Pregnancey Question - Induce Before Due Date

Due dates are ESTIMATES. Unless she was trying to get pregnant and knows exactly when she ovulated, then it is a guess. You inducing 2 weeks before her due date means she could be up to 3-4 weeks early. You are not only risking the health of your daughter by inducing when not medically necessary, you are risking the health of the baby.

My mom was a OB nurse for 30+ years, and she has seen way too many times when moms beg to be induced early and the kid ends up in NICU needing extra care/help breathing because it wasn't 'just a few weeks' early.

Also, do you think the graduation is going to be easier on her when she can barely walk due to an epsiotomy that its taking a while to heal, or with her c-section scar....or leaking breasts? The first few weeks after birth are not glamorous at all. You hurt in places that shouldn't hurt, your exhausted, leaking...and not in any condition to through graduation. If it happens naturally before, that is just the way things happen. But don't think it will be easier by making it happen before.

Oh, I forgot to add.....who doesn't still 'look' pregnant a week after giving birth. Last 4 times I did it, I still looked 5 months pregnant for weeks.

I am not usually this heated about an issue....but there is NO way I would even consider this.

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Inducing is NEVER 'safe' and always carries great risk - which can be up to creating an emergency situation which will end in cesarean and possible death.

You do NOT want to set your teenager up to have a cesarean so early in life. This completely breaks the integrity of her core muscles - something you can never get back. Muscles aren't bone - they do not heal back together 'stronger', but are forever a weakness in the muscle planes.

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That is the silliest thing I ever heard and not in a ha-ha way. Get over it. She is pregnant. It's disappointing that it happenened this way, but you are about to welcome a new life into the world - who she will have to learn to parent. The due date is not the issue you should be concerned with.

Doctors do induce early, but usually for medical reasons or sometimes for second children when the ability of a mother to labor is at least someone known, but that has it's critics. Let nature take it's course and don't start this child's life in a state of shame.

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Our bodies know when a baby is supposed to be born. This is her first, she needs to have it as natural as possible
I would only induce if the baby was way past a due date, not to meet a social event.

Your daughter will be fine and proud. She is Salutatorian!
Completely awesome.. She should never be embarrassed by her child.
I hope you will feel the same way.

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Embarrassing as it might be for her and for you, the right thing to do is wait for her body to go into labor naturally. Unless there is a _true_ medical need to do so (and often, even when the docs say there is, it's really just them being ultra paranoid), you should not have an induction. Every day the baby is in there it's better for the baby's growth & health.

Inductions have a much higher risk of resulting in an emergency c-section, and c-sections have their own risks and health issues (babies born by c-section are more likely to have allergies/asthma and other health problems).

Aside from that, it will probably be easier for her to go to her graduation and enjoy it still being pregnant than being post-birth with a one-week-old baby.

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I don't think inducing for convience is a good thing. Babies know when they're meant to be born, and will come out when ready.

I feel bad for the mother and baby, that you / she is considering this - because of embarrasment. Yes, it's not ideal. But it is what it is, and I would hate to start a life out being ashamed of someone. How awful for the little one!

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foolish reason to induce, Especially with risks involved with inductions.

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The doctor is the one to ask but no, I don't think that is wise. The reason I say that is a due date is not a date etched in stone but rather an estimate of when she is due. That date can be off by two weeks (or more sometimes). My son was born just two days shy of two weeks according to the doctors but within 1 day of the date I said he should be due. Had they induced me, he would have been born two weeks early. Sure, a baby born two weeks early should be fine but a lot of lung development occurs in those last few weeks and you wouldn't want him to be too early and end up in the NICU all because of her being induced unneccessarily.

Some doctors will not induce early and some will but they shouldn't unless is it MEDICALLY necessary for either the mother or the baby.

My sister was induced early due to complications and ended up having to have a c-section. Although it was within two weeks over her due date, she ended up having a premature baby in the NICU.

Everyone already knows your daughter is pregnant so the time for embarrassment is over. Her walking the stage pregnant as a the salutorian just shows that "even smart kids make poor decisions and get pregnant". It also shows "just because you get pregnant does not mean your education doesn't matter". Your daughter and grandchild's safety and wellbeing should be much more important than your ego. Let that baby come when he or she is ready!

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As soon as I read your question title, I instantly said NO. I known 4 woman who have done this and ALL have had horror stories of labor- so much so that one can no longer have kids. Another, her son got stuck in the birth canal and they ended up having to do a c-section and he had to wear a helmet to reshape his head for the first year from all the pushing she was doing. If there is no threat to the baby, then I really suggest waiting. Even women I know that were induced because they were past their due date didn't have very enjoyable labors (if there is such a thing! lol) So, although I am sure you would rather have her not be pregnant on graduation, the cats already out of the bag, so is it really going to make that much a difference. Better to be safe.

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It depends on how early the induction would take place. But my first instinct is to say no. Babies come when they're ready, when they're "done" cooking :o) In my experience I've only had 1 induction (of 3 deliveries) because I was 10 days over due and 3cm dilated (and it was my third baby). My other 2 came 4 weeks early and 1 week early - all without complications.

How does your daughter feel about it? When is her graduation scheduled for? She's going to need some time after delivery (especially if it ends up a c-section) to recover and adjust before the event of graduation. If the two dates (baby day and grad day) are close, I'd actually hope that the baby comes later!!

ADDED: After reading your SWH I just have to ask: is your embarassment or the health and safety of your daughter and grandchild more important here? I'm a little saddened that you'd place them at risk because of how *you* feel.

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Per my dr, he will not induce a first timer unless absolutely medically necessary. He said the likelihood of c-section is too high. However, if the patient has had a previously successful vaginal delivery AND is at least 3cm dilated and soft, then he will induce. His reason for that is he knows that mom can deliver vaginally and if she is starting to dilate and soft then her body is starting to get ready for delivery already.

I had an elective induction with my second, everything went smoothly, but I won't do that again.

Honestly, it will probably be easier for your daughter to still be pregnant and graduate than to be 1 week postpartum and graduate. 1 week postpartum is still pretty uncomfortable - c-section or vaginal delivery! And I'm not sure about others, but at 1 week postpartum, I am super self conscious - no baby in my belly anymore, just a glob of jello hanging around!

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From my induction, emergency c-section, hemorrhage, infection, swell up like a balloon experience - if you want to be sure she gets to walk across the stage, I wouldn't induce unless it was necessary. Could be fine with no complications, but could go wrong. I shuffled like a 90 year old for weeks and didn't leave my house for a month (extreme to be sure, but possible). Best of Luck to her and baby!

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I'm sorry, but perhaps now is the time for your daughter to start putting her babies needs above her own. Seriously? Inducing and giving birth early so she can graduate w/ out being pregnant. Wow. I'm stunned.

If baby and mom are not in physical distress, then you don't induce.

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I hate to say this, but one thing a child is NOT is convenient LOL!

Yes, she made a decision that you're not happy with. Yes, it's embarrassing, and I don't know how I'd feel. But if it's not medically necessary, why risk it? And due dates are not locked in stone, either. I had my son 4 days before he was "due".

I know this pregnancy has put a HUGE wrench in things, but her life and the good things that were going for her aren't "over", they're just VERY different. There may be a whole set of other good things down the road.

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I am being induced at 38.5 weeks personally, but that is because of the size and complications from my first delivery.

I'm not one of those who will say that inducing is evil and tell you all these awful things about how your putting the baby in danger because honestly, her OB wouldn't do it if they didn't think the baby was ready- regardless of your request.

I do understand not wanting all the judgemental eyes on your daughter during graduation, but think of it more like this- she is 9 months pregnant and STILL able to graduate as saludatorian!! That is awesome. She made a mistake, but she is still working hard to finish school.

As the time gets closer, re-evaluate where she is at and when everything starts. Who knows- she may go early anyway!

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A lot of docs induce early. They want to schedule things so they don't have emergency's in the middle of the night. I think most docs would go with the plan.

I will however tell you that each time my daughter was induced she had a much harder labor. On the times she went into labor naturally she just pushed a couple of times and had a baby. She had pretty easy labors those times.

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Wow.....

No it's not safe and any ob that will consider inducing to convenience someone's life is not a good one.

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I would not induce unless it's medically necessary for the health of the baby or your daughter. I was induced with my daughter because of high blood pressure that was continuing to rise. If this had not happened, I would've waited. My daughter was fine, and so was I, but it was a little nerve wracking wondering if she would be ok.

I'm sure your daughter would love to walk in her graduation, but she might be able to if her baby comes early or late! Good luck!

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Generally, its not a good idea to induce unless medically neccesary. The reason is, I believe, that there is a higher risk of c-section and you could be wrong about the due date and accidentally have a premature baby. Why does your daughter want an induction? Is she scared of going into labor like in the movies and having the baby in a cab? That really doesn't happen and first time labor is usually long. What MAY happen is that they send her home from the hospital repeatedly and then when she finally demands to go it might be too late for an epidural. That happened to my friend and it was pretty traumatic. I think its best to have a discussion with her doctor as to exactly what to expect and what to do. Also, talk about pain relief as well, if that is what she is afraid of.

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Let her go naturally. She *might* miss the graduation but that *is* one of the consequences of pregnancy.

I think you have an awesome daughter who managed to still graduate - and be the class salutatorian also! - despite being pregnant. Kudos to her and her strength for persevering!

i know the graduation seems like a huge deal right now, but compared to the health of your new grandbaby, as well as your daughter, it means nothing. i had to be induced 3 times, its not fun and its not natural. i know people schedule it for everything.... they used to knock everyone out and cut and take the baby too, right?? just cause something is common doesnt make it a good idea. just my opinion... and please, not for nothing, but as long as im being a big mouth, please dont believe that since she is becoming a mom she doesnt still have everything going for her. sure it can make it a lot harder, but if she believes in herself and others like you believe in her, she can still do whatever she wants. shes gotta be a determined girl to become salutorian,,, and while pregnant! you should be proud, mom!! she must be super determined, and thats gonna carry her :) enjoy your new grandchild!

just any fyi - most hospitals have a policy not allowing for non-medical induction before 39 weeks, some doctors can get around it by doing 38.5 weeks, so that would be 10 days before the due date, may 20th. so that's 6 days before her graduation - she'd prob feel better if she got lucky and held on PAST her due date to speak at the graduation rather than 6 days after delivering a baby and being up all night with a newborn for a week. the vast majority of inductions go JUST FINE, yes, there's always a horror story, but i was induced three times, i had three vaginal births, and i lived to tell about it, as did my three babies. i was released from the hospital within 24-48 hours after giving birth and doing normal activities the minute i walked through the doors of my house. your daughter is clearly not in an ideal situation, and inducing for convenience is something i typically don't endorse, but it does sound like your daughter is a good student and it would be awful if she missed her graduation, but on the flip side, it would be even more awful if the induction didn't go well and she ended up needing a c-section(which some women just can't deliver vaginally, regardless of being induced or not). SHE needs to really weigh the risks/benefits of both options and pick what she feels she can live with. maybe have an amnio the morning of the 20th to be absolutely certain of lung maturity, and if the lungs are mature, move on with the induction? idk, there's no right or wrong answer here in my opinion. hope your daughter gets back on track after the baby and continues her education. congrats!

I say don't do it. She'll be sore and tired and maybe not be ready for graduation. Everyone I know that was induced early had a long, hard labor because their body wasn't ready. Don't stress about embarrasment, it is nothing compared to the rest of your lives.

For being one so young I would not induce. Let nature do its own thing. Pregnancy and labor are hard enough as it is with out adding an induction on top of things. If you have a doctor willing to induce I would switch. As for just so she doesnt have to march pregnant. She made her bed and needs to lay in it. I know this is a tough decision, but try not to add any complications to her pregnancy. After all she and the baby are the most important.

It depends on her graduation date?? I was induced 2 weeks early with both my kids as they were getting too big and I did not want a C-Section. Usually they will have to do an ultrasound to make sure the baby is ready and is well developed before inducing. Talk to her OB and see what he/she says. They will usually work with you on having a safe delivery regardless of what you ask. They usually don't do an induction unless it is necessary or like me, want to avoid a C-Section because of size. My 2nd son had a 36cm head 2 weeks early. Unlike some here said. My induction lasted only 12 hours the first time and 16 hours the second time from start of induction to finish. I also agree with most that she will be too tired to enjoy her graduation if the baby comes early.

D. P.

This is the same thing I said the last time this ridiculous question was asked:

"Nuh-uh! Inductions just for the sake of convenience are so wrong! (I feel the same way about sections!). My grandmother actually lost a daughter because a doc decided he wanted to induce her so it wouldn't inconvenience his vacation! They almost lost my grandmother too but I'm so glad they didn't. If they had, I wouldn't exist because my father would never have been born!

I understand some inductions are necessary for medical reasons (just like sections) but that is the only time they should be used. My oldest brother had to be induced but things went wrong; they almost lost him. He has a lazy eye because of oxygen deficiency, among other problems. My best friend had to be induced with her son but she was 3 weeks over due! Things just would not kick into gear for her.They finally induced her because his fluid levels were getting dangerously low. Inductions are so much harder on your body and your baby.

I also don't agree with due dates, necessarily. Especially when the doc is going by the measurements of the baby. My sis had a BIG baby. Lets face it. He's still a big kid. He's a month shy of 5 but is bigger than my 7 yo. The doc was going by J's measurements and was insisting that my sister was wrong by her calculations by WEEKS! He wanted to induce and if she'd let him, it would have been horrible! Unless you can say for sure you know exactly when and where you were when your little one was conceived, it's just not safe. Realistically, how many of us can claim that? I can only do so with my two girls and that's only because of the date on one (the night before I left with my brigade to prepare for Iraq) and the second time it's because my husband and I were in a horrendous fight but had great make up sex (I happened to note in my diary).

Wait it out. It will be so much more meaningful if the little one showed up on the day that was exactly perfect for them. Congratulations on the new addition. :)"

Google "risks of early induction". If you still think it's safe, I bid you both much luck!

I am with the lot of responses you have gotten.
I would not worry about embarrassment.
She will be in no condition to enjoy the whole graduation ceremony if you induce her before her due date.
Let her enjoy her graduation ceremony it is a one time chance....
then she can experience the giving birth experience without worry about the complication about the graduation ceremony.
Each event should have it's own moment without interruption unless nature causes the interruption on it's own.
(most first pregnancies go past due date.... my birth and my 1st baby were both after due date that is why I say most first pregnancies.)

I induced with both of mine. First was 10 days late. 2nd was 2 weeks early. It was the 'original' due date, and I started having issues. Doctor gave in to make me happy. I'm glad I did it.

When is her graduation? How much before May 30th would you ask for induction? If its within 2 weeks, its probably fine.

I think if it was within 2 weeks of her due date the baby would probably be fine with being induced. BUT..... it is SO much harder on the mom! I was induced 10 days early with my 4th baby because my sister planned her wedding for like 3 days before I was due. It was my worst labor and delivery of all! I couldn't walk for a couple days (I don't know why) and I just had a really slow recovery! I was NOT ready to walk down the aisle during my sisters wedding a week later either! I DID it along with having my daughter as a flower girl, but it wasn't pleasant!
Good luck with whatever you decide! :o)

If she did have the baby before graduation, she may not feel up to attending graduation. I know I sure didn't feel like going out and about with a newborn. I know some feel like shopping the next day. It really is an unknown. What if she ends up needing a c-section? That would be a longer recovery. I think I'd let nature take it's course. IF she's mature enough to have a baby, then she's mature enough to handle graduation being pregnant. That should be the least of her worries.

You could have her induced and it would be safe however it can be very painful. I had an induction and i wish i hadnt. The dr used the balloon like thing-sorry i cant remember its proper name, and she missed, it took 3 times before it was positioned correctly..and it hurt like all heck. Than my water was broken, that hurt too-even though i was told it didnt. and after all that 32 hours later i ended up having an emergancy c-section becuase my babies werent ready to be born