Positive Stories and Info on INDUCTIONS.

[Electric Mumi]

Hey Gals!!
I am 40 weeks and have a week to give birth naturally before going in to be induced. I really hate the medical methods of induction but need to get some positive feedback on them in case I need one as I feel so negative and against them and want as good a labour\birth as possible.

Am on rasberry leaf tablets, have had acuopressure on my hands and shoulders, have sex, walks....havent tried hot curries yet but I like spicy food so i doubt it will effect me anyhow.

Thanks in advance!

[codswallop]

i there, though i went in to labour naturaly with both of mine i ended up being further induced with the drip both times, it wasnt pleasent being induced with my 1st i noticed the difrence in the strength and time between the contractions and they wernt pleasent! but it was over quickly (within a hour and 20 min ) with my second it took abit longer (about 2hrs) but i couldnt tell you what the contraction were like as id had a epidurial and felt next to nothing

[kylza]

Hello there, you won't agree with what I did but hopefully you'll get some positive feedback.
I had an elective induction, yes you heard right I chose to be induced. I did it for a number of reasons one being my Ob was going away and living in a smaller town Ob's are few and far between and I'm quite small and at 38 weeks bub was measuring quite big, so at 40weeks my ob induced me. Heres my story.
Gel inserted at 8.30am, slight cramping bit like period pain, no progress.
Ob. broke waters at 1.00pm, hurt a bit nothing to worry about.
Contractions started straight away at 2 mins apart, bub had turned and was posterior, his back was against mine, contractions were extremely painful had a shot of pethadine. I didn't know at the time but posterior births are alot more painful than normal.
5pm - fully dilated, pushed & pushed & pushed.
6pm - Ob does internal, bub has arm up near his head and can't decend any further.
6.17pm - Vaccuum extraction needed. Big bubba boy born 4kg.
I tore pretty bad, this was due to his positioning and failure to decend.
Even though labour was excrutiating, I have no regrets about being induced. I felt like I was in control the whole time.
As for the raspberry leaf tablets I took them and drank the tea. I believe it helped with my quick dilation and it also helped with contracting my uterus back after birth and also helped with blood loss.
Good luck, hope everything works out ok for you.:flowerz:

[flick82]

Mine wasnt to bad, compared to the stories i had herd.

Had the gel, contractions started a bit later, waters broken at 10cm and bubs born not long later, all up my labour was 3 1/2hrs.

[bluey]

I've been induced several times

DD2 after my waters breaking early and her needing to arrive before getting into distress. They gave my syntocin at 3pm, I had mild contractions, the upped the syntocin, and I wasn't getting anymore in pain. My midwife said, so do you feel like pushing? I said I suppose so - we had a look fully dilated. Half a dozen pushes and she was out at 5.59pm. So 3 hours from start to finish. Pretty darn good. A couple of stitches. Mind you she was 4 weeks early. But a good size 7lb 8oz.

DD3, went in to be induced at 39 weeks - for size issues. Discovered I was 6cm dilated and my OB just broke my waters. Just about 50 minutes later from waters breaking my DD was born at 9lb 6oz. It was a bit too fast, but I felt fantastic afterwards.

I hope it all goes well for you and no not every induction ends badly. Mine have all been fine :)

[Electric Mumi]

Thanks ladies. It seems most of u tore. Was that because it all happened so quickly?

TeaPot: Would u suggest geting an epidural? I want to feel when to push..dont want to feel nothing at all. But really dont want the excruciating pain and it is all so invasive.

Also do they always break ur waters after the gel?? My middy said today thatget in inserted then if it hasnt worked within 6 hrs they do it again then if nothing after another 6 hrs they do the yucky drip...She didnt mention the waters bit.

[shed]

How come you only have a week? How long was your pregnancy with your son?

Don't let them break your waters.

Good luck. I hope you go into labour before then :fingerscrossed:

[flick82]

They broke my waters because i was 10cm and mine didnt break on their own and i didnt tear.

[pinkgingham]

was induced with DS. had the gel first (and a couple of times later and felt pains straight away. but i needed the drip and my waters to be broken to get things moving along. it was 18 hours from when i was induced to when i gave birth. i had an episi because he had a big head and was a big baby but refused an epidural (now way they are putting a needle that big into my spine). pushing stage was too long, i had to have a vacuum extraction and had maternal exhaustion and haemoragged but from other horror stories i have heard, i wouldnt say mine was that bad. but compared to my second birth it was bad.

[poppie]

Hi. I was induced with DD2. Had the gel at 620pm, by 7pm I had contractions every 2 minutes and my daughter was born before midnight. My waters were only broken when her head was crowning. I found the induction fine. Much better than my first labour which was spontaneous, however DD1 was posterior and I can say that a back labour is horrendous!

[Naboo]

I was induced and only had 1 stitch so everyone is different.

I had an epi but again, not all women do. The Dr that delivered my baby said that in the UK (where he is from) most women elect to have an epi after being induced but he has found that Australian women are more geared towards a natural birth (to which he was surprised at why we do this :)).

[Electric Mumi]

How come you only have a week? How long was your pregnancy with your son?

Don't let them break your waters.

Good luck. I hope you go into labour before then :fingerscrossed:

My son was born at 25 weeks so that was a completely different ball game! I couldnt keep him in after 9 days of mediocre contractions and 1 hr of full on labour before his birth.
I am now 40 weeks and 1 day...they like to do it up to 10 days apparently.

Why do u say dont let them break the waters??

[teenie]

Hi. I was induced with ds. Was already 3cm dialated, so only had waters broken. Contractions started immediately. That was at 8am. Ready to push at about 1:45pm. Wasn't born until 3:40pm...that was the hardest part! The contractions were painful, especially because they were very painful right from the 1st one - had gas during transition - but I could certainly cope with it. I knew for 3 days that I was going to be induced. We did lots of things to try and go into natural labour. Sex caused me to have a 'show' (twice), but to no avail. But honestly, it was fine. This time I'd love the opportunity to go into labour naturally, but I guess we'll see!! Good luck:)

oh yeah - I didn't have stitches...

[shed]

My son was born at 25 weeks so that was a completely different ball game! I couldnt keep him in after 9 days of mediocre contractions and 1 hr of full on labour before his birth.
I am now 40 weeks and 1 day...they like to do it up to 10 days apparently.

Why do u say dont let them break the waters??

oh, okay. Well done on getting this far. The reason I asked is because I have a theory about women having around the same gestation times and I just wanted to see if your last pregnancy went over 40 weeks. Its hard to know these days because everyone gets induced, but pregnancy is supposed to be anywhere from 38 to 42 weeks.

Once they break your waters you are on the clock and if things don't start happening they will start to really interfere with your birthing. This is best avoided as you know. In most cases babies are better at getting themselves born than doctors are at getting them to be born. The natural hormones released etc are superior to the synthetic ones given to try and produce the same result.

I think you are going to go into labour before then anyway. Got a feeling in me waters about ya!!! :laughing: I hope so!! GOOD LUCK.

[cinnamonbear]

Electric Mumi

TeaPot: Would u suggest geting an epidural? I want to feel when to push..dont want to feel nothing at all. But really dont want the excruciating pain and it is all so invasive.

i still felt with my epidural.. i felt no pain but could feel the pressure of dd head and contractions so i knew when to push..i also tore but that was not because dd being a big bub or anythign along those lines.. i had a student midwife helping and i was watching in the mirror as well as my mum watching.. she yanked dd chin out and around.. she knew the tear was her fault and apoligised soo much.. even came in to check on me next day and apologise yet again...but ay what can you do they need to learn.. one of the benifits of my epidural was my tear was pretty bad.. if i hadnt had an epi.. they said they would have needed to wisk me off to surgery to fix it up.. under the influence of teh epi i could hold my daughter bond while they did the business down there

i certinatly enjoyed the epi and will not hesitate with my next birth about having one.. i rather have an enjoyable birth free of pain.

[SPC]

EM - as you know I'm having to be induced because of pre ecampsia. I was a 43 weeker, so I doubt she'd come out by herself at 38 weeks without a nudge, but am trying everything.

My doctor said that if my cervix isn't dilated already enough they will put in some prostin, then maybe some more after 6 hours. After that they break your waters, [ARM], but if you are dilated they go straight to ARM. If after a varying amount of time, depending on the consultant, you aren't progressing they then put up the drip.

I'm booked for induction for the Tuesday. So I plan to ask for a stretch and sweep in clinic on Thursday, and then have induction acupuncture over the weekend. I'll do everything I can to avoid the crochet hook. I don't know why, but for some reason my instinctive reaction to ARM is very negative.

[~*clairesmum*~]

Hey moni

I no how u are feeling with being induce, with claire it was hard n fast but i was a good labour n birth

it started like this

430pm gel inserted

got constant pains didnt think anything of it by 1030 had 2 sleeping pills n 2 panadol cause they didnt think i would go into labour so quickly

i buzzed them they checked me i was 4cm, had a 1/4 shot of pethadine which didnt work just stoped the pain betwen contractions so i could feel when they wer coming they were coming 2-3mins apart... by 230am i was full dilated went to birth room... went in shower my contractions just stoped well they didnt i just couldnt feel them anymore pushed for an hr n nothing go onto bed the broke the bed so had to lay there and wait pushed some more still nothing.... got doctor in found out i had enterior lip so her had was coming down but not staying down, doc put her fingers in i pushed once her head was born fell a sleep for 5mins cause the sleeping tablets had kicked in when i started pushing n she was born 4160kg 36.5cm head

So it as good but not at the same time

Just dont get the sleeping tablets cause if u go into labour b4 the kick in they will kick in while in labour n they will make u sleepy so thats the down side of it

good luck n im sending u so many labour vibes n hopefull ur lil princess will come out b4 monday

[MelissafromSyd]

What's the reason for your induction? If you're wanting to avoid it, you might be able to depending on the reason that the hospital is wanting to do it. 41 weeks might not be a reason on its own to do an induction, but this is your choice. If you'd like more info on this, PM me.

Some induced labours go really well, but generally speaking, the labours that go the best are the ones that start by themselves.

If you're being induced, the usual way is to use gel, then break your waters and possibly start up a drip.

[Electric Mumi]

I think you are going to go into labour before then anyway. Got a feeling in me waters about ya!!! :laughing: I hope so!! GOOD LUCK.

Thanks so much. Im so peeved I have made it this far and now looking at being induced as I wanted it as natural as possible. I know I still have a week but this is taking over my headspace now. I dont like the idea of interference of any kind unless their is something wrong which their isnt.


EM - as you know I'm having to be induced because of pre ecampsia. I was a 43 weeker, so I doubt she'd come out by herself at 38 weeks without a nudge, but am trying everything.

My doctor said that if my cervix isn't dilated already enough they will put in some prostin, then maybe some more after 6 hours. After that they break your waters, [ARM], but if you are dilated they go straight to ARM. If after a varying amount of time, depending on the consultant, you aren't progressing they then put up the drip.

I'm booked for induction for the Tuesday. So I plan to ask for a stretch and sweep in clinic on Thursday, and then have induction acupuncture over the weekend. I'll do everything I can to avoid the crochet hook. I don't know why, but for some reason my instinctive reaction to ARM is very negative.

Im the same. I forgot to get the letter today for accupuncture approval. They like to do it one day and if nothing happens then leave it for a day then do it again...thats Andrew Orr's method anyhow. So maybe book it for friday or sat then sun or mon.

What's the reason for your induction? If you're wanting to avoid it, you might be able to depending on the reason that the hospital is wanting to do it. 41 weeks might not be a reason on its own to do an induction, but this is your choice. If you'd like more info on this, PM me.

Some induced labours go really well, but generally speaking, the labours that go the best are the ones that start by themselves.

If you're being induced, the usual way is to use gel, then break your waters and possibly start up a drip.


The midwife just said that they like to start inductions at 10 days over. Nothing is wrong at all. So I can actually say..no I dont want this baby induced yet?? I really want a natural flowing labour and birth if I can. Plus I want her to choose her own birthday, it seems so unnatural having interferance. :(

[codswallop]

hi Em sorry its taken so long to get back (crankie 3 week old) i had the epidurial with Rowyn for diffrent reasons than being induced with the drip, baasicly i started having mild contractions on friday night around 7 by 3 in the morning i new the baby was on his way so we called the inlaws and got to the hospital about 5.30am my waters broke just after 7.30 and at 8 i was on the birthing stool with my middy all geadred up pushing my heart out(could just see top of his little head, any way at 9 i got fed up and refused to push any more walked around showered yelled at my husband just before 11 i did the same thing was all go again after 30 odd min of pushing nothing then all of a sudden i started getting intense contractions and the next thing i know i was on the bed with half a dozen midwives and a doctor sticking a prob on bubs head id startec having cascading contractions(uterous gose in to spasum) my longest contraction lasted just over seven min the shortest was 4 and i was having 10-15 second gaps that went for just over a hour till the gave me somthing to actualy stop the contractions, then i had the epidurial and the drip to induce labour, i had the epi just after two Rowyn was born just on 4 i could still feel the contractions they still actualy hurt but not at the level they had been(wear i was begging for death) i diddnt tear but i think that was more my midwife than me she coaxed me well on the level to push( same with my first no tear then either) i must say every one was pleased when he finialy made his (Rowyn) exit to the world as it was only a few days before i got the go ahead to try for a VB but when the little bugger did make his way out had a true not in his cord so im really luck he made it at all, i went with Rown at 37w and 3 days the OB and midwifethink he would have died if id gone to 40w but i went at 36w and 5 days with Aby i think that was all your questions?

[Electric Mumi]

TPF: Thanks honey.. Gosh what an ordeal for u. I just dont think that I should be induced at 41 weeks if everything is ok.

Couldnt they do a scan and see that the cord is ok and baby is happy and just let me go till 42 weeks?

They said that I would get an internal examination on Monday and that could stir things up (assuming s&S??) but then induction on Tuesday. Is that long enuff space to see if internal stirs things up?? Wish I thought of these things at the time to ask!!

[codswallop]

tell me about it i went along thinking i was having a normal if horried pregnacy then at 3o weeks found out i had a low placenta and bingo every thing went out the window and id get in to the OB office and everything i wanted to ask woulg go away untill the drive home! i think if your healthy and the bubs doing fine you shouldnt have to be induced if you dont want to, my best friend had both of hers late one 41 w the srecond just at the begining of her 43 she was to be induced the next day
as for your internal exam i had one on the tuesday before i went into labour they check to see if your cervix has began to ripen, i also had a intrenal U/S thats day so it could help have you tried the evning primrose capsules? alot girls on here swear by them

[Electric Mumi]

TPF: I havent but maybe I should invest in some. Thats kinda invasive for me too...but anything is better than geting the docs interferring isnt it!

Found this recipe thats had rad results too,,guess wots for dinner sometime this week! haha

3 medium sized eggplants
1 cup flour
6 eggs, beaten
4 cups fine Italian bread crumbs, seasoned
Olive oil for sauteing
8 cups of marinara sauce (recipe below)
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 pounds of mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 cups of ricotta cheese
Directions

1. After you wash the eggplant, slice them into 1/4-inch thick slices. You may choose to peel the eggplant before you slice it. However, you may want to leave the skin on since it contains a lot of vitamins.

2. Place the eggplant slices on a layer of paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt, then cover with another layer of paper towels and hold it down with something heavy to drain the excess moisture. Let them sit for about an hour.

3. Working with one slice of eggplant at a time, dust with flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat well with breadcrumbs.

4. Saute in preheated olive oil on both sides until golden brown.

5. In baking dish, alternate layers of marinara sauce, eggplant slices, ricotta, parmesan and Romano cheeses, until you fill the baking dish, about 1/8 inch from the top. Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for 25 minutes in a 375 degree oven. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.


Scalini's Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons of chopped garlic
3 Tablespoons of olive oil
8 cups chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 cup onions, chopped
1/2 cup of fresh chopped parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper
1/8 cup of fresh chopped sweet basil
Pinch of thyme
Pinch of rosemary
One teaspoon salt
One teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Lightly saute the onions in olive oil in large pot for a few minutes.

2. Add garlic and saute another minute.

3. Add tomatoes and bring sauce to a boil, then turn heat low.

4. Add remaining ingredients, stir, cover and let simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally.

[codswallop]

well it sounds tasty!!! even if it dosent bring on labour youll have a good meal:chef:
i know some ppl with the evning primrose capsules just craked a few in thwe bath water like a normal bath oil

[Electric Mumi]

And it has worked?? Any idea how long it takes and how often u have to do it. Ive heard of them being pricked and inserted!

[codswallop]

hmmm cant remember but it was in a thread on bring on labour the week i had Rowyn so around the tenth of last monthi think they did it for a few nights put two in the bath and cracked one and masaged it in to there thighs and stomach diddnt want to go the insertion rote they swore it worked for them aparently just taking them oraly helps to

[Electric Mumi]

Awsome well I will get some today. Thanks chicken!

[shaz77]

Being induced is not the end of the world. I had a 10lb 4oz baby 10 days overdue. I was induced with gel, ARM and drip. Its the drip that sucks. My DS was born blue and floppy with the cord around his neck. He was definately overcooked but my uterus is just too roomy!! My second baby was heading down the big track so they induced me two days before my due date. I tried EVERYTHING before my induction date to get started naturally including a weekly S & S from 37 weeks!! I had the gel and then ARM in the morning. The key difference in the first and second birth is that I insisted that they leave me alone for a couple of hours after the ARM to see if things started on their own. They did!! A natural progression of labour is so much better than the drip!! DD was out in 4 hours after that first "real" contraction! 9lb 2oz! So I was happy to be induced but without the drip. Having ARM is uncomfortable (I was only 1/2 cm when they did mine - ouch!) but its over pretty quickly and fades into the background once labour starts. Good luck!!

[Electric Mumi]

Awsome! yeh the drip is my worst fear plus it makes it all happen too fast.

Having acupuncture tomorrow morning so Im hoping that will get things going!

[~Bec~]

I was induced at 42+2 with no signs of bubs making an entry. Labour was about 12 hours and even though I had an epi I could feel the exact moment when the contractions changed and it was time to push. I got a 3rd degree tear but it healed up very well and I've been very fortunate not to have any complications. :)

[StudentMeg]

The midwife just said that they like to start inductions at 10 days over. Nothing is wrong at all. So I can actually say..no I dont want this baby induced yet?? I really want a natural flowing labour and birth if I can. Plus I want her to choose her own birthday, it seems so unnatural having interferance. :([/quote]


Absolutely you can say no! This is your baby, and your body. A baby is not considered "overdue" until after 42 weeks, and even that is a contentious issue because even with dating scans, there is a margin of error.
If you are at all concerned, you can insist on fetal monitoring, amniotic fluid index tests and non stress tests, all of which will give a good indication of how the bubs and placenta are doing. Induction at 41 weeks is NOT a medical indication, 9 times out of 10 it is simply hospital policy. What they fail to inform women of, is their right to refuse. No one can touch you unless you give them consent to do so.
A REALLY good book about the hormonal interplay of normal labour, "Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothers" by Dr Sarah Buckley, is a hugely informative resource and one I highly recommend to all pregnant women and their partners.

All the very best to you, whichever way YOU decide to go.