Dr.'s appt update and Q's about cytotec...

Blankswade3

Everything is great with DS (which I am SOOOO thankful for), but I still have no progress. I'm not complaining so much anymore b/c my wonderful Dr. has explained all the consequences of too immediate action, but I am just so hopeful to see him soon. I found out today that it would be no more then 2 weeks until I would be induced if there were still no changes (that would make my hospital date 8/29) so there is hope of seeing my LO sometime soon! Yay! I'm just hoping that my body and my LO start working together here soon and come naturally. If they don't then my Dr. said he would give me something called cytotec to induce. I know he really doesnt want to do that, but he said at that point I would be 12 days past due and we could start getting into dangerous territory for me and the baby. Anyone had cytotec or have an appt to have cytotec to induce labor? What do you know about it?

diana563

i dont want to freak u out, but to my knowledge cytotec is a horrible drug and can cause all sorts of consequences... please do yourself a favor and go read about it before allowing anyone to use it on u. wish you luck and hopefully the baby will come on his own

[Deleted User]

I know that it's controversial, that it's used off-label (meaning it is not intended to be used as a means of inducing labor), and that the manufacturer recommends it NOT be used to induce labor.

From what I remember reading, one of the controversies surrounding it is that unlike Pitocin or Cervadil, Cytotec cannot be "turned off" if it is too strong.

ETA: Cytotec is not FDA approved for labor induction.  This is what they say about it:

"A major adverse effect of the obstetrical use of Cytotec is hyperstimulation of the uterus which may progress to uterine tetany (long contractions) with marked impairment of uteroplacental blood flow, uterine rupture (requiring surgical repair, hysterectomy, and/or salpingo-oophorectomy), or amniotic fluid embolism. Pelvic pain, retained placenta, severe genital bleeding, shock, fetal bradycardia, and fetal and maternal death have been reported.  There may be an increased risk of uterine tachysystole, uterine rupture, meconium passage, meconium staining of amniotic fluid, and Cesarean delivery due to uterine hyperstimulation with the use of higher doses of Cytotec; including the manufactured 100 mcg tablet. The risk of uterine rupture increases with advancing gestational ages and with prior uterine surgery, including Cesarean delivery. Grand multiparity also appears to be a risk factor for uterine rupture."

WyWysMommy

Cytotec was originally used for ulcers. The problem with cytotec for inducion is there no specified amount on what to use. Also it has been shown to increase uterine ruptures (which is why you definitely don't want it if you've ever had a c-section).

Personally, I wouldn't use it. I would ask for cervidal instead. Cervidal ripens your cervix, much like semen does because they are both Prostoglandins. Then if the cervidal doesn't do the trick, have them add pitocin.

When I was induced with DS, that is what they did. I went in a 6pm and they placed the Cervidal "tampon" up there. Then the next morning, at 6am-ish they removed it and started the pitocin. I was 39w and only a fingertip dialated. DS was born at 4pm.

shihtzu51

Most doctors don't use the higher dose to induce labor - usually just 25 mcg.  So it is different than the 100 mcg side effects noted above.  Also if your cervix is still closed, there is a high risk of c-section any way that they induce.

christen_z1

WyWysMommy:

Cytotec was originally used for ulcers. The problem with cytotec for inducion is there no specified amount on what to use. Also it has been shown to increase uterine ruptures (which is why you definitely don't want it if you've ever had a c-section).

Personally, I wouldn't use it. I would ask for cervidal instead. Cervidal ripens your cervix, much like semen does because they are both Prostoglandins. Then if the cervidal doesn't do the trick, have them add pitocin.

When I was induced with DS, that is what they did. I went in a 6pm and they placed the Cervidal "tampon" up there. Then the next morning, at 6am-ish they removed it and started the pitocin. I was 39w and only a fingertip dialated. DS was born at 4pm.

I agree with this.

[Deleted User]

shihtzu51:

Most doctors don't use the higher dose to induce labor - usually just 25 mcg.  So it is different than the 100 mcg side effects noted above.

Another factor (from what I remember) is that because Cytotec is made in 100mcg tablets, doctors and/or nurses have to cut the pills to reduce the dosage, so there is no real guarantee that you're getting dosage that was intended.

SweetNSavory

I would definitely do some research. From everything I have read, I would never use it. 

mamastich

diana563:

i dont want to freak u out, but to my knowledge cytotec is a horrible drug and can cause all sorts of consequences... please do yourself a favor and go read about it before allowing anyone to use it on u. wish you luck and hopefully the baby will come on his own

Ditto, Ive read a bit on it and I want nothing to do with it.

adri77

I had a cytotec induction with NO PROBLEMS.  it is used to soften the cervix.  At 41 weeks, I was 0cm 0% and he was high up as he could possibly be.  They inserted the cytotec at 3amish, pitocin started at 7am-ish, baby born at 12:20.  It was all good   Good luck to you!  For DS2, I went into labor on my own....the day before my due date 2 seperate women told me to eat eggplant parm, and I did.....and had him on my due date!  Of course, I WAS due, so who knows if the eggplant had anything to do with it, but I will be trying it again with this one!

kenandlaura06

I just read ina may gaskin's guide to childbirth & highly recommend you read the section on cytotec before you agree to an induction with it. After reading it, i would never agree to an induction with it. Also, the dosage of 25mcg is still very risky!