Induction

NLM1984

Went to my Dr today. I'm 38w2d and she is talking about medication to soften my cervix and then induce me by the 1st. Anyone been induced? What's really involved and what are my chances being able to go med free still??

llambrose

I was induced with my daughter because of low amniotic fluid levels. I had a very positive experience with it. I checked in to the hospital late in the day on a Thursday, they gave me a cervadil suppository (I had monitors attached to my belly and an IV inserted) that evening and I went to sleep. I woke up around 2 AM to use the restroom. When I was getting back in bed, my water broke. I called the nurse, she came in and checked me and found that the cervadil had come out at some point. I slept for a couple hours and woke up feeling contractions. Around 6 AM they started the pitocin. I continued to try to rest. Around 11:30 AM it was time to push, I pushed 3 times and she was born at noon. I can't advise on the med free part as I had intervenous meds and an epidural (never cared to try for med free) but the induction part was nice and easy for me.

AllTheTeaInChina

You have 3 weeks to go into labor on your own. I wouldn't worry about induction yet.

I've never been induced but there are different ways it can be done. Best to discuss the process with your OB.

Stephij1

This is obviously a personal decision, but having done a lot of research on the subject, I would personally refuse an induction before 42 weeks unless there was a genuine medical necessity. According to the World Health Organization you aren't considered "past due" until 42 weeks. Generally you can sort of bargain with the doc to postpone an induction. When I was pregnant with my dd, I told the OB that I was happy to come in for non stress tests, ultrasounds, or whatever else would make her more comfortable, but I wasn't going to schedule an induction until I was actually past due. She agreed. I lucked out and my dd was born on her due date, but I'm still happy with my decision. A lot of people are happy with their inductions, but for me it wasn't worth the increased risk of C-section and other complications.

PrimRoseMama

Induction, by definition, is not med free. You can try to go pain-med free, but I've heard induction meds can make contractions very painful. You can always go as far as possible & if you need pain meds you can get them.

Why the induction?

NLM1984

Induction because as of 12/1 I'll be 41 weeks that is as far as my dr. allows b4 inducing.

MmsHughes4

PrimRoseMama said:

Induction, by definition, is not med free. You can try to go pain-med free, but I've heard induction meds can make contractions very painful. You can always go as far as possible & if you need pain meds you can get them. Why the induction?

This. An induction means IV's and medication. You can decline pain medication. I was induced with DS and after they broke my water it was very painful. Being induced also means you'll either end up with a vaginal delivery or a C-section. Mine ended in a C-section due to no progress after 12 hours.

Amstreagle

You have no obligation to answer as this may be a personal decision but why are you being induced?
My induction they broke my waters started pitocin, baby had bad reaction so they turned off for a bit. They did this multiple times, running in putting me on oxygen flipping me around so babies heartbeat would be stable. I labored 20 hours. Ds was born with jaundice and hadn't developed his suckling so I was unable to EBF.
Everyone is different so you very well may have a great experience.

NLM1984

I'm not choosing to be induced. But if I go a week past it is what my Dr. is suggesting/pushing for.

taahira

I was induced with my 1st, it was very painful. There was no way I could have gone med free. My 2nd delivery I did everything I could to go into natural labor to avoid induction. It was much easier, less painful and med free. I would try to avoid induction unless you absolutely have to at 42 weeks.

NicoleWI

Like anything with labor, induction can be a breeze or really tough. You just don't know how your body will react. That said, you have a long time yet to go into labor. I wouldn't worry yet. My doctor also won't let me go more than a week overdue, but I am fine with that. I am 39, and especially for older moms risks greatly increase as you get more overdue. I think being induced at 41 weeks is okay. Being induced early for no good reason? Not okay.