Natural Birth

induction because of cholestasis?

Hi ladies, I'm a lurker that just had the "talk" with my OB about induction. I've been working with the midwives and my doula all pregnancy long to achieve the natural birth I've been hoping for, but apparently my bile acids levels are very high and the doctor is concerned. I'm 39 weeks tomorrow.

I allowed the doctor to do a membrane sweep, and he did mention that my cervix was very favorable. He said he hoped to get some contractions started tonight, and then scheduled me for an induction tomorrow afternoon...(so soon right?) 

I called my midwife right away and she suggested I start on my blue/black cohosh which I have, and I am starting to feel some contractions. I guess my question is, does anyone have experience with having to be induced because of cholestasis?  What are your thoughts on cervadil, and does anyone have any positive experiences with having an induction and still laboring naturally?

TIA

Re: induction because of cholestasis?

  • Congratulations making it to 39 weeks! . My BFF had this with both PGs. She was encouraged to do an  induction at 36 weeks with her first baby (w/ a CNM) and then with her second her OB felt strongly about waiting until 37 so at least baby would be full-term. With baby 1, she made it for 12 or 16 hours on pit (I can never remember which # of hours) before she chose an epidural. Because she was so early, I don't think it was a favorable induction and it was very hard on her and eventually she was desperate for some sort of rest. But, it sounds like your story is already very different--you are further along and your body is more ready.. She also had not done much labor prep, as she was more a "I'll do what I feel in the moment" person in terms of meds. Again, you sound like you have great resources and support behind you. GL!
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  • I think cervadil is better than pitocin.  Are you able to try nipple stimulation/castor oil/etc. before the more medical methods are tried?  No matter the methods it is ideal if you're about to get labor going without having AROM done because for many women that means being put on the <24hr clock to avoid infection which can often result in a c-section being pushed.

    I've never been induced but many people are still able to have the birth they desire even when an induction is necessary.

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  • lily225lily225 member

    I have two friends that have had this. One was a repeat c-section with twins and it was done at 35 or 36w due to the cholestasis. Another friend has had it with both of her pregnancy, induced at 36 and 37w. Her first labor was much worse with more complications that left her with a lot of drugs in her system and feeling very out of it. Her second went much more smoothly and quicker. She never had a NB goal though so she had an epi both times.

    I think you might be in a good position going into your first labor being induced. You have nothing to compare the contractions to, nothing to compare how your body progresses to. Just remember what you learned and trained for with a NB and take it bit by bit. I know it's not what you want to hear, but if you end up getting an epi, do not feel bad. This was not the way you prepared for labor to start and, unfortunately, it's out of your hands. You need to do what is best for your body and for your baby. 

    I had to be induced with my 3rd after 2 natural births. I was 42w and my fluid levels were dropping. I had something to compare the contractions to, knew how my body typically progressed. This was a good and a bad thing. I knew how much "easier" the contractions could  be without pictocin and that sucked mentally. I also knew that my body was stalling compared to the pattern it usually kept with progressing.  I decided to get an epi and it was the best choice for me. I felt horrible about it for a while, several weeks if not months. But I finally realized it was the best thing for me. WIth my body relaxed, I dilated from 6-10cm in 30 minutes and pushed DS out in 3 contractions. I can't imagine what would have happened had I been really stubborn and not gotten the epi at that point. Gotten nasty with DH? Swelled up my cervix? Made it hard on DS while inside me still? Just remember you know you are going to make the right/safest decisions for you and your LO and that's what you should focus on at this point.

    Good luck and I hope you don't actually need the induction!! 

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