Cervical Ripening

jess123456

Hey ladies! I know I asked about induction before but turns out that I will be getting my cervix ripened this weekend and sent home and then induction will be the next day. They are inducing the day after my due date due to my history. I have another appointment later this week with my doctor to go over everything including the exact medications used etc. but wondering if anyone has experience with this "ripening" process on your own at home. According to my sister they monitored her in the hospital when they did this to her and she was surprised that I would be home after this process. I would love to know a bit more about what to expect with this process the day before induction. Thanks!

soulcupcake

Cervidil is often used to ripen the cervix prior to induction (if it isn't favorable for induction yet). There are situations where cervidil is placed and mom is sent home until induction date.

AuthorMomof2

No experience sorry, but I would check through your deliver and pregnancy books. I'm sure you will find lots of valuable information in there and birth stories so you have some education. I hate when hospitals don't tell you much or send you home with information. It seems weird to send you home instead of keeping you overnight but I have heard other moms say they were sent home, so I guess some hospitals do. If you don't feel right though, go back and asked to be monitored so you feel comfortable and that the baby is safe. Good luck new mama!

CocoGelato

With DD, my water broke at 36 weeks, but I was 0cm and had no time-able contractions.  I was also GBS+, so my doctor wanted to get induction going.

I was given Misoprostol (hadn't done my research) instead of Cervidil to ripen my cervix.  I was told to expect Pitocin about 8 or so hours after the Misoprostol.  I was not sent home, but that was most likely due to the fact that my water was broken and I needed antibiotics.  I was told labor could very well be 2 days long.

I never got to the Pitocin.  I was already pushing 8 hours after the first dose of Miso. If I had been sent home, the contractions got painful and time-able with plenty of time for me to make it back to the hospital if I had needed.

Good luck!
My story isn't typical, but I hope your induction goes as smoothly!

jess123456

Thanks ladies! I spoke further about this with my doctor today as well.