RE: 38 weeks pregnant, bicornuate uterus, low amniotic fluid doctor wants to induce me

Q. Thank you so much for your time. I have been very frustrated and even worried dealing with the doctor and hospital staff. My doc. told me the normal amniotic fluid range was 5-25cc. I was 6cc at my appointment last Friday. I hadn't drank very much that day so I don't know if that would have made a huge difference or not. I told the doctor that but he said it probably wouldn't have made a difference.
As far as I know vaginal exams are normal practice. They give you one initially at your 8 week appointment and then once you hit about 36 weeks they give you one every week. After the first exam, which he made sound very important, I did some research and refused the next ones. This last appointment, my 38 week appointment I consented because he was concerned about the "low" level of amniotic fluid. I was dilated to 3 centimeters so he suggested being induced. I asked why and he said due to my bicornuate uterus, low amniotic fluid, and high blood pressure it was more of a risk to the baby than to wait. As far as I know he didn't check for any "ripeness" or my cervix. He just told me I was 3 cm dilated and was 50% effaced. I quite honestly disagree about the need to be induced, but I think the real issue is our view of childbirth. I see childbirth as a natural process that only requires medical intervention in very rare cases. I think he sees childbirth more as a medical procedure.
I really don't want to be induced and I don't think at this point it's necessary but I know here in the states doctors do think they are "gods" and really try to scare you into things. The doctor told me if I refused to be induced that I am putting the baby at risk of complication and stillbirth.
Does that help clarify for you? Again, I can't thank you enough for your time.

A. Hi again

Goodness me! Your doctor should never say things to you like that and make you feel like you are putting your baby at risk. Thats disgraceful. I understand the fluid level is low BUT still within normal limits. Could he not just monitor you and the fluid levels more frequently from now on? I had the same situation with my twins-low amniotic fluid levels around one of them for weeks and weeks, but i was monitored until the placenta was being affected at which point I had a c-section. Could you get a different opinion maybe an ultrasound from another sonographer to confirm the amniotic fluid level?

Being induced carries its own risks-

Risk of it not working and being sent for a section

Risk of baby's heart rate dropping from the synthetic induced contractions

Risk of uterine rupture and hyperstimulation from the hormone drip

Increased risk of instrumental delivery ie forceps or ventouse suction as these hormones make the contractions very painful and many women want an epidural which increases the risk of instrumental delivery.

We have a free national health service over here, would your doctor get paid more for inducing you? Do they get paid for each vaginal examination which may I say at 8 weeks is absolutelly ridiculous, what are they hoping to find!! It has a very strong whiff of money to me, but thats my opinion.

I suggest you ask your doctor to back up what he is saying with evidence as in research that suggests one episode of high blood pressure means pregnancy induced hypertension and that all women with a bicornate uterus must be induced, along with the risks of stillbrith.

Please do let me know how you get on, it would be lovely to hear from you again.