Hmm short comment is broken. I ASK to be induced before 40 weeks, but after that I'd be all for induction. I'm 39 weeks pregnant right now. And 3 more weeks seems like a REALLY long time to be this uncomfortable.

Sometimes, doctors guess the due date wrong. If there were a compelling need, such as to protect the life of the mom or baby, a life clearly in danger, there would be reason to induce labor. Otherwise, trust nature. I've had two children and they were born when I went into labor naturally. They were very healthy when they were born. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I was induced twice with 3 pregnancies. The first was due to being 3 weeks overdue with deterioation of the placenta showing on an ultrasound. The last was due to having gestational diabetes, however, that induction was done on my due date (full term pregnancy) and done for the health of the baby as the longer the pregnancy goes past the due date, the higher the risk of respiratory problems. Interesting, my child only had a minor problem with respiratory after birth - a friend with gestational diabetes was 2-3 weeks overdue & her child ended up in PICU for 4 weeks with respiratory ailments. Induction for convenience - ABSOLUTELY NOT.

I've been a nursery nurse for 17 years. One hospital I worked at had a C/section rate of 32%. One mother in 3 had a c/section. It was also standard practice there to induce for convenience. If they start an induction & the cervix isn't ready you may not dilate. Guess what, you get a c/section. C/section is SURGERY & it's not without risks for the mother & the baby. Also, mothers aren't told that the contractions you get from pitocin (induction drug) are not the same as natural contractions & are much more stressful for the baby. This can lead to fetal distress & you guessed it - a c/section. From my experience in OB - let nature take it's course unless there's a strong medical reason to interfere.

my daughter was 2 weeks early i had to be induced because she wasnt moving enough and her heart beat was dropping. the experiance i had with the potocin i would never want any one to go threw they gave me to much to fast and my body couldnt catch up my doctor wasnt expecting me to deliver tell the following day i couldnt bairly walk for a week after and i think they called it a 4th degree tear. all i know is i would never want to be induced again just from that

I'm not martyr mommy, but I think nature should take its course whenever possible. If the baby is not in danger, or posing a health risk to mom, I don't see any reason for induction. (I am 39 weeks pregnant as I write this, huge, uncomfortable, and very ready for baby to come out).