Is it normal for a dr. to continually ask when you want to schedule an induction?

Question

I am on my 3rd pregnancy, with a new dr. I really like him for the most part, but feel kind of pressured to get induced. I received pitocin in both of my prior deliveries (one of necessity, one induction by choice due to my husband going to iraq on my due date) and really did not have a good experience either time. Due to this I really want to avoid the use of pitocin unless it is absolutely necessary. However, I am 39 weeks Sunday, and at every appointment for the last month my dr. has asked me if I want to pick a date to be induced. I keep telling him that I want thing to just happen on their own (unless some medical need comes up) but he keeps asking! He even called my cell personally yesterday and said a date for induction on Sept 4th (3 days before my due date). Luckily I called to deny the "spot" because he had already pencilled me in!!!! I am all about medical intervention if it's necessary, but I'm getting the feeling this is much more out of convenience. Anyone else experience this, and how did you handle it?

Answer 1

Unfortunately it seems that doctors want and need (sometimes) to schedule inductions.  I'm not sure if it is an over load of patients or the need to have a schedule or that induction is so widely used now that it seems "ok".  This is the one reason I chose a midwife, you have to beg them to induce you....believe me.  

Just remember your Doctor works for you! this is your pregnancy and you have a right to have control over it!! Be strong, sometimes you just have to keep reiterating.... Good Luck!

Answer 2

Yeah, it sounds like he wants you to have this baby on his time. I say get a new doctor once your in a position too. Just keep telling him you don't want to be induced. Don't let anyone talk you into something you don't want to do.

Hang in there.

Answer 3

This was one of my fears with finding a doctor.  Today a lot of doctors are inducing for their convenience and not yours.  Induced labor is much harder on you and your body.  You should not have to be induced unless there is something wrong or you are passed your  due date by quite a bit.  There really should be no reason to induce before your due date unless it is something you want.  

Answer 4

I would simply ask him what it is that makes him want to induce you.  If he has a good reason then I would probably do it BUT on the other hand I have had 4 induced pregnancies and always wanted to have a normal labor.  If thats what you really want and his reasoning isnt good enough for you then I would let him know you wouldnt want to be induced unless your baby is not doing well or something along those lines.  Mine were all induced becuz I had BIG babies and they were having issues inside..... I mean I was induced anywhere from 2-4 weeks early (after testing lung maturity) and still had 9lb and bigger babies......could you imgine if they had gone full term?? I hope you get to have your baby just the way you want it but if the doctor has a good reason for wanting to induce (and him going on vacation isnt a good reason...lol) then I would go with that!

Answer 5

Some doctors don't like to see women go past their due dates because bigger babies can be more difficult to deliver (more pain for mom, greater chance of c-section)... but it is YOUR decision.

Is it possible he's trying to hurry you along because he himself has plans? Maybe he's going out of town and wants to make sure he's here for your birth? You can always just flat out ask him what his deal is... I'm sure if you explain that you had bad experiences on pitocin, he'll recommend another option or at least tell you why he's so motivated on induction.

Answer 6

If you want to go into labor naturally I would REALLY stick to your guns, as you are already doing. Reading your question gives me the chills- why does this guy want you to induce so badly?? Is there another doctor in the same office that you can switch to instead? The fact that HE called YOU and even scheduled you an appointment sounds like he has professionally overstepped his bounds...

I'm due w/ baby #3 and my other 2 I also induced- first time went ok, but the 2nd was not a good experience for me either. I completely understand you wanting to start labor naturally.

Answer 7

maybe you should ask him why he keeps asking and why he wants you to have this baby so fast???

I think maybe he does not want another on call doctor to delivery your baby only him???