Possibly induced at 39 weeks...

kes487 · December 2011

So, I went to my doctor's appointment yesterday and ended up telling my doctor that I will be traveling from 2 hours away to come to the hospital. I've been staying with my mom, simply because I don't know the first thing about babies - hey, I'm the youngest in the family!

Anyway, I told him that I couldn't imagine anyone else delivering my princess, so he said that he'd check to make sure I was "ripe" at the next appt (next Tuesday, Jan 3rd) and he'd induce me then. He explained that he needed me to make it until at least 39w0d.

However, he checked to see if I was dilated (he usually wouldn't, but considering the circumstances...) and apparently, I'm still completely closed.

So, is labor more difficult if you're induced and you aren't dilated on your own? And are you more likely to have to have a c-section? Is anyone else still not dilated any??? Ugh, I feel like you all have said you've been 1 cm+ for weeks now and I'm about to pop and still closed up.

However, he felt for her head and said she was really low...so that gives a little hope, huh?!

BritanyV · December 2011

I was induced with DS#1 and I was 1cm at the time. You are less likely to have a c-sect if you are at least 1cm when you are induced.

You have almost a week, so I would get to walking, lots and lots of walking. I did that with DS#1 because I knew I was likely to be induced. In one week I went from closed to 1cm.

Good luck!

dyg201 · December 2011

I have had two internals so far and no dilation at either. Today OB said I was "thinning and softening" so I guess that is some progress.

I hope your induction goes well!

baloneydisc · December 2011

I'm 38w3d and at my appointment yesterday my cervix was still high, closed, but soft. We're inducing Tuesday as well, unless something shows up at my appointment tomorrow (BPP, NST & cord Doppler) due to borderline IUGR & borderline cord blood flow. I can't tell you what the outcome will be, but my OB said we would start Cytotec Tuesday night to ripen my cervix (along with sleeping pills), and as long as the baby tolerates the Cytotec well we will start the induction Wednesday morning (pitocin). He said he doesn't foresee any issues, but they can't completely predict how the baby will react to the drugs. Since I've used Cytotec successfully (missed m/c) he feels the only way I'll end up with a c-section is if baby ends up having distress due to the meds.

jshf · December 2011

They don't recommend inducing unless your cervix is ripe and you are dilating. There is a higher rate of. C-section. Plus pitocin stimulates contractions which are often more painful than natural contractions. So that may make your labor more painful and more difficult to tolerate. My doula recommended nipple stimulation. You can use a breast pump. There are some websites you can google and the will tell you how. But even that is not recommended until your body is ready. She also recommends just walking a ton! Well, GL and hope things progress for you quickly!