Can they induce at 39 weeks?

Answer 1

Normally they would only induce labour if they have suspected a problem with you or the baby these can be a range of problems. Or they would induce labour if you have had previous babies which have been too big to deliver and caused tearing. Therefore they may induce you early so you have a normal sized baby.

Answer 2

A baby is considered full term at 37 weeks, but it is up to your doctor to decide whether or not you should be induced earlier than 40 weeks, or at 39 weeks in your case. There should be a medical reason to induce the mother - just being 39 weeks pregnant is not enough! Additionally, if the mother has any complications and is 39 weeks, her doctor will go ahead and induce her. Also, if the doctor thinks that the baby is measuring large, he will also induce her before 40 weeks. Some doctors will induce their patients at 39 weeks if they are already dilated or effaced - this makes inducing a little easier on the baby and mother if the mother has already started to make progress.