Please help - induction advice

[PocoyoandEllie]

I am 39+4 and today hadn’t felt baby move anywhere near as much/usual pattern. Called labour ward at 9:30pm after a bath/cold drink/lying on my side etc who advised me to go in. All fine on the monitor but then midwife came back and said they would recommend me to be induced. They wanted me to stay tonight but I said no and have now just got home. They are expecting me back at 8:30 tomorrow but I really really dont want an induction. I dont even know if it is an option but could I ring in the morning and say I don’t want to be induced and I will let them know if any further issues with reduced movement? The mw got the doctor to come and see me who was saying things like the risk of stillbirth etc which I know they have to but now I am just so worried I don’t know what to do for the best. The mw did an internal and said they wouldnt be able to break my waters or even do a sweep as cervix is closed so it would be the pessary and 4 hourly monitoring in hospital. Baby is now kicking like mad as I type this 😩

They don't offer intervention without good reason. Why are you so against induction?

You can of course refuse, it is your body after all.

I wonder why though? It is a risk because you don't know why the movements were reduced, are you really sure you'll be fine with your choice if the worst outcome happens? I hope everything will be all right, but please try to see the bigger picture that they just don't want to tale any risk with your baby. Why don't you want to be induced? Is it fear because I was induced and was bored for most of it till they broke my waters. It really wasn't a horror story or anything. It's just a way to start the birth, and that part will happen anyway.

I think its because I have only heard horror stories relating to induction, I really don’t want to be in hospital for a long time as have a DS at home and I will have to be on my own for the majority of it. All the people I know that have been induced have ended up having a csection which I would rather avoid. I know they wouldn’t offer induction for nothing but if I am ok to monitor his movements and if concerned could I not just go back in? I feel like after the internal examination he clearly isn’t ready to come out yet 😩

I had an induction with dc3. Although I think he was really on his way anyway, so it was speedy. 36+4.
I was like you, hated the idea of induction. His labour was the easiest and shortest of the 3, I hour, 15 mins.
From my personal experience, induction works best when you’ve already had a baby, as your body already knows what to do.

I had Dd1 40 mins after they gave me pitocin. They tried just rupturing membranes and NOTHING happened. They gave me pitocin and she was born 40 mins later

I had an induction at request at 39 weeks. Out of my NCT group I had the least traumatic birth and was taken good care of at the hospital. They don't all end up in horrific circumstances. My labour wasn't particularly quick but it felt quick to me. I'd definitely go for another when/if the time comes again. I wish you all the best.

Honestly, induction is really often fine!

If you’ve already had a vagina birth you’re a good candidate for induction

I think I'd ring or go in for clarification or a second opinion. Say you couldn't take it all in and you want to know more specifically why they think this is the course of action for you?

I've given birth three times and if all my births could be like the one I was induced for I'd be thrilled. It was my favourite if there is such a thing.

I came in at 8, hardly slept all night worrying if I was doing the right thing but thought I am only delaying the inevitable and it was no good me sat at home worrying about movements for another 24 hours. Had pessary in before 10am so just a waiting game now. Have been reading lots of threads with positive induction stories which has helped!

I had an induction three weeks ago. Waited a day and a night on maternity ward for them to actually start me off. I was already 2 cm so no need for pessary. Once they took me down to delivery and put me on the drip It was quick but horrendous with no pain relief and I got sepsis and a blood clot in my leg on day 5. Would avoid if you think baby is fine.

Oops sorry didn't see you were already in 😬 good luck

Oh no @chubbyhotchoc hope you are much better now! I am set up with stockings on and already started with period style cramps but think it could be wishful thinking!

@PocoyoandEllie I had an induction 6 weeks ago. Also started of with pessaries. Had 3 in total. Then waters broken & got put on the drip. 39 hours from first pessary to delivery (first baby for me - induction tends to be quicker if you’ve given birth before, I think!). No medical intervention, managed on gas and air and only had a minor internal tear with a few dissolving stitches put in. Very very positive experience for me 😊
Feel free to message if you have any questions!! Good luck 😊

Congratulations @RWK29 ❤️ This is DS2 so hope its a quicker process than I think 😅

@PocoyoandEllie I’m sure it will be 😊 good luck!! Hopefully you little one will be here soon 😊 come back and update us!!

Good luck!

Just to let you know if it doesn't progress you can ask about having the balloon procedure. It's drug free. I was already a bit dilated so they broke my waters

Good luck OP.

Just coming on to add another positive story. I had inductions with both of mine and it was fine.

With DS2 I had the pessary but nothing happened. I did dilate to 1.5cm and a midwife managed to break my waters. Again, nothing for four hours and then labour started. Two hours if needing gas and air and two pushes and he was out.

Great experience and nothing to worry about.

Hopefully you have already had your baby. Wishing you good luck!

Good luck !!!!

I’ve had 4 inductions and 4 babies and after the first pessary thing I always used to eat in pizza express with a cannula in but it was next door to the hospital..... not sure with Covid but we was allowed out - you might want to check for a little walk / nice food take out.

Hope you are holding your baby soon xxx good luck xxx

I have been walking round, going to wait until next observations at 6 then going for another walk. Got loads of magazines to keep me occupied

Ask for a birthing ball and bounce on it a bit. They say it may help with dilation. Plus it's something to do

Good luck @PocoyoandEllie, definitely the right choice. I wouldn't want an induction, but I know I'd worry so much about movements that I'd have the induction to save the worrying.

How you getting on @PocoyoandEllie ?

Hope you are busy having a baby @PocoyoandEllie

My DC3 was an induction at 38w (I had gestational diabetes). Pessary in, niggles immediately for 22 hours - I walked, napped, read, watched Netflix. Contractions "proper" came from nowhere one minute I was sending a message and the next I was floored by the familiar pains of established labour and baby was here about 80 minutes later.

Best of luck

Nothing exciting to report, I have had contraband mcdonalds dropped off though which was great! Hoping that they can break my waters when they check at 10am and that another 24 hour pessary isn’t needed! Or even better if I actually go into labour beforehand!