Induction on Sunday, any tips or positive stories?

[Marshpillow]

After several instances of reduced movements I am being induced on Sunday at 39 weeks.
Other than trying to keep active, does anyone have any tips to try to minimise the boredom/chance of complications?
Also any positive stories would be appreciated please!

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Take a good book! Took well over 24 hours before anything happened with me. And a birthing ball, at least if you're bouncing it feels like you're doing something productive whilst sitting around for hours. Probably just luck but my labour when induced was 4 hours start to finish. Might be that the ball helped?

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Oh and I was dreading being induced (esp because I've had previous section) but it really wasn't that bad. Only needed a bit of gas n air for 20 mins pushing. Concentrated on breathing through the contractions and faffed around with the tens machine the rest of the time. I realise I was lucky to have a short labour but I wanted to give you a positive story!

[Marshpillow]

Thank you Igotta! I like that story. I have no idea what to expect as this is my first pregnancy so I'm imagining the worst.

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Try to be positive! A bit hippy but the pains are a good thing and your body is meant to do this, albeit not by induction. But you were designed to give birth so try and think positive thoughts and breathe!!!! Oh and a good cow impression helped me through the pushing phase! Look it up.

[RandomMess]

I've had 4 inductions - 4 different experiences, all unassisted births despite need an epidural with 3 to cope with the pain.

Found the tens machine very helpful, it can take a long time for anything to actually happen despite being in pain

Plenty of food, drink, music to listen to, magazines to read, batteries for the tens machine. All the best.

[Marshpillow]

Thank you both. I'm hoping positive thinking will help!

[worserevived]

I was induced and it was a good experience. 5.5 hour labour, no complications. Try not to worry.

[dicko1]

i found going on a nice walk (in hospital grounds) helped once pesserin was in.

[lexyloub]

I've been induced twice both fairly quick and hassle free. Both times my contractions started off every 4/5 min & gradually got stronger it seems to cut our all the slow labour build up you might get if you went into labour naturally. They'll monitor you for a bit after having the pessary but after that your free to move about I walked up & down the ward and bounced on the birthing ball

[lexyloub]

1st time was 8.5hrs from gel to delivery 2nd time was 5.5 hrs from gel to delivery. Good luck you'll be fine x

[ChickenMe]

My waters broke prematurely last week and contractions started but I wasn't progressing. Looking back I was scared, I fought the pain. Dont fight the pain, in a way encourage it because it means things are progressing.
After about 24 hours of me trying to avoid this pain, The MW advised me to breathe with it because this helps you focus. So when the pain comes you breeeeeesthe out strongly. If you are afraid you will kind of seize up and this can slow labour down. That's what happened to me-once I went with it and I started saying in my head "come on", grunting and breathing things started to progress.
I ended up on the drip tho cos the baby passed meconium and due to the prom (infection risk). I had an epidural after that point though so I can't comment on the pain. The epi was great because it gave me respite and I had all my energy to push. I did end up with mid-forceps but tbh the delivery was fine, she just needed to come out quicker than usual. I actually enjoyed the delivery. I trusted the obstetrician and was glad to avoid an EMCS.
Hope it all goes well for you.

[Marshpillow]

Thank you everyone, I'm on my way in now!

[dicko1]

good luck xx

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Good luck!

[Igottastartthinkingbee]

Let us know how it goes x

[Marshpillow]

I went in at 11:30am and didn't get my first lot of gel until 8pm. It's now 44 hours since I first got here and I'm dilated a whole 1cm, after three lots of gel. I am so bored!!

[bonzo77]

Shit sweetie. That's a pain. I had the same. In fact I had another 24 hours with nothing (and no foetal movement) despite a drip and then had a CS. Maybe time to put your foot down if that's what you want.

[dicko1]

I agree time to be firm with them i think. Thats a very long time for just 1cm. Keep positive youll have your little bundle in your arms soon

[Marshpillow]

Sorry I haven't been back to update! DD arrived on 24th March and is lovely.
Progress was slow but I was finally dilated enough for them to pop waters at about 11am, 39 hours after my first lot of gel. Immediately contractions started coming thick and fast and I was transferred to a delivery room. Got to 10cm at about 7pm, DDs heart rate kept dropping and was coming out at a funny angle. I pushed for a while and she was halfway down the birth canal but they decided she needed to come out so had an EMCS.
Honestly, it was extremely painful and distressing towards the end but I look back on it as a positive experience. It wasn't ideal but I'd do it again tomorrow if I had to!

[bonzo77]

Ah. Thanks for the update. Hope you are recovering well and enjoying your new addition!

[Tranquilitybaby]

Be positive, walk around a lot, up and down stairs, bounce on a ball. Keep well hydrated. Good luck

[Hobby2014]

Bit late tranquility
Congrats OP.
My induction failed too so had a section but wasn't an emergency. Doesn't matter how they arrive, as long as everyone is healthy. Enjoy