The itching explained - Obstetric Cholestasis!

[Now we're 3]

Thanks - quick question - is it the actual induction itself that is the painful bit or that the labour pains can be more intense if you are induced as opposed to going naturally? I haven't read too much about it as had no need before now. And this weekend was more focused on finding out some information regarding OC rather than what way I would give birth! Am always cautious about googling too much as you are inclined to hear more of the "bad" stuff and can scare yourself to death.

[Trillian]

It's not the induction, it's the contractions. When you are induced your body is sent into an artificial labour you could call it. The induction drugs are forcing your uterus to contract at a pace much faster and harder than they would normally occur - a way to imagine it is if you get a ball and put it in your hand and repeatedly squeeze it hard on and off every 3 minutes - your hand gets tired really quick and that's what is the hardest. Your body can get really tired really quickly. Normally I wouldn't advocate for an induction at all, but this is one of those times where bubs is better out than left in and I would always rather that a women attempt a vaginal birth first. There are some excellent articles on the bb main site www.bellybelly.com.au/articles that I recommend you read. It's really nothing to be worried about as women do have inductions all the time, but it really does pay to educate yourself about what you can expect.

[Bathsheba]

We posted at the same time Meadsie so i missed you last question about the pain... Trillian explained it well. I also edited my last post and added some extra info.

[Now we're 3]

Thanks ladies really really appreciate your input. Heading off now to see OB so will let you know how we go and what the verdict is.

Sorry Bathsheba - may have used the wrong word when i said antibiotic as i've been given a drug - Ursodeoxycholic acid - which is used to restore the liver function and bile acids to their normal standard. Therefore can assist in eliminating the itching and make life more bearable.

Be back on later with more news - thanks again.

[Trillian]

Well good luck today and I hope all goes well with your birth if you don't get a chance to log on again

[Bathsheba]

Ah ok... about that drug you are taking: I think my GP might have mentioned it... but my levels never got too high to warrant it... and at $200 I'm glad! The money was very much worth going towrad a doula instead! I hope your OB takes things gently and slowly for you! Remember that you still have a say in how your baby is born. The BB articles Trillian linked to are an excellent source of info... they don't scare you unecessarily!

[Now we're 3]

Well all official now - motherhood here we come - bit earlier than planned but all good.

Booked in for tomorrow so in a little over 24 hours I'll be a mum. After discussion between us and the OB and full examination seeing way baby is positioned, the way my cervix is/isn't have decided to go down the c/section route rather than attempting the induction. Mightn't be everyones choice but believe it to be best for us.

Thanks for all your input and look forward to speaking to you from the other side!

Any bets on how much sleep i end up getting tonight ?????

[Shar]

WOW, Good luck and let us know your news!

[Doing my best]

Any bets on how much sleep i end up getting tonight ?????

NOt much !! Both mine were ceasers and I got about 2 hrs the night before DD was born, and not much more before DS was born (with him I was having contractions though).

Good luck for your birth.. And as long as you are comfortable, then it is the right decision..