Sucessful inductions without pitocin?

J+MS · October 2010

Can inductions work without Pitocin? Or is it pretty much the main ingredient...I keep getting weird answers from google? I need some experienced ladies in here.

NillaWafers · October 2010

I have the same question *waits for answers* !

HorseyMama08 · October 2010

I've heard of successful Cytotec and Cervadil inductions in some women. Some doctors will do this the night before trying pitocin to try and ripen the cervix. Both products are prostoglandins. Some women go in to labor just from having these applied to the cervix. I'm not sure how common it is though. Pitocin may still be needed after cervical ripening. You might have better luck on google looking up these two products. I'm not sure. GL. HTH.

MnM7608 · October 2010

Pitocin is the drug they give you that mimics oxytocin, which is the hormone your brain puts out to make your uterus contract. They may also give you a drug like Cervadil to ripen the cervix, but I think Pitocin is the main drug. I've never heard of anyone getting anything else.

[Deleted User] · October 2010

The user and all related content has been deleted.

J+MS · October 2010

MnM7608:
Pitocin is the drug they give you that mimics oxytocin, which is the hormone your brain puts out to make your uterus contract. They may also give you a drug like Cervadil to ripen the cervix, but I think Pitocin is the main drug. I've never heard of anyone getting anything else.

I know what Pitocin does and I already know she is going to try the Cervadil first. I'm just wondering if I can try to not use the Pitocin.

Amber68W · October 2010

I have heard of successful inductions with only Cervidil, but I think those are few and far between. I was induced and was given both Cervidil and Pitocin.

Soap1 · October 2010

I was hoping to skip the pitocin! I was already in VERY early labor when I went in for my induction (I could hardly feel the contractions at all), 2cm dilated, 80% effaced. They broke my water and I walked the halls for two hours. Contractions didn't change a bit - still regular but VERY minor.

At that point I was just like, let's get this show on the road. Maybe if I'd waited longer I would have gone into labor but in all honesty I prob would have been waiting another day or two.

SammyJJo · October 2010

I think so - I was gathering literature on the subject earlier this week and there are several systematic reviews which compare the different methods of induction. I read this in a cochrane summary:

A range of different drugs (including vaginal and cervical prostaglandin E₂, vaginal and oral misoprostol and isosorbide mononitrate) and other methods (including acupuncture) have been used to induce labour.

Nothing I've read explicitly says that these must be followed by pitocin, so I assume it's possible. But I don't know how common it is to successfully induce without pitocin.

J+MS · October 2010

MrsJoeG07:
I was only 1 cm, like you, but 75% effaced. Did Cervadil. Didn't do much of anything except lower Lily's heart rate after 26 hours--contractions with NO progress, and she actually moved from zero station to -1. Ugh.

Seriously wish I had just asked for the Pitocin like I wanted in the first place. But that is my situation, and yours may be different. I personally would recommend only doing one round of Cervadil and then going to Pitocin, rather than just straight Cervadil, like I did.

I've just heard so many horror stories about Pitocin that I'm scared to death of it. lol I guess I need to hear the positive stories.

HorseyMama08 · October 2010

Has your Dr offered membrane stripping? This sometimes does the trick for women. It's no guarantee, but it could help you to avoid induction. My dr offered the option with DS before my induction date. It didn't work for me but I was 38 weeks. It may work for you since you're almost 40 weeks.

LB1988 · October 2010

When are you getting induced? Are they breaking your waters?

djfacemachine · October 2010

I'm schedule to be induced next Wednesday if baby doesn't come before on her own. My doctor said what they do to induce depends on what sort of state your cervix is in. For example, if you're already fairly dilated all theymay do is simply break your water and not give you any drugs at all.

One more thing... I've done some research about inductions so I'd be prepared - don't let them use Cytotek on you! It's very dangerous.

[Deleted User] · October 2010

The user and all related content has been deleted.

LB1988 · October 2010

djfacemachine:
I'm schedule to be induced next Wednesday if baby doesn't come before on her own. My doctor said what they do to induce depends on what sort of state your cervix is in. For example, if you're already fairly dilated all theymay do is simply break your water and not give you any drugs at all.
One more thing... I've done some research about inductions so I'd be prepared - don't let them use Cytotek on you! It's very dangerous.

What is the deal with Cytotek? Never heard of it?

emsrdh03 · October 2010

J+MS:

MnM7608:
Pitocin is the drug they give you that mimics oxytocin, which is the hormone your brain puts out to make your uterus contract. They may also give you a drug like Cervadil to ripen the cervix, but I think Pitocin is the main drug. I've never heard of anyone getting anything else.

I know what Pitocin does and I already know she is going to try the Cervadil first. I'm just wondering if I can try to not use the Pitocin.

Yes. Some women do go into labor with just the Cervadil. I didn't. But it's not impossible.

J+MS · October 2010

LB1988:
When are you getting induced? Are they breaking your waters?

I'm scheduled for Wednesday night. I've started showing signs of pre-e She mentioned starting the Cervadil first and then breaking my water in the morning. (I'm going in at 10 pm)

Jenny0908 · October 2010

J+MS:
MrsJoeG07:

I was only 1 cm, like you, but 75% effaced. Did Cervadil. Didn't do much of anything except lower Lily's heart rate after 26 hours--contractions with NO progress, and she actually moved from zero station to -1. Ugh.

Seriously wish I had just asked for the Pitocin like I wanted in the first place. But that is my situation, and yours may be different. I personally would recommend only doing one round of Cervadil and then going to Pitocin, rather than just straight Cervadil, like I did.

I've just heard so many horror stories about Pitocin that I'm scared to death of it. lol I guess I need to hear the positive stories.

Not sure if there is anything else they can use. But for your positive story... I was sucessfully induced with Pitocin. It was a long labor for me but besides that it really was not that horrible at all. I made it without the epidural for almost 10 hours and could have gone longer I was just getting tired and wanted to rest and relax.... over all pitocin was not that bad IMHO.

djfacemachine · October 2010

LB1988:
djfacemachine:
I'm schedule to be induced next Wednesday if baby doesn't come before on her own. My doctor said what they do to induce depends on what sort of state your cervix is in. For example, if you're already fairly dilated all theymay do is simply break your water and not give you any drugs at all.
One more thing... I've done some research about inductions so I'd be prepared - don't let them use Cytotek on you! It's very dangerous.

What is the deal with Cytotek? Never heard of it?

It's like Cervadil except it is made for treating ulcers. There are actually warning labels on the bottle to NOT use in pregnant women. It's weird because it's a drug approved by the FDA to treat ulcers, not to induce labor, and somehow despite all of the dangers associated with it, it's still legal to use it. There's a lot of info on the web about it.

https://www.cytoteccase.com/

HorseyMama08 · October 2010

Positive Pitocin story for ya:

I was induced with DS and 39 weeks 5 days for High BP/Pre-e. I was already dilated to 1.5cm and 50% effaced. Induction began around 8am, pitocin was started and Dr broke my water at around 9:30am (2.5-3cm). Progressively throughout the day they turned up the pitocin, but contractions didn't become painful till around 1pm. I opted for an epidural at 2pm and got some rest while I went from (5-7). I stopped progressing so a saint of a nurse turned off the pitocin for 30 min (don't hesitate to ask for this). When she turned the pit back on I went from 7 to 10cm within a few hours. DS was born around 1am with only a small tear. Overall the experience I had was a good one. Hopefully yours will be too.

emsrdh03 · October 2010

J+MS:
MrsJoeG07:

I was only 1 cm, like you, but 75% effaced. Did Cervadil. Didn't do much of anything except lower Lily's heart rate after 26 hours--contractions with NO progress, and she actually moved from zero station to -1. Ugh.

Seriously wish I had just asked for the Pitocin like I wanted in the first place. But that is my situation, and yours may be different. I personally would recommend only doing one round of Cervadil and then going to Pitocin, rather than just straight Cervadil, like I did.

I've just heard so many horror stories about Pitocin that I'm scared to death of it. lol I guess I need to hear the positive stories.

I was literally in tears the entire day before my induction because I was scared to death of the "evil Pitocin." Honestly. It was fine. I didn't have any prior labors to compare it too...but it wasn't that bad. Pitocin started at 6am....DS born at 5:50pm. Once they were able to break my water my body pretty much took over and they never had to increase the pitocin drip. I did have an epi though...wouldn't do it any other way!

LB1988 · October 2010

J+MS:
LB1988:
When are you getting induced? Are they breaking your waters?

I'm scheduled for Wednesday night. I've started showing signs of pre-e She mentioned starting the Cervadil first and then breaking my water in the morning. (I'm going in at 10 pm)

Sorry about the pre-e! Wednesday is my due date and I'm going in at 7 am Friday morning to be induced. LO is getting big and I'm petite, and DR is worried much more time will require a C/S. I hope this is a good labor week for the both of us!

GOOD LUCK! I really hope things go well for you! I bet they will!

J+MS · October 2010

djfacemachine:
I'm schedule to be induced next Wednesday if baby doesn't come before on her own. My doctor said what they do to induce depends on what sort of state your cervix is in. For example, if you're already fairly dilated all theymay do is simply break your water and not give you any drugs at all.
One more thing... I've done some research about inductions so I'd be prepared - don't let them use Cytotek on you! It's very dangerous.

I will ask about this, thank you.

MnM7608 · October 2010

MrsJoeG07:
J+MS:
MrsJoeG07:

I was only 1 cm, like you, but 75% effaced. Did Cervadil. Didn't do much of anything except lower Lily's heart rate after 26 hours--contractions with NO progress, and she actually moved from zero station to -1. Ugh.
Seriously wish I had just asked for the Pitocin like I wanted in the first place. But that is my situation, and yours may be different. I personally would recommend only doing one round of Cervadil and then going to Pitocin, rather than just straight Cervadil, like I did.
I've just heard so many horror stories about Pitocin that I'm scared to death of it. lol I guess I need to hear the positive stories.
Hopefully we'll get some ladies with some positive Pitocin stories! I hope it helps that I say I wish I'd gone for it. I have heard some women have gone into active labor with just Cervadil, but I think in most cases, it was mothers who had already had at least one child.

I had pitocin when I got to the hospital after my water broke, because I wasn't having any contractions. It's not something to be scared to death of...it's not bad at first, just when they begin to really turn up the dose. I imagine that labor is pretty painful without it also; the pitocin just makes the contractions stronger and at regular intervals. They started me on it at 9:30, and DS was born at 4:53. I didn't have an epi, but they were really pushing it - they said most people who do get pitocin end up with an epidural, but you can survive without it.

J+MS · October 2010

MnM7608:
MrsJoeG07:
J+MS:
MrsJoeG07:

I was only 1 cm, like you, but 75% effaced. Did Cervadil. Didn't do much of anything except lower Lily's heart rate after 26 hours--contractions with NO progress, and she actually moved from zero station to -1. Ugh.
Seriously wish I had just asked for the Pitocin like I wanted in the first place. But that is my situation, and yours may be different. I personally would recommend only doing one round of Cervadil and then going to Pitocin, rather than just straight Cervadil, like I did.
I've just heard so many horror stories about Pitocin that I'm scared to death of it. lol I guess I need to hear the positive stories.
Hopefully we'll get some ladies with some positive Pitocin stories! I hope it helps that I say I wish I'd gone for it. I have heard some women have gone into active labor with just Cervadil, but I think in most cases, it was mothers who had already had at least one child.
I had pitocin when I got to the hospital after my water broke, because I wasn't having any contractions. It's not something to be scared to death of...it's not bad at first, just when they begin to really turn up the dose. I imagine that labor is pretty painful without it also; the pitocin just makes the contractions stronger and at regular intervals. They started me on it at 9:30, and DS was born at 4:53. I didn't have an epi, but they were really pushing it - they said most people who do get pitocin end up with an epidural, but you can survive without it.

That is something I was curious about as well. I know everyone is different and I appreciate you guys sharing your stories with me!!

Jen3016 · October 2010

Cervadil and Cytotek. My doula talked about the differences, Cervadil is like a tampon insert so it can be removed. Cytotek is more of a cream-like substance, so once it is in, its in. Also, she mentioned that Cytotek's use on the cervix for induction is like an "after market" use. I guess it is not usually prescribed for that, but it was found effective, but the FDA hasn't approved its use for cervical dilation. Just something to check into. Though, I would probably be more ok with that than Pitocin. Good luck to you!!

sandraanddrew · October 2010

Lurking from 0-3

I had a pitocin free induction!

They inserted the cervadil at 10:30am ( I was 1-2 cm dilated already). The cervadil put me into full blown labour by 2:30pm, with contractions right on top of each other. At 6:30pm, they broke my water and gave me my epidural. I started pushing at midnight and DS was born at 1:00am. I didn`t need any pitocin so it is possible! They had it ready and waiting for me, but I never needed it.

Good luck on Wednesday!

blondek8 · October 2010

I'll let you know. Wednesday is my induction, but Tuesday night I go in for the Cervadil. Hoping something happens with just the Cervadil, but knowing my luck and my body it'll probably do nothing. My husband keeps calling it "cervix of steel". Good luck Wed with your induction J+MS!

nancemommy · October 2010

J+MS:
MrsJoeG07:

I was only 1 cm, like you, but 75% effaced. Did Cervadil. Didn't do much of anything except lower Lily's heart rate after 26 hours--contractions with NO progress, and she actually moved from zero station to -1. Ugh.

Seriously wish I had just asked for the Pitocin like I wanted in the first place. But that is my situation, and yours may be different. I personally would recommend only doing one round of Cervadil and then going to Pitocin, rather than just straight Cervadil, like I did.

I've just heard so many horror stories about Pitocin that I'm scared to death of it. lol I guess I need to hear the positive stories.

I have received Pitocin with both of my labors and my first labor happened with a natural water break. I haven't had any trouble from it. The contractions are contractions which I think are supposed to be painful, but they weren't (for me) unbearable. I have never had any blood pressure problems, or baby heart rate problems. I have had two successful deliveries with it!

OliveBaby · October 2010

djfacemachine:
LB1988:
djfacemachine:

I'm schedule to be induced next Wednesday if baby doesn't come before on her own. My doctor said what they do to induce depends on what sort of state your cervix is in. For example, if you're already fairly dilated all theymay do is simply break your water and not give you any drugs at all.

One more thing... I've done some research about inductions so I'd be prepared - don't let them use Cytotek on you! It's very dangerous.

What is the deal with Cytotek? Never heard of it?

It's like Cervadil except it is made for treating ulcers. There are actually warning labels on the bottle to NOT use in pregnant women. It's weird because it's a drug approved by the FDA to treat ulcers, not to induce labor, and somehow despite all of the dangers associated with it, it's still legal to use it. There's a lot of info on the web about it.

https://www.cytoteccase.com/

Yeah, it's approved by the FDA for treating gastric ulcers. The FDA and ACOG both oppose it for inductions because it can cause uterine rupture. I have no idea how it's still legally used but if you can, avoid it at all costs.

eta: Aaaand I think I'm just repeating everything in the link. Carry on.

nancemommy · October 2010

Also, my first labor was a total of 6 hours long once my water broke. I pushed for 30 minutes.

My second labor was less than 4 hours and I pushed twice.

I don't think taking Pitocin to keep from being in labor for hours on end is bad. You have to make the right decision for you.

ColoRxGirl · October 2010

Oh my goodness - this thread was fun for the pharmacist to read! Let me throw in some info. The drugs you all have talked about are used for two different things: labor induction and labor augmentation.

Labor induction: usually started with Cervidil (dinoprostone) inserts, Cytotec (misoprostol) tablets, Prostaglandin E-2 vaginal suppositories, or Prepidil (dinoprostone) gel. These drugs are placed high in the vagina (near the cervix) to cause ripening (dilatation and effacement) of the cervix.

Cytotec (misoprostol) is not FDA-approved for this use, but I can assure you it is considered generally safe and is used routinely. It is actually one of our go-to choices for controlling post-partum bleeding following delivery or a D&C (and it is usually given rectally for this purpose). Yes, it was originally approved for preventing gastric ulcers - but many drugs are used off-label. The drug has been around since 1988 - so there's absolutely no financial incentive for anyone to pursue an FDA indication for obstetrical use.

Pitocin (oxytocin) via an IV infusion can also induce labor. Pitocin is the same as the natural oxytocin your hypothalamus produces. Sometimes, cervical ripening and breaking the amniotic sac is enough to stimulate contractions. But most women will need to follow the ripening process with an oxytocin infusion.

Labor augmentation: Pitocin is our drug of choice for this purpose. Many women receive oxytocin infusion without requiring labor induction. Sometimes labor progression stalls or slows and we use the oxytocin to keep the contractions coming. These contractions may be more forceful and faster-paced than naturally-occurring contractions - which is why many women report them to be much more painful. Personally, I wouldn't volunteer for an augmented labor without an epidural. But some women do, and survive.

Remember, an epidural isn't your only choice for pain relief. You may do fine with intermittent injections of pain relievers. Talk to your provider and keep an open mind about all of your options.

ColoRxGirl · October 2010

OliveBaby:
djfacemachine:
LB1988:
djfacemachine:

I'm schedule to be induced next Wednesday if baby doesn't come before on her own. My doctor said what they do to induce depends on what sort of state your cervix is in. For example, if you're already fairly dilated all theymay do is simply break your water and not give you any drugs at all.

One more thing... I've done some research about inductions so I'd be prepared - don't let them use Cytotek on you! It's very dangerous.

What is the deal with Cytotek? Never heard of it?

It's like Cervadil except it is made for treating ulcers. There are actually warning labels on the bottle to NOT use in pregnant women. It's weird because it's a drug approved by the FDA to treat ulcers, not to induce labor, and somehow despite all of the dangers associated with it, it's still legal to use it. There's a lot of info on the web about it.

https://www.cytoteccase.com/

Yeah, it's approved by the FDA for treating gastric ulcers. The FDA and ACOG both oppose it for inductions because it can cause uterine rupture. I have no idea how it's still legally used but if you can, avoid it at all costs.

eta: Aaaand I think I'm just repeating everything in the link. Carry on.

This is false. ACOG simply recommends against its use in women who have previously had a c-section (because this puts you at higher risk for uterine rupture to begin with). You can read the statement here.

cari12 · October 2010

I'm not sure about inductions without pitocin, but I can share my really positive pit. story since you wanted to hear some

I was induced for pre-e with my first (story super similar to yours from what I've read - I was 39.5 weeks and my BP just shot up at the end, I'd already had all the other symptoms...protein in urine, swelling, etc. so they just went ahead and induced me). I had NO progress at all going in, my cervix was still high, firm, posterior and totally closed.

They started cervadil overnight, and after 12 hours I'd only effaced to 50% and softened out a bit. They gave me the option of doing more cervadil or just going to the pit. and I went with the latter. Started pitocin around 6am on the 29th and I actually went back to sleep for a bit, woke up to my water breaking on it's own around 10am. I was around "a finger tip" dilated at that point and fully effaced. That's when contractions REALLY picked up and I asked for the epi - by the time they got that administered I was about 1cm. I went from 1cm to 10cm in about 5-6 hours after the epidural kicked in.

I pushed for over 2 hours and delivered vaginally after 28 hours total, but only around 12 of real "Active" labor (I pretty much slept through the first 16 hours or relaxed because the 12 hours the cervadil was in, I only had minor contractions that didn't bother me much). It went really well for both baby and I overall, neither of us ever went into distress or needed any other interventions outside of ones I had already planned on/was okay with.

I know you're nervous, but I promise there are plenty of successful stories like mine! Hang in there and good luck - you get to meet your DD soon!

lphutch · October 2010

MnM7608:
Pitocin is the drug they give you that mimics oxytocin, which is the hormone your brain puts out to make your uterus contract. They may also give you a drug like Cervadil to ripen the cervix, but I think Pitocin is the main drug. I've never heard of anyone getting anything else.

This. I actually just asked my OB about this today and she told me Pitocin mimics Oxytocin and that they start out at lower than therapeutic levels, gradually increasing the amount over time. She said people unnecessarily freak out over the use of Pitocin. It does make contractions stronger and closer together, but if labor progresses naturally the contractions will follow the same pattern. She told me not to worry. If I elect the epidural (which is probably a yes), I won't feel anything anyway. It was good to hear this from an experienced OB who is also an experienced mother.

Mama_SAS · October 2010

I had an induction with only Cervadil. It took 2 days of Cervadil before I went into labor, but I avoided pitocen. Patience is your friend.

larrysdarling · October 2010

Have you spoken to your dr about nipple stimulation?

It can cause the release of Oxytocin naturally.

Carilyn · October 2010

I was induced with my DS. I had cervadil the night before and then my doc came in the morning and broke my water. I was 3-4 and 90% when she ruptured me. Rupturing my membranes put me into labor. I didn't need the pit. I delivered my DS about 2.5hours after she ruptured me.

J+MS · October 2010

larrysdarling:
Have you spoken to your dr about nipple stimulation?

It can cause the release of Oxytocin naturally.

No I didn't. I kinda walked out without thinking because I was so surprised that she wanted to induce right away.

spark&echo · October 2010

Have you considered acupuncture? If your body is ready to go into labor, it should work.

I don't have a positive Pitocin story for you; sorry about that. I'm also another one who feels that Cytotec should be avoided at all costs. It has caused uterine rupture (not to mention some maternal and fetal deaths) in quite a few women, even those who have never had C-sections before.

emily0829 · October 2010

J+MS:

MnM7608:
Pitocin is the drug they give you that mimics oxytocin, which is the hormone your brain puts out to make your uterus contract. They may also give you a drug like Cervadil to ripen the cervix, but I think Pitocin is the main drug. I've never heard of anyone getting anything else.

I know what Pitocin does and I already know she is going to try the Cervadil first. I'm just wondering if I can try to not use the Pitocin.

I was terrified. I cried the entire time before they hooked me up to the evil machine. I couldn't help it--- even though I know that a birth plan is really just a guideline and can be thrown out any minute, it IS NOT what I wanted. But, my water had broken 18 hours before with no progress. It was time.

If they do end up giving Pitocin, just make sure (and request, if you can) that they give the lowest dose, at the highest amount of time intervals as possible. I believe that mine was only raised every 45 minutes to an hour, and was only raised the minimum amount possible. It's much easier on your body. LO did just fine with the Pitocin. It was my high blood pressure and constant back labor mixed with three epidurals taking zero effect. BUT... that's my body and had nothing to do with the Pitocin.

I think you're going to do fine. Just remember that it's only temporary. At the end of it all, you'll have your LO. I hope this was a little bit different than the horror stories you've heard.

Want a personalized experience?

Sucessful inductions without pitocin?

Re: Sucessful inductions without pitocin?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards