Induction Experiences Please - what to expect?

[sloane]

i was induced with my DS at 40 weeks because of being on insulin for GD.

i had something other than the gels (they called it a tape, just a diff sort of product) put in on the tues evening. contractions hadn't started by the morning so they did an ARM & then started me on synto. i'd asked for a wireless monitor so i had one of those. i was quite aware that i was on a bit of a schedule (i asked & was told they wanted to see a 'good' contraction every 10 mins). i agree with PPs here & if i am induced again, i will be asking for more time as the synto was upped & upped till i was having contractions continuously & they had to stop the drip altogether.

i was fully dilated about 7 hours after contractions started but when i started pushing DS' heart rate wasn't recovering as they wanted so i was taken to theatre for an attempt at an assisted delivery with the ability to do an emergency c-section if necessary. in the end, they were able to get DS out with forceps. i'd had an epidural at the end because they wanted me to be ready for the c-section if required.

i had sterile water injections for back pain & gas during the 1st stage.

the m/w were very supportive of me trying different positions etc, although i wasn't able to have a shower (which i would have loved).

i consider it a positive story because i was still able to birth DS vaginally & that's what i really wanted. i did feel pressured & on a set time frame but i think with experience i would be able to stand up for myself better this time.

i did educate myself on the 'spiral of intervention' so i did feel at least mentally prepared for what might happen.

i spoke to an IM recently & she reassured me that inductions for 2nd births do not have quite the same risk of resulting in a c-section so that's also something positive to take into account.

for me, one of the worst things was the waiting overnight to see if the cervidil worked. i would have been so much happier if i could have gone home (maybe i could have, i didn't force the issue) & come back the next day.

[Amaunet]

Thanks so much everyone Your positivity has given me lots of information and confidence.

I feel really good about my decision, it just feels...right I know my body knows what to do and I trust my OB so I'm starting to get really excited My bump just keeps getting lower and lower and the pressure is amazing (I spend all day on the toilet) so I know things are happening anyway. My mum has money on me not making it until Tuesday but my bum/tailbone are still quite sore from my fall so I hope I have time for more healing in that area - although a great excuse not to be sitting/lying on a bed! Had a big talk about it all with my mum, she was induced twice (successfully) with only AROM so hopefully genetics will help out as well. I really like the advice not to be "rushed" or hurried but allow each step time to work... something I'll definitely be acting on (guess I'd better amend my birth plan as well!)

My Aunt (mums sister - we're all really close) is a midwife and is quite keen to come and be a birth support but she lives 6 hours away. I think we'll see whats happening Tuesday and if I am heading for the induction my mum will book her a plane ticket!!!

Thanks again - this community never ceases to amaze me with its support

[Trillian]

If your tailbone still feels sore by next week, make it very clear that you need to be moving or on your hand and knees/kneeling, otherwise you will place additional strain on your tailbone and make it worse. By not laying/sitting it gives your tailbone plenty of movement and flexibility. I'm sure that everthing will go just fine though Good luck!