question/opinion about possible induction

A&AinMN

I'll try to make this not too long!

With my DD 3 yrs ago, I had to be induced 2 weeks early bc of IUGR. 46 hrs from start of induction to birth. Started with balloon cath, then pitocin, then cervidil, then pitocin again, after 36 hrs I was only at a 2.  Planned on natural birth, but got an epi 2 hrs before giving birth at 8cm. 

This time around....I'm currently 40w3d.  At 2cm and 70% as of last tuesday, probably more at this point. Obviously still hoping and praying this lil boy comes on his own, but thinking ahead in case they induce (my doc will let me go until 10 days overdue, which is this next Friday).  If I've already progressed this much, how do you think they will do induction? I REALLY don't want pitocin, so I don't know if I should request to have cervidil or something to help dialate more first, have my water broken, or what.....any thoughts??? I just want to kind of mentally prepare myself. I see my doc on Tuesday if I don't give birth before then. I'd like to have as little intervention as possible.  Thanks!

babyalex124

You have to do what you're comfortable with.  Do you HAVE to be induced?  I would think unless you or the baby are at high risk for complication you don't HAVE to do anything that you don't want to.  It's your birth!  Embrace it.  It's yours and your baby's.  It is not your doctor's birth.  

First thing, try not to stress about it.  Stress only hinders labor.  Stay focused on all of the wonderful things about this pregnancy to help you relax and hopefully that will help labor progress on its own.   Read positive birthing stories, meditate, take a bath... whatever it is that you enjoy and put that thought of induction out of your head.  

Good Luck!  YOU CAN DO IT!  

AmyRI

Ask if cervical ripening is needed. When I had the conversation with my MW, she said I was 2 to 3 cm dilated, effacing, and soft. There was no need for cervadil. She was confident that my body would dilate just fine once ctx started.

My choice would have been between AROM and pitocin. I think it's a personal decision. Pit comes with an IV and continuous monitoring. AROM comes with a time limit. My first labor was fast, so I would have chosen AROM because I don't think I would need close to 24 hours to deliver.

Mrs E in Oregon

Artificial rupture of membranes would be a good option I would think. I wouldn't want to do anything until your cervix is ripened well though. A soft cervix will really decrease the chances of c-section. Ways to soften your cervix that work really well include nipple stimulation (10 mins on each nipple, one at a time, 2x per day), sex (semen helps thin the cervix if you're ok'd to still have sex), and acupuncture.