went in today hoping for progress. I was a finger tip dilated and 70% effaced last week. Today I'm 1cm dilated and still 70% effaced and -3( I'm not sure what the negative three is). As soon as my OB was done checking me he asked me if I had a day I wanted to schedule my c-section if she doesn't come on her own. I was surprised by his question because as far as I knew everything was a go for a vbac. I asked about being induced and he told me it wasn't an option because of how my placenta is and the risk of rupture. I was very disappointed to here this and have to admit that I've cried about. I had my heart set on not having another c-section and now I've given up hope on a natural delivery.
Re: 38 week check today. Has anyone else been told that they cannot be induced?
-3 means the baby's head is still sitting high. 0 station is when the head is in the pelvis.
Would your doctor be willing to try a membrane sweep first? What about simply breaking your water as an induction attempt (not now, but as a last ditch effort to avoid a c-section, 41w or whatever). Foley Bulb induction is another method that does not use uterine stimulants rather it will mechanically dilate you to 4cm or so, sometimes that is enough to get things going on their own.
Natural induction methods, you could try acupuncture with a chiro adjustment. I was surprised to learn that my insurance covered that at 90% when I was pregnant with my first. You could also try Evening Prim Rose Oil to make your cervix more favorable and sex/nipple stimulation are some other ones thought to be helpful. Good luck!
At our hospital we will occasionally use oxytocin (pitocin,syntocinon) for a vbac/ trial of labour on previous c/s... With incredibly careful continuous monitoring and extreme caution. Every hospital or region has different policies though.
The difference between natural contractions brought on by your own body's production of oxytocin vs synthetic oxytocin induction is huge. Your body will naturally increase and decrease the oxytocin needed in each contraction, making it like a wave. When inducing even though the drip is gradually increased you don't see the same kind of gradation in each contraction which means the intensity of the contraction is the same for the duration of it, putting more pressure on your incision than the contractions your body would make. Both have the risk of rupture... But natural labour is less risk.
Like a pp mentioned, maybe ask whether breaking your water would be an option for induction, since the contractions following the water breaking are only brought on by your body's hormones