Being induced questions

[pandora]

My doc brought up the possibility of me being induced since I'm kind of against a C section unless it's medically necessary. But, I'm reading that being induced can take forever and can be worse if my body is stubborn.

Any have any experience with being induced? Anything to share would be so helpful to better understand the risks in being induced. She doesn't want to let me go beyond my due date because I'm high risk which puts me potentially at C section vs. being induced as options. I be alone a lot once i'm home which is why I'd like to avoid C section.

[sparkythelawyer]

Why are you high risk?

[luv2rn4fun]

I was induced with C. It can be a long process, which is something I wasn't aware of.

I was scheduled at 11:30p o. 40w6d (basically 41w, also a Fri and they don't do inductions on the weekend). Went in and after discussing my options had a Foley bulb catheter placed. Sent home where I contracted from 2:30a-10:30a. Catheter is still in So I call L&D...they suggest pulling on it to get things moving again. Nothing. Was supposed to be back at 11:30p Sat night but advised to come early so we get there around 9p. The Foley bulb is supposed to get you to 3-4 cm...I was only at 1.5.

More talks with a different midwife (I was adamant against a c/s) and we decide to try cytotec. They gave it to me around 11p. Gave me my last meal as it was supposed to take 8 hrs for my cervix to ripen and C would be born around lunch /dinner on Sun.

Things went bad fast...C's heart rate would drop to 70 during contractions I couldn't feel. This happened a couple times and everyone would rush in, put me in my side, give me oxygen. The third time I was confronted with a paper to sign for my c/s...he had to come out and there was no way he was going to tolerate real labor. He was born at 2:33a.

Inductions can work and I'm glad I tried. But the c/s recovery was also a breeze for me (I was feeling able to run 2 wks PP, released for all activity at my f/u at 3.5 wks). I had a hard time accepting that my birth plan didn't go as I wanted but honestly am pretty sure I will have a RCS this time around.

[speyedr]

I had an induction at 39 weeks with DD1. I was 3cm/70% effaced when I went in. Went in at 11pm at 38+6, Pitocin started at 3am (was supposed to be midnight but was bumped due to a few emergent CS). I had an epidural placed at like 630 or 7am because baby was posterior (sunny side up) and I was having really bad back labor. OB came to see me at 12:50 and broke my water- I was 7 cm. 10min later I was feeling pressure and was complete and ready to push. I delivered at 1:50pm. Relatively 'easy' induction.

[ouokie]

I had 2 failed indictions. One at 39 weeks and the other at 40 weeks. My second induction I let my OB break my water when I was at 2 cm (don't do this!) to try to further my labor. I had to get an epi because I'm sure that would have hurt like a mother. They gave me 5 hours to try to progress and when I didnt I ended up having to have a c section. I went in to both inductions not very informed and put a lot of trust in my OB. I'm hoping to be able to VBAC with this one.

[Deleted]

I had 2 inductions that went pretty fast, one was 9:30-2:00pm and baby was there.
I was scheduled for a 3rd but baby wanted out the day before and that L/D was no more than 4.5 hrs.

[pandora]

Feb 4, 2016 22:16:52 GMT -5 sparkythelawyer said:

Why are you high risk?

Back injury and age.

[pandora]

Thanks for sharing. @luv, she was pretty much fearing what happened to you, will happen to me. I'm sorry that that happened to you but glad babies are healthy.

But, it is good to hear that it can be quick just not always.

I'm guessing her other concern is that my body is super stubborn with meds. We've already discussed that I've needed a second epidural for a prior surgery because the 1st did nothing.

I think she wants me to be OK with a C section but I really don't think it's the right thing for me. If baby is at risk then, of course but I fear the recovery. It seems that a C section should be a last resort to me.

@luv, did you remember meeting your little one while on the surgery meds?

Thank you all for sharing your experiences. Very helpful and good to think about.

[boiler717]

My OB really recommend a c section but I was favorable for induction and could have picked that. I was 39w and a FTM. I had planned a med free hypno babies birth but ended up going with the c section and I am SO SO SO glad I did. My recovery was a breeze and I think bonding was increased by not being exhausted going into the post partum period. I like to be alone and am quite introverted and didn't feel like the c section harmed that. I felt like I had a an easy recovery than most of my friends with vaginal deliveries TBH -- they are not all easy recoveries either.
What things are important to you during labor and post partum? For me, I wanted to avoid an epidural (I have bad migraines), I wanted to watch the baby be born, be able to do skin to skin after, be walking around relatively quickly after delivery, not risk a BF relationship, and hopefully be well rested (wasn't as important to me before delivery but again I cannot stress how nice this was). Also the main priority for both my OB and me was avoiding a c section during labor. For me, a scheduled c section met this criteria more than induction. The spinal has less risk of headache compared to an epidural. My OBs made my c section experience wonderful -- my husband was with me during the spinal, watched the whole thing in a mirror, skin to skin in the OR right after surgery, BF immediately in recovery and have had a great BF relationship since. My son was born at 4:15, I was in recovery by 5, and I had my catheter out and was walking around by 10. I could do laps the next morning and by a week PP I was going on mile long walks. I felt up to working out by 3w PP.
I share my experience because I know there is a lot of fear around c sections. Everyone's experience is different, of course, but for me it was truly a dream experience. I tell people I got all the benefits of both a vaginal delivery and a scheduled c section with none of the downsides of either.

[frozentoes]

My former OB pretty much scheduled everyone for an induction as soon as they passed their due date. I was all about it because I was so excited to have the baby and the idea of it being scheduled was very appealing to me. I went in on a Sunday morning and they started the Cytotec around 9am. Unfortunately I barely progressed at all. They would come in every 3 hrs and I would still be at barely 2cm. That night they broke my water, gave me a epi and started the pitocin. Still no progress. The next day the baby's heart rate started dropping with each contraction so I had to lay on my side with an oxygen mask on. I had a catheter, heart rate monitor, IV and the oxygen so I was tied to the bed. By about 6pm that night I still hadn't progressed past 5cm so I asked if we could please do a c-section. I wasn't in pain because of the epi, I was just mentally and emotionally drained from the waiting and lack of progress. The c-section was very smooth and easy and my recovery was a breeze. This time my new doctor supports trying for a VBAC. If I have another c-section I'm totally fine with it but I am adament that there be NO INDUCTION this time unless it is late enough that it's absolutely necessary. I have friends who had great experiences with it, but for me I guess my body just wasn't ready for it. I hope whichever direction your labor goes, it's a positive experience for you!

[luv2rn4fun]

I do remember meeting C! I heard him cry when he came out and they brought him to me pretty quickly in the OR for a couple minutes. I was able to breastfeed fairly soon too. The only part of my recovery that sucked was throwing up all day Sunday...to the point where we kicked everyone out because I was in bad shape (due to eating that last meal). Once that went away and was controlled I was able to walk around and this went smooth the rest of the time (they were willing to release me on Monday but we stayed til Tuesday because C needed to have his tongue tie clipped). Also, I chose to be induced at 41w only because 42w was 12/27 and I wanted him here and I wanted him here and us home for Christmas;otherwise might have considered waiting a little longer to see if he would come on his own.

[katiescarlett]

I was induced with my 3rd at 41+3. I was terrified but they started with a Foley bulb that wound up triggering my own contractions. They gave me a tiny bit of pitocin and I progressed fairly quickly, compared to the first two. Overall I was pleased with the experience.

[bowies]

I was induced early at 38w5d. I walked in 2 cm dilated (can't remember how much effaced). I ate a sandwich while we got my paperwork in order and then I started my IV and the Pitocin. Slept on and off with minimal discomfort until around 3 am when my doctor broke my water. Contractions intensified so I elected to receive the epidural at 4 am. Slept until around 8 am, but doctor was running behind on rounds due to another delivery so I was checked just before 10 am and I was fully dilated. Labored down for about an hour while they scaled back the epidural. Felt the "need to poop" feeling at 11 am, DS was born 25 minutes later.

I had a relatively easy recovery. I was up and in the shower that afternoon.

Bottom line, you aren't going to know if you'll have a smooth induction ahead of time. There are factors that certainly help predict (being partially dilated for example). My labor experience was the exact opposite of what I was told it would be - I thought I'd be up all night screaming in pain and the epidural would slow me down. Turns out I slept quite a bit and the epidural sped my body up. I'm hoping to be induced again for this baby.

[cgpm]

I was induced at 10:30 pm at 41 weeks. I was already 3 cm dilated and I think like 80% effaced. They put morphine in my line around 1:30 am and I slept through the night. By morning I was 5 cm. They checked me a few hours later and I was 8 cm. they broke my water at that point. I think it took another 2 hours until I started pushing. That was 3pm. I pushed for 2 hours and he never moved because he was face up and wouldn't fit under my pubic bone. So I ended up with a c section. I didn't mind the c section and thought it was fine. I also didn't mind the induction. I never got a epidural during that process, fwiw.

[simpsongal]

Technically, I was induced at 41 weeks b/c my water broke and labor didn't start. So probably not the same but I had an easy L&D (the epidural is AWESOME!). From the start of Pitocin to birth, it took like 8 hours.

[mandapanda18]

I had a failed induction, but not due to anything preventable, the cord was wrapped around C's neck several (6 times) so every time he tried to descend to the birth canal he was yanked back up. I went in at 7am on Monday morning (39 weeks) to be induced due to cholestasis of pregnancy. I was given cervadil immediately, I labored for several hours (was already having contractions but not dilating). They gave me a second dose around noon. I walked a ton/bounced on the ball, etc., but was not progressing. Around 7:30pm they gave me shot to stop my contractions because C's heart was deceling with every contraction. At 8pm my doctor finally arrived and checked me, I was still only 1.5cm... he could feel my water bag and opted to break it. At 8:30 decels were back and getting worse, I still was not dilating so I was prepped for an emergency C-section. It was a horrible experience, the contractions were so bad that they could not get an epidural in my back, I was put under general anesthesia. C was born at 10:02 pm, without H in the room and I was asleep.

If I had to choose again, I would have gone straight for the section, at least I would have seen him at birth. I didn't wake up for several hours, they wheeled me back to my room around 1 am, and H would hand me C and then take him back because I would fall asleep.

I wanted a natural birth and did go me free until the end, but for this baby I will be doing the planned section if the cholestasis persists.

I know that is not the story you wanted, but I always like to hear the good with the bad.

[Deleted]

I was induced because my water broke but I had no contractions, at 40w5d. My water broke at 10 AM, but I had only mild cramping until I was admitted to the hospital 12 hours later. The nurses started me on pitocin at midnight.  I was already 3cm and 80% effaced at that point.  By 2 in the morning the contractions were uncomfortable, by 5 they were pretty bad, and by 8 I didn't know how long I was going to last. Finally at 11:30 I got an epidural (I was at 6 cm) and rested for a few hours. The epidural was amazingly helpful. At 5:30 in the evening I was finally dilated to 10 cm and pushed for 45 minutes until DS was born.

Progress was slow and took longer than I expected. Each time the nurses increased the pitocin the contractions got more intense and closer together. I have to admit it was really discouraging. I also had to pee constantly, and wheeling the IV pole into the bathroom with me was a hassle. H helped me with that. I didn't enjoy being tied to the pole for 20 hours, but I got through it. I labored with a birthing ball and walked around the room as much as possible because being in bed wasn't comfortable. I am glad I practiced lamaze breathing beforehand because it did really help get through the contractions.

If I had to do it over again, I would have gotten the epidural much sooner. All in all, I did get through it and I'm proud of that.

Recovery was tough at first, but now 4 weeks out I'm feeling much better.

[Deleted]

I had a failed induction at 41w due to baby positioning and 'pelvic mismatch' (apparently my pelvic bone is flat?). That said, my c-section recovery wasn't bad at all.

[pinotgrig]

Feb 5, 2016 14:10:12 GMT -5 @sessalee said:

I had a failed induction at 41w due to baby positioning and 'pelvic mismatch' (apparently my pelvic bone is flat?). That said, my c-section recovery wasn't bad at all.

My bone is flat, too!

I wasn't induced op, but ended up with a CS after fully dilating and pushing for 3 hours. My recovery was really, really hard. I absolutely didn't want a CS going in but it's what ended up needing to happen for baby's safety. I get not wanting one, but you can just never tell how the birthing process is going to go sometimes. I'm strongly considering an RCS this time to avoid a failed vbac. I don't want to go through the recovery I went through last time.

[patbutcher]

I was induced and it was great. I was 41 weeks and was already at 4cm thanks to a stretch and sweep earlier that week.

I slept well that night
arrived at hospital at 8am
Broke water, started pitocin
Epidural at 9am
Started pushing at 11am
Baby born at noon

I can only hope and pray that this labour goes as well. It was nice to have the baby during the day and to get a proper night's sleep the night before.

[Deleted]

I was induced at 38.5 weeks for my first due to pre-hypertension. Labor went well and the delivery was really fast. She was out in 3 pushes. I was a few cm dilated and effaced going in though. Not sure if that makes a difference.

[mrswineo]

Chiming in...

I was induced at 39 weeks due to high risk (1 kidney, high blood pressure problems, baby was measuring small--10th percentile). I went in on Monday and had her Wednesday at 1:11am. It felt like it took forever. They couldn't get my water to break, took 3 epidurals, but thankfully I only had to push for 20 minutes and she was out. I wasn't dilated at going in. But by Monday night, they wouldn't let me eat or drink anything and I would of given my life savings for a cup of ice water. So I was getting agitated. But overall, it was a quick delivery to make up for the long delivery. Good luck!

[jennistarr1]

well my induction "failed" and I ended up with a c-section

I was so frustrated by my experience, I still am. Mainly because I was strapped to a monitor and couldn't move or walk or bounce on the ball or try and positions to deal with labor pains and move labor along. 

So I would ask about that.

Your best best is to go into labor on your own so I would do as much as you can. I think no method is fail proof but lots you can try, did the OB offer to strip membranes

[july]

My water broke at 37 weeks in the evening. Slight contractions started in triage. When I got to the labor room, they started pictocin and that sped things up fast. Baby was born in early morning hours.

[booboo173]

I was technically induced with number two as my water broke but contractions never picked up. Water broke at 2pm was admitted at 8pm at 3cm 50%. No regular contractions that night and no change. Started pitocin at 11 am things kicked in around 2. Broke 2nd bag of water at 5. Had one round of iv drugs since I have a back injury that prevents an epi. Labor intensified and I labored down for an hour. 4 pushes and he was our

[sookie]

I was induced and I'm being induced again this time. My induction with DD was actually really great overall for going in at a zero, and it took just over 12 hours from start to delivery. I had Cervadil and never received Pitocin. DD did great through the whole thing, but she did come out with a low first Apgar, but that was due to the amount of pain meds I received shortly before delivering (I went unexpectedly from a 3 to a 10 in just about an hour).

[cheeseandcrackers]

I had a good induction experience. I was almost a week late and I wanted the ob that was on call that night.
Got there the night before, i think i was about 2cm 80% effaced, they put in the cervidil which took me to 100%. got pitocin in the morning around 9am, she was born at 8:52pm. wish i would have gotten the epidural earlier, but there was an emergency c-section.

[loira]

Feb 5, 2016 6:56:55 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

My OB really recommend a c section but I was favorable for induction and could have picked that. I was 39w and a FTM. I had planned a med free hypno babies birth but ended up going with the c section and I am SO SO SO glad I did. My recovery was a breeze and I think bonding was increased by not being exhausted going into the post partum period. I like to be alone and am quite introverted and didn't feel like the c section harmed that. I felt like I had a an easy recovery than most of my friends with vaginal deliveries TBH -- they are not all easy recoveries either.
What things are important to you during labor and post partum? For me, I wanted to avoid an epidural (I have bad migraines), I wanted to watch the baby be born, be able to do skin to skin after, be walking around relatively quickly after delivery, not risk a BF relationship, and hopefully be well rested (wasn't as important to me before delivery but again I cannot stress how nice this was). Also the main priority for both my OB and me was avoiding a c section during labor. For me, a scheduled c section met this criteria more than induction. The spinal has less risk of headache compared to an epidural. My OBs made my c section experience wonderful -- my husband was with me during the spinal, watched the whole thing in a mirror, skin to skin in the OR right after surgery, BF immediately in recovery and have had a great BF relationship since. My son was born at 4:15, I was in recovery by 5, and I had my catheter out and was walking around by 10. I could do laps the next morning and by a week PP I was going on mile long walks. I felt up to working out by 3w PP.
I share my experience because I know there is a lot of fear around c sections. Everyone's experience is different, of course, but for me it was truly a dream experience. I tell people I got all the benefits of both a vaginal delivery and a scheduled c section with none of the downsides of either.

I could type out my whole c-section story, but it's very similar to boiler's. Recovery was a breeze - I've had problems with breastfeeding but they were unrelated to the c-section. Psychological factors aside, my c-section recovery was also physically a lot easier than my vaginal delivery with the baby we lost.

[meredithblake]

Chiming in to say I was induced with my first and it ended in a C-section. Although it ended in a C-section, I felt like it was a positive experience. Wanted to add that I felt the induction was successful too. C-section was necessary due to position and size of the baby. She was 9lbs 8oz and sunny side up with a 99% head. They let me try to push for 3 hours. I opted for the scheduled C-section the second time and it was a breeze.

[statlerwaldorf]

I was induced with my first and did not progress. I had to have a c section after laboring for a long time. Her head started to bulge from the pressure and my blood pressure was too low, so they did an emergency c. I would've ended up with one anyway because they only would let me go 24 hours after breaking my water. I was 4 cm and nearly completely effaced when I was induced. They went straight to Pitocin.