What was your experience with induction?

[Linguaphile]

Did you end up having a c-section? I'd like to avoid a section if possible, but I've heard of so many inductions that have turned out to end in an emergency c-section that I wonder if it's worth it!

What was your experience, and would you recommend it?

[HighVoltage]

I was v worried about induction so had two sweeps in the week before the due date. On the scheduled induction day (37 wks + 6 days) I was 5cm dilated so they just broke my waters and labour started within an hour or so. Had an epidural a few hours in, then a few hours after that both twins were delivered vaginally with no need for any intervention.

I realise this isn't a classic induction story but hope it gives you another perspective on how labour can progress. My only caveat is that I had already had a child which may have meant I was dilating further than a first time mum. I would recommend lots of hilly walks - or stairs for that matter - in the days running up to your scheduled date.

[Linguaphile]

Thanks, that's really helpful! Nice to hear of a less drug-involved story. Pitocin scares me...

[Randomkath]

Hi. I was really worried about my induction at 38 weeks, but my experience was completely fine too. Had the gel at about 9am. No real pain just a bit of discomfort so at 3pm was surprised to be told i was dilating nicely. Then broke my waters and I was off pretty much instantly! No need for hormone drip. Epidural at 7pm and went into delivery room at 10pm. Both delivered with forceps by midnight. I think you are a lot more likely to hear about the horror stories than the straightforward inductions, so try not to worry about it too much.

[Ponyboycurtis]

Hello - had an elective c sec at 38+ weeks with ID twins. Was up & about showering & seeing to the girls the next morning, felt a bit fragile but other than that no problems at all.

[FunnysInLaJardin]

I had 2 inductions at 42 weeks and both were fine. Both fast and ended in ventouse but normal lovely births. DS2's was the best at 2 hours from start to finish, but i did know how to deal with it that time! Oh and only G&A with DS2 and the works with DS1. Not a multiple birth though!

[LargeGlassofRed]

Had my boys at 38 weeks, had the first gel at 2pm contractions started around 6pm, started getting more frequent at 7pm they born vaginaly at 9.41 and 9.48pm
No intervention and doctors waited outside and just a bit of gas and air.
I was extreamly lucky and very stubborn :)

[Starfish1980]

I was sent for the prostin gel at 36 plus 6 with my identical girls.... I had two rounds treatment which only resulted in minor contractions and one cm dilation. They were going to rest me for 24 hours and i begged to be let home as we live so close to hospital. I was allowed as long as i was back at 9 am. Whilst at home, after two days on the induction ward, i decided I was going to ask for an elective c. The consultant tried to talk me out of it but i was reluctant go try another gel as there was no guarantee it would work as they were my first and i was so early. I was offered a balloon to try and open my cervix...ugh. I got my own way and it was the best thing for me...

[toomuchpink]

Hello there. My experience was exactly the same as high voltage. I got swept once, thought contractions were coming, but they never amounted to much. However, when they checked five days later I was dilated enough just to break my waters and then everything happened really fast. Like you I was keen to avoid a c-section if at all possible and, with a bit of help from a quietly determined midwife, I did. Hope all goes well for you.

[Eden77]

I was induced at 38+5 weeks, given a pessary on the Sunday night and started on Pitocin the next morning. In my case it took ages for things to get going so they had to keep upping the dose until I was on the maximum allowed. Things got going once they broke Baby A's waters, and they were both eventually delivered at 6.38am and 7am on the Tuesday morning. It was a long hard labour (Baby B was breech, just to help matters!), but I avoided a c-section. Definitely needed an epidural though. They told me the induction was so slow because my uterus was so stretched that it couldn't contract properly - my boys weighed 8lb and 7lb! Mine was a more extreme case, I think, but I survived intact. Good luck!!!!

[Twicethehugs]

I was induced at 37 & 6 with ID twins, ended up having a C Section as one twin was showing signs of foetal distress. Both born safe and sound which was the main thing - I think with a twin pregnancy you're more prepared for whatever happens so I wasn't that surprised / upset it was a C Section. Good luck x