Induction due to BMI

I just left my 37 week OB appointment. The doctor brought up being induced before 40 weeks due to a high BMI. This is the first my weight or an induction has been brought up and I’m feeling…. just a certain type of way about it. I know I shouldn’t feel bad about BMI or weight gain (especially in pregnancy) but this definitely made me feel bad about myself. I never decline getting my weight taken but always mention that I do not care to know the numbers. Before pregnancy I had a BMI of 35. I’m 5’2 and have always been considered “obese”. My BMI is currently 40. I’ve only thought about induction in terms of going past my due date. Now I don’t know how to feel. Especially if my body is not ready for labor and I force it into it… the doctor brought up needing cervix ripening meds and a ballon BEFORE even starting pitocin. I’m looking for anyone that has gone through anything similar and what your experience was like. Thanks 🖤

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My bmi was 40.0000001 when I found out I was pregnant at my booking appointment, I have a section booked in at 39 weeks. Honestly, don’t worry too much about if, my absolute fear is going over and my baby not making it so it is good that they’re wanting to bring your baby that little bit earlier as babies can get stuck in birth canal when obese (got told this by my consultant at last app). I’ve never had an induction so cannot comment, but they wouldn’t bring you if they didn’t feel it was needed 🩷 Hope all goes well, I’m due again in May, and had my Feb 2023 baby at 38+6 🥰

I was induced at 39 weeks and it was an amazing experience. I was given pitocin at 11am and she was in my arms at 2pm. My girl was perfectly fine the entire time. I was given the ripening meds the night before and my water broke at 5am.

I haven't had this experience but I will say that it's become (sadly) way too normal for doctors to use excuses for why they want to induce. I'm sorry they're projecting onto you where it makes you feel bad about yourself. I vote listen to your gut and don't let Dr shaming sway you from what feels right internally. 🙏♥️

I will also add to my comment, I agree with Mimi that you should only do what you are comfortable with! I wouldn't let them convince you to do something you're not comfortable with but not every induction is a negative one

I have a BMI of 38 and they want to induce at 39 weeks (not quite there yet). Unless they can give me a true reason that has nothing to do with my weight (placenta is deteriorating, AFI is low, large baby, etc), I will be pushing back. Read “Plus Size Pregnancy by Dr. Sara Wickham”, it talks about evidence based pregnancy and delivery for women of larger BMI. Super interesting and informative.

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