The Stigma Surrounding Labor Induction

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I’ve finally got a solid answer for the question I hear constantly—“When are you having that baby?”—and the answer is, “In four days!” It could be sooner, but at the very least, I know it’s only four days away. This is all thanks to my doctor scheduling my labor induction. It’s the one bright spot that keeps me from disappearing into a cave until my little one arrives.

This is my first (and probably only) pregnancy, and honestly, I can’t say I’ve enjoyed it. Some people absolutely love being pregnant; I even know someone who adores it. But I just can’t wrap my head around that sentiment. My strong dislike of being pregnant becomes even more perplexing when I try to justify it.

• No, I didn’t suffer from morning sickness or any other ailments.
• No, it hasn’t been an unusually hot summer.
• No, I’m not alone in this journey. My husband, his family, my family, and our circle of friends have been incredibly supportive, with my husband practically earning a halo. So, that’s not the reason for my pregnancy woes.

And yes, I will love my baby when he arrives. That’s a crucial distinction. Do I enjoy being pregnant? Absolutely not. Do I love my son and will I continue to love him once he’s born? Yes, that’s essential.

Once I started showing, the unsolicited questions, advice, and horror stories became bothersome. But in the last three weeks, they’ve triggered a new level of anxiety that makes even a simple grocery run feel perilous. Before I set the induction date, a casual, “When is your due date?” would send me into a spiral. It felt impossibly far away, and each day was a negotiation with the reality that it could be a while longer.

Then, a stranger would pop the question and remind me how much time I still had left! My defenses would go up, making it hard to respond with something polite like “August 4th.” Instead, I’d lash out with responses like, “Who knows?” or “Not soon enough,” or, in one case, I froze in the cereal aisle, leaving the poor questioner awkwardly wondering what just happened.

But now, in this glorious post-induction-date world, I can confidently say, “On or before July 28th!” And I can say it with a genuine smile! But this joyful news is often met with unexpected judgment: “Oh, you’re inducing? You shouldn’t do that.” Actually, yes, I really want to!

There seems to be a stigma about inducing labor. Some people think it’s selfish or that I don’t care about my child’s well-being. (Did I mention I consulted my doctor, who specializes in these matters?)

These judgments didn’t entirely surprise me. If I’ve learned anything from this whole pregnancy adventure, it’s that everyone has an opinion on what you should or shouldn’t do, and they feel compelled to share it. I knew some people would disapprove, but I didn’t expect the majority to do so. Seriously, do you not see the smile on my face? Clearly, I’m excited about this; why rain on my parade?!

So here I am, just four days away from meeting my son, the day I’ll stop being pregnant, and yes, the day I’m inducing. I’ve withdrawn from the outside world. I’m not going to work. I’m not going out. I’m staying home and counting down the days. Because on or before the 28th, this will all be over, and you bet I’m inducing.

If you want to dive deeper into pregnancy and related topics, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, you can explore more about inducing labor and related subjects through these links: Home Insemination Kit and Facts About Fertility.

Summary:

In this candid reflection on the challenges of pregnancy and the stigma surrounding labor induction, Jamie Parker shares her personal journey of anticipation and frustration. As she approaches her induction date, she confronts societal judgments and emphasizes the importance of her choice, all while maintaining a sense of humor about the unsolicited opinions that come her way.