Induction Scheduled :(

legaleagles · August 2011

DD was Saturday and I'm scheduled to be induced this Saturday at exactly 41 weeks.

I'm feeling pretty devastated about it (more than I should), but we discussed that it was probably the best for all of us. Nut I really wanted to avoid induction and am feeling pretty upset about it right now. I'm just so scared about not getting to at least try to have the labor I envision (no drugs, no IV's, walking, squatting, using the shower, the ball, etc), but they have to monitor to you a lot more when you're induced and I just don't want to be stuck to the bed. They'll start with a cervical ripening agent or foley bulb and then move to the pitocin (unless I'm dilated 3-4 then they'll just start with the pit).

In a way I feel defeated, like I couldn't get pg on my own and now I can't go into labor on my own. I just want something to happen naturally, kwim?

I was a "loose" 1 cm today and very soft and her head is low. My OB stripped my membranes and I'm pretty uncomfortable now. She said it could get things started or it could not.

I know a lot could change between now and Saturday, but I'm just kinda sad right now. I'm trying to focus on being excited and happy because I am going to meet her in 5 or 6 days and I CAN'T wait for that.

Mrs.Wright07 · August 2011

Sending you tons of labor dust!!!! Either way HOORAY for meeting your little girl this week!

futrkingsley · August 2011

I'm sorry you are sad. I totally get it. After DS was born I was just so angry that everything we had to do to get him was just so hard (infertility, high risk pg, induction, cesarean, blah).

Did your doctor go through all the other things you could do to try to get things moving now to avoid the induction? If so, I'd be working that list hard. Walk, sex, spicy dinner, etc. With ya know, rest and water and stuff in between.

You have time and she has time. Good luck!

legaleagles · August 2011

futrkingsley:
I'm sorry you are sad. I totally get it. After DS was born I was just so angry that everything we had to do to get him was just so hard (infertility, high risk pg, induction, cesarean, blah).

Did your doctor go through all the other things you could do to try to get things moving now to avoid the induction? If so, I'd be working that list hard. Walk, sex, spicy dinner, etc. With ya know, rest and water and stuff in between.

You have time and she has time. Good luck!

Yep...and I've made all sorts of plans for the week. Going on a walk in a bit, will do again tonight when DH gets home. Sex, spicy indian food for dinner tonight. Walk tomorrow morning, etc. Gonna try it all until Saturday morning rolls around.

Thanks!

ladipale · August 2011

A few things:

1. Willing to try accupunture?

2. As you know I was unexpectadley induced from nada. It started with the ripening agent and then pitocin about 12 hours later. Because of the circumstances of the induction, I was monitored closely, but was still allowed to use the telemetry monitoring. And, the wires were much less restricting than I imagined. I walked, squatted, showered (was off the monitor for about 20 mins at that time), used the ball, did hands and knees, etc, etc. I lasted until close to 6 cm before getting the epidural. Once the pitocin started my labor, they never turned it up. I do believe it is possible to get through an induction without getting the epidural. But E was just in a position that made that very hard for me. Feel free to email me or FB msg me for more info. But being induced does not mean the rest of your birth plan goes out the window, just make sure you and A stay committed, have a conversation with him about your new expectations. Once I knew I was getting induced, I decided if I could make it to 5 cm w/out an epidural, I was doing well. He needs to be your advocate.

My.ABC.Life · August 2011

Mrs.Wright07:
Sending you tons of labor dust!!!! Either way HOORAY for meeting your little girl this week!

Ditto!!!

tri_bride05 · August 2011

Hugs! At my 39 week appt with #1 I has zero progress and baby hadn't dropped. I went into labor on my own, 3 days later. With #2 I did accupuncture and feel strongly that it helped - if you're interested I can send you my acupuncturists contact info.

ladipale · August 2011

And squats and lunges!!!! I hear walking stairs is helpful, opens your pelvis more, and bounce on the ball!

legaleagles · August 2011

ladipale:
A few things:
1. Willing to try accupunture?
2. As you know I was unexpectadley induced from nada. It started with the ripening agent and then pitocin about 12 hours later. Because of the circumstances of the induction, I was monitored closely, but was still allowed to use the telemetry monitoring. And, the wires were much less restricting than I imagined. I walked, squatted, showered (was off the monitor for about 20 mins at that time), used the ball, did hands and knees, etc, etc. I lasted until close to 6 cm before getting the epidural. Once the pitocin started my labor, they never turned it up. I do believe it is possible to get through an induction without getting the epidural. But E was just in a position that made that very hard for me. Feel free to email me or FB msg me for more info. But being induced does not mean the rest of your birth plan goes out the window, just make sure you and A stay committed, have a conversation with him about your new expectations. Once I knew I was getting induced, I decided if I could make it to 5 cm w/out an epidural, I was doing well. He needs to be your advocate.

Thanks! I was just going to call about accupuncture today - my bradley instructor recommended someone so I'm hoping I can get in this week or maybe even twice if it's needed.

My OB did say I can use the telemetry monitoring and even put a note in the appointment calendar for this (since I'm at Kaiser - she wont be my doctor delivering). Thanks for the tips, Alex and I will definitely talk tonight and make some changes to our Birth Plan to hopefully make it more what I hope for...or at least try for that.

Mrs.BoomBoom · August 2011

You've got a week. Accupuncture, evening primrose, walking, sex...work all the angles. Down, soft, sounds good.

futrkingsley · August 2011

ladipale:

As you know I was unexpectadley induced from nada. It started with the ripening agent and then pitocin about 12 hours later. Because of the circumstances of the induction, I was monitored closely, but was still allowed to use the telemetry monitoring. And, the wires were much less restricting than I imagined. I walked, squatted, showered (was off the monitor for about 20 mins at that time), used the ball, did hands and knees, etc, etc. I lasted until close to 6 cm before getting the epidural. Once the pitocin started my labor, they never turned it up. I do believe it is possible to get through an induction without getting the epidural. But E was just in a position that made that very hard for me. Feel free to email me or FB msg me for more info. But being induced does not mean the rest of your birth plan goes out the window, just make sure you and A stay committed, have a conversation with him about your new expectations. Once I knew I was getting induced, I decided if I could make it to 5 cm w/out an epidural, I was doing well. He needs to be your advocate.

My induction experience was similar in a lot of ways -- I was induced from 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced because DS was no longer safer inside than out. Induction does not have to equal epidural or laying in bed the whole time, even if you need monitoring. I walked halls, sat on a ball for hours, did squats, watched movies, took a daily shower (with a break from monitoring), even ate a few tiny meals, in the days I was waiting for it all to work. I was contracting the whole time. I never had an epidural.

Hopefully you won't need that info. Hopefully your plan for the week will help get it all going before Saturday. I never tried any of it because I was still pre-40w and on modified bed rest.

Lesley423 · August 2011

I'm sorry. :-( I hope your little one decides to get things moving on her own!

I hated that I was induced and it definitely changed the labor I wanted. Unlike the others I wasn't able to move around, had to be lying down on the monitors the whole time. I hated it.

The one thing I had wished I tried beforehand was acupuncture. A good friend of mine had her 40 week appointment in the morning, wasn't dilated, no progress, etc. She went to acupuncture that afternoon and had her baby in her arms at 9:30pm that night. I definitely think that helped things progress.

I've been going regularly this pregnancy and will start going once a week once I hit 36 weeks. I'd definitely give it a try.

bb_n_jp · August 2011

I had to be induced with DS1 at 42 weeks, so I totally understand your concern/disappointment.

However, with DS2, I am 99.9% sure that walking stairs put me into labor. "D"H (STBXH?) and I went to look at some new homes that were tri-level, so we walked through seven or eight homes, each one three stories, up and down and up and down, on a reasonably warm day. I never in a gazillion years thought I was going to go into labor on my own (no one in my immediate family ever has - we had a 100% induction rate), but the next day "POP!" my water broke and it was game.on.

So my advice is to walk as many stairs as you can reasonably stand! I was exhausted at the end of that day, but I think it worked its magic. Good luck!

m&m818 · August 2011

So exciting that you get to meet your baby girl SOON! Eye on the prize, right? 6 days its lots of time to try jump starting things at home.

I have nothing bad to say about my induction experience, but then again I went in with no expectations since I knew things can change quickly at the hospital. I just wanted baby out (and healthy) at 11 days past due date and 3 weeks of contractions. Good luck!

abvernon · August 2011

Sorry to hear about the induction and I am sending you TONS of labor dust. I am excited that you get to meet your little girl soon!!!

KellyMRocks · August 2011

tri_bride05:
Hugs! At my 39 week appt with #1 I has zero progress and baby hadn't dropped. I went into labor on my own, 3 days later. With #2 I did accupuncture and feel strongly that it helped - if you're interested I can send you my acupuncturists contact info.

Ditto. With WR I was not dilated at all. She was 3 days past her due date. Started labor on my own, labored med free. You do still have 5 days. I'm sorry you feel so sad and I really really hope your labor starts before then! Good luck to you

jolynreed · August 2011

Sending you labor dust! My induction was scheduled, but I never made it that far. Atticus was born at 40 weeks, 3 days. Can't wait to see that beautiful baby!

MsPurple24 · August 2011

The day I had my membranes stripped, I was "uncomfortable" too- turns out, it was early labor! You have all week and a lot of plans... I'm optimistic!!

kfishie · August 2011

Sending you tons of hugs and labor dust M! I hope your little girl decides to make her appearance prior to Saturday! I am so excited for you A!

skirby · August 2011

I completely understand your feelings, and desire for things to start naturally. Keep in mind that you still have many days before Saturday comes! I'll be sending good vibes your way! Lasipale had lots of good suggestions, and I would certainly try acupuncture!

StefandTodd · August 2011

Sending you lots of labor dust!! You've got lots of time, and a good plan of action! Your baby girl will be here before you know it!!

EmmieB · August 2011

fingers crossed for you!

carmeng · August 2011

Sending you tons of labor dust and hoping your little girl comes before Saturday.

I requested to be induced and I actually had a very positive experience. I didn't know what to compare it to since it was my first so perhaps that made it easier. I do hope that whatever happens, in the end you have an easy labor and a healthy baby girl. Good luck!!

caseyleigh77 · August 2011

My friends HIGHLY recommend Skipolinis Prego Pizza. There is one in Concord and Walnut Creek. I am not sure if SJ is near that as I am not familiar with the bay area. Hope you get your wish and go into labor soon! Cant wait to see pics of baby!

jolynreed · August 2011

caseyleigh77:
My friends HIGHLY recommend Skipolinis Prego Pizza. There is one in Concord and Walnut Creek. I am not sure if SJ is near that as I am not familiar with the bay area. Hope you get your wish and go into labor soon! Cant wait to see pics of baby!

We did the Prego Pizza and labor started less than 48 hours later! And even if it doesn't help jump start your labor, it's really tasty!

Mrs.K&C · August 2011

I hope something happens before your induction! I had my induction scheduled with #2 but he came before that.

msenginerd · August 2011

Good luck. I hope that you go into labor before then. I was induced and had an overall pleasant experience but I totally understand the disappointment. Either way how exciting that you get to meet LO soon.

Mrs_Shmoopie · August 2011

You already got some great labor-starting advice so I just wanted to add in my support. Um, they're called estimated due dates for a reason, right? Because our little ones have a mind of their own (already!) and will come when they're good and ready. It's okay if sometimes they just need a little extra {push}! DS was 10 days past his EDD and while it was kind of frustrating to have to wait so long he came when he was ready. My induction was actually scheduled a couple of days after he arrived so we were set to give him some help if he didn't get going. Hopefully your LO will move it now that she has an eviction date!

MommySteph2009 · August 2011

Sending labor dust to you M. I was induced both times and it went well, but I know it's not everyone's ideal birth. I'm excited you get to meet your sweet girl this week, I know she will be gorgeous, just like you.

Celyn · August 2011

I always suggest an acupuncture series before an induction. It has a really good success rate for starting things off after 40 weeks. Don't feel like a failure. A significant number of babies don't arrive before 41 weeks, that's why typical gestation runs to 42 weeks. 40 weeks isn't a due date, it's just a ballpark figure. Only 3% of babies come on their due date and only 70% come between 39-41 weeks.