Induction?!?!?

Find out exactly what the risk is and get a second opinion, from another practitioner in another office.

I would be very unhappy with the dr or anyone for that matter for not telling you all about it when they saw it in the sonograms. I would get second and if possible third opinion before letting them induce you. I also want you to check it more further by researching if you can and have the time. Do all you can to get the information and other opinions. Now that is upsetting you and please do not worry too much because I wouldn't want to see you go into labor because you were stressing out. It happened with my first son, stressed out and caring for my mom and my son came five weeks early all because of stress. Take a deep, deep breath and I will defintely pray for you and you will be in my prayers daily. If you want to talk, let me know and I'll be talking and communicating with you. Let me know.

L.,

If you trust your doctor, I would just go with his
recommendations. You certainly do not want to risk
any problems. Good luck and let us know how you do.

Hi L.,
It sounds like your doctor should have given you more information on your baby's condition and the implications it carries. I would ask for information about what he's told you, ask to see the research/studies about babies with this condition having a greater risk of stillbirth. Doctors sometimes will just tell women that to convince them to induce, but you must be extra cautious since your baby has a medical issue. Don't be afraid to do your own research or seek out a 2nd medical opinion - ask to speak with a perinatologist. Good luck!!!

Hey L.,

I have not heard of this condition but it sounds to me like you are not confident with the decisions being made. I say you have the power to make your own decision concerning your health and your babies health so I would simply get another opinion. There is no harm in going to another OB just to ask questions and put your mind at ease. I did it for my first pregnancy because I couldn't deal with the fact that I was going to miscarry. The opinions were the same which was extremely disappointing to me but at least I was confident and there was no second guessing. Doctors are not GOD's they may mistakes and it is within your right to question her if you are not sure. Good luck to you I am sure all be well for you and your beautiful baby.

I am very skeptical when Doctors make blanket comments like this--especially considering that even if the date of conception is known, babies gestate at different rates depending on many factors which means that the supposed "due date" really should only be used as a guideline. See if you can get an independent second opinion/consultation regarding the risks involved with the birth with a baby with these risk factors.

Also discuss with your doctor the supposed advantages of inducing and what they believe the benefits are by having the baby before natural labor begins. What will they do if the meds don't take and labor doesn't start. Risk of having to have a cesarian if the induction doesn't work, etc.

I know that it's late in your pregnancy, but I would suggest a second opinion. I don't know anything about the condition, but it seems like something very significant to spring on you this late in the game.

I can only speak for my experience, but with each "condition" that came up (placenta previa, water retention, etc) my doctors were very upfront about what was likely to happen, what may happen and what was not likely, but could happen.

Good luck- I was induced GET THE EPIDURAL! There is no "build up" with the contractions and they hit like a truck!

Two out of my four pregnancies were induced. No problems and nothing to worry about.

Nanc

I think you need a high risk dr. I hope that you have seen one all along.. they deal with any problems that may arise. Ihope your dr. sent you to see one.. if not.. make an appt. asap.. give him all the facts.. and see what they have to say. Good luck... A.~~

Hi! I had to be induced for both of my kids. The first time it was scary, but the most important thing is that you have a healthy baby, I trust my OB and if she told me I had to give birth upside down I would do it for a healthy child. Afterall the goal is a healthy child, not a picture perfect delivery/pregnancy etc.

I don't know anything about echogenic bowel, but was induced with all 3 of my children (the doctor broke my water and gave pitosin).
The first was at almost 40 weeks just so I could have my own doctor who was about to go on vacation. The 2nd and 3rd were at 38 weeks for safety reasons because my first came so fast (didn't want to have them in a parking lot). My doctor and the hospital wouldn't induce any time before 38 weeks to ensure that the baby was fully developed. I hope this helps. Good luck to you.

You are considered full term at 37 weeks. I would let the doctor induce at 38 weeks. I don't know anything about the condition, but given statistics and that your baby seems to be fine now, I wouldn't worry. Btw, all babies have a greater risk of being stillborn if they go past their due date. The biggest risk with being over due is the baby having a bowel movement in utero and ingesting the maconium(sp).

Hi L.,
I have never heard of this condition but just to assure you my baby was born last year at 36 weeks 1 day via planned Csection. My risk was a possible rupturing uterus if she went to term. I too was frightened but she was born perfect and healthy!!! She continues to be a healthy thriving little girl of 13 months. My advise to you is do a little research on the condition and follow your doctor's advise if it feels right to you. 36 weeks is not too early and my daughter's lungs were developed(which was my doctor's concern). I'm sure everything will turn out fine and you will just be meeting the love of your life a little earlier than planned:-)S.

It's a good thing your doctor is on top of this. While it might seem scary, keeping your baby safe is the MOST important thing. I don't know how much the odds go up, but while the chances of stillborn may be only a fraction of a percentage higher, it's a risk you do not want to take. I can tell you that, after being present for a stillbirth, anything that can decrease that chance is well worth it.
My guess is that the doctor didn't want to add any stress by letting you know what could happen. Worse case scenario you're induced and find out later that there was nothing wrong with your child...but you will know that while looking into your baby's eyes and holding him very close...not a bad ending!

Hi L.,

I have not heard of this condition personally, but I am going to put it out to my network of doulas and see if anyone has had experience with it.

It sounds to me like you are instinctively feeling uncomfortable with the induction, and with due cause. While at times they are the best course of action, they do carry significant risks. I will be back to you as soon as I have an answer.

C.

I am surprised that this wasn't mentioned to you sooner...the risk and the thought of induction, but here you are now...so get information! Talk with your dr....VOICE your concerns and fears, feel free to consult another dr and hey use the internet to look up things... Whatever you do, try to stay calm for your and baby's sake... It's never too late to change drs if you feel that would be best you owe your dr nothing, you have to live with yourself...now with that being said, although it's been a rough pregnancey how have you felt about your dr during it? If you have felt taken care of and secure with your care lean on that while you make your decisions...we all (even when not in the face of a stressful situation)tend to start freaking towards the end of our pregnacies...trust me on this I've had 5 babies and all 5 have been induced(first 2 for size and last 3 because I have one major contraction and no labor time...it was either induce or have baby in a car...). when it comes to being induced I have found that drs these days wait until the conditions are safe...you are showing signs that your body will go into labor...the last thing they want is to do a c-section because you didn't respond well to an induction...no matter what you hear, my best advice is go with your gut!! as is in most cases Mommy knows best!!best of luck!!!
C.

Hi L.. Sometimes I have found that dr's are too willing to give us all of the bad news, so maybe nothing was said to spare you from the worrying you would do. And where would that have gotten you, hypertension, all that stuff. Both of my pregnancies were high risk but I was induced at 36 wks w/my 1st and she was an even 6 lbs, fine. My younger daughter who was induced at 37 wks had a few more obstacles, but everything turned out to be okay. I think that a lot that is told to women during their pregnancies should be at the dr's discretion. I have had so many friends who have had this test or that test - one of our friends went through almost their whole pregnancy thinking their daughter was going to be born with something and it turned out that everything was okay. The dr's normally don't induce you at any point sooner then they feel comfortable with doing. I think that it takes a little while longer for boys lungs to develop & they may have to do a test to see how far along they are. I had this w/my younger daughter - I am diabetic and was on insulin so they were watching her weight. I had her at 37 wks & she was 8/4 - I know it's enough to drive you crazy, but do only what you feel is right and if you want them to give u the heads up on everything, then just ask them. I'm sure that they would have no problem going over things with you. Good luck to u and ur little boy!

If your doctor is not giving you answers that are truly helping you to understand your (and your baby's) unique situation, then it is always appropriate to seek out another opinion. This being said, please discard that 1/100 statistic. Try to wrap yourself around the idea that your babe has a 99/100 chance of NOT having DS!

I just had a look on some decent websites (about fetal echogenic bowels) and I do not think that the info you will find will be particularly helpful. Another professional opinion would be a smart way to go. As much as I (a Doula and Lamaze educator)believe that letting nature take it's course and allow labor to begin on it's own is best for mother and baby, sometimes this is not true. There are situations where the baby is better off outside the womb and induction is the right way to go. Gather your information and work with your doctors to make the best choice for you and your baby. And have faith! So many of these "scary" things turn out to be nothing.

Keep us posted!