What is induction like?

lovetmcd · December 2014

Hello! Im not sure I've ever posted a question before but I've been following the duration of my pregnancy. My doctor told me today that we will be looking into inducing me either next week when I am 39 weeks or on my due date, Dec. 26th. The baby is big and this is my first. For those who have been induced, can you tell me a little about your experience? I'm not really nervous but hadn't considered being induced before so I'm interested in the process. I'll of course be discussing with my doctor next week when we decide on when this will occur. Thank you!

Unknown · December 2014

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CandEChicago · December 2014

lovetmcd said:
Hello! Im not sure I've ever posted a question before but I've been following the duration of my pregnancy. My doctor told me today that we will be looking into inducing me either next week when I am 39 weeks or on my due date, Dec. 26th. The baby is big and this is my first. For those who have been induced, can you tell me a little about your experience? I'm not really nervous but hadn't considered being induced before so I'm interested in the process. I'll of course be discussing with my doctor next week when we decide on when this will occur. Thank you!

Everyone's experience is different. Please discuss with your doctor on the approach, methods, meds, etc they commonly use.

xc1148 · December 2014

What CandE said...talk to your doctor.

Also, why are you being induced at 39 weeks? Just because your baby is "big"? Baby estimates are notoriously inaccurate, if your EDD was one day off, you're looking at a situation where you would go into labor naturally possibly one day or two after you've been induced. I would do a bit more research/reading and ask your doctor about why they are suggesting this. If baby is healthy, I'm not letting them even talk about induction until I'm 41 weeks.

One example of induction: my SIL arrived at the hospital, stuck at 5cm, they induced her, she shot up to 9cm and was in the worst pain of her life, got the epidural quickly, baby born 3 hours later.

[Deleted User] · December 2014

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JCM285 · December 2014

I'm a FTM so I don't know much but today is my due date and I am going to my doctor to get a nonstress and biophysical profile test done today to see what is up with LO. We will also discuss induction and possibly set up a date. I have spent a lot of time doing research at home to figure out when I will have an induction and I am now leaning towards the beginning of 41 weeks if labor does not start naturally. Is the baby's size the only reason your doctor wants to induce at 39 weeks? Have you had any other tests performed to determine the levels of amniotic fluid or other factors? If not, I would request tests for more information. Also I was reading this article about the cons of early inductions. Maybe it would be a useful read for you: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595289/.

emsrdh03 · December 2014

As past posters mentioned every hospital and doctor will have different protocol, but here are my experiences.

I've been induced twice. First time I was overdue, 40+5. Went in night before to have cervidil placed to soften my cervix since I was still high, firm and very closed. Not even a fingertip dilated. The cervidil was vaginal. I've never taken Cytotec or anything oral with either induction.

In the morning Dr broke my water and they started pitocin. Baby born at 5:50pm.

With DD I was induced at 37+5 due to gestational hypertension. Dr broke water at noon. Started pitocin. Baby born at 8:19pm. No cervidil needed this time because I was already dilated and cervix soft.

Both times I was on several monitors plus my IV and unable to walk around. I got Epidurals at around 3-4cm each time but could have gotten them at any time, I just like to know Ive started progressing before getting one. I'm lucky to say my body responds very well to inductions and I've had smooth labors and deliveries both times.

leoandethansmom · December 2014

You can search for my birth story and read my experience if you'd like.

lovetmcd · December 2014

Thank you all for sharing your experiences! It's not just because he is big that we will be discussing induction- several other medical factors are at play, I apologize if that wasn't clear! It's nice to hear about various experiences. I have been receiving excellent care and feel confidant when the time comes we will make the right choice! Thanks again!

allitor12 · December 2014

Slaps said:
My induction was nothing like the previous posters, everyone's is different.
The best thing you can do is ask your Dr how they plan to do it,
Yesterday mine told me, come in at 6am, get settled in bed, blood tests, etc,
Then start pitocin, get epi, break water, have baby.

My experience was more like @slaps except the order was get blood, break water, start pitocin, get epidural, have baby.

Definitely call your doctor to see what procedure they follow.

NELSMD · December 2014

Sounds like I'm the only one who may be induced (at 41 weeks) using a foley bulb?

NELSMD · December 2014

@misskilljoy‌ ok interesting. I was starting to wonder after not hearing it with others. It seems like quite the medieval contraption :P

desertsun · December 2014

I was induced for my first. I was 3 cm and 90% for a couple of weeks, so once my IV line and monitors were in place, my OB started me on pitocin. She broke my water a couple of hours later. I got an epi a couple of hours after that. Then it took me several more hours to dilate to 10 cm. I pushed for over 2 hours, but baby wasn't descending. After 14 hours of labor, the doctor advised a c-section and I agreed. Turns out baby was face up and wasn't in the right position to move through my pelvis.

My advice for an induction is: do a lot of research. Ask lots of questions. Write down some of your preferences. I think babycenter's birth plan checklist is actually quite a good starting point because it covers a variety of situations that arise during birth and it is a simple list that is easy to refer back to as needed. You can add/remove items to customize for yourself.

I know the general attitude on this board is NOT to have a detailed birth plan. I tend to agree that flexibility with your preferences is good, but having SOME idea of your preferences is also really helpful for you, your support person, and your caregivers.

soulcupcake · December 2014

Bishop's score is used to determine how favorable one's odds are. There are a handful of methods, and they don't always work or they may induce labor initially, but fail to progress mom to the second stage/delivery. It really depends on how it's managed. Misoprostol is a cheap method of induction, with oral and vaginal route, and dosage is usually between 25 mg and 50 mg spaced out every 4 hours (more or less depending on the provider). Some providers prefer oral (fewer risks of uterine hyperstimulation).

There's also Cervidil and foley catheter. However, Misoprostol and Cervidil don't always send mothers into active labor. For some they work to ripen the cervix up to a certain point (ideally 4+ cm) before pitocin can be started, and the same for foley catheter. Some women respond well to Misoprostol and begin contracting, whereas others need repeated doses or pitocin.

There's also the common method of AROM, which is done routinely whether mom is being induced or not. It's a favorite method to augment labor once mom is 4+ cm.

With that said, the outcome of labor induction depends on many factors from the body being ready (Bishop's score), to the baby's position (LOA or OA are optimal) and how the induction process is managed. Mom's position, ambulation, is key, too, as movement/gravity, assist in the labor/birthing process. If baby is in an awkward position at the start of labor, allowing mom to move freely and try different positions can help baby into an ideal position. This is also best achieved when membranes are kept intact since AROM has its own set of risks, including cord compression, malpositioning and infection (especially with VEs).

Shortstack06 · December 2014

I imagine it is a real pain in the vagina.

[Deleted User] · December 2014

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soulcupcake · December 2014

misskilljoy said:

@metaphysique - Just to clarify, AROM is them breaking your water, right? My hospital does not use terms like AROM, just uses the layman's terms that your average pregnant woman is familiar with. Making sure I'm not missing another method that I wasn't familiar with before.

Yep. AROM/amniotomy.

beaniousmaximus · December 2014

As some PP have said, estimating the weight of baby can be fairly inaccurate. I was told that I was going to have a 9 pounder the first time, was induced at 41 weeks, and my son was only 7lbs 6oz. My induction was almost two and a half years ago so the details are a bit fuzzy...but I'll do my best...

So, I went in Monday morning for my induction. The first thing they tried was the vaginal pill and eventually the foley bulb...I started contracting and feeling some pain. So I went and hung out in their jacuzzi tub, took a walk, hung out with my family, and after dinner they gave me some demerol for the pain so I could get some sleep.

Then they woke me up in the middle of the night to break my water...and a few hours later gave me an epidural for the pain.

Tuesday morning they gave me pitocin and monitored me until late afternoon. It had been 36 hours of induction at that time...I wasn't dilating as fast as they hoped and the baby wasn't co-operating so they decided to give me a csection.

Overall it wasn't a bad experience, but it was very tiring and slow. By the time I actually had my son I was completely exhausted. However, the nurses were very attentive and they explained everything as we went along. Everybody and every hospital is different. Good luck with your induction!!

leoandethansmom · December 2014

MissChristineMarie said:

NELSMD said:
Sounds like I'm the only one who may be induced (at 41 weeks) using a foley bulb?
I think @leosmom25‌ used one of those.

Yup they used this on me. It's a balloon put on your cervix to mimic baby's head on the other side and it's used to get you to 4cm.

Shortstack06 · December 2014

misskilljoy said:

Slaps said:
You do realise that most of us are not medical professionals, and like things said in plain English, my OB doesn't even talk to me this way, and I am far from stupid but still have no clue what you say half the time!

Yeah, my OB definitely just says stuff like "break your water." When he was telling me about the risks of my water breaking with polyhydramnios, he didn't even use the term "placental abruption," he said, "It could make your placenta come away from the wall of the uterus too quickly." Because odds are I'd have to ask him what he meant anyway, so he might as well just tell me what he means the first time.

Now that we're towards the end of my care and he knows that I'm fairly well educated when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth, he catches himself sometimes just using more medical terms (like saying next week he'll check my Bishop's score), then he goes back and explains it. But definitely for the vast majority of my time with him, he just explained everything assuming that I hadn't done much research or was unfamiliar with the more medical terms.

I know you have an complications, but the most in detail my doctor got with me about any topic was diastasis recti ( I had a general idea because I believe @nauticallife mentioned it on here to me before). Other than that it is all something my 8 year old niece would understand

soulcupcake · December 2014

Slaps said:
You do realise that most of us are not medical professionals, and like things said in plain English, my OB doesn't even talk to me this way, and I am far from stupid but still have no clue what you say half the time!

I'm not sure how I'd go about using plain English in this context. I've been accustomed to using such terminology for many years. I'm not purposely trying to confuse anyone. That's just my diction, and the same is true for every forum I frequent.

Shortstack06 · December 2014

@chayshay1408 with the .gif win!

desertsun · December 2014

pooky08 said:

Actually I think @metaphysique is doing us all a favor. I mean, she's using the actual terminology, which will probably get you better google results than the crap you'd find by googling "break water." I love how much she knows!

I always feel like kind of a pregnancy badass when I don't have to Google any of the terms meta uses in her posts.

I confess for this one, I had to Google VE. (Vacuum extraction).

leoandethansmom · December 2014

chayshay1408 said:

pooky08 said:

Actually I think @metaphysique is doing us all a favor. I mean, she's using the actual terminology, which will probably get you better google results than the crap you'd find by googling "break water." I love how much she knows!

Hey I respect the knowledge, doesn't mean I know or understand a word of what it means.

I'm just a simple blonde woman. I understand, 'induction' 'pitocin' 'breaking water' 'infection' 'push' 'epidural'

QBF
Epidural should have been first.

Eta for qbf. Stupid mobile.

colliebabe · December 2014

Definitely talk to your doctor like others said, but here was my experience with DD:

I was scheduled for an induction at 41w2d because I was overdue and the fluid was getting low. I started having my own contractions the day before (Sunday) at 6 am. Had them all day, lasting 1 min or so but they were 15-20 min apart. Called my doctor at about 5 am the next day and they said still show up at the hospital at 8 am for the induction. I was already 4.5 cm dilated so they started me on pitocin. I went as long as I could w/o the epi but couldn't take the pitocin contractions anymore, so I got an epidural. When it was time to push I pushed for about 17 minutes and she came out at 6:17 pm.

Overall for an induction with an epi, I had a very good experience.

soulcupcake · December 2014

pooky08 said:

chayshay1408 said:

pooky08 said:

Actually I think @metaphysique is doing us all a favor. I mean, she's using the actual terminology, which will probably get you better google results than the crap you'd find by googling "break water." I love how much she knows!

Hey I respect the knowledge, doesn't mean I know or understand a word of what it means.
I'm just a simple blonde woman. I understand, 'induction' 'pitocin' 'breaking water' 'infection' 'push' 'epidural'

I'm a simple blonde woman, too! And I'll tell you, 8 months ago I didn't even know what half the things you just mentioned really meant. I'm a scientist, though, and we love to use acronyms for pretty much everything, so I love knowing enough (like @desertsun said) to get what meta's saying when she uses acronyms. I'm still trying to figure out what she means by LOA and OA for positions.

Ahh, see, hard sciences, as much as I love the STEM fields, go way over my head a lot of the time (but I do have awesome books on various topics). I wish I were better at math. My husband LOVES math and is great when it comes to STEM, where as "soft" sciences and humanities are my thing (philosophy and comparative religion since those are my fields).

But years ago I studied midwifery and was in a program until I realized it would be impossible to complete at that point of my life. I won't be able to venture down that road until my kids are in much, much older.

Re: OA and LOA. They refer to baby's cephalic presentation. Occiput anterior and left occiput anterior. These are the preferred positions during labor, if not before. Spinningbabies has a way to belly map baby's position.

Cryssteen · December 2014

Thank you for sharing that @misskilljoy‌. Ladies, please remember that the average American does not have a college-level degree or a high school reading level. As a healthcare professional myself, I am tasked DAILY with discussing cancers with patients on a conversational level and explaining in simple terms what treatment, prognosis, surgery, etc. Will look like. Saying you can't change the way you speak is ridiculous. When I speak to physicians and other colleagues, or make medical documentation, I use more precise medical terminology. Speaking in textbook jargon is nothing more than showing off. Many medical students or first year residents speak this way to prove that they are intelligent. They are not seen as good physicians because their bedside manner is standoffish.

I've also written public health information for the general public when working at nonprofit health organizations (like March of Dimes and a few others). Educational materials are written at a 7th grade reading level. This is not done because we didn't know how to write, but instead because it is more approachable and broadly understood. Medical articles we published were written on a totally different scale.

In short: TB is for the public, not for MFM/OB professionals.

allitor12 · December 2014

Cryssteen said:
Many medical students or first year residents speak this way to prove that they are intelligent. They are not seen as good physicians because their bedside manner is standoffish.

This happens in the veterinary medical community, too. Clients are never impressed.

soulcupcake · December 2014

misskilljoy said:

(Trigger warning for mention of sexual violence.)

@pooky08 & @desertsun - I can appreciate feeling awesome when you know what she's talking about without having to google it, but I can also appreciate that a lot of women probably feel badly about their pregnancies and their knowledge level reading those posts sometimes because they don't know what she's talking about.

Moment of honesty: When I was pregnant at 18, I would not have known what any of what she's saying meant. I was terrified enough after my sexual assault and subsequent pregnancy that I wasn't even seeking prenatal care (not something I am proud of) but absolutely would have sought support on a forum like this because I had literally no one I could talk to about it in RL. I was not ready to tell anyone what had happened.

I already felt like an idiot for getting pregnant even though it was completely outside the realm of my control. I would have understood things like "water breaking" but I would not have understood "AROM" and I think it would have made me feel even more inadequate as a would-be mother to see terms bandied about as if I ought to just inherently understand them when virtually no one uses them in an everyday context.

ETA: And I get that that's all kind of in the sphere of "that sounds like your problem, not hers" but I'm one of those people who tries to keep others' issues in mind when posting.

I get it. I was young when I had my first, and my first exposure to pregnancy matters other than stories from my mom, came from other women on a fertility/pregnancy site. By the time I did get pregnant I was already familiar with various terms used within the birth community from my time browsing the forums while TTC. When I came upon terms I didn't understand, I asked or looked them up.

As many here often say, google is your friend. While it's no substitute for medical advice, it's a tool just like any other. I wouldn't say being young is an excuse for not taking the opportunity to familiarize oneself with terminology or practices. If informed decision is paramount then it has to start somewhere. The majority of members of the forums I frequented early on were seasoned mothers, and older than me by many years. They talked about things that were new to me, but that only made me more curious. I don't think most expect the majority of young or new mothers to have brushed up on medical terminology or practices. That applies to just about every field or area of study. One's knowledge base has to start somewhere.

desertsun · December 2014

danisgossipgirl said:

Cryssteen‌ I definitely agree that it's best to tailor your speech to your audience, but in metaphysique‌'s defense, a lot of what's jargonese here wouldn't make anyone think twice on the NB board-- it's the everyday lingo because much of the content is related to interventions and their alternatives. The month boards are much broader in scope and people's background and experiences, so it's a good reminder for those of us who are trying to give helpful advice.

Thanks for putting my thoughts into a nice, concise post, @danisgossipgirl.

Also -- very sorry for your experience, @misskilljoy.

CandEChicago · December 2014

allitor12 said:

Cryssteen said:
Many medical students or first year residents speak this way to prove that they are intelligent. They are not seen as good physicians because their bedside manner is standoffish.
This happens in the veterinary medical community, too. Clients are never impressed.

Same in the accounting world. I have to tailor between a national consultant, partner, manager, staff, intern, CPA client or non CPA client.

I have to consider their expertise in the area: bookkeeping, audit, tax (state, federal, internatonal), EBP, valuation, etc.

[Deleted User] · December 2014

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soulcupcake · December 2014

misskilljoy said:

@Metaphysique - That wasn't really my point. I wasn't using my age at the time as an excuse to not know anything. I knew lots. The thing is, I'm not talking about a lack of knowledge. I'm just talking about a disconnect between the terms being used and the terms most people are familiar with. I was terrified, traumatized, and confused. I wouldn't have asked what those terms meant because it would have been tantamount (in my mind) to me admitting that I shouldn't be a mother if I didn't even know what people were talking about. Only I would have known what people were talking about because I did have a knowledge base - it's just that I wouldn't have known that. I would have understood "the doctor broke my water," I would not have understood "AROM".

I'm not saying that's a healthy attitude to have, but I'm saying that was my reality, so I always assume now that if I felt that way, probably someone else out there does too.

Yes, it goes back to layman's terminology vs. technical terms. Most people are familiar with the former, but I don't see why that should dictate the diction of others. I just don't see what the issue is with, well, looking up unfamiliar terminology.

CandEChicago · December 2014

metaphysique said:

I get it. I was young when I had my first, and my first exposure to pregnancy matters other than stories from my mom, came from other women on a fertility/pregnancy site. By the time I did get pregnant I was already familiar with various terms used within the birth community from my time browsing the forums while TTC. When I came upon terms I didn't understand, I asked or looked them up.

As many here often say, google is your friend. While it's no substitute for medical advice, it's a tool just like any other. I wouldn't say being young is an excuse for not taking the opportunity to familiarize oneself with terminology or practices. If informed decision is paramount then it has to start somewhere. The majority of members of the forums I frequented early on were seasoned mothers, and older than me by many years. They talked about things that were new to me, but that only made me more curious. I don't think most expect the majority of young or new mothers to have brushed up on medical terminology or practices. That applies to just about every field or area of study. One's knowledge base has to start somewhere.

I was going to let this be but it is bugging me.

So by not knowing the exact medical terminology and acronyms my medical professionals use....I am making uniformed decisions?!

And I am not limiting this to pregnancy.

Because I didn't research and know the exact stitch method that was used in my surgeries...is that being uninformed?

soulcupcake · December 2014

danisgossipgirl said:

@Cryssteen‌ I definitely agree that it's best to tailor your speech to your audience, but in @metaphysique‌'s defense, a lot of what's jargonese here wouldn't make anyone think twice on the NB board-- it's the everyday lingo because much of the content is related to interventions and their alternatives. The month boards are much broader in scope and people's background and experiences, so it's a good reminder for those of us who are trying to give helpful advice.

True. But even in non-NB forums these terms aren't really "new" or odd. They may not be super commonplace, but they're used enough for people to know what it's related to. Like "skid mark" to refer to an abrasion. That's an actual term used by medical professionals and those in the birth community and forums. Sure, it means shit stain/mark, but in the context of childbirth, it has its own meaning. And most people familiar with its usage use that term.

And I totally get that one's audience should be taken into consideration, but there needs to be a balance between that and taking the opportunity to familiarize oneself with terminology and practices. One needn't read an obstetrics or midwifery textbook, but a simple search is, well, simple. Within the context of pregnancy/birth, my responses, unless anecdotal, are typically more technical. And that's the case no matter what forum I frequent. *shrug*

ScarlettsMommy0515 · December 2014

I was induced with my first when I was ten days over due. They inserted cervidal on a little tampon and I was kept for 1 hour on a monitor and told to come back when I had started contractions. I was back a couple hours later with strong contractions 2 minutes apart. But like everyone is saying every doctor and induction is different . Check what your expected procedure will be.

Shortstack06 · December 2014

metaphysique said:

misskilljoy said:

@Metaphysique - That wasn't really my point. I wasn't using my age at the time as an excuse to not know anything. I knew lots. The thing is, I'm not talking about a lack of knowledge. I'm just talking about a disconnect between the terms being used and the terms most people are familiar with. I was terrified, traumatized, and confused. I wouldn't have asked what those terms meant because it would have been tantamount (in my mind) to me admitting that I shouldn't be a mother if I didn't even know what people were talking about. Only I would have known what people were talking about because I did have a knowledge base - it's just that I wouldn't have known that. I would have understood "the doctor broke my water," I would not have understood "AROM".

I'm not saying that's a healthy attitude to have, but I'm saying that was my reality, so I always assume now that if I felt that way, probably someone else out there does too.

Yes, it goes back to layman's terminology vs. technical terms. Most people are familiar with the former, but I don't see why that should dictate the diction of others. I just don't see what the issue is with, well, looking up unfamiliar terminology.

I am not attacking in anyway here @meta, so don't take it as that. But on the medical questions/ information threads I briefly skim your answers also because I don't know the terms. My doctor uses layman terms where I don't have to sit with my smart phone in hand and Google the entire conversation at my appointments. While being informed is one thing, looking up every other word in your 1,392 (spaces not counted) is not something I am going to do. No one can dictate how you respond on the board, obviously we all have made it a point to newbs and so forth of this. But we are asking if you can use terminology even the layman can understand because I am sure your response are actually helpful and full of knowledge but seem wasted when someone like myself that just skims.

soulcupcake · December 2014

Shortstack06 said:
I am not attacking in anyway here @meta, so don't take it as that. But on the medical questions/ information threads I briefly skim your answers also because I don't know the terms. My doctor uses layman terms where I don't have to sit with my smart phone in hand and Google the entire conversation at my appointments. While being informed is one thing, looking up every other word in your 1,392 (spaces not counted) is not something I am going to do. No one can dictate how you respond on the board, obviously we all have made it a point to newbs and so forth of this. But we are asking if you can use terminology even the layman can understand because I am sure your response are actually helpful and full of knowledge but seem wasted when someone like myself that just skims.

Providers will use broad terms that reflect the diverse demographic of their practice, and most providers don't have the time to get all technical. They have patients to see. And seeing as there's probably little in the way of demand for technical verbiage, they have no reason to use them unless in like company. But if one is browsing a forum and has access to a search function then I can't imagine why brushing up on a handful of terms is a difficult task.

If someone is asking a technical or specific question, I answer it accordingly. I use proper terms. And "1,392" is a wee bit hyperbolic. AROM, OA/LOA, Bishop's score, VE are just a handful of medical abbreviations. It isn't string theory. As easy as it is to do a search for membrane sweeps and "dilation before labor," one can just as easily inquire or look up a few abbreviations. Since many like to bring up how easy it is to search things.

Some people prefer having technical/medical terms in a context that warrants it. There aren't layman's terms for all of the abbreviations. OA, LOA and the other presentations can be described, but then that's just too wordy (so one would get accused of being much too verbose, if not already), and Bishop's score is just that. A calculation to determine cervical ripeness for induction. I even posted a thread about it many weeks back for those with impending inductions. VE is often used to refer to vaginal exam and less commonly, vacuum extraction (since it is less common nowadays). It didn't take long for people to become familiar with EPO and RRL, or dilation, effacement and station. The more often terms are used, the more familiar they become.

Shortstack06 · December 2014

metaphysique said:

Shortstack06 said:
I am not attacking in anyway here @meta, so don't take it as that. But on the medical questions/ information threads I briefly skim your answers also because I don't know the terms. My doctor uses layman terms where I don't have to sit with my smart phone in hand and Google the entire conversation at my appointments. While being informed is one thing, looking up every other word in your 1,392 (spaces not counted) is not something I am going to do. No one can dictate how you respond on the board, obviously we all have made it a point to newbs and so forth of this. But we are asking if you can use terminology even the layman can understand because I am sure your response are actually helpful and full of knowledge but seem wasted when someone like myself that just skims.

Providers will use broad terms that reflect the diverse demographic of their practice, and most providers don't have the time to get all technical. They have patients to see. And seeing as there's probably little in the way of demand for technical verbiage, they have no reason to use them unless in like company. But if one is browsing a forum and has access to a search function then I can't imagine why brushing up on a handful of terms is a difficult task.

If someone is asking a technical or specific question, I answer it accordingly. I use proper terms. And "1,392" is a wee bit hyperbolic. AROM, OA/LOA, Bishop's score, VE are just a handful of medical abbreviations. It isn't string theory. As easy as it is to do a search for membrane sweeps and "dilation before labor," one can just as easily inquire or look up a few abbreviations. Since many like to bring up how easy it is to search things.

Some people prefer having technical/medical terms in a context that warrants it. There aren't layman's terms for all of the abbreviations. OA, LOA and the other presentations can be described, but then that's just too wordy (so one would get accused of being much too verbose, if not already), and Bishop's score is just that. A calculation to determine cervical ripeness for induction. I even posted a thread about it many weeks back for those with impending inductions. VE is often used to refer to vaginal exam and less commonly, vacuum extraction (since it is less common nowadays). It didn't take long for people to become familiar with EPO and RRL, or dilation, effacement and station. The more often terms are used, the more familiar they become.

I did actually put your response in Microsoft word and did the word count on it. 1,392(without spaces) is what it came up with. But like I said, we can't tell you how to respond.

soulcupcake · December 2014

danisgossipgirl said:

I don't think its a matter of using odd or uncommon or overly technical language, it's that you can't expect everyone to take the same approach to the topic. *I* like technical, I like to immerse myself in a subject, and I prefer a neutral description over flowery, less straight-forward terms. But I also think there's value in framing things in an approachable manner, as long as it's not also imparting a values judgment or downplaying what's really going on. I'm on the fence with things like "breaking water" vs. AROM or "stretch and sweep" because the laymen's term to me sounds downplayed, and these procedures have a risk/benefit profile just like taking a medication. My pet issue is informed choice in women's healthcare, and it'd be a disservice to that ideal to argue that technical terms are preferred in a patient education scenario, the top priority is presenting information usefully. I have to respect that not everyone is going to be a birth junkie and get into the details. If I'm buying a new washing machine, I need to spend hours researching the brands and features and figure out if Steam clean technology is worth the extra money. Someone else may choose the top rec from consumer reports. Someone else may research a few models but only one fits in the laundry room. Someone else might just want the shiny red one. In the end we'll all have clean clothes.

@danisgossipgirl - I understand what you're saying. I don't like watered down explanations/terms, or giving them. I prefer matter-of-fact, straightforward, the real deal. If someone is asking "what is induction like" they'll get a "technical" response because labor induction is varies from woman to woman. Sure, I can give my anecdotal experiences, but what good will that do for the individual inquiring? Since there are a multitude of factors involving induction there's no reason to water it down. AROM, while it means "breaking your water," AROM, if doing a more detailed search, will yield results that clearly show the risks vs. benefits. Since they are interventions they should be addressed in a way that conveys that it's a practice that should be heavily weighed.

Is there really much difference between "stretch and sweep" and "membrane sweep"? Some of the terms don't appear *that* overly technical. Baby's position, well, there's really not simple way to describe it without using a lot of words. If people can familiarize themselves with "dilation" and "effacement" then optimal positioning should't be that hard of a task considering it's more important than either dilation and effacement. People will familiarize themselves with whatever they need if they need to. I think using terms can help others arm themselves with useful information.

Most patients will be given a brief rundown of what takes place or can take place in an induction. How many women are familiar with Bishop's score, and yet how many are induced or will be induced/augmented? There's a lot of talk about dilation/effacement, but little about optimal positioning. In terms of patient education, sometimes technical terms are useful as it can lead to more education. Many people already use them. Some are just more commonplace than others (e.g., OP vs. other positions). I think most of the terms commonly used are pretty basic, and they go hand-in-hand with other procedures/practices.

soulcupcake · December 2014

Shortstack06 said:
I did actually put your response in Microsoft word and did the word count on it. 1,392(without spaces) is what it came up with. But like I said, we can't tell you how to respond.

Ha! Well, I am known for being verbose in certain situations.

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