Any tips or advice on being induced?

BonnyJW

We check in October 5th to begin induction. We're being induced at 37 weeks because I've got gestation hypertension, am on two meds for it and the baby slowed way down in growth three weeks ago. I am having irregular contractions daily now and am hoping that will get my cervix ready so that it will respond well to being induced.

Any advice on how to prepare my body and/or cervix? I am a little worried about labor. I have always planned on an unmedicated birth which has gone out the window but I still plan to avoid pain medication. I've heard that being induced can make your labor more painful.

I'm rambling.... So many things on my mind as the big day gets closer.

redfallon

I was induced with my first because I was a week over without any progression (0%/0cm). I don't know if there is anything to do to prepare for it. I didn't do anything. It hurt, though, and I got an epidural during labor.

nik6499

There is not really a way to prepare. Practice your breathing techniques and try to have an open mind and flow with the experience. Use your pain resources when you need to. You will do great, and at the end they hand you a baby and you truly forget about the rest

sorarose

I don't think there's really a way to prepare per se, but since you know the date, you can have meals ready at home, your bag packed in time, and everything in order for when you come home with baby. Best of luck!

flas

My advice is don't get it built up in your head that it will end badly.  Go into it with an open mind and relaxed, getting stressed and tense can really slow down labour, especially an induction.  I found that just going with the flow helped me during my two inductions.

Jess0813

I have gone through induction twice and i dont have any advice on how to prepare your body. However remember to eat before you go to the hospital and even on the way!