cytotec vs. other options

[Anonymous]

I'm zero dilated and a week past my due date, so planning to be induced next week. I've read lots of stuff about cytotec on the web (and the postings here from February), and I'm pretty sure I don't want it due to the risks. My doctor plans to use cytotec, and she hasn't mentioned that there are any ther options, even though I know cervidil is an option. She's said that there's a decent chance that even the cytotec won't work (I have a stubborn cervix apparently), and I'll end up having a c-section.

So...can I turn down the cytotec and request cervidil? I don't mind the possibility of a c-section if it doesn't work as well. For some reason I'm afraid of angering my doctor by questioning her judgment.

[Anonymous]

I think you can certainly ask your doctor a little more information. I would ask BEFORE you are at the induction. Perhaps mention that you have heard about some of the side effects and are interested in what other options may exist. You may also want to ask your doctor if you NEED an induction. Have they done a non-stress test yet? Is the baby in distress? Is the placenta breaking down? Sometimes the dating of pregnancies can be a little off. I am only bringing this up, because you sound apprehensive about Cytotec. I had the exact same concerns. I went into labor on my own, but had to be "augmented" with Pitocin. I did feel like the doctors were awfully quick to want to start pushing drugs, so it is fine to ask and make your own informed decisions.

[Anonymous]

There are other ways to attempt to induce labor beyond cervidil and cytotec. Part of becoming a parent is learning to assert yourself so that you can and do make the best choices for your baby. Your doctor should not be put off at all by being asked to explain why she/he prefers cytotec and why not cervidil. In addition, you should ask what other methods of inducement might be appropriate -- e.g., stripping of the membranes, pitocin, etc.

[Anonymous]

I was recently induced (twice -- but that's a different story) and they used Cytotec both times. The first time it didn't work at all, the second time it put me into full-blown labor. I asked my doctor between the inductions about using Cytotec vs. Cervidil and she said that Cytotec tends to work better. She said that although it's not FDA approved for that use, many of the drugs used in medicine (especially OB/GYN) are "off-label" usage.

The only problem I had with the Cytotec is that it was really painful to put in during my first induction because my cervix was posterior and they had to really shove it in there (nothing like a male resident doing that at 2:30am! -- sorry TMI). My cervix was pretty ripe and in the right position by the second induction so it was much easier.

Good luck with the induction. At least they warned you it might not work. I was shocked to be sent home from the hospital the first time without a baby!

[Anonymous]

I understood that Cytotec is a lot cheaper than Cervadil. Hopefully doctors/insurance companies are not choosing cost over safety.

[Anonymous]

I can't believe that doctors are still using cytotec after the warnings put out by the FDA. Seems like a lawsuit waiting to happen.

You could try a few non-medical induction techniques before heading off to fight with your doctor. Oxytocin is released when you are nursing, causing uterine contractions. Pitocin is the synthetic version of the hormone. Using a breast pump when you are ready for labor should get things going. Please do your homework first, because there is a chance of overstimulation, just like with Pitocin.

[Anonymous]

always question your docs. i do and have been glad in the past. don't use cytotec. it is supposed to be a teratogenic. there are other ways. even if you must be induced (just be sure to get your epidural beforehand)

[Anonymous]

Hi - OP here. Thanks for all the advice. I will definitely ask my doctor to explain the options and why she prefers cytotec. I've been reading more from the medical journals (as opposed to blogs etc) and now I'm not sure if I really have as much of a problem with it (cytotec). I think a lot of the bad news that shows up on the web was from when they were using high doses a while back. Most of the studies show no difference in adverse effects between lower doses of cytotec and cervidil, although many admit that there's not a large enough sample to prove one way or the other when it comes to rare but major complications.

[Anonymous]

My doctor used cytotec (18 months ago) for me when I lost a baby in the 3rd trimester. It was an AWFUL med. I got tremors and a high fever. I would not not not let your doctor use it. I thought it was only used for still births and not live births anyhow. That was what my doctor told me. When I was induced for my live birth breaking my water coupled with pitocin worked for me; though I was slightly dilated. There are creams that can be used to help dilate you too. Don't use cytotec. My recovery was horrible due to my tremors.

[Anonymous]

Please also consider, research, (and discuss w/ your doctor or a knowledgeable midwife) natural ways of stimulating labor, such as herbal methods, nipple stimulation, and castor oil. I ended up using castor oil when my water broke by no contractions started. It wasn't pleasant, but it jump started my labor. Of course, all these things should be attempted only under medical supervision, but they can sometimes be as effective as a medication. Best of luck and congratulations.

[Anonymous]

PP here--my midwife specifically recommended evening primrose oil for ripening the cervix, but again, only with medical supervision.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm zero dilated and a week past my due date, so planning to be induced next week. I've read lots of stuff about cytotec on the web (and the postings here from February), and I'm pretty sure I don't want it due to the risks. My doctor plans to use cytotec, and she hasn't mentioned that there are any ther options, even though I know cervidil is an option. She's said that there's a decent chance that even the cytotec won't work (I have a stubborn cervix apparently), and I'll end up having a c-section.

So...can I turn down the cytotec and request cervidil? I don't mind the possibility of a c-section if it doesn't work as well. For some reason I'm afraid of angering my doctor by questioning her judgment.

If a vaginal birth is important to you, then you definitely need to talk further with your OB about your expectations and her thoughts and make sure you are on the same page. While the portion I highlighted above is technically correct, I would really question an OB's commitment to helping you have a vaginal birth if she is saying this outright to you.

FWIW, I was not dilated at all, not effaced, etc. and was induced at 41 weeks and 3 days (due to low amniotic fluid). I was given Cervadil at 11pm, slept, given Pitocin starting at 11am, labored on Pitocin until 11pm without an epi (contractions every 2-3 minutes), took the epi at 11pm, rested while still with the Pitocin, then pushed from 7am-9am. I was very dedicated to having a vaginal birth, which my care provider (a midwife and the covering OB) knew - and my db and I were both thankfully able to hold up well physically under the stress of the induction. Just letting you know it's possible. However, it is a rare OB who will support laboring for 36 hours without wanting to cut you open, imho.