Back when I was expecting my first child 11 years ago, I was blissfully clueless—living in a pre-social media bubble where the overwhelming advice from the internet was nonexistent. I didn’t have the barrage of “do this” and “don’t do that” memes swirling around in my head. Imagine my surprise at learning I should avoid caffeine, certain cheeses, and deli meats! My only sources of information were my mom, my doctor, and a good old-fashioned paper book called What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Yep, that one’s real.
So, when my doctor recommended scheduling an induction because it looked like my little one was taking his sweet time, I felt a wave of relief and said, “Sure!” Deep down, it felt like the right thing to do. Fast forward to today, and I might have stumbled upon countless horror stories about induction online, which could have led me to hesitate or worry about what others might think if I chose to induce instead of waiting for nature to take its course. Thankfully, that wasn’t my reality back then, and I can’t help but think that waiting might have created more complications for me and my baby.
Logically, induction made sense. Everything about my pregnancy was going smoothly—my measurements, blood pressure, and the baby’s movements were all on point. I was also juggling work commitments and hosting my parents, who were conveniently staying with me. Let’s be honest, I was terrified of the whole newborn thing. Plus, I was getting increasingly uncomfortable and cranky. I tried every trick in the book to coax my baby into an earlier arrival, but nothing worked.
I remember the morning of my induction vividly—I was enjoying some oatmeal with my dad, and it was surreal to think that today could also be his birthday. Upon arriving at the hospital, I nearly had a heart attack seeing the empty bassinet waiting for my baby. My blood pressure might have spiked a bit at that point!
As the induction began, my doctor went to break my water. Looking back, I see things much differently now. I remember the doctor’s worried expression and the sudden rush of medical staff into the room. When asked if my water had broken, I had no clue. I envisioned a dramatic movie moment, but I hadn’t experienced anything like that. Little did I know, my water had indeed broken earlier, putting both of us at a higher risk of infection. To this day, I can’t pinpoint when or how it happened.
Things escalated quickly. They started monitoring the baby internally and brought in pediatric specialists. Thankfully, I wasn’t made aware of the gravity of the situation until after my son was born. Ultimately, I was able to deliver naturally, and he arrived healthy and adorable, but not without a hiccup—he threw up green meconium and spent the first 24 hours in the NICU for monitoring, while I was given antibiotics as a precaution.
What if I had waited for nature to take its course? The uncertainty of that question is unsettling. I’m grateful I listened to my doctor and my instincts. I’m also thankful for modern medicine and its ability to ensure a safe delivery. Induction can be exactly what’s needed to bring your little one safely into the world. All we can do is trust our gut and our healthcare professionals to make the best choices for ourselves and our children.
If you’re curious about more pregnancy and family planning topics, you might find this excellent resource on family building options helpful. Also, check out this article for more insights on home insemination.
Summary
Induction during pregnancy can sometimes be necessary for the safety of both mother and child. In this article, Jessica Harper reflects on her own experience, highlighting the importance of trusting medical advice and instincts during the pregnancy journey.