Induction?

[lilmisslibrarian]

Also posted this in Pregnancy as I need as many views as possible!
I've been having a lot of bother with my back, I'm barely able to walk and sleep is just not happening! I saw my consultant today (I'm 34 weeks) and he wants to see me in a couple of weeks, if I'm still in my current state I'm going to be induced at 38 weeks to have a natural birth.
I'm concerned mainly cause I've heard mixed messages about induction and also because I think my pain levels are going to be something I can't tolerate. All the midwives that I've spoken to suggested csection but my consultant seems to think the natural way will be safer.
I'm so confused, I thought I'd leave my appointment happy that id eventually have a birthing plan but I feel like I'm going to burst into tears because I am used to being sore(my back pain is a chronic issue) but I can't imagine being in even more pain and trying to push a baby out even with an epidural if needed.
Am I being silly? What does everyone think about induction?

[Icimoi]

I had an induction for DS2, and it was fine. It was a quick labour so no time for an epidural, but that was nothing to do with the induction - I'd also had a quick labour with non-induced DD. And if you have an epidural pain shouldn't be an issue at all. In the longer term, a natural birth will be much better than a caesarian

[StarlightMcKenzee]

I'd take a c/section over an induction in your condition. Actually I'd take a c/section over an induction not in your condition so perhaps I'm biased.

A natural birth is safer for the baby and mum, but an induction isn't a natural birth. Once you start pumping the mum up with artificial hormones the only thing that is 'natural' is the exist, not all the other stuff which makes the vaginal birth optimal. Also, most people who have an induction require an epidural to manage the pain which means you cannot feel any further damage you might do to your back when pushing in the directed way.

The earlier you have the induction the increased chances there are of it failing too. If you were 38 weeks, is there anything you can do to make 14 more days tolerable? Bed rest? painkillers? positioning?

[puddymuddles]

I am just over 34 weeks too with DC3. I completely agree with Starlight.

DD1 was an induction and DD2 a natural labour and the induction was so painful I had an epidural - with DD2 I said this can't be labour as not really really painful like last time so nearly didn't get to hospital in time. DD1 12 hours eventually came out naturally DD2 4 hour labour. I would really really try to avoid ever having an induction again unless it was a life or death situation.

I am sorry for your back pain but in your position would try to hold on for the last few weeks and avoid induction.

[Babymamamama]

Having been induced and then going on to have a c section (unplanned) my preference would be go straight for the c section. I was very very lucky to have almost no scarring and none of the after effects some other women have such as weakened stomach muscles etc. and natural child birth is no walk in the park either so I hear. I think c section is a wonderful procedure although it's not a very mumsnet view to hold. Sending you all best wishes for whatever you decide.

[teejayem]

I'm in a similar position to you OP, 35 weeks and in the most horrid pain with my back from a pre existing condition. I've had mixed advice from different hcps, and I'm seeing the consultant next week to discuss delivery. I'm really not sure how it's going to go or what to ask for, but I do know that the prospect of going over when you're in so much pain is absolutely soul destroying. I've been on 'bed rest' since 30 weeks and on crutches since 24 weeks and am taking co codamol. Added into the bargain my joints seem to have just surged with relaxin, and I keep falling over/injuring myself (bank holiday was spent in A&E with suspected broken ankle, having rolled it over in a flat surface three times..)
mw seems to think I'll be offered induction, consultant was non committal at 28 weeks. But it's so much worse now, I'm hoping we can get to an agreement. I'm keen to avoid a CS, because I think the recovery is going to be harder on my back, but then conversely induction with epidural might mean I do myself a mischief when I'm numb.

Sorry no real advice, but just wanted to send and let you know you aren't alone!

[lilmisslibrarian]

Thank you all so much for your advice, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. I'm going to speak to my consultant at 38 weeks and ask about a elcs. I don't think I can wait until I go into labour naturally-my pain is getting worse day by day and it's really starting to get me down. I just want to have my baby as safe as possible-I feel like such a let down

[Dionysuss]

I've had two inductions. The first was a slow process. Went in Tuesday morning, gave birth Friday. Completely depressing. And I was in a bed opposite the labour ward doors so watched other come and go. Lots of VE and attempts to ARM. Labour was slightly more intense.
2nd induction I started contracting immediately. So strongly they removed the pessary after an hour to slow things down. After 6 hours and still 0cms I actually got evicted off the antinatal ward, and sent to labour, at 4am as my screams were upsetting other ladies. After my waters broke at 1pm DS was born 20 mins later.

[emzii206]

I was induced at 38 weeks (dd is now 3 weeks old), as my waters broke but labour did not begin on its own. My midwife told me to prepare to deviate from my "no epidural" rule in my birth plan as apparently induction is "notoriously brutal"...urrrmmmm no it isn't. Don't know whether I have a fantastic pain threshold, or whether my midwife was lying, but my experience of induction was a piece of cake. A hormone drip was put in my arm at 8am, and within 1hour I was in active labour. A bit of gas and air (was absolutely off my tits!!) and by 11am I turned to my midwife and told her that I really needed to push..."no you don't, not yet!" Was her reply..."yes I really do!!"....she examined me and said "Ok maybe you do need to push...I can see your baby's head"....I gave up on the gas at that point because I decided I needed to focus on the task in hand, and not on the fluffy bunny on DH'd head ...an hour of pushing, and my dd was born bang on midday. I don't want to scaremonger because everyone's experience is different, but in my experience, labour and childbirth was a walk in the park compared to the recovery in the weeks after the main event ...the burning pain from pee running over my "labial laceration" (that apparently didn't need stitching...I beg to differ!) every time I went to the loo, actually made me throw up on a few occasions

[ChampagneBabyCakes]

Hi, I was induced with DS1 and although they had to administer the drugs a few times before it worked, and I did have an epidural, the whole experience was fine and recovery was quick.

In your position you have to consider how you will be able to take care of your lovely new baby. Is your back pain going to hinder you? More than 6 weeks c section recovery? I think that's what you need to ask yourself.

Hope you can find the best and most pain free option.