You are uncomfortable as you approach your estimated due date or EDD.  You are going to the bathroom many times an hour.  It is an effort to move or even get into a comfortable position.  You are not sleeping at night.

When you are considering induction, consider these things too~

1. What is my Bishop Score? This is perhaps the most important question to ask. Become familiar with the chart and make sure your body and the baby are ready to be induced. Perhaps you are one of the many women who gestate their babies for longer than the 38-40 weeks?  If so, if induced at 38 weeks and your baby is not due until 42 weeks, then your baby might be 4 weeks preemie and could need special care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  Unless the baby or you are in danger, consider waiting until your cervix is more favorable. Again, fear of a large baby is not always the best reason to induce.
   
2. What is the timing? When will I go to the hospital, when will I get prostaglandin gel, Pitocin, or my water broken? Many doctors will have a woman go to the hospital in the evening and start prostaglandin gel right away, then at midnight start Pitocin and break the water sometime in the middle of the night. This scenario clearly benefits the doctor and not the mother, yet is used quite frequently. The woman is then forced to work with labor in the middle of the night when she would normally be sleeping. This is extremely difficult to handle.
   
3. What are my limitations? Will I be able to walk, take a shower, labor in a tub, sit on a birth ball, eat light foods, drink, etc?
   
4. Will I need continuous electronic fetal monitoring?  How much will this restrict my movement?
   
5. Can we discontinue the induction if things aren't progressing? At what point?  Can I then go home and try again later?
   
6. How long will I be able to labor before a cesarean delivery becomes necessary?

The decision to be induced is not a simple one and not one to be taken lightly.  It is up to each mother and her partner to be as informed as possible when entering into this important decision!