Synto induction and options for continuous monitoring - a good induction story.

[Tathagres]

Hi. I just wanted to share my experience following the recent birth of my second son where I was induced at 38 weeks for medical reasons.

My first labour was 15 and a half hours, augmented, lying flat on my back with CTG monitors. I felt strapped to the bed, and quite simply didn't cope. I still have nightmares about it.

Going into my second pregnancy and knowing from the outset that I would have to be induced was terribly scary. More than anything I wanted to avoid the CTG, and being strapped to the bed. I wanted to be upright, and able to labour on the birth ball, but I had no idea how I could achieve this with a synto induction where continuous monitoring is mandatory.

I hit the web and eventually found a site that suggested that a scalp monitor would allow more freedom of movement than a CTG machine. I had had a scalp monitor with my first labour, which had been scary at the time it was suggested, but the mark it had left on the baby's head was so small I had felt silly about being scared after the baby was born. For me it was easy to decide between a small scab on the baby vs hours of labour on my back.

So I spoke with my OB who was happy to use the scalp monitor (actually, he would have been happy with intermittent monitoring but hospital policy insisted on continuous) and so I went in for induction on December 1st feeling confident that it would be OK.

My waters were broken and it was found that I was already 3 - 4 cm dilated, which certainly helped for a good labour. The drip was started and we used the scalp monitor. The lead was taped to my leg and then I could get up and move around with the drip on a stand. I laboured on the birth ball for 2 and a half hours, at which point the contractions were feeling very strong. I used the gas and felt a bit dizzy so moved to the bed. A few contractions later we were pushing and after a 3 hour labour we had a baby!

Whilst being dilated from the start certainly helped, I am convinced being upright and on the ball helped the labour progress and also helped with management of the pain. I could rock between contractions, my birth partners could massage my back, and it kept me from feeling trapped and frightened as I had during my first labour where I couldn't move at all.

For me, the scalp monitor was a great alternative to the CTG and helped us have a great birth experience.

[myson]

Thanks for sharing that positive story. So glad it went well for you.

[Jaycee]

It's nice to hear of a positive induction story, I too was induced and I had a very quick 2 hour labour. Yes, it was pretty full on, but I feel positive about it and don't have any regrets!
Congratulations!

[Tathagres]

Thanks.

I guess I really just wanted to share the idea of the scalp monitor as it wasn't something that I saw mentioned often, and certainly my doctor didn't offer it, although he was very quick to agree to do it when I asked. I am convinced it was helpful as it gave me the mobility I wouldn't have had with a CTG.

[Pandora]

Im surprised that the hospital insisted on continuous monitoring - is that for inductions in general, for due to the circumstances surrounding yours?

[BellyBelly]

Yup with synt you need it, to pick up if it's stressing the baby out.