trying to deliver naturally despite being induced

dpraseutsinh

i have my OB appt tomorrow and will be finding out if i will be induced this weekend (i'll be 39 weeks) due to elevated BP. i'm not gonna lie, I'M TERRIFIED. i tried so hard to avoid inductions, epidurals, pain meds, etc. especially because i've heard that pitocin is much stronger than natural contractions. i just hope i can still have the natural delivery that i want, absolutely NO epi or drugs, totally against it. 

if you ladies have any advice for me, that'd be great, thanks  

lildevil968

I don't normally hang out on this board, but I wanted to let you know that it is possible, and you can do it!  I was induced w/ DS, had 3 tries at the epi before I decided not to try anymore, and I had DS 5 hours after walking into the hospital. I did not plan to have him with no pain medication, but I did, and it is possible!

cautionwillburneyes

I don't usually post on this board either, but I just had my son without pain meds or an epi.  I was induced at 41 weeks due to a history of big babies, and this one was no exception.  

The plan was for me to go in and the OB would break my water and then for me to walk for awhile.  Well, she couldn't get my water to break, as I was only at 2 cm dilated.  The OB then started pitocin instead, and got contractions going that way.  She started the pitocin at a level 2 and cranked it up by 2 every 20 minutes until it was at a level 14.  Let me tell you, the contractions became very painful.  I kept going by breathing and by counter pressure on my back applied by my FI.  They also had a picture of a baby on the wall where I could see it and I used that to concentrate on at times too.  It gave me a goal to think about during the contractions.

I delivered a 9 lb 10 oz baby after 7 hours on pitocin.  

You can do it, you just have to expect that you will be in a lot of pain, but that at some point it will end.  Utilize your support people too, and don't be afraid to tell them what you need from them and when. 

mb314

I haven't had an induction, so I can't speak from personal experience. I was scheduled for an induction, but my labor started naturally two days before.  

However, be sure to inquire about what your hospital's policies are regarding inductions.  My hospital won't let women labor in the tub/shower if they are on pitocin.  Some hospitals may further confine you to the bed.  Other hospitals, though, do let women labor in the tub/shower and offer more freedom. 

Good luck!  You can do it!  And remember that no matter what happens, the most important thing is that you and the baby are healthy.

vahlegirl

I was scheduled for an induction at 41+4, but went into labor the night before.  I showed up at the hospital on the morning of my induction at 6 cm and my doctor still put me on pitocin and broke my water.  I was able to continue through labor/delivery without any pain meds. My advice would be to stay out of the bed if at all possible (my hospital had a telemetry monitoring system so I could move around).  You'll find a position that makes contractions the most manageable for you.  For me, it was swaying my hips back and forth during contractions. 

 You will do great!

jdiplacido

I was induced at 41 weeks and wanted to do it naturally.  I really didn't want the pitocin for the same reaseon you don't, I heard how bad it can make the contractions. They gave my Cytotec instead which is not used anywhere near as much as Pitocin. It is not as aggressive but did the job for me. It's actually a pill that was made for reflux but somehow they realized it helps with inducing delivery. I progressed great and my water broke on it's own. I'd ask your doctor about that option if I were you.

Good luck!!