AROM to Induce Labor

SmallTownSimple

At my 39 week appointment, my doctor informed me that he wouldn't take me past 41 wks as he was walking out the door.  I was only able to get him to stop long enough to find out the following: 1. That he prefers to start labor by artificially rupturing the membranes 2. that he can only do that if the baby is far enough down. 

I was wondering if anyone else has had experiences w/ AROM to induce and would like to share their story and if anyone knows how far down is far enough down?

I really want to keep things as natural as possible.  I would love any information you ladies have! Thanks!

CNAMamaof2

At 36 and 6 days I was admitted to the hospital for an induction due to blood pressure issues. I was 2 cm dilated. They started Pitocin, which didn't seem to do much to me. The doc came in and broke my water  and that was when things really got moving. The contractions became instant and they were able to keep my Pitocin at the same level. Your dr is right AROM can only be done if the baby has moved down enough to cause you to dilate and efface

mrsjengle

Personally I think AROM as the first action to start labor is stupid. Once you rupture, you're on the clock. But, if you start on PIT, you can go on for so long, then off over night, then on again in the morning.

From my experience, I went into labor at 41w4d naturally. Labored at home for 3 hrs then went to hospital when the contractions were timable and consistent. At 2am I got my epi. which slowed my contractions. At 8am they broke my water, which did nothing, then started me on PIT right away. At 11am I started pushing, at 12:12pm I had a little girl.

Now, my friend's water broke at home, and her docs told her it wasn't necessary to rush to the hospital if that happened (the exact opposite of what I was told, whatever). She labored at home for several hours and then at the hospital for several hours. In the end she ended up very sick with a fever and vomiting from infection, and she and the baby went on antibiotics right away after her c/s. Now, everyone is different. And different parts of the country do things differently. But, if it were me, I'd ask why they weren't trying something else to get you going first.

laurasuzanne2006

PP is correct, once membranes are ruptured you are "on the clock". 

If the baby isn't already low enough it can also increase the risk for cord prolapse.