DEAR ABBY: I'm the father of three beautiful, healthy children, with another due very soon. My wife is 36 weeks pregnant, and so far, so good. My wife is, well, perfect. We are not newlyweds and we have seen highs and lows, but she's the greatest mother I could have asked for my children.
The problem? She wants to induce her labor early. She figures the baby is healthy enough and just gaining weight from here on (her OB/GYN agrees). I know she has done enough and I want to support her decision, but I can't help thinking our baby girl will come when she is ready. I don't want to cause any ripples this late in the game. I just feel I'm on thin ice here and in the minority. I don't want to drag my mom into this to prove a point! -- EMOTIONAL DAD IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR EMOTIONAL: If your wife's OB/GYN agrees that inducing your wife's labor early will not be harmful to the baby, and that's what your wife wants, then you are outvoted. While you might request a second medical opinion, I strongly advise against dragging your mother into this disagreement because if you do, it will cause resentment not only against you, but also your mother.