Can't believe I am writing this as bubs has been engaged since October and is way head down but my cervix doesn't seem to be doing much and if nothing happens within the next week or so I will have to be induced. I have tried all the natural means of bringing labour on but to no avail.
I am a bit scared of being induced as I was told it's more likely to result in further medical interventions. What should I prepare for? Am I likely to need an epidural or is induction more likely to end up in a c-sec? Are the contractions really sudden and hard to manage? Has anyone had a positive experience with a medical induction?
Full Version: Medical induction of labour - what to expect?
Weddings, Babies and Life in General > PRE-CONCEPTION, PREGNANCY, BIRTH & BEYOND FORUM > The Birthing Experience :-)
I had an induction at 12 days over. I too was engaged from 35 weeks and loads of prelabour.
at 8 days over i went into be monitored, had a stretch and sweep and was already 3cms dialated. Even though she promised i would be holding my baby with in 24 hours - i still kept going over.
So on day 12 i was due at the hospital at 7 am ( as i was already dialated i was skipping the gel and going straight to breaking my waters and on the drip) at 3am my waters broke naturally. I than had to go straight in when i rang them due to be overdue.
At 9am after a few very very mild contraction of my own i was but on the drip. This is where i was told i wasnt allowed out of bed until it was all over.
As i was already 3cm it took a couple hours to get to 5cm ( they kept telling me getting to 5 was the longest part ) I than went from 5 to 9cms in 45mins. Pushing for me was quick 20mins but some ppl take hours.
Yes it was intense - but i didnt know any different anyway so to me it ws just normal labour. I have a feeling induced labours are quicker but someone here my be contray to that. All in all from drip starting to my son being born was 5 hours. Obviously i didnt result in c section but i too had heard that it can lead to that more often, my midwife explained though that most indictions that are done that end in c section is because the induction is done before due dates so to me this dropped the thought as i was so overdue.
Goodluck
at 8 days over i went into be monitored, had a stretch and sweep and was already 3cms dialated. Even though she promised i would be holding my baby with in 24 hours - i still kept going over.
So on day 12 i was due at the hospital at 7 am ( as i was already dialated i was skipping the gel and going straight to breaking my waters and on the drip) at 3am my waters broke naturally. I than had to go straight in when i rang them due to be overdue.
At 9am after a few very very mild contraction of my own i was but on the drip. This is where i was told i wasnt allowed out of bed until it was all over.
As i was already 3cm it took a couple hours to get to 5cm ( they kept telling me getting to 5 was the longest part ) I than went from 5 to 9cms in 45mins. Pushing for me was quick 20mins but some ppl take hours.
Yes it was intense - but i didnt know any different anyway so to me it ws just normal labour. I have a feeling induced labours are quicker but someone here my be contray to that. All in all from drip starting to my son being born was 5 hours. Obviously i didnt result in c section but i too had heard that it can lead to that more often, my midwife explained though that most indictions that are done that end in c section is because the induction is done before due dates so to me this dropped the thought as i was so overdue.
Goodluck
QUOTE(awaitingstorkie @ Dec 28 2009, 03:56 AM) 
I am a bit scared of being induced as I was told it's more likely to result in further medical interventions. What should I prepare for? Am I likely to need an epidural or is induction more likely to end up in a c-sec? Are the contractions really sudden and hard to manage? Has anyone had a positive experience with a medical induction?
I can only describe our situation and how it played out.
I was hospitalised on the Monday at 38 weeks with late onset uncontrolled high blood pressure. Initially it was for 24 hours for observation and to collect urine samples - but once the results were in I was told I'd be staying in and would not be going home until we'd had the baby
After blood pressure fluctuating for a few days, and various meds to control it, on the Saturday morning it was decided the safest thing was to induce. Happily bubs was already known to be a decent size (10 pound 3, as it turns out
).The gel was inserted at 6am, and a follow up at 1pm or thereabouts. I had mild niggling pains but nothing too intense until about 8 or 9pm. My Dr visited then and said bubs would be born that evening - but somehow I knew we weren't going to have a 17/5 bub (even though our due date was 25/5 I'd always had 18/5 in mind).
Midnight came and my blood pressure started flipping up in a very serious way. Midwife checked it with two different machines and finally manually. A quick call to the Obs and he advised I needed an epi which would hopefully bring down the blood pressure - as otherwise there was a good chance bubs would become distressed and we'd need a caesar. Happily the anaesthetist was not far away, the epi was put in, and within 1/2 hour my blood pressure was stable!
So in the wee hours of the Sunday (18th) hubby and I waited and rested and joked. I knew this bub was a long way off, yet. Obs rang a couple of times throughout the night, and visited 8am and then 11am Sunday morning. We were lucky in that at no time was a caesar again mentioned, once it was confirmed bubs was OK and my blood pressure stable. We weren't rushed in any way, and I was allowed to labour as long as I needed.
Finally at 4pm I felt things were close, the Obs arrived and got changed at 4.15 and at 4.30pm Sunday Oscar arrived in 3 or 4 pushes! So about 33 hours after the drip, our induced bub arrived
All up - I am really pleased with the way my induction went. For me contractions weren't 'fast and furious' as I'd heard others recount. Yes we ended up with an epi - but since it was that or a distressed bub/serious risk of a stroke for me as my BP was so high, I think it was the right call
I am pleased that I was not rushed in any way. I've heard others discuss only being 'given' 10 hours or thereabouts to progress. My Obs was of the opinion that provided bubs and I were happy then we'd do things in our own sweet time.
So while I do regret not having my waters break naturally, the excited drive to the hospital, the calling the family in the middle of the night to say 'it's time' all in all I can say my induction was a positive experience
I was induced with Angus at 40 weeks plus 2 days, due to high blood pressure. The hospital I went to had a policy that induced women could not leave the hospital premises.
When I first arrived they monitored Angus, then I was taking into a delivery room to have the first lot of gel inserted. This happened at about 9.30 pm on the Thursday. I was then monitored for an hour before I was sent to my room with sleeping tablets (that did nothing).
At 6 the next morning I was monitored again to see if anything had progressed (hadn't). I was told if nothing by 9am I would have a second lot of gel inserted, if still nothing my waters would be broken and a drip inserted.
At about 8 or 9am I was taken for monitoring and there was still nothing, second lot of gel inserted. The midwife suggested a shower and a walk around the grounds to get things moving. Had a shower and lots of walks, but as I had been doing 2 x1 hour walks every day on hilly area a gentle stroll around the hospital grounds did nothing.
At about 1pm I was taken for monitoring, still nothing. My waters were broken at about 1.30pm and the drip was started at about 2pm.
I was told that, the drip would be bumped up every half hour (I think the midwife said doubled but I can't remember 100%) until I had 3 strong contraction in half an hour. I had to have a monitor on at pretty much all times (except when it the loo or shower) from this point on. Based on the monitor and my reaction would be the gauge of how strong the contractions were.
Nothing happened at all, not even a niggle until it was bumped almost to the limit at about 6pm. Jamie and the midwife who had been there with me both went out and another midwife came in. Just after the drip had been bumped up, I went to the toilet. In the space of about 10 minutes, I walked across the hallway into the loo (got a strong contraction) went to the toilet and flushed (another contraction) walked back across the hall, the midwife came in saw me gripping the bench and said it seemed to have worked.
That was where my contractions started at about three minutes and very, very strong and painful.
Jamie and the other midwife came back about 6.30pm. By 7.00 I was using gas, by 7.30 I had asked for the pethidine shot. By the time they did the internal and everything I got the shot at about 8.30pm.
Jamie asked how long it would take to kick in the midwife said about 10 minutes. 15 minutes later I asked for an epidural as the shot didn't kick in.
After tooing and froing, I was told that there as there was no on in the hospital to give me one they had contacted the private hospital, who were trying to get one for one of their patients with no luck. They had even called the next large hospital (in Rocky 100km away) but they were not able to send someone to do one.
About 5 minutes after I was told this, the pethidine shot kicked in. It was as though my body relaxed. Not long after though my body felt like it was pushing, although the midwife said during 2 contracts I sounded like I was doing a pushing noise, don't push. I told her I wasn't but my body felt like it wanted to.
The next contraction, I made a noise, the midwife dropped her pen, jumped up and said "that sounds like a need to push noise" had a look, went and got another midwife and said yep your ready to push.
An hour of pushing and I had Angus (and a bucket load of tearing)
Points I will add are
At the start of the induction I was told as I was being induced due to high blood pressure, The option of having and epidural may be taken out of my and hands, and I may need to be given one to help lower blood pressure. When I asked for one, there wasn't an anethesist on duty but the was someone that could give me on eif they had to (I have no idea what this meant I was in a lot of pain and all I heard was could get an epi) but didn't like doing them if it wasn't required. I have no idea what would have happened if I needed on to bring down my blood pressure.
At one point Jamie was saying something about how a friend had just had a 30 hour labour, I told the midwife to kill me if I had to put up with that pain for 30 hours ( she laughed and told me that as my waters had been broken if the labour didn't progress enough or as quickly as they required, I think she said within 24 hours I would be given a c section )
My blood pressure did get very high when I was pushing. I kept looking at the screen when being monitored but once I needed to push I was aware of being told my BP had to be taken and the cuff being put on, but I can't remember the numbers. But The doctor was there when ANgus was born. I remember the midwife saying he wanted to see the baby b born but I have a feeling he may have actually been called by the midwives instead.
When I first arrived they monitored Angus, then I was taking into a delivery room to have the first lot of gel inserted. This happened at about 9.30 pm on the Thursday. I was then monitored for an hour before I was sent to my room with sleeping tablets (that did nothing).
At 6 the next morning I was monitored again to see if anything had progressed (hadn't). I was told if nothing by 9am I would have a second lot of gel inserted, if still nothing my waters would be broken and a drip inserted.
At about 8 or 9am I was taken for monitoring and there was still nothing, second lot of gel inserted. The midwife suggested a shower and a walk around the grounds to get things moving. Had a shower and lots of walks, but as I had been doing 2 x1 hour walks every day on hilly area a gentle stroll around the hospital grounds did nothing.
At about 1pm I was taken for monitoring, still nothing. My waters were broken at about 1.30pm and the drip was started at about 2pm.
I was told that, the drip would be bumped up every half hour (I think the midwife said doubled but I can't remember 100%) until I had 3 strong contraction in half an hour. I had to have a monitor on at pretty much all times (except when it the loo or shower) from this point on. Based on the monitor and my reaction would be the gauge of how strong the contractions were.
Nothing happened at all, not even a niggle until it was bumped almost to the limit at about 6pm. Jamie and the midwife who had been there with me both went out and another midwife came in. Just after the drip had been bumped up, I went to the toilet. In the space of about 10 minutes, I walked across the hallway into the loo (got a strong contraction) went to the toilet and flushed (another contraction) walked back across the hall, the midwife came in saw me gripping the bench and said it seemed to have worked.
That was where my contractions started at about three minutes and very, very strong and painful.
Jamie and the other midwife came back about 6.30pm. By 7.00 I was using gas, by 7.30 I had asked for the pethidine shot. By the time they did the internal and everything I got the shot at about 8.30pm.
Jamie asked how long it would take to kick in the midwife said about 10 minutes. 15 minutes later I asked for an epidural as the shot didn't kick in.
After tooing and froing, I was told that there as there was no on in the hospital to give me one they had contacted the private hospital, who were trying to get one for one of their patients with no luck. They had even called the next large hospital (in Rocky 100km away) but they were not able to send someone to do one.
About 5 minutes after I was told this, the pethidine shot kicked in. It was as though my body relaxed. Not long after though my body felt like it was pushing, although the midwife said during 2 contracts I sounded like I was doing a pushing noise, don't push. I told her I wasn't but my body felt like it wanted to.
The next contraction, I made a noise, the midwife dropped her pen, jumped up and said "that sounds like a need to push noise" had a look, went and got another midwife and said yep your ready to push.
An hour of pushing and I had Angus (and a bucket load of tearing)
Points I will add are
At the start of the induction I was told as I was being induced due to high blood pressure, The option of having and epidural may be taken out of my and hands, and I may need to be given one to help lower blood pressure. When I asked for one, there wasn't an anethesist on duty but the was someone that could give me on eif they had to (I have no idea what this meant I was in a lot of pain and all I heard was could get an epi) but didn't like doing them if it wasn't required. I have no idea what would have happened if I needed on to bring down my blood pressure.
At one point Jamie was saying something about how a friend had just had a 30 hour labour, I told the midwife to kill me if I had to put up with that pain for 30 hours ( she laughed and told me that as my waters had been broken if the labour didn't progress enough or as quickly as they required, I think she said within 24 hours I would be given a c section )
My blood pressure did get very high when I was pushing. I kept looking at the screen when being monitored but once I needed to push I was aware of being told my BP had to be taken and the cuff being put on, but I can't remember the numbers. But The doctor was there when ANgus was born. I remember the midwife saying he wanted to see the baby b born but I have a feeling he may have actually been called by the midwives instead.
I was induced at 38 weeks as it looked like I was having a big baby and there wasn't much movement going on in there. At 8am I was administered the gel and then told to go for a walk for 30mins and see what happens. Within minutes of the gel I started mild contractions. They slowly increased in strength (but not regularity) as the hours passed. Just as the dr was going to administer more (which I think was about 8 hours later) the contractions got considerably stronger. But then they disappeared. Stayed overnight in the delivery room with nothing going on the then 8am the next day more gel. As bub hadn't engaged, my obs didn't want to break my waters in case the cord got caught between bub and the birth canal. Same story as the day before. Then at 5pm the obs said that was enough and time for a c/s. Turns out I didn't have a big baby, I had excessive amounts of fluid and bub was never going to engage.
As you know, I was medically induced, due to my gestational diabetes. I won't go into my experience too much, but instead focus on a couple of things I wish I had done that may help you:
* try to stop googling and reading about inductions! Instead, concentrate on arming yourself with information about your situation. I wish I'd asked my obs more questions about how he liked to handle inductions. eg. Although I was far enough dilated not to need it, he uses tape rather than gel; I could have discussed timing of inserting the drip etc.
* if you need the induction, ask lots of questions or get your husband to be prepared to ask for you during the process. I went with the flow way too much.
In the end, I had a very quick labour (1 hour 20!) and didn't have any pain relief or interventions other than my waters being broken and the drip inserted.
Good luck Storkie - I'm thinking of you in the coming days. And although you think the natural methods aren't working they may be - I thought the same and my cervix was completely thinned out the morning of the induction so something was happening.
* try to stop googling and reading about inductions! Instead, concentrate on arming yourself with information about your situation. I wish I'd asked my obs more questions about how he liked to handle inductions. eg. Although I was far enough dilated not to need it, he uses tape rather than gel; I could have discussed timing of inserting the drip etc.
* if you need the induction, ask lots of questions or get your husband to be prepared to ask for you during the process. I went with the flow way too much.
In the end, I had a very quick labour (1 hour 20!) and didn't have any pain relief or interventions other than my waters being broken and the drip inserted.
Good luck Storkie - I'm thinking of you in the coming days. And although you think the natural methods aren't working they may be - I thought the same and my cervix was completely thinned out the morning of the induction so something was happening.
QUOTE(awaitingstorkie @ Dec 28 2009, 03:56 AM)
I am a bit scared of being induced as I was told it's more likely to result in further medical interventions. What should I prepare for? Am I likely to need an epidural or is induction more likely to end up in a c-sec? Are the contractions really sudden and hard to manage? Has anyone had a positive experience with a medical induction?
All these things went through my head when my obs suggested an induction, & none of the above happened. My labour was 3 hrs start to finish, no forceps, c/s etc.
At 9am my waters were broken & the drip inserted. By 10.30am i was 5cm, and it was at 5cm the pain started getting quite intense. I had some gas & a shot of pethidine, bubs was out at 12pm on the dot. My contractions weren't sudden & unmanagable, until 10.30....the midwife came in every 20 mins or so & turned the drip up. Honestly my experience was definately a positive one. I was 41 weeks when i was induced.
I was induced at 40+4 due to blood pressure issues. I too was terrified!
The doctor who ordered my induction was not very encouraging, she gave me an internal and said 'your cervix is completely closed, what will happen is that you will be given two doses of the gel 6 hours apart tomorrow, stay overnight and then have the drip'
we went in to the ante natal ward the next morning, they inserted the first lot of gel at about midday. Not long after I started getting braxton hicks contractions, I told the doctor and she assured me they were just BH and to just ignore them.
A few hours later I asked for a heat pack as the BH were bothering me. They didn't have one spare but decided to put me on the ctg to see how bubs was doing. The midwife said that they might consider giving me something to slow them down soon and offered me panadeine forte. I STILL thought they were just BH! The midwife had to say 'you don't understand, you're in labour!' for sme to get it.
The contractions stayed at the same manageable level until 6pm when my waters broke during a routine internal. I was 5cm dialated and they moved me to delivery suite. I used a little bit of gas to help me concentrate on my breathing (as I had started to panic a bit) before I moved into the shower and stayed there for the next three or so hours with no pain relief except visualization and warm water).
I used the gas again when they made me get out of the shower for monitoring. Almost immediately I needed to push. My midwife didn't believe me and reluctantly gave me an internal at my request. She looked extremely surprised and said 'well, your baby has a lot of hair and will be here very soon!'
and she was. After a very short pushing stage she was born beautiful and healthy at 10.55pm. So 4 hours and 55 minutes of active labour. (10 hours 55 minutes since the first and only dose of the gel, but up until my waters broke the contractions were very easy to handle so I only count from 6pm)
I Was very happy with my induction.
Forgot to add that bubs was fully engaged also from the start.
The doctor who ordered my induction was not very encouraging, she gave me an internal and said 'your cervix is completely closed, what will happen is that you will be given two doses of the gel 6 hours apart tomorrow, stay overnight and then have the drip'
we went in to the ante natal ward the next morning, they inserted the first lot of gel at about midday. Not long after I started getting braxton hicks contractions, I told the doctor and she assured me they were just BH and to just ignore them.
A few hours later I asked for a heat pack as the BH were bothering me. They didn't have one spare but decided to put me on the ctg to see how bubs was doing. The midwife said that they might consider giving me something to slow them down soon and offered me panadeine forte. I STILL thought they were just BH! The midwife had to say 'you don't understand, you're in labour!' for sme to get it.
The contractions stayed at the same manageable level until 6pm when my waters broke during a routine internal. I was 5cm dialated and they moved me to delivery suite. I used a little bit of gas to help me concentrate on my breathing (as I had started to panic a bit) before I moved into the shower and stayed there for the next three or so hours with no pain relief except visualization and warm water).
I used the gas again when they made me get out of the shower for monitoring. Almost immediately I needed to push. My midwife didn't believe me and reluctantly gave me an internal at my request. She looked extremely surprised and said 'well, your baby has a lot of hair and will be here very soon!'
and she was. After a very short pushing stage she was born beautiful and healthy at 10.55pm. So 4 hours and 55 minutes of active labour. (10 hours 55 minutes since the first and only dose of the gel, but up until my waters broke the contractions were very easy to handle so I only count from 6pm)
I Was very happy with my induction.
Forgot to add that bubs was fully engaged also from the start.
I was induced with Liam after failing to progress after my waters had broken. It was alot more intense than my labour with Keira. I did it without an epidural and didnt have any interventions. I tore along the epi cut from Keira. The only thing different from the two births were that the contractions were a little more intense. With Keira they gradually got stronger and closer together but with being induced it all happened alot quicker. I had the gas for both births and I had pethadine for Liam but I dont think it had time to kick in as I pushed him out shortly after. I was actually booked in to be induced with Keira 10 days over was getting the gel on the 9th day, but ended up going into labour on the 9th day over. Good luck .
I was induced after 3 days of heavy pre-labour (and 9 days over due). I ended up with a c-section but I doubt that was due to the induction, bub wasn't getting past the pubic bone. From the time I was given the drip til the time the c-section occurred was 12hours or there abouts, I had started to push after about 9 hours, I think that is fairly average.
Good luck. Just ask loads of questions and try not to over think things
Good luck. Just ask loads of questions and try not to over think things
No advice as I'm in the exact same boat Storkie Down to the day!
I'm getting masses of pre-labour (they monitored me last night & I was getting contractions 5 mins apart... but my cervix seems to be ignoring this!) & they can barely feel Cameron's head as it's so low down... yet I'm pretty sure I'll be induced!
Down to the day! I'm getting masses of pre-labour (they monitored me last night & I was getting contractions 5 mins apart... but my cervix seems to be ignoring this!) & they can barely feel Cameron's head as it's so low down... yet I'm pretty sure I'll be induced!
Will be thinking of you in the next week, Storkie!!
Just remember, my labour with Jamie was fast and furious and I went into labour on my own!!! It is painful however it happens so try not to take that into account when thinking about how things will pan out. And if you request an epidural then so be it...they are rather fabulous inventions those drugs when you need them!! And you'll be in the Mater so I can assure you you and hubby and bub be very well looked after!!
I haven't had inductions but a girl in my MG did with her first (10 days over) and from the time the gel went in till she gave birth was 4 hours and she didn't need pain relief. So it can go just as easily as a 'natural' kick off.
Best of luck. Keep focussed on the prize and everything Ju Ju taught you and keep us updated!
x
Just remember, my labour with Jamie was fast and furious and I went into labour on my own!!! It is painful however it happens so try not to take that into account when thinking about how things will pan out. And if you request an epidural then so be it...they are rather fabulous inventions those drugs when you need them!! And you'll be in the Mater so I can assure you you and hubby and bub be very well looked after!!
I haven't had inductions but a girl in my MG did with her first (10 days over) and from the time the gel went in till she gave birth was 4 hours and she didn't need pain relief. So it can go just as easily as a 'natural' kick off.
Best of luck. Keep focussed on the prize
and everything Ju Ju taught you and keep us updated!x
I was induced as my waters had broken the day before and nothing had happened for 24 hours.
The Syntocin drip started at 11am and Kaia was born at 3.43pm so for me it was quick but also intense during that time.
I didnt need any other kind of intervention and i didnt have an epidural but had gas & pethadine.
Majority of the time i wasnt supposed to leave the bed but DH & my lovely midwife helped me wander around the room as i just couldnt stay on the bed i needed to move.
I have nothing to compare with but can say even though it was intense it was more than worth it to have my beautiful daughter and i'd do it again if need be
The Syntocin drip started at 11am and Kaia was born at 3.43pm so for me it was quick but also intense during that time.
I didnt need any other kind of intervention and i didnt have an epidural but had gas & pethadine.
Majority of the time i wasnt supposed to leave the bed but DH & my lovely midwife helped me wander around the room as i just couldnt stay on the bed i needed to move.
I have nothing to compare with but can say even though it was intense it was more than worth it to have my beautiful daughter
and i'd do it again if need be
I'm being induced next Wednesday at 38 weeks due to Gestational Diabetes and a big baby. I'm terrified of what will happen (i've been doing WAY too much reading). I'm just hoping it doesnt result in a c/s.
From my experience if your body is pretty much ready to go and bubs is in a good position induction doesn't have to be bad.
With my first I went into spontaneous labour but Cate wasn't in a good position so things moved very slowly. They ended up inserting a drip to progress things but I believe because her position wasn't good it meant didn't really help. In that case I ended up with an epidural and vaccum extraction because the drip did make things more intense but Cate wasn't really ready to come.
With my second I was overdue and bubs was in an good position. I was induced by them breaking waters then drip. The drip did bring things on quickly but it was a lot more manageable this time because labour progressed instead of standing still so to speak. Whole labour was only 2.5 hours of active labour and I managed with using just the TENS machine.
So I guess what I am saying is induction doesn't necessarily mean interventions - depending on how ready bubs and body already is I think.
Good luck.
With my first I went into spontaneous labour but Cate wasn't in a good position so things moved very slowly. They ended up inserting a drip to progress things but I believe because her position wasn't good it meant didn't really help. In that case I ended up with an epidural and vaccum extraction because the drip did make things more intense but Cate wasn't really ready to come.
With my second I was overdue and bubs was in an good position. I was induced by them breaking waters then drip. The drip did bring things on quickly but it was a lot more manageable this time because labour progressed instead of standing still so to speak. Whole labour was only 2.5 hours of active labour and I managed with using just the TENS machine.
So I guess what I am saying is induction doesn't necessarily mean interventions - depending on how ready bubs and body already is I think.
Good luck.
I was induced with Liam 10 days after my due date. My induction experience took two days 
, but it wasn't half as bad as I imagined it to be.
In the end they did 3 lots of gel with me. On the final lot of gel I experienced mild cramps but I was so happy that something was finally happening! My cervix refused to open and when it finally did it only opened to half a centremetre and that was good because they were able to put the hook in and break the waters. From there they inserted the drip. So I did go from nothing to full on contractions. 7 hours into labour I had an epidural (love them, bliss) and I'm glad I did because that's when things started happening. My blood pressure went way down, I hadn't dilated at all and my cervix refused to and Liam's heartrate went down. After nearly 3 days I was whipped in for a c section and to be honest I was so relieved!
I don't think you can forsee an induction or birth. Its better to go with the flow and ask lots of questions and speak up if you feel uncomfortable. I was so scared of labour and birth but while in the throes of it I started to get excited and knew that every pain bought me closer to Liam. Even though my experience was drawn out, I really think I got off lightly!
, but it wasn't half as bad as I imagined it to be.In the end they did 3 lots of gel with me. On the final lot of gel I experienced mild cramps but I was so happy that something was finally happening! My cervix refused to open and when it finally did it only opened to half a centremetre and that was good because they were able to put the hook in and break the waters. From there they inserted the drip. So I did go from nothing to full on contractions. 7 hours into labour I had an epidural (love them, bliss) and I'm glad I did because that's when things started happening. My blood pressure went way down, I hadn't dilated at all and my cervix refused to and Liam's heartrate went down. After nearly 3 days I was whipped in for a c section and to be honest I was so relieved!
I don't think you can forsee an induction or birth. Its better to go with the flow and ask lots of questions and speak up if you feel uncomfortable. I was so scared of labour and birth but while in the throes of it I started to get excited and knew that every pain bought me closer to Liam. Even though my experience was drawn out, I really think I got off lightly!
For what it's worth, this is my story:
I was induced due to my water breaking on the sunday and still having no progress by the Tuesday morning. They offered to induce me on the Sunday and the monday but I declined as I didn't want to be induced, I wanted to go home and have labour start spontaneously. They told me Tuesday morning was the cut off because as more time passes after the water breaking there is more chance of infection. So Tuesday morning I was hooked up to the drip and contractions started. First off I thought it seemed easy but then they started cranking the drip up and the contractions were pretty intense and close together (keeping in mind I don't have natural labour to compare it too). Anyway, after 7.5 hours of labour without any pain relief I was only at 4cm (which I had gotten to 3 hours previous), my cervix was still really hard and they declared me failure to progress (as you can see from other stories, induced labours often progress pretty quickly). They talked to me about the option of epi and turning up the drip or c-sect. The risk with increasing the contractions was that the baby could get distressed and we would end up with a c-sect anyway. I was so tired and in pain by this point that I chose a c-sect. Which proved to be a good choice as bub wasn't engaged at all (hence no pressure on the cervix to help it open) and seemed to be stuck behind the pelvis, they said that she was probably never going to get out naturally.
So, I had an induction that ended in a c-sect, but it wasn't because of the induction.
I guess just be prepared for anything as birth never goes to 'plan' and the main thing at the end is your baby is delivered safely. I think what scasey said about your body and bubs being ready is a really good point.
I was induced due to my water breaking on the sunday and still having no progress by the Tuesday morning. They offered to induce me on the Sunday and the monday but I declined as I didn't want to be induced, I wanted to go home and have labour start spontaneously. They told me Tuesday morning was the cut off because as more time passes after the water breaking there is more chance of infection. So Tuesday morning I was hooked up to the drip and contractions started. First off I thought it seemed easy but then they started cranking the drip up and the contractions were pretty intense and close together (keeping in mind I don't have natural labour to compare it too). Anyway, after 7.5 hours of labour without any pain relief I was only at 4cm (which I had gotten to 3 hours previous), my cervix was still really hard and they declared me failure to progress (as you can see from other stories, induced labours often progress pretty quickly). They talked to me about the option of epi and turning up the drip or c-sect. The risk with increasing the contractions was that the baby could get distressed and we would end up with a c-sect anyway. I was so tired and in pain by this point that I chose a c-sect. Which proved to be a good choice as bub wasn't engaged at all (hence no pressure on the cervix to help it open) and seemed to be stuck behind the pelvis, they said that she was probably never going to get out naturally.
So, I had an induction that ended in a c-sect, but it wasn't because of the induction.
I guess just be prepared for anything as birth never goes to 'plan' and the main thing at the end is your baby is delivered safely. I think what scasey said about your body and bubs being ready is a really good point.
I was induced at just over 39 weeks for reduced fetal movement.
The day before the induction the dr did a stretch and sweep and I was 1cm dilated.
Went to hospital at 7pm the following day, they did an internal and I was 3cm dilated. They tried to insert the foleys cathetar however it just came straight out so they gave me some gel around midnight.
I had mild contractions then my waters were broken at 7am and the contractions started ramping up and had the synto and ctg attached at 10. By 1230 I could not handle the pain anymore and had an epi.
I started pushing at 5:30 and she was still not out 2 and a half hours later, so forceps were used. Although I think that was more to do with her massive head and being posterior than being induced
The day before the induction the dr did a stretch and sweep and I was 1cm dilated.
Went to hospital at 7pm the following day, they did an internal and I was 3cm dilated. They tried to insert the foleys cathetar however it just came straight out so they gave me some gel around midnight.
I had mild contractions then my waters were broken at 7am and the contractions started ramping up and had the synto and ctg attached at 10. By 1230 I could not handle the pain anymore and had an epi.
I started pushing at 5:30 and she was still not out 2 and a half hours later, so forceps were used. Although I think that was more to do with her massive head and being posterior than being induced
I faced induction for both my boys due to high BP. Both times I asked for a stretch and sweep before the chemical inductions.
With Brock (39+4), at the time of the S&S my cervix was not dilated at all, but about 28 hours later Brock was born with no further help.
With Jack (38), I had a S&S at 37+5, which didn't do a lot. At the induction the next night I had some monitoring first, then th OB gave me another S&S together with the gel about 9:30pm and the pains were almost instant. Contractions showed up on the next lot of monitoring but the nurses didn't think they were "real" just a reaction to the gel. I was sent back to my room around 10:30 with a sleeping pill and Hubby was sent home. I didn't take the sleeping pill, I wasn't comfortable with the idea. Less than three hours later, Jack was born It was fast, but not furious. It was a wonderful labour and birth. The only bad thing was that my husband missed it!
So the reason for my story is, it doesn't hurt to try the "low tech" induction techniques, they might not work but if they do you might just avoid the drips that restrict movement. AND not all inductions end in a scary labour and birth.
Good luck!
With Brock (39+4), at the time of the S&S my cervix was not dilated at all, but about 28 hours later Brock was born with no further help.
With Jack (38), I had a S&S at 37+5, which didn't do a lot. At the induction the next night I had some monitoring first, then th OB gave me another S&S together with the gel about 9:30pm and the pains were almost instant. Contractions showed up on the next lot of monitoring but the nurses didn't think they were "real" just a reaction to the gel. I was sent back to my room around 10:30 with a sleeping pill and Hubby was sent home. I didn't take the sleeping pill, I wasn't comfortable with the idea. Less than three hours later, Jack was born
It was fast, but not furious. It was a wonderful labour and birth. The only bad thing was that my husband missed it!So the reason for my story is, it doesn't hurt to try the "low tech" induction techniques, they might not work but if they do you might just avoid the drips that restrict movement. AND not all inductions end in a scary labour and birth.
Good luck!
the girls were induced due to...
onset IUGR for isabelle
GDM for me
i was already 3cm dilated at 37+3 when i was induced- the induction itself wasn't bad, the fact i had a pair of OB's on power trips is what caused my issues.
i had isabelle's bag broken, waited 45mins,nothing changed, synto started - epi was not put in until 3.5hrs after synto started - synto left at full, epi turned off (that's the power trip part) - basically i experienced 'pit to distress' (not that they are allowed to do that) where they 'test' the foetus in labour.
isabelle was born with forceps assist,lily was right on her toes (literally) - from first bag broken to second baby out - 11hrs.
i was always going to be immobile due the epi for multiples and having internal and external monitoring (one for each) - but i know plenty that have been induced and been active the entire time.
best thing i can suggest is be open to ANYTHING - labour doesn't always go to plan,every birth i go in thinking i could have a c/s and have things prepared for a c/s recovery.
onset IUGR for isabelle
GDM for me
i was already 3cm dilated at 37+3 when i was induced- the induction itself wasn't bad, the fact i had a pair of OB's on power trips is what caused my issues.
i had isabelle's bag broken, waited 45mins,nothing changed, synto started - epi was not put in until 3.5hrs after synto started - synto left at full, epi turned off (that's the power trip part) - basically i experienced 'pit to distress' (not that they are allowed to do that) where they 'test' the foetus in labour.
isabelle was born with forceps assist,lily was right on her toes (literally) - from first bag broken to second baby out - 11hrs.
i was always going to be immobile due the epi for multiples and having internal and external monitoring (one for each) - but i know plenty that have been induced and been active the entire time.
best thing i can suggest is be open to ANYTHING - labour doesn't always go to plan,every birth i go in thinking i could have a c/s and have things prepared for a c/s recovery.
I was induced and had a really wonderful birth experience.
Your fears and concerns are normal but just remember that an induction doesn't have to mean a more difficult labour
take care
Your fears and concerns are normal but just remember that an induction doesn't have to mean a more difficult labour
take care
My little siss is going in to be induced tonite - actually shes already in there she went in at 6pm! So when I see her ( hopefully tomorrow ) I will ask and find out how it went for her. She is 12 days overdue.
Thankyou for posting this and for the replies as ive been anxious for her and wondering what she will be going through
Poooky
Thankyou for posting this and for the replies as ive been anxious for her and wondering what she will be going through
Poooky
Everyones experiences are different, try not to worry yourself too much darl
both of my pregnancies were induced at 10 days overdue... my first labour was 14.5hrs and second was 19hrs... I had no major medical intervention and delivered my babies naturally.
good luck xoxo
both of my pregnancies were induced at 10 days overdue... my first labour was 14.5hrs and second was 19hrs... I had no major medical intervention and delivered my babies naturally.
good luck xoxo
I've had 2 inductions and both were great!
First time: I was already 2cm dialated when I went in, so no gel needed. Syntocin drip was hooked up at 1pm and my contractions started at around 2pm. I used gas for a while but found the shower on my back was better relief (believe it or not) and after pushing for around 40 minutes, I ended up having an episiotomy & forceps delivery. My little boy was born at 5:48pm. So it was intense but fast and personally I'd prefer that to a long & drawn out labour.
Second time: I decided I was going to have an epidural this time and I knew in advance I was going to be induced. So, epi went in first, then they broke my waters & then the syntocin drip was hooked up (how bloody civilised
). Drip went in around 9am and my little boy was born at 11:17am - again was a forceps delivery.
Both times my cervix was 'ready' so I never needed any gels and this also helped to the overall speed of things.
Regardless of being induced I would have required forceps or similar as both my boys had trouble fitting through my pelvis.
Both of my experiences were positive
Yet I recall a friend of mine telling me she was sorry I'd had such a terrible birth experience 
Because in her mind, she had very set ideas as to how she wanted to birth etc and none of it involved ANY intervention.
I think the best thing you can do is be prepared to go with the flow as you never quite know how it's all going to go.
First time: I was already 2cm dialated when I went in, so no gel needed. Syntocin drip was hooked up at 1pm and my contractions started at around 2pm. I used gas for a while but found the shower on my back was better relief (believe it or not) and after pushing for around 40 minutes, I ended up having an episiotomy & forceps delivery. My little boy was born at 5:48pm. So it was intense but fast and personally I'd prefer that to a long & drawn out labour.
Second time: I decided I was going to have an epidural this time and I knew in advance I was going to be induced. So, epi went in first, then they broke my waters & then the syntocin drip was hooked up (how bloody civilised
). Drip went in around 9am and my little boy was born at 11:17am - again was a forceps delivery. Both times my cervix was 'ready' so I never needed any gels and this also helped to the overall speed of things.
Regardless of being induced I would have required forceps or similar as both my boys had trouble fitting through my pelvis.
Both of my experiences were positive
Yet I recall a friend of mine telling me she was sorry I'd had such a terrible birth experience Because in her mind, she had very set ideas as to how she wanted to birth etc and none of it involved ANY intervention.I think the best thing you can do is be prepared to go with the flow as you never quite know how it's all going to go.
I said Id come back and let you know how my sisters induction went. Well as it turned out she went into labour naturally at that day at 12 days overdue - she was to be induced that evening. She was very happy and on a high when I saw her - I asked how her labour was and she said horrible but she had the natural endorphins runnign through her making her so happy.
she did end up needing an epidural due to her heart rate going up really high and bubs did need forceps as he got stuck trying to get past her pelvis.
sorry I couldnt give you induction information but all the best for your birth
Louise
she did end up needing an epidural due to her heart rate going up really high and bubs did need forceps as he got stuck trying to get past her pelvis.
sorry I couldnt give you induction information but all the best for your birth
Louise
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