Were you given pitocin, and why?

[Anonymous]

I got pitocin to induce labor at 39 weeks because I developed preeclampsia. Of course, I have no basis for comparison, but I didn't find the contractions to be too terrible. I mean, they were bad enough that I opted for an epidural, but I wasn't dead set on a natural birth in the first place. I noticed the biggest change when my water broke-- naturally-- after a couple hours of being on the pitocin. Shortly thereafter is when I got the epidural. The only thing I didn't like-- and I can't even say for sure that it was due to the pitocin-- was that my contractions slowed down right in the middle of pushing. Luckily, they started up again w/ no more interventions, but it kind of freaked me out.

[Anonymous]

I got Pitocin - my water broke, and after 15 hours of labor I was stalled at 5 centimeters. Two hours after I started Pitocin, I got an epitural, and about two and a half hours later my baby was born vaginally. I had one nurse offer to start me on it much earlier, but I wanted to take a wait and see approach...I didn't feel like any of the three doctors I saw while I was in labor were pushing it, though.

Contractions were a completely different animal pre-and post-Pitocin. I actually didn't really feel much of anything for the first 12 or so hours of labor, and then what I did feel seemed fairly mild. Once the Pitocin started, they were completely different - wrenching towards the end before I got an epidural.

[Anonymous]

I got pitocin because DS was 10 days late. I was so happy to finally be induced and get going with the birth I didn't care! I labored for 6 hours, had an epidural, labored for 4 more hours, pushed for 2 hours, and.. finally... DS was born. Beautiful, healthy, and I couldn't have been happier.

[Anonymous]

I delivered three babies - one was induced - and I was never given pitocin. I've never heard of the idea of giving pitocin for a normal delivery.

[Anonymous]

The good thing is that the midwives will not recommend pitocin unless it is medically necessary -- which is to say, rarely. So you've gone a long way toward avoiding it by switching providers. I agree with your assessment -- it is too often pushed om women who don't need it and that's bad, because it increases risks for mother and baby.

[Anonymous]

I was given pitocin, but only after I chose to take an epidural at 8 cm. The pitocin off-set the slow-down effect of the epidural and got me the last 2 cms so I could push. Pushing took awhile, but the delivery was very smooth and the recovery was surprisingly easy.

[Anonymous]

I was given pitocin after my scheduled c-section. It was the most painful three hours of my life because my spinal had worn off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I delivered three babies - one was induced - and I was never given pitocin. I've never heard of the idea of giving pitocin for a normal delivery.

What were you induced with if not given pitocin? Misoprostol?

[Anonymous]

I was given pitocin because no one was sure when my water had broken, only that it had (it was such a small trickle I had no idea. In my defense, it was summer and I just assumed I was sweating a lot).

I do not feel like I gave birth; I underwent a medical procedure. Pitocin, epi, lidocaine for back issues, attempted vacuum, and ultimately c-section.