I'm really torn on what to do and just wondering what others think. I know it is ultimately what I decide, but I genuinely would like some opinions from other moms.
DD was a very fast med-free birth (I was hoping to go med free, so that was great for me). I hope to do the same with this baby.
Like I said, it was fast. From the contraction that woke me up to birth time was exactly four hours. Before I went into labor, I was pretty effaced, but not dilated at ALL. Everyone warned me that future births would likely go super fast.
So, here I am, 38 weeks pregnant with #2. As of today, I am 4cm dilated, 60% effaced, and at -1 station. I have contractions everyday, but nothing regular.
My doctor knows it's important to me to go as natural as possible, but he is gently encouraging me to consider an induction next week. (He's being really cool, not pressuring at all, but letting me know of the option) He wants to make sure we make it to the hospital in time, etc. With DD, I went from 5-10cm in 45 minutes.
Of course, this time, there is DD to consider. We have people who are going to watch her when I am ready, but hopefully it will be at a time when they are able to get to our house ASAP. (my mom will make the two hour drive down in the meantime)
I am really freaked out at the thought of not making it to the hospital in time and having the baby in at home or in the car. My doctor seems to think it's a possiblity at this point.
So, my question is: would you do the induction and guarantee that everyone makes it to the hospital comfortably and already have my mom here or DD, or would you just wing it and wait to go on my own?
Thanks for making it through all this, if you did!
Re: Looking for honest opinions (L&D related)
Me? I'd do the induction and cut down on the stress involved with getting everyone there, DD's care, etc.
But then, I'm one of those nutters who chose a c/s ... so take my advice for what you will.
Good luck!
(read it. you know you want to.)
anderson . september 2008
vivian . february 2010
mabel . august 2012
It's my personal opinion that the natural way is the right way - so I wouldn't get an induction unless I had to... As you've said, this is your decision and it's all about what you are comfortable with, though. GL!
ok if i was 4cm, id be sitting at the hospital door. lol
i go from 5-10 in about 15mins.... so yeah, id do the induction.
but remember - you will almost *need* an epidural with pitocin.
Clay was induced when I was 3 days late. We didn't have to do it, but with the induction, I was able to get Finn settled in at my mom's the night before, instead of having to call my sister in the middle of the night and have him wake up bewildered the next morning because we weren't there. This was a big deal to me. I worried a lot less at the hospital, knowing that he'd made a smooth transition at my parents.
Pitocin contractions suck, however. I went from 2 cm - 10 cm in under an hour, and even with the epi, it was uncomfortable. I can't imagine if I'd tried to go med-free.
this exactly
Does your dr think that if you just do the cytotec (is that what it's called? The vaginal insertion thingie) it might start your labor without having to progress to pitocin? It sounds like when your body starts it really runs on it's own. That might be a way to induce yet still go med-free...?
Either way, as we always see on here, in the end all that matters is a healthy LO - no matter how they are born. GL!
Natalie Kate - October 4, 2011
Blighted ovum, d&c at 9w, July 2012
Blighted ovum, d&c at 10w, September 2013
BFP May 28, EDD February 4, 2015
In your situation, I would do it, but not until 39 weeks. I have a personal fear of breathing issues because DS had such a hard time at birth, even though my doctor told me he'd be fine. He was 35w though, so it's really not a valid comparison, I know
I think you probably have a very good Bishops score and the induction would be very likely to be successful. In your situation, I would take the risk of c-section over the risk of having the baby in the car on the side of the freeway.
Thank you all for reading that and responding! So many excellent points.
I am leaning towards going natural again just because I know I can do it and Pitocin scares the crap out of me. I am also pretty against non-medically necessary inductions. But like we always say, you never know how you will react to something until you're faced with the decision.
It's just tempting for the convenience with DD, really...
Praying that I go into labor on my own before I have to make the decision
Thank again
At 4cm, I bet she wouldn't need pit. Breaking the water would probably do the trick.
not true. Pit contractions were no worse for me than regular contractions.
I think I'd wait. I don't ever want to be induced again; however, in your case, yeah, maybe, since it's clearly stressing you out and your labor plan depends on having a little time to get to the hospital.
Good luck!
If you want to go natural, I would see about having someone stay at your house so that you can immediately go to the hospital.
Otherwise, I would induce.
I think you mean "not always true"
because pitocin contractions hurt like a b!tch for me. way worse than regular ones I got from cervadil or prior.
Just doesn't sound like reason enough for me. For me, I'd just be super vigilant at monitoring. As soon as you get 4 of those contractions going pretty regular, you drop your kid off and get to the hospital.
But there's no way on gods green earth i'd be induced for this reason. You are so blessed with quick labours, why mess around with that man?
Good luck with whatever you choose but unless you're an hour from a hospital I wouldn't consider this.