Pros and cons of being induced?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All of your assumptions about being induced are correct.

I was induced at 40 weeks 10 days due to low amniotic fluid. They were also estimating that db was going to be over 10 lbs, but neither my midwives nor I thought she was that big. Big, but not that big.

They put Cervadil in at 11pm and I slept through the night. At 11am, they began the Pitocin. I was not effaced or dilated at all. I too had VERY strong preferences about not using pain medication if I could help it. I also have (so I am told) a pretty high pain/discomfort tolerance. I labored on pitocin with contractions every 2.5 to 3 minutes for 12 hours without pain medication, with the midwife raising the pitocin dose periodically.

I was strapped to monitors and an IV, but - because my midwife was supportive of my moving around - was able to detach the monitors and walk around and sit on the birthing ball or the rocking chair, taking my IV with me. This really agitated the nurses on duty because they were supposed to monitor me from the nurses station which they could not do when I was not hooked up. However, my midwife advocated for me and monitored me regularly to make sure db was okay. My labor during all of this was very intense, but manageable.

After 12 hours, I was still minimally dilated and pretty exhausted and my midwife cranked up the Pitocin again (I caught a look from the nurse to the midwife that was like "Really?!?"). At that point, I realized that I would not be able to push the baby out without getting some rest. The pain also increased to something that is hard to recall and very hard to describe (imagine feeling like there is an Edward Scissorhands creature with razor blades inside your belly trying to cut its way out).

So I consented to - and was grateful for - the epidural at 11pm. I went into a not-quite-sleep but VERY relaxed state for about 7 hours while labor progressed. Around 5:30am, I began to push and db was born vaginally around 7:30am.

I strongly believe that, if I had not walked around during labor to help db move down and had not had a clinician who was patient and understood the importance to me of a vaginal delivery, then I would have ended up with a c-section for "failure to progress" at some point.

Good luck to you and your db with whatever choices you make!

This could have been my birth story...except for me it ended after 24 hours of labor with an emergency c-section. The Pitocin was really horrible...and nobody (including my midwife) prepared me for what the labor would be like on pitocin. I would only do it if you absolutely need to....chances are pretty good you will not wind up having a natural birth, if that is what you want.

[Anonymous]

Like you, I wanted a natural, drug-free delivery if possible. I was quite convinced that these things usually "work out", and didn't even consider it. But my water broke at 41 weeks, and I had no choice. My experience was exactly what everyone tells you to be afraid of with induction. Eight hours of intense, closely-spaced contractions, (during which I was confined to the bed with monitors and IVs) before I had to give in to the epidural. Another six hours of labor with the epidural, three hours of pushing, "failure to descend", and a c-section. It sucked.

Of course I can't know how it would have gone if I'd gone into labor naturally, but I can't help feeling that if I'd been able to labor calmly at home that I wouldn't have been so exhausted, and I would have been able to delivery my baby myself, instead of having her cut out of me while I floated in a druggy haze. I still feel this rush of negative emotions whenever I think about it. I was actually unconscious at the moment she was born, so I missed her first cough, I missed "it's a girl" (we didn't know in advance), eveything.

All this to say, I'd've stayed pregnant another month if it meant avoiding this medical trainwreck.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to everyone for sharing.

I decided to cancel my scheduled induction for this week - and let nature take its course (for now).

I really appreciate hearing all of your experiences as it helped solidify how I was feeling and remind me a little that this is not about me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks to everyone for sharing.

I decided to cancel my scheduled induction for this week - and let nature take its course (for now).

I really appreciate hearing all of your experiences as it helped solidify how I was feeling and remind me a little that this is not about me!

Hang in there...you won't be pregnant forever. Promise.

And for what it's worth: With my second pregnancy, I canceled my scheduled induction and the day after I would've been induced, I ended up going into labor on my own!

Good luck to you!

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP and it is probably a good thing to cancel your induction. I was induced at 37 weeks for a variety of reasons. It was not my plan but was the best and safest option at the time. Regardless of what happens and how it happens the ultimate goal is for mom and baby to be healthy.
There are a lot of stories on how to 'self-induce' pregnancy. While most are old wives tales it may pass the time to look into trying some of these options: walking, riding in a bouncy car/vehicle, sex, pedicure, nipple stimulation, eating certain foods - I have heard eggplant for one....you will likley here of more..

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Those methods of self-induction - is there a chance they would break your water but not necessarily induce? (In which case you'd have to get induced right away?)
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I think you've made the right decision, OP. Get as much sleep as you can, go to the movies, lounge. It's the last chance for a long time! Also, as you get closer to the 42 week mark, as your doc about stripping your membranes. Very non-invasive, non-painful way of getting things going, if your OB is experienced. If they're not experienced, don't let them, because they run the risk of prematurely breaking your sac, and then you'll have to get induced if that doesn't trigger labor. Best of luck to you, and enjoy this quiet time with your partner.

[Anonymous]

Have them get on membrane sweeping now! I'm 39 weeks and have had them do it my last two visits!! Of course I'm still waiting!

[Anonymous]

Just FYI - they can't do a membrane sweep unless there's at least 1 cm dilation (they have to be able to reach in). Also, the head has to be engaged in the pelvis. Those two were the reasons my dr wouldn't do the sweep for me.

Good luck to all!

[Anonymous]

Not true - can membrane sweep when you aren't 1cm if you and your doctor are willing, and I was. In London, where I had my first child, they do it no matter what. Incredibly uncomfortable? YES! Did I go into labor 24 hours later? YES!