find one and explain the situation to them. Your doctor should have realized that when he went into the "baby" business that it wasn't about "his" convenience. You need a doctor that you can have trust and faith in and I hope that you can find it. If he continues to be insistent pick a date and let that day be week 40 and then let nature take its course when your baby is ready (unless he/she wants to go late ~ I was on bedrest and decided that my little girl had decided not to come out : ) You do what YOU feel is best for you and your baby, not what the doctor feels is best for HIM. Good luck and congratulations.

Bah! Just smile and do what you want....Which should of course include getting a new OB/Gyn if you decide to have more.

Is this the only doctor who can deliver in your area? That's the only reason I can see for needing to schedule a particular date. Otherwise, with my two kids, it was just the doctor who was there at the hospital at the time I arrived who delivered. First one happened to be my OB but second one was just one who was scheduled that shift.

I wouldn't induce unless it's medically necessary. Is the medicine you're taking to prevent pre-term labor? If so, I know a mom who just had twins who went off her medicine at around 36 weeks, only to have to wait two+ more weeks to have her babies.

I would put your foot down and just let nature do its work here. If your doctor can find a compelling medical reason for induction, reconsider, but for now it sounds like there's no real reason.

I would tell him that you do NOT want to be induced, you WILL allow nature to play along it's course... and not to forget you pay HIM. Drs will pressure you into an induction where more than half of those inductions turn into cesareans. Trust me, you do not want your first born to end up an 'emergency cesarean' because the pitocin was creating a hostile environment for your fetus!

Be strong, be stern or see if a Midwife will take you on this late.

Don't let your doctor pressure you. Even though you chose a "date" that doesn't mean you have to show up! If you want nature to be in control, then so be it. They can't force you to show up for an induction just because it's better for their schedule. Go with your gut, stand your ground.

I was outraged until I read that you are on bed rest and medication. Maybe we are missing some pieces of evidence that you aren't relaying? If you are a high risk pregnancy and have alot of complications then maybe that is part of your doctor's motivation not to let you go full term?
Don't stress out, it's not good for you or baby.

Go with your gut. I personally let nature take its course even with a repeat C-section....I let my body tell me it was time and they bumped me in front of the scheduled c-section, but I felt good about it and the baby was healthy. That is ridiculous......I would also cancel the induction---lots of good comments have been given so far on this. I even saw a baby boy, over 8 lbs induced a week or two before the due date end up in the NICU for breathing trouble. Who would have thought an 8 lb baby would not be ready, but he wasn't. Listen to your gut and be open to another doctor delivering your baby....from the sounds of it, you may be better off anyway.

If it were me I think I would take my records and find a new doctor. I know that can be tricky so late in the game, but this guy seems a little odd to me. Why would he make you pick a date? Are you deff. going to be a c-section? I was induced at 37 weeks with my daughter because of medical necessity, but I can not ever imagine my doctor making me pick a day. I really enjoyed being induced, but I know how risky it can be. I was also able to deliver my daughter without a c-section - it can be done, but if your health is alright and baby is doing fine I agree with you and let nature take it's course, at least for a few more weeks!

Refuse to be induced (mine went terribly wrong) and switch drs if you can. That is horrible! Have you ever see the film "The Business of Being Born"? Completely worth watching.

Do what your heart and mind tell you to do. Do not let a doctor or anyone convince you to be induced, unless it is for a medical reason, if you don't want to be.

do what you want. if you want to let nature take its course, then do so! I say find yourself another doc. Sweetie, if he's like that with you now, who knows how he's gonna be in the delivery room. go get your records and find somebody asap. What if you end up having a c section. Some Drs do a sloppy job, and he sounds sloppy. Imagine that. Don't stress, not good for the baby.... just talk to ur husband and do whatever u want. Good luck

I don't know your medical history. It seems ridiculous to push for induction if it is not medically necessary. I am not sure why he is making you choose a date. Assuming you are delivering at HEB or any other hospital in the metroplex, there will be other qualified doctors available to deliver your baby. It is true that you may have to "settle" for another doctor, but that happens sometimes in the baby biz. If you are really feeling this uncomfortable with the decision to choose a date, I would call and change those plans. Sometimes it's easier to do that sort of thing over the phone, rather than face to face.

I would stand my ground and say "Baby comes when baby comes. If baby hasn't arrived 1 weeks past my due date, then we can talk about a 'date.'

It really is best for baby to stay inside for as long as possible.

I'd switch Dr.'s Sounds like you are going to end up with C-section because labor is just too "natural" for your Dr.

You have every right to just say no, you will wait. Be sure of yourself and don't let him push you- hold firm when you say "No". (My advice is assuming there is no medical reason to induce) As for medication- I wasn't clear what type, or why you were on it, but you are also within your rights to see a different doctor- you might have to fight for your rights, but if you are persistent, you will get through to someone you can feel comfortable with.

I went into laybor at 38 weeks with my second son. I was glad that a different doctor delivered my baby because mine was out of town. When i had my first son my doctor almost dropped him on delevery and was 15 mins late to begin with. the nurses made me sit there while crowning for 15 mins so my doctor could deliver me. He had been there only an hour or two before and had said there was no way i was near time that he figured another four hours at least. Unfortanately he is the only one that take my insurance. Oh and he had me pick the date too so it was no surprise to him thst i was there or anything. Doctors who press for time because there busy cannot be trusted. I don't trust mine. I just know to wait and hope the other doctor will deliver my baby again.

Keep in mind some areas have a shortage of baby doctors and they are having a hard time covering all their patients, he may have an understandable frustration with patients getting angry when they deliver and he isn't available. Or he may be one of those doctors who see no harm in scheduling your delivery, it's just a matter of convenience. If you look around online you will see that many times they are way off on the estimated birth weight, don't let that argument influence you too much. But be fair and understand that if you don't schedule you may get stuck with the on call doctor. Also if you schedule and your labor takes too long your doctor might even have to leave for another situation. My third came so fast the emergency doctor delivered her and all that time building a relationship with my doctor came to nothing. My cousin's office rotated her appointments with all of the delivering doctors so she would be familiar with whoever was available when she went. All that being said, I feel very strongly that you should let your delivery happen naturally. There are so many things in your body that need to get ready to deliver your baby, I really don't think it's wise to rush things. In 20 years they may find that all these inductions have a higher rate of allergies or cancer or who knows what, they think they know but I can't see a better situation then letting nature takes its course.

I guess they do that...my doc wanted me to pick a date to and I refused. As it turned out, he was out of town and arrived the same day baby arrived. I eventually did check in to the hospital to deliver only because I was constantly low on amniotic fluids and the perinatal specialist thought it was getting too risky. I was actually going to be delivered by the back up doc, but my doc made it on time. Really, I think it is a money issue, although I have heard of doctors billing for a delivery when they weren't there.

When I checked in, I was actually in labor and in the beginning stages of dilation. It took quite a while for things to progress so they gave me the stuff to make you go into labor (Petosin?) and when it was time it was time. I almost delivered the baby without the doc. I kept feeling this urge to push and they kept telling me to wait until one nurse said just do what your body tells you to do. I looked at my husband and said would you get over there and catch the baby, as the doctor busted through the doors and jumped into a blue gown. Two seconds later (so it seemed) we had a beautiful baby girl...after they wiped all the gunk off.

That sounds ridiculous to me. I would refuse to schedule a birth!

Dear Mama-

I am so sorry you are experiencing this! Please, for the health of both you and your child, let nature take it's course. I hope you you picked a date really really far out (and after your EDD). An induction, especially for the doctor's convenience, is beyond completely unacceptable!!

More often than not, an induction will lead to a c-section. Do some research about the "cascade of interventions". Also, typically, unless you can find another doctor (and it does not seem to be this current one), most adhere to a "once a c-section, always a C" policy.

I do not know what medicines you are on, but if they are no longer necessary than I would discontinue them.

You are almost there Mama and the baby will let you know when he/she is ready. Oh, and I wouldn't worry if /your/ doctor is not there on the Birth Day... At each of my children's the doctor is just a "catcher" - you are the birther! And you will do wonderfully!!!

Good luck.
~C.

No, no, NO! I hate reading about this, it bothers me so much that it's happening. So, he's asking you to schedule a date that is well in advance of your due date? For CONVENIENCE? Your risk of c-section will sky rocket if you are induced that early. I would simply get my records, go to another physician (or midwife, who would never suggest what your doc suggested), and explain what is happening. I do believe that the majority of OBGYNs are against such practices. The American Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology certainly is...they are against an unnecessary (meaning no medical reason...and a too big baby is not one of them) induction prior to 39 weeks. Why? Because it's risky for mom and baby. Breastfeeding success is also drastically reduced in babies born before 38 weeks. Say no, and go somewhere else.

I wonder which Dr you had? I delivered in North Richland Hills. If he is overbooked for the delivery, then there will be another Dr on call to deliver. So, you have to weigh your options, would you rather be induced to have this Dr take care of you, or are you willing to go natural and get a Dr you haven't met before? try and think of it that way, since ultimately that is what is going to pan out.

I would consider things like his bedside behavior, and such. You can always ask the hospital who is the relief Dr for the time period and meet them. If you don't have a preference on the delivery Dr, then waiting it out naturally would be fine.

My first child came naturally, but was second was induced with no problems. I loved my Dr, who delivered my first, and didn't want to take a risk of not getting him again, since it was also a busy time of year.

Now, since you are on bedrest and medication, than I wonder if also his suggestion to induce is based on medical needs for you and the baby. If that is true, then maybe you should consider doing it for the safest thing.

I feel like doctors will do anything to have patients go according to their schedule. I am supposed to be induced later today (at 39 weeks) depending on how dilated I am because I have lung issues (which is reasonable). But the fact that your doctor doesn't want to be overbooked is a wrong reason to induce in the first place. This can cause unwanted or unexpected complications that -worst case scenario- could result in c-section because your body could possibly not be ready yet. Him saying that the baby is 'too big' when your specialist said it is a healthy weight is also pretty messed up. He probably guessed and went with it so he had a reason to scare you into inducing early. Even though 37 weeks is 'term' your body and only your body knows when your baby is ready for the world. Don't give into pressure. I think if you're planning on having any more children in the future that you should pick a new doctor!

While I have not been in the same predicament, I would highly recommend watching the Rikki Lake documentary "The Business of Being Born". I really think it will help you make the right choice. I, personally, am not a fan of induction, but have many friends that are. I have always been very pro-doctor, hospital, etc., but after having my second son naturally (didn't have time for meds), I can honestly say I'm now an advocate for natural birth. I would still choose to deliver in a hospital though. If you don't feel the baby is ready to come out on a scheduled date, then I wouldn't do it, unless there is a true medical necessity. But a scheduling conflict? No way! Wishing you an easy birth!

* Sorry I did not read the previous responses before posting.

dont allow your doctor to pressure you into inducing labor just so he can keep his hot date with his secretary, tell him, if you want your delivery fee, that you will not rush things, he may be the doctor, but he can stick it in his secretary any day of the week, continue taking your medication till you deliver, in the mean time report this clown to his boss, because what he is trying to do is gross negligence. say the word lawsuit involving a fetus, and he will not pressure you again. inducing labor has too many potential complications to name here, dont be fooled, its your body, its your baby, you are the one who will suffer if he rushes and blotches something
K. h.

This is absurd. I would run as far away as you can from this doctor. Babies will come when they are ready. You should not rush your baby just so it is convenient for your doctor. You should think about placing a professional complaint with the medical licensing board in your state. What he is doing goes against ethical standards i believe. As long as you and the baby are healthy, no need to do anything, especially pick a date! I was almost 41 weeks and my baby came naturally when he was ready to come. Find a supportive Dr. and be your own advocate. Good Luck! I think it is so great that all the moms on here are giving you such good advice. We, as women, really need to be our own advocates and remember that doctors are just people. We don't have to go by everything and anything they tell us. All things said below are so true. A midwife is a great idea. I switched at 37 weeks. It was tough but the best decision we made. It is worth it to ensure a healthy safe start for both you and your baby. Take care and enjoy the amazing thing your body is able to do, which is birth your child. You should see THE BUSINESS OF BEING BORN!! It is very empowering. I had 20 hours of labor and no drugs. It was the best experience for both baby and me. I had a very supportive OB, Dr. Tate in Atlanta. He is a bit cooky but very competent.

Does he have other doctors in his practice? Would it bother you if one of them ended up delivering for you?

When I was pregnant, my due date was close to my doctors annual vacation. She gave me a heads up and said just to be sure she would have me examend by her partners in case she was not here.. I was fine with that.

They were all very nice and great doctors. I met all of them but 1 because I went into labor 3 weeks early on my own.. My doctor was delivering twins at the exact moment, I started to push, so guess who delivered?. The 1 doctor I had not met. I literally waved when he introduced himself during one of my pushes and then introduced him to my husband..

Anyway.. it wall was great and all went well.. In the end.. My doc had been checking me through out the time I had been there and came by almost right after I delivered to check on me..

I agree that you do not need to be induced. Go with the birth YOU want. Not what is convenient for your doctor.

In my opinion this is against the Hippocratic Oath! He is not looking after you! Definitely get a new doctor, he should be looking after you and your childs well being, NOT his schedule! This is about YOU and YOUR BABIES HEALTH not him! If it were me I'd have a few choice words for him before I left his office never to return.

I'm not sure what medication you're talking about. Is it to keep you from going into labor or something? I only ask because I had to take that type of medication while pregnant with my son and my doctor took me off of it at 37 weeks saying that if the baby wanted to come after that, it would be fine.

As for the overbooking thing, I don't know. If you are fine with another doctor delivering your baby that's something to discuss with your doctor so he's fine with it too. I only say that because I was critically ill during my second pregnancy. My doctor had been with me at my bedside in the hospital 24/7 for months and there was no way he was going to let anyone else deliver my baby. He told me that if I went a day past my due date, he would induce me and we agreed. It wasn't about convenience, my body had been through so much and we had a plan and a goal of a healthy baby. If it didn't happen sooner, I would be having my baby on June 28. It just so happens I went into labor all by myself, my water broke at 5am on June 28 and I had a baby on that day. So yes we had a plan, but nature also took it's course and it just worked out the way it was meant to.

I don't know what kind of complications you've had but there's been bed rest involved. Your doctor might not be pressuring you so much as trying to have a plan where he can be there for the birth to see you through. That's how it was in my case.
If you are fine with a different doctor, then let him know that. The thing about not having a plan to an extent is that you don't know who you might end up with on call or whatever when nature takes it's course. I had two of the most fabulous doctors with my pregnancies. I would have freaked out if they weren't there for my deliveries. My daughter was two days early and if I'd had her one day later, my doctor wouldn't have been there. However, I had already met with the doctor who would be on call in case that happened so we would be familiar at least. I was too high risk with my son and having a plan in place was a comfort to me.

I have a terrible cold and I'm sorry for rambling.
Talk to your doctor about Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C (just in case).
Agree on what you're both comfortable with and go from there.

Be sure to let us know when your baby arrives!

Unless you are having a planned c-section, I cannot think of any reason to pick a date, or if that's even possbile unless the dr is planning on inducing you. Stick to your guns and let nature take it's course. 37 weeks may be considered full term, but I think it's better to let your child reach the full 40 weeks if possible. If you go into labor on your own betweem 37-40 weeks, fine, but there's no way I would intentionally deliver before 40 unless medically necessary. I was on bedrest from week 26 and I felt so fortunate to be able to reach 40 weeks. Stay strong and if you need, it's never too late to find a new dr!!

I would like this doctor's name. He needs to be turned into the medical board for unethical practices. And he needs his license taken away. He is putting your birth and your baby at risk by pressuring you to "pick a date." Inductions for scheduling are unethical. Inductions because "the baby might be too big" is also unethical. He is setting you up for a c-section and a trip to the NICU for your baby. 37 weeks in NOT full term. 40 weeks and beyond is full term. Your baby is the only one that knows when it is ready to be born.
You are strictly a number. You are not a patient to him. He does not care about you. All he cares about you is the money you bring to his practice. RUN do not walk away from this provider. Write a letter explaining why you left the practice and then turn him into the medical board.

Lisa

honestly I would find another doctor pronto! Sure I wanted to be induced with my last baby only because I have a 2 yr old and the plans of who and where she would stay had to be changed. Plus I was in a lot of pain (sciatica). I also am a full time student. But you should not be pressured into choosing something you do not want!

There might be a few good reasons out there to pick a date to induce (I'm not aware what they might be), but the doctors schedule is not one of them. If he feels he is so overwhelmed with patients, perhaps you should be looking for another doctor who will work with you instead of 'booking' you to fit you in to some arbitrary schedule.
You didn't consult him on when to conceive. Unless you got pregnant through an IVF procedure, the guessing of the due date can easily be 2 weeks give or take because you can't be completely sure exactly when the pregnancy started, and you really do not want to err on the early side because the baby's lungs need that time to get ready. How does your husband feel about this? Perhaps you should take him (or your Mom) with you for examinations so he/she can keep the doctor from needlessly badgering you.

Oh my gosh! That is horrible. I would absolutely refuse to be induced unless there is something medically wrong with myself or my baby. Never should doctor over-booking be a reason to induce!! I'd report him to someone if I knew who to go to....WOW the nerve.

Induction is fraught with side-effects (unwanted ones!). I can't believe he is putting that much pressure on you. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, but I'd stick to your guns. You are the mama of this baby and have every right to make the decision to keep him/her in your tummy until the optimal time!

K