Is induction necessary?

I’m currently 38 + 3, baby has measured small my whole pregnancy but nothing too concerning however at my last growth scan her weight dropped. I had a scan the following week and blood flow and liquid volume was normal, BP was slightly high for one day but went back the next day and was back to normal and my blood tests came back absolutely fine so ruled out pre eclampsia. I have another growth scan on Monday but have been asked to come in for an induction on Tuesday although I haven’t even had a sweep yet. If on Monday her weight has increased again, is an induction necessary? Has anyone else been induced just for baby measuring small/dropping in weight as I thought these weren’t always accurate? When I go for my induction, will they not offer me a sweep first before going straight into it? I really want to go into labour naturally but of course i want to make sure my baby is safe and healthy so I’m just looking for advice on what the best option will be.

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I had an induction for my youngest due to small growth measures on scans and also a failing cord/placenta. I did not have any sweeps done beforehand and the hospital gave me oral pills to ripen my cervix

It’s totally your choice whether you have an induction or not. Ask them to fully explain the reasons for suggesting it, the pros, cons, and risks. Also it’s worth asking what the alternatives are to an induction as they may not always tell you if you don’t ask. You might already be aware of this but this could help with your decision making: https://www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/our-services/maternity/your-antenatal-care/brain/ Don’t forget you can always see if you can ask for a second opinion from another DR/ midwife in the service.

Deffo ask if you can have a sweep the day before to see if it does anything. Maybe ask them some more questions to see if it is necessary but if your baby’s weight hasn’t increased I would honestly say go for it. My baby had FGR he was tiny and even though I had growth scans it went undiagnosed. I ended up with pre eclampsia and went into Labour at 40+5. It was a massive shit show and it wasn’t a good outcome for my baby unfortunately. Nothing good happens after 40 weeks for small babies xx

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