Getting induced early?

izzetoot · April 2014

I found out yesterday that I am being induced at 39weeks due to my coagulation disorder, so 5/28/14. AHHHH!! This is partly awesome because we can choose the day, plan in advance, tell all of our friends and family and have a slightly less stressful birth plan (hopefully:) But also terrifying because shouldn't baby come out when baby is ready?? I trust both my OB and MFM completely but wanted some real life mama input. So I open this up to other mamas going through a similar situation or those STM+ that have been induced with previous pregnancies. Thoughts? Feelings? Fears? Questions?

Here's some of mine:

Does it hurt when they break your water? Ive heard yes and no...

Is there some kind of time line as to how long after induction things get rolling?

Will they start an epidural (if having one) right away or wait until contractions start?

Does this make Junebug a May Flower??

***If this has been discussed elsewhere please send me there! I cant find a thing, as I don't know if many Junebuggies are having these talks with their OBs this early, Im already almost 35wks.

steprozz · April 2014

I was induced at 39 weeks with DS. he was perfectly healthy and chunky. I think by 39 weeks everything should be ok with baby being born

Does it hurt when they break your water? Ive heard yes and no...
-it was extremely painful when they broke my water but apparently it's because my cervix was still closed and far back so they really had to work to get the hook up there.

Is there some kind of time line as to how long after induction things get rolling?
-I think everyones body responds differently and it also probably depends on the method of induction they use

Will they start an epidural (if having one) right away or wait until contractions start?
-at my hospital they will give you an epidural as soon as you ask for it. I would ask your OB about that one.

Ashes92813 · April 2014

I haven't seen a thread like this at all, however, I think an early induction thread could be helpful to a lot of us on here... I'll ask my doctor some of these questions tomorrow.

But, I will say:
1. I've heard it does hurt when they break the water. But never been through it so no experience here, yet.
2. Not sure of a timeline, what exactly do you mean? I'll be induced by 34 weeks and they said they won't let me labor more than 24 hours or if my BP sky rockets.
3. Not sure about the epidural...anyone else know? Lol.
4. I will not make it to June so I won't be a June bug either, technically, but I'm not going anywhere! I like to think that my June bug is just arriving fashionably early

izzetoot · April 2014

Oh good, I started a meaningful thread, yay!

Ive heard it hurts when they break your water by everyone but my OB which is why I asked. I think she's trying to not scare me... Can I ask for the epi before they break my water?

And I guess by timeline, I mean do contractions and labor happen immediately bc of the induction or is completely up in the air and vary by person? Also, I guess I didn't realize there were different induction methods (something to ask OB next week!) @stephross88 would you mind sharing?

steprozz · April 2014

I'm not really knowledgeable on them so I don't want to give any inaccurate info on it but I believe there are different meds they might use and different techniques to get things started.

izzetoot · April 2014

stephross88 said:

I'm not really knowledgeable on them so I don't want to give any inaccurate info on it but I believe there are different meds they might use and different techniques to get things started.

Ok thanks! Sorry to put you on the spot

TheMrs820 · April 2014

I will be following this post....thanks Izzietoot

ELC252011 · April 2014

I am also going to be getting induced between 37-39 weeks due to gestational hypertension. FTM so I really don't have any input on any of your questions, but now you reminded me I should ask my OB these questions.
Also can you move/walk around at the beginning of the induction process? Or once your hooked up on pit are u supposed to stay in bed?
Ahhh it's crazy to think this could be happening in a couple of weeks.

chickpea912 · April 2014

I was induced with M at 39w due to chronic hypertension. Went to hospital on a Sunday evening - they started me on cervadil and gave me something to help me sleep. My water broke on its own the next morning, and they started me on pitocin. I ended up on magnesium (they were afraid of pre-e, even though I never actually developed it), and I waited until I got to 4cm to get an epidural. Around 9pm that Monday night, it was clear I wasn't getting past 6cm and M's head was stuck and starting to swell. Had a CS at 11:33pm. Because of the mag, I was stuck in bed for a full 24 hours, and I was stuck in bed once they started the pit (I think - don't quote me, I don't remember).

This time, I would be induced again, again due to chronic hypertension, but b/c of the c/s, I will be having a RCS on June 2nd, unless I somehow go into labor on my own before then (or, god forbid, something happens that medically necessitates an earlier delivery).

Dmertz03 · April 2014

I've been induced twice. My son was at 37 weeks because of high blood pressure, and my daughter was at 39 weeks because she was a pain in the butt. I was in L&D with her at least once a week to stop contractions from 29 weeks. My OB said he would let her go at 37 weeks and she stopped, so he induced at 39 weeks.

My experience with both were different. With my son, I was started on cervidil at 4:00 P.M. I wasn't allowed to move for the 1st hour. Because of my blood pressure being high, it was automatically check every 15 mins. I was stuck in the hospital bed for 12 hours, other then to use the bathroom. I wasn't allowed any visitors other then my husband and mom. After 12 hours the cervidil was removed? And I was allowed to shower and move for 1 hour. No food the entire time! About 5:30 A.M I was started on pitocin. Contraction were manageable. Around 12 my water broke on its own, the contractions started to hurt like hell. I asked of an epi, unfortunately after being stabbed 7 times and it ended up being blocked I said forget it and went med free. My little guy was born at 3:37 P.M. On Thanksgiving Day with only 20mins of pushing. 7lbs 12oz, 21 1/4 inches long!
With my daughter we were scheduled to arrive at L&D at 7:00P.M. I wasn't allowed to eat at 12:00 that afternoon. I later found out that they ask you not to eat to reduce the possibility of pooping while giving birth. Cervidil started at 8:30. Couldn't move the first hour. I had to stay in bed, accept every 2 hours they let me walk the halls for 15mins. I was having contractions all night, but didn't feel them. I had a really pushy overnight nurse and she kept bugging me about pain meds, which I refused. Cervidil was removed at 8:30 A.M. Took a shower, and walked the halls. Pitocin was started at 10:00 A.M. I didn't sleep at all that night, so I wa exhausted. 12:00 P.M. I was dilated to a 2cm. A new nurse and family friend offered me a little pain med into IV, just so I could get a couple hours sleep. I agreed to it and at 12:15 I was at 2 1/2 cm and took the meds. Within 5 mins my water broke, and all hell let loose. I tried to relax, but contractions got way intense. I felt my daughter drop. I told my mom and husband that she was coming and to get the nurse. The nurse came in, and she didn't believe me. She told me I was just at a 2 and that it would be a few hours. At that point I started yelling, I knew she was coming. I said I feel like I need to push, so she checked me, hit the nurses nitto on my bed and yelled for help. She then used her phone to call my OB, whose office is in the hospital. I overheard he say that she could see my baby's head and she was coming fast. They kept telling me not to push, which was hard. My OB walked in, put on his smock and gloves, walked over to me and said push. That's all it took, 1 push and my daughter was out. She weighed 8lbs 5oz and 21 inches long.

You can only get the epi when your dilated to a certain cm, because if you get it too soon it'll wear off. I choose not to bother the 2nd time because of my bad experience with the 1st, my whole lower back was bruised for a week. The pitocin does make the contractions more intense, but it depends on the persons pain tolerance as to what the can handle. My OB said that he thought the pain meds through the IV allowed me to relax enough that I progressed easily. I have a planned induction for June 1st at 39 weeks. I'm comfortable with it because it's what I know, going into random labor scares me. Good Luck, I hope you have a great experience!

LindsayDesigner · April 2014

I was induced a few days before 40 weeks.

8 PM pitocin started
10 PM doctor broke my water, I was already dilated so I hardly felt it
10:30 PM begged for an epidural
2 AM dilated to a 10, told to wait an hour before I started pushing
2:30 AM started pushing
3:30 AM DD was born!

I honestly didn't feel that awful during my contractions until after my water broke. The anticipation of not knowing how long I was going to push was the worst part.

BabyCurtiss2014 · April 2014

My friend was just induced at 39 weeks with her first last week because of GD.
The Pitocin is administered gradually.
She was able to get Epidural as soon as she asked and they said you should be at least 4cm dilated which she was.
She did not think it hurt when they broke her water but said it feels like you are peeing on yourself. After they broke the water contractions became much more painful which is when she asked for the Epi.
After that it took her 6 hours to get to 10cm. And about an hour of pushing.
The baby was 8.8 lbs. She did alright so hope this makes you feel a bit more at ease!

kks4471 · April 2014

I'm a FTM but will be induced by 39 weeks due to my type 1 diabetes. I have a higher risk of placental insufficiency and stillborn babies. My coworkers were induced last fall and had really good experiences, which makes me less nervous. I know my hospital uses Cervidil the night before, then pit. I plan on getting an epidural too, when needed. Hoping to not have a C section, but whatever gets him out happy and healthy!

lauren5482 · April 2014

1. Breaking the bag of water does not hurt because there are no nerve endings in the bag of water. When your doctor or midwife breaks your water, they'll check your cervix first, and you'll feel that. I thought the cervical exams were mildly uncomfortable, but not bad.
2. As far as timeline, there are different types of induction processes, and everyone progresses at their own pace. There is no right or wrong. Some people will move along very quickly with an induction while others will take a very long time.
3. As far as the epidural, this is something you need to talk to your doc or midwife about. I strongly recommend you talk to them about it in advance at one of your appointments. Some docs want you to be dilated a certain amount before getting an epidural, some want you to be in a
good labor pattern, some don't care and will allow you to get an epidural before your induction has started and you've even felt a twinge of pain. Talk to your doctor and know their philosophy so you know what you can expect.
Someone mentioned that if you get the epidural too soon, it will wear off. This is not true. The epidural is a continuous infusion hooked up to a pump. As you progress in labor, you may begin to feel different sensations (discomfort, pressure, etc.). This can be completely normal and actually helpful for pushing.

As for the whole induction thing, I was induced at 38+ weeks with my first baby for high blood pressure. I had a great induction experience, and would be happy to have another induction again this time.
8 am showed up for induction, 2 cm dilated. Pitocin started and doctor broke my water. Shortly thereafter, I felt more contractions but wasn't really uncomfortable.
11 am got uncomfortable, 4 cm dilated. Got an epidural. (It was awesome!)
12 pm 6 cm dilated.
2 pm 10 cm dilated. Labored down (let gravity do some more of the work bringing baby down since I felt no urge to push).
3 pm started pushing, and delivered my DD 20 minutes later.

Inductions can be great experiences. Best of luck to you. Ask your doctor lots of questions so you can be prepared for the process.

flerlgirl · April 2014

No experience but I just wanted to say GL to you, @izzietoot!

ADalesa29 · April 2014

As of now I'll be induced at 38 weeks following a successful version (if unsuccessful I'll get a csection). I'm a FTM though so unfortunately don't have any firsthand knowledge to share but I've heard that having your waters broken does not hurt and based on all the birth stories I've read I think the length of labor after being induced varies from person to person. Finally I plan on staying in June even if LO is a May baby because I like you guys:)

becomingmommyagain · April 2014

Like PPs have said, it all depends on the conditions of your induction how fast (or slow) things move. If you've already started dilating, things will likely move faster. If you are starting at -0- things will likely take quite a while.

In my 3 prior pregnancies my doc has always had to break my water but they only ever did it after I was more than 4cm dilated and "guaranteed" to deliver within 24 hours. It didnt hurt at all, but is definitely a very odd feeling. The water gushes out. With each contraction, you'll likely have more gushing too.

@stephross88 -I've never heard of them breaking your water before dilation has started. That I'm sure is pretty darn uncomfortable and seems very strange,especially if the interventions are not successful at inducing labor. From a closed cervix to delivery can be well over 24 hours and there is a lot of risk to the baby (including infection) if dilatation has not occurred.

I think epidurals are done between 4-6cm. My 2nd and 3rd deliveries were very fast and only did an epidural with my 3rd because of scheduled surgery the next day. He was born 7 minutes after the epidural was placed.

snowpants · April 2014

I was induced at 40 weeks with DD (due to lack of movement and lack of amniotic fluid). They didn't break my water until after I got the epi so I didn't feel a thing and it was lovely.

I went through about 12 hours of boring labor (lots of cramps and discomfort, but nothing crazy), and then about 12 hours of hard labor without meds. I was only dilated to about a 3 at that point. I got the epi then, which in my case allowed my body to relax and I went from a 3 to a 10 in about 2 hours, and that's when they broke my water.

steprozz · April 2014

@becomingmommyagain‌ I was dilated 1-1.5 cm which I don't think is really enough for them to have done it comfortably. the issue was my contractions were sufficient enough that I should have been dilating but I wasn't so they thought if they could break my water that would help too. it really didn't. I had a very unsuccessful induction that resulted in a csection. apparently my body has no idea what to do in labor and just shuts down

eta I was in labor for 19 hours from induction to csection. DS went into distress and his head was swelling from being stuck against my non dilating cervix for so long.

izzetoot · April 2014

Thanks ladies! Ya'll are so helpful and really putting me at ease with some of my questions. Its funny because we chose the date 5/28 bc its also DHs birthday but from some of your experiences I think we might have more luck on the 28th if we go in the evening before!

I am already dialated to 1 so hopefully cervix will progress and allow for a non painful water breaking, I can handle discomfort! And as for an epi I think I would prefer to wait until 3-4 cm so I can at least feel whats going on. Discomfort = good, pain = no thank you!

And we'll stay Junebugs for life:) Love you ladies!! XOXO

erinhays1220 · April 2014

I have been induced twice at 39 weeks due to GBS. With DD I was trying to go epidural-free and so could feel when they broke my water with her....super uncomfortable and moderately painful too. With DS I was waiting around for awhile before they broke my water and already had my epidural so I don't remember feeling anything.

With both of my inductions, we got to the hospital around 7:30 in the morning...DD was born at 2:58 PM and DS was born at 2:44 PM....I remember things happening slowly with DS because they waited a lot longer to get things started to give the antibiotics a chance to be administered (I think one round takes about 4 hours and my doc wanted to have a full round completed and a second started before delivery)...with my daughter my doctor broke my water around 8:30 and with my son I don't think she came into break my water until noonish....I can't remember when pitocin was started with either of them though....

RaeJ004 · April 2014

Quite a bit of misinformation on here. But also some of these things will totally depend on the person. It may hurt with them getting the hook up there to break your water, but the actual breaking of it doesn't hurt since it isn't attached to any nerve endings. Also, a lot of women have increased pain with their contractions after the water is broken, but it doesn't mean that it hurts when they actually break the bag of water.

There are many different forms of induction and they all take different time on different people. So one person's experience doesn't mean that is how long it takes everyone. Some people are started on cervadil, some people are put right on Pitocin. It all depends on the doctor/hospital/situation. You can also have a failed induction where it doesn't get started at all. My sister was actually induced then sent home 24 hours later because nothing was happening. She didn't give birth until four days later.

The timing of your epidural also depends on the doctor and hospital. I was made to wait until 4cm's because they wanted to me progress as much as possible without it since I was progressing so quickly. As soon as they gave it to me I slowed way down. However my sister was given one at 2cm (same hospital, different doctor) and as soon as she got it she relaxed enough that she progressed to 10cm very quickly. At the hospital I delivered DD at their policy was they would give an epi anywhere from 2cm up until right before you push. Some hospitals don't want to give it to early so that it doesn't wear off and some won't give it past a certain point.

Long story short... Ask your doctor all of these questions.

RaeJ004 · April 2014

Also JUNEBUG 4 LYFE.

You're stuck with us

steprozz · April 2014

RaeJ004 said:
Quite a bit of misinformation on here. But also some of these things will totally depend on the person. It may hurt with them getting the hook up there to break your water, but the actual breaking of it doesn't hurt since it isn't attached to any nerve endings. Also, a lot of women have increased pain with their contractions after the water is broken, but it doesn't mean that it hurts when they actually break the bag of water.
There are many different forms of induction and they all take different time on different people. So one person's experience doesn't mean that is how long it takes everyone. Some people are started on cervadil, some people are put right on Pitocin. It all depends on the doctor/hospital/situation. You can also have a failed induction where it doesn't get started at all. My sister was actually induced then sent home 24 hours later because nothing was happening. She didn't give birth until four days later.
The timing of your epidural also depends on the doctor and hospital. I was made to wait until 4cm's because they wanted to me progress as much as possible without it since I was progressing so quickly. As soon as they gave it to me I slowed way down. However my sister was given one at 2cm (same hospital, different doctor) and as soon as she got it she relaxed enough that she progressed to 10cm very quickly. At the hospital I delivered DD at their policy was they would give an epi anywhere from 2cm up until right before you push. Some hospitals don't want to give it to early so that it doesn't wear off and some won't give it past a certain point.

Long story short... Ask your doctor all of these questions.

how is it misinformation if we are just sharing our experiences? no one is stating any of this as fact.

Runningmomfam · April 2014

I will probably have to be induced at 37 or 38 weeks because baby is only measuring in the 3rd percentile. Did anyone have problems with breastfeeding, baby's lungs or temp when they take them out so early? I'm concerned because she will be so small. I had the steroid injection for her lungs at 31 weeks.

ncbelle · April 2014

There's really good information on induction here: https://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ClickedLink=1072&ck=10650&area=27

I personally wouldn't allow my waters to be broken to induce as that puts you "on the clock" and ups the chances of needing a c-section. I'd also hold off as long as possible on the epidural as given too early, it slows labor (and again increase the likelihood of a c-section).

Good luck!

LindsayDesigner · April 2014

@stephross88 I thought it was an odd statement as well. I don't recall any other posters claiming their experience as the only way to be induced. What could be labeled misinformation?

RaeJ004 · April 2014

stephross88 said:

Quite a bit of misinformation on here. But also some of these things will totally depend on the person. It may hurt with them getting the hook up there to break your water, but the actual breaking of it doesn't hurt since it isn't attached to any nerve endings. Also, a lot of women have increased pain with their contractions after the water is broken, but it doesn't mean that it hurts when they actually break the bag of water.
There are many different forms of induction and they all take different time on different people. So one person's experience doesn't mean that is how long it takes everyone. Some people are started on cervadil, some people are put right on Pitocin. It all depends on the doctor/hospital/situation. You can also have a failed induction where it doesn't get started at all. My sister was actually induced then sent home 24 hours later because nothing was happening. She didn't give birth until four days later.
The timing of your epidural also depends on the doctor and hospital. I was made to wait until 4cm's because they wanted to me progress as much as possible without it since I was progressing so quickly. As soon as they gave it to me I slowed way down. However my sister was given one at 2cm (same hospital, different doctor) and as soon as she got it she relaxed enough that she progressed to 10cm very quickly. At the hospital I delivered DD at their policy was they would give an epi anywhere from 2cm up until right before you push. Some hospitals don't want to give it to early so that it doesn't wear off and some won't give it past a certain point.

Long story short... Ask your doctor all of these questions.
how is it misinformation if we are just sharing our experiences? no one is stating any of this as fact.

Stating that you're not allowed to get an epi until you've reached a certain point so it doesn't wear off (not the case, it totally depends on the hospital and doctor). That a doctor told someone you're not allowed to eat because it increases the chances of you pooping while delivering (some hospitals do allow you to eat, and if they don't it is because in case surgery is needed you're not supposed to have eaten). Just because someone is told something at delivery by a doctor doesn't make it not misinformation. I just want OP to know that these are all individual experiences and not necessarily the end all be all.

steprozz · April 2014

RaeJ004 said:

stephross88 said:

RaeJ004 said:
Quite a bit of misinformation on here. But also some of these things will totally depend on the person. It may hurt with them getting the hook up there to break your water, but the actual breaking of it doesn't hurt since it isn't attached to any nerve endings. Also, a lot of women have increased pain with their contractions after the water is broken, but it doesn't mean that it hurts when they actually break the bag of water.
There are many different forms of induction and they all take different time on different people. So one person's experience doesn't mean that is how long it takes everyone. Some people are started on cervadil, some people are put right on Pitocin. It all depends on the doctor/hospital/situation. You can also have a failed induction where it doesn't get started at all. My sister was actually induced then sent home 24 hours later because nothing was happening. She didn't give birth until four days later.
The timing of your epidural also depends on the doctor and hospital. I was made to wait until 4cm's because they wanted to me progress as much as possible without it since I was progressing so quickly. As soon as they gave it to me I slowed way down. However my sister was given one at 2cm (same hospital, different doctor) and as soon as she got it she relaxed enough that she progressed to 10cm very quickly. At the hospital I delivered DD at their policy was they would give an epi anywhere from 2cm up until right before you push. Some hospitals don't want to give it to early so that it doesn't wear off and some won't give it past a certain point.

Long story short... Ask your doctor all of these questions.
how is it misinformation if we are just sharing our experiences? no one is stating any of this as fact.

Stating that you're not allowed to get an epi until you've reached a certain point so it doesn't wear off (not the case, it totally depends on the hospital and doctor). That a doctor told someone you're not allowed to eat because it increases the chances of you pooping while delivering (some hospitals do allow you to eat, and if they don't it is because in case surgery is needed you're not supposed to have eaten). Just because someone is told something at delivery by a doctor doesn't make it not misinformation. I just want OP to know that these are all individual experiences and not necessarily the end all be all.

---stupid quote fail---

I get it. I guess I just assumed everyone would realize everyone and everyone's dr/hospital is different and no one is going to have the same experience or situation.

PinkKEL9 · April 2014

Glad to see this post as I also just found out that I will be induced at 39 weeks due to high BP.

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