any good induction experiences out there?

[Pagetta]

I had low papp-a and then a high pressure doppler reading in my pregnancy, as a result am having regular scans. All looks absolutely fine, but they have said that they probably won't let me go over and will induce around 40 weeks (have a 39 week scan in 3 weeks so decision will follow that)

All i hear are bad induction stories - very painful, very slow, waters being broken and often leading to c-sections because baby quite simply isn't ready. I can't put my finger on why, but I am absolutely terrified of the thought of a c-section. The thought of surgery, the recovery - everything to do with a c-section just makes me start to panic!

I want to do what's right for baby, and i'd never refuse a c-section if it was needed, but the thought of being induced is filling me with dread to be quite honest!

Does anyone have any positive induction experiences?!!

[Liskee]

I was induced at 39+2 due to GD. Pessary didn't work and so ended up having my waters broken and on a syntocin drip. None of that was traumatic or upsetting. I ended up having my LB by ventouse assist as I was that tired I had to ask for help by the end of it all. Again, not particularly distressing. Once things got going on the drip it was very quick and the pains were pretty much constant. My only issue was being sick on the gas and air but once I got nice remifentanil drugs the next few hours were a bit hazy. My boyfriend says it was me and the little light I was waiting on til I could press for another dose in a bubble together and he felt totally redundant at that stage! I remember very little. Induction for me by pessary was useless so can't comment but the drip was quick, painful (until the drugs) and probably just as scary as all labours. I'm due in 8 weeks and looking into hypnobirthing to help get a bit of perspective during this labour. Maybe that might help? Good Luck 💐

[QforCucumber]

Induced at 41 weeks exactly, had pessary at 9pm, another at 3am.
Went for a walk around the hospital when dp arrived at 9am, Waters broke themselves at 10am, fully dilated by 7pm and would have had baby here by 9pm had he not been facing the wrong way and got himself stuck. Had gas and air and 3 mepthid injections, was fine.
I was taken to theatre and given a spinal to get him turned the right way (he was facing sideways) forceps delivery in the end. I really do look back at it - was only 8 weeks ago - and am really happy with my whole experience. Was terrified going in though after everything I'd read online. Everyone's experience will be different I guess.

[Julieb85]

I was induced at 40+13 - had pessary at 7pm and was in full labour by 9pm. 10cm dialated by midnight. I will say that my waters didnt go so had to be broken shortly before delivery and baby was never engaged so had a bit of a distance to travel - which pro-longed it all, but DS was born at 5:55am.

It wasn't an awful experience at all. I think labour was actually quicker and a bit more intense - but gas and air did the trick! Try not to worry.

[TheyreBreakingThrough]

I've been induced a couple of weeks early 3 times.
2 pessaries was enough for two of the pregnancies. Once established, labour lasted 5-10 hours. I used gas and air for the last hour of labour and had quick deliveries.
For the last induction the I had a sweep and 2 pessaries. Contractions started but were very erratic, so they put me on syntocinon and I had an epidural. This was at about 11 am I think and I delivered at 9pm, with no assistance.
I've never had a spontaneous labour so I have nothing to compare it too.

[01smum]

Two inductions at 38 weeka, both with syntocinon drip, absolutely fine.
First took 2 days and with epidural that didn't bloody well work. Second had waters broken and no pain relief. Much faster, better experience but both were fine.

[Pagetta]

Thanks for the replies ladies - good to hear various experiences :-) and good to know not every induction bad! X

[Acornantics]

I had a water birth after induction with DS2 at 40+10, despite it not being usual protocol. I was induced both times (DS1 at 40+12) and it was fast both times once they broke my waters.

It was fine, gas and air took the edge off and things were over pretty quickly, within about 4 hours once waters had been broken.

[Debmeister4]

I was induced with my second - very reassuring for me being In hospital the whole time and also a massive luxury knowing when it's going to happen- waiting around to go into spontaneous labour isn't much fun!

[KatamariDamacy]

Yup, induced at 39 weeks for a variety of reasons with number 3. It was a bunch of painless waiting around with a pessary, followed by a sudden, fast and furious labour - around an hour I think. Easiest recovery of the 3.

[katienana]

Induced at 39+3. Waters broken straight away, n of contractions after 2 hours so went on drip. Contractions started after 2 hours after about 50 mins got urge to push and ds was here after 6 minutes! It was brilliant! For contrast my first labour included over 3 hours of pushing. I am really glad I chose the induction.

[Embolio]

I was induced with dc3 at 38 weeks as I had pre-eclampsia. Waters broken at 12.30, drip up at 13.30 proper contractions started at 15.00 and she was born at 15.34.

I only had about 3 or 4 proper contractions- the midwife couldn't believe it, it was very painful for that last half hour but that's probably due to it being so quick. I coped on gas and air. They can turn the drip down too if things get too intense. Good luck

[Thataintnoetchasketch]

I was induced at 40+14, one pessary, walking for miles & bouncing on the gym ball was enough to start labour 6 hours later. Still allowed a water birth although I had to explicitly state I knew they were recommending continuous monitoring with CTG & that wouldn't happen. Labour progressed quite quickly despite my waters never breaking & was intense but the pool was great & still got the hypnobirth I wanted. Had pretty much went in expecting every intervention going so it was a much more positive experience than I had prepared for.