Cervidil vs. Cytotec for Induction

ss265

Hey Everyone,

I'm usually a lurker but I wanted to get an idea of the drugs that your doctors have recommended for the first stage of induction (cervical ripening stage) if you're being induced. I'm only 25% effaced, fingertip dilated and cervix is soft. I have an induction scheduled at 40 weeks and 1 day due to gestational diabetes (I'm diet controlled so my doctor is comfortable letting me go past 39 weeks).

She mentioned both cervidil and cytotec as possible options for induction and said that cytotec will give me the best chance for a vaginal delivery. She herself used cytotec for her first child more than 10 years ago. I've done the research and I'm aware that cytotec isn't FDA approved for inductions and that there are a lot of scary stories out there regarding this drug. I'm just looking for experiences from second time moms who used either drug.

Thanks!

CandaceLeigh

What were her grounds in saying that Cytotec gives you a better chance of vaginal delivery?  I seriously side-eye this statement.  Cytotec is much cheaper than Cervidil and therefore the preference among medical professionals.

shutupanddance07

Cytotec? You read the research. If you like your odds, go for it. If I were you I'd be looking at my doctor like she was on crack. Also, the cervical softener/ ripeners don't really change your ability to give birth. They just help to open things up. If she's putting you on a clock and if you haven't dilated x amount in x amount of time... well that's her and her lack of patience, not your inability to give birth vaginally. 

Cytotec. Sheesh. Doctors.  

acousticchick18.defunct635774992233236598

Ehh.. I would not feel comfortable with Cytotec no matter what.

Sprite2012

I wouldn't allow either drug to enter my blood or my baby's blood.  That said, if you must choose one, I think Cervidil is better.  Cytotec has all kinds of potentially very dangerous side effects and I wouldn't call it safe in the least bit.  

toddandleah

I could have written your post.  I go in to my dr today to check my cervix as I also have diet controlled GD and will be induced if things look good today on Tuesday next week (just before 40 weeks). 

I was induced at 41 weeks with my 1st DD.  I had cytotec and it was a great experience.  It allowed me to have a very normal, natural experience.  My Dr gave me 1/4 of a pill vaginally first, watched my progress then gave me 1/2 a pill more.  I never had any more induction medication until after DD arrived, and no pain meds at any time.  I did get a small amount of pitocin to pass the placenta since it was taking a while, but by then I was so distracted with our DD I could have cared less. :-)

So, my cytotec experience was a good one, and I trust my Dr very much.  She is mom to 4 herself and delivers between 7-11 babies a month.  Experienced and not willing to take chances with her patients.

shutupanddance07

toddandleah:

I could have written your post.  I go in to my dr today to check my cervix as I also have diet controlled GD and will be induced if things look good today on Tuesday next week (just before 40 weeks). 

I was induced at 41 weeks with my 1st DD.  I had cytotec and it was a great experience.  It allowed me to have a very normal, natural experience.  My Dr gave me 1/4 of a pill vaginally first, watched my progress then gave me 1/2 a pill more.  I never had any more induction medication until after DD arrived, and no pain meds at any time.  I did get a small amount of pitocin to pass the placenta since it was taking a while, but by then I was so distracted with our DD I could have cared less. :-)

So, my cytotec experience was a good one, and I trust my Dr very much.  She is mom to 4 herself and delivers between 7-11 babies a month.  Experienced and not willing to take chances with her patients.

ok...

Not trying to be unkind or argumentative or anything at all, just trying to make sure that we're speaking in facts...

1) You did not have a natural experience. You had a medication placed on your cervix to cause it to soften and dilate and stimulate labor. No, it wasn't a full out medical induction. But it wasn't the same as going into labor on your own.

2) Just because you didn't die and had a good experience does NOT mean that you weren't at any risk, or that your doctor didn't put you at any risk. Cytotec isn't safe. There are thousands of documented cases that prove this. Many of those cases resulted in the death of the mother, some both mother and child.  

I'm glad you had a safe and happy experience, and I'm also glad you have faith in your doctor. I just don't think that this is cause to go around recommending things that the FDA doesn't approve and that research shows can be highly dangerous. 

mumzie22

I was induced with cytotec, and had a great experience. It made me super crampy - which it is supposed to -- and really got things rolling.

I went in same as you barley a fingertip dilated and 70% effaced, had the cytotec put in at about 1030am, came back that night 3 cm dilated and 100% effaced. it progressed perfectly for me, had the cramps and mini contractions - the timing was good for me- had me work up to the stronger contractions.

I honestly was against cytotec at first because of all the research I had done on it, but in the end, I am now a strong supporter of it

Go with your gut- Google will make you crazy and make you over analyze!

Jena503

I would not agree to either. There is no medical reason to induce for diet controlled GD. I went to 41wk 2d with it last time. Extra monitoring is indicated, induction is not. Medicated GD is a different ballgame, but unless you are failing BPP or NST, then do not let them induce.

And if it must happen, no effing way would i let them use a non approved drug on me. No advice from a dr or midwife overrules clinical trials and actual medical evidence. Their anecdotal "evidence" is just anecdotes, not medical evidence.

 I'd take evening primrose oil both oral and vaginal long before I took cervidil again (did it for my first).