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Shandi has had borderline high blood pressure (the diastolic has averaged between 90-95) at her weekly appointments for the last 3-4 weeks. They've done the 24-hour protein test twice and they've both come back negative. So the official diagnosis is Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. The Doc doesn't want to risk it developing into full-blown pre-eclampsia. So they've scheduled an induction for Tuesday morning.

For some reason this is kind of heavy for me. One part of me says that if the Doc thinks it's best, then let's do it. But the other part of me thinks - "Tuesday is only 2 days before his due date anyway, so what's the point?"

So for you fathers and medical types (that means you Mark) - what do you think? Is the risk of inducing labor less then the risk of waiting and having something else develop?

I've heard that induced labors are often longer and more painful. We were originally planning on going the natural birth route - but now I think we may re-consider the epidural.

How common is labor induction? Is this something to be concerned about? Or am I just a nervous (typical) first-time father?

Any advice at all would be appreciated.

Thanks guys.

I am not the praying type but your family will be in my thoughts. Not that it will be needed.

As I understand Pre-Eclampsia, it's not a good thing. Get it done. Let them induce. Junior will be just fine.

Don't second guess the doctors . . . you don't second guess your pilot do you?

Let them do their job and Tuesday, we expect a post - WITH pics - of the new junior.

Congrats and press on. We'll be thinking about you.

Induced labor is not nearly as big of a deal as it once was, it's pretty common and safe now. If you're uncomfortable, why don't you (and she) just go get a second or third opinion? Do you have a family doctor you trust? If so, talk to him/her about it.

How does Shandi feel about it? You should give that 95% weight in how YOU feel about it because she knows her own body and pregnant women generally have a very good intuition about this kind of thing.

It's not that I'm uncomfortable with it, just nervous. And I'm way ahead of your Cheesy, when it comes down to it, her opinion was what made the decision. I'm just trying to figure out what I think about it is all.

Right now we're planning on going through with this, but we just need to re-consider some of our other decisions now that our birth plan has been shaken up a bit.

BCAInfoSys wrote:Right now we're planning on going through with this, but we just need to re-consider some of our other decisions now that our birth plan has been shaken up a bit.

Life is what happens while you're making other plans. In this case, that's even more true! Just go with it, enjoy it, and relax, OK?

Our first daughter was induced...no big deal. I'd rather induce two days ahead than increase the risk of Pre-Eclampsia.

Thoughts and prayers with Shandi, the baby, and yourself. You guys will be fine, and have a healthy and happy baby boy!

OK, no biggie.

My son was induced 1 week early.

She was progressing very slow, till the doctor came in to break the water. From that point, he was born within the hour.

The pain came because she dilated so quickly that she had no painkillers in her system.

My suggestion, chill out as much as you can...

...and tell your wife that she doesn't need to be a hero and go thru this without painkillers.

BCAInfoSys wrote:It's not that I'm uncomfortable with it, just nervous.

First Time Dad syndrome?

Been there, done that. When Miranda popped out, I counted, 5, 5, 5, 5 . . . but no Whhhhaaaaaa. At least not right away. She's been Whhhhaaaaaaing for 16 years now. LOL.

It's all good my friend. Let the experts do their jobs. They know the answer to the test. It's completely normal for you to be nervous.

You guys will be just fine. . . . .

Believe me, the wife KNOWS. They are the Mom, the bearer of the child, a paternal instinct like you can't imagine. If she feels something untoward, she'll let you know . . . and let the doctors know too. You're in good hands, and like I said, we're pulling for you, our thoughts and prayers are there too.

Press on.

Yes, don't forget to trust your instincts.