Questions about being induced

controlledchaos617

Yesterday I had a doctors appt and I was 2-3cm dilated, 90% effaced and at station -1.  I am due this sat sept 29.  They had me schedule a NST and amniotic fluid level check for early next week (tues) and induction for thurs oct 4, if I don't have her before that because of a 2 vessel umbilical cord. 

 Doctor said that they would start me on pitocin then break my water and that I should dilate 1 cm about every hour.  I have heard pitocin makes labor painful and hard...is there any other way or options of inducing me more "naturally" so that it doesn't make it worse and more painful. I forgot to ask and just thought about it.  I really want to try not to get any pain meds if possible and this makes me think I will definitely have to now.  Please give me any advice you can. Thanks!

LyndseylovesHugh

I did not need pitocin to get labor started. They started me with cytotec to soften me up and get me to dilate more, and then they inserted a foley catheter or balloon catheter as some call it. That did the trick, within 20 mintues of that bring inserted I was having strong, regular contactions.

mommy510

Pitocin doesn't necessarily mean you will "need" to have an epidural. Instead of your contractions starting out mild and gradually building up, they start out intense. My BFF had her baby a couple of months ago and didn't get an epidural with Pitocin. She was in labor 23 hours. Most people cave and get it, but just make up your mind that it isn't an option.

bmmsb06

I did ask my doctor the same question (induction scheduled for next week) and she said that your body produces oxytocin naturally during labor (Pitocin is a brand name of oxytocin) and they therefore are mimicking what your body would otherwise be producing in terms of how much pitocin they administer and when and there are strict guidelines they have to follow. Maybe she is full of it/was just telling me that to boost my confidence because I absolutely have also heard pitocin makes the contractions worse, but I'm willing to try deluding myself if that school of thought helps me get through it! There is some truth to it, anyway. 

jussagirl02

I asked my doc to break my water before pitocin to see if breaking my water would start up the contractions and that did the trick for me.

terri_doula2010

A foley catheter is more natural, as is nipple stimulation. 

You could also go to an acupuncturist and see if they can start your labor before your induction date. It may take a few visits, so perhaps plan to go daily starting on Monday? Call around to find someone who specializes in inductions. 

controlledchaos617

Thank you everyone for your advice! I think I will see if breaking my water first helps...or just ask the doctors and see what they are willing to do. I definitely would like to try to induce labor myself naturally if possible so I don't have to be induced....my MIL scared me and said I would be in a lot of pain and it would be awful to be induced..I guess we'll see