Induction ? Need advice

beth0930 · December 2009

So for ayone who's had an induction before, I have a crazy question. If LO doesn't make an appearance this week on his own, I'm scheduled to be induced next Mon. If I'm given the choice, do I go with Pitocin, Cytotec (sp?) or the bulb that gets inserted in your cervix (which I'm thinking is going to be painful)? I'm definitely planning on getting an epidural, but just curious what everyone else's experiences have been. TIA!

dionnemd10 · December 2009

i had cervidal on a tuesday and pictocin drip on wed and thursday. didn't need an epi until i was in major labor-actually got an interthecal (sp). which i think i would like again-like an epi but no catheter needed!

over all a good experience-long but good. able to deliver vaginally

madhatter2003 · December 2009

it all depends on what your cervix is like...it it's thinned out I'd go bulb then pitocin if you need it. If it isn't I'd get that ripened first...you can't get the bulb without at least a little opening to put it in, etc.

MrsKLS · December 2009

With DD, I was already 3cm dilated but no contractions when my water broke. They started me on Pitocin. I got the epi almost immediately after as my contractions ramped up very fast. But my labor went fast as well..from the start of pitocin to 10cm dilated was 4 hrs...then they had me labor down for 2 hours because she was still pretty high. Then 1 hr to push...So total 7 hrs start to finish.

greycoral · December 2009

i would avoid cytotec, it's not even approved for pregnant women, it's just used frequently in hospitals because it's cheap. Do some of your own research.

libra31 · December 2009

I doubt you'll have a choice. Most doctors have a set way of inducing. If your cervix is not favorable (not soft, effaced or dilated enough) you'll need either cervadil (most common) or cytotec first. These are used for cervical ripening and can trigger labor but more often than not don't. then after 8-12 hours of that, they'll start you on pitocin and likely break your water.

I don't know much about using a foley bulb, it's very, very rarely done at the hospital where I work.

LittleMamaB · December 2009

I would refuse Cytotec, but other than that, I would do what my OB thinks is best.

fromymom · December 2009

As PP said I don't think you really get to decide. I was not dialated or efaced when I went in for my induction. I went straight to pitocin which I am thankful for because my labor went FAST. That is what we are planning to do again for this one.