Aibu to be terrified even though I’ve done this before?

[PinkSnowAndStars]

So tomorrow morning at 11 I have to go into the hospital to be induced at 39 weeks due to deceleration of his heart rate on Friday (I’d just dropped by blood pressure after having blood taken so probably that)

I have a 6 year old. I’ve done this before.

But I’m sitting here in tears, crying at every single little thing because I’m scared. Because I have no control over what happens next. Because I have to have the pessary and then wait 6 hours before having another one, and I passionately don’t want a c-section and a lot of inductions end in C-Sections.

My husband works nights so it’s just me and the 6 year old here at the moment. Not many people know I’m being induced because I don’t want people messaging to ask if he’s here yet.

So my AIBU is to ask for a handhold and some positive stories?

Who is looking after DS1 tomorrow? That’s often a source of worry without realising it.

Is DH not going to be in there with you? Are you upset by anything around that?

I would try to stop saying I didn’t want a C, and just focus on getting the baby out safely, in whichever way is best at the time. Focus on the end goal, not the process.

It’s very natural to be more worried the second time 💐

My first was a back to back labour, I didn't have an epidural. My second was induced, I had two pessaries and kept moving for as long as I possibly could - walking up and down the corridor and had baths. In the end it was very fast, my husband made it with 10 mins to spare. I was up and about very quickly. My third was a very quick labour. Out of all three my induction was my most "positive" birth experience. I will send you a hand hold, my husband works nights too, it can be a lonely old haul especially when you're worried. The very best of luck for tomorrow.

The first time you have no idea what it will be like and nothing to prepare you. The second time you know!!! I wonder if perhaps that is what is causing your fear.

Really though most (if not all) women I know had a better experience second time. If your baby was back to back as well I assume you know this one isn't?

Sounds like your first labour was tough and your mind and body are limbering up to go through that again but it's rarely the same second time around.

Who is looking after DS1 tomorrow? That’s often a source of worry without realising it.

So true. I rang and texted mum several times mid labour to get confirmation my older two were settled and asleep. I trust her completely and she has always babysat but it's such a big emotional time and you worry about how they will feel/respond even without realising it this may be a source of anxiety.

So DS will be at school, and then playing it by ear and either husband can pick up or MIL can do it depending on what’s happening as I’m half expecting it to take days.

Handhold here

I was a bit scared with first, very scared with my second, and terrified with my third. It’s all normal. The lack of control.

Wishing you lots of luck. Soon you’ll be having lovely newborn cuddles, and your 6 year old must be so excited! x

Start to finish my induction at 38+6 took 5 1/2 hours.

Have you had a sweep? I was told it would make me more favourable for induction, mucus plug lost a day after, waters went 2 days after that. I was induced a day earlier than planned as my contractions didn’t start after 24 hours.

Had the pessary around 12pm, waited the obligatory half an hour, went for some lunch then went waddling round the hospital.

Contractions started a couple of hours after the pessary went in and dd2 was born at 17.33 with just gas and air.

I won’t lie, it was horribly painful but that’s because I went from 4cm to 10 in a matter of 5 minutes. And I think that’s just how my body labours not because of the induction.

She tried to do a sweep on Friday - apparently she could get her finger in the outsides but not the middle... I have no idea what that means and I’m too scared to google!!

I have had two pessary inductions - both times went into labour a few hours later, both labours normal and uncomplicated with just gas and air. I actually found being induced less stressful than my natural labour because it felt more organised and controlled to me. My natural labour was a bit chaotic, rushing around making arrangements for childcare and finding someone to take me to hospital etc. Give me calm, controlled inductions any day! Good luck!

Thank you... I’m trying to tell myself that it might not be all that bad, and I’ll be in the right place etc. I just need to try and relax and get some sleep but it’s easier said than done

Good luck today OP!

Thanks! I’ve had hardly any sleep which isn’t helping the tears. At least he will be here soon I guess.

Good luck OP!

Thinking of you pink. We are all here with you. Keep as centred and focused as possible. You can do this!

Good luck op, not all inductions end with c-section.

Hope everything goes quickly and smoothly for you.

Good luck OP!

I had a dream of an induction, normal vaginal birth and epidural before they started the drip so didn’t feel a thing. Was very controlled and very calm. If I had a preference I would do this again next time.

You get to meet your baby really soon

I know it's scary, so many unknowns, but feel reassured you'll have people around to help with anything you need. Whilst it feels like you'll have no control, midwives have bodily autonomy driven into them during training.

Make sure when pain hits a certain level you ask for the adequate pain relief then.

I know lots like the idea of birth plans, but baby hasn't read the birth plan so might have their own ideas.

Focus on the positives that in less than 48 hours you'll have a gorgeous baby in your arms.

Good luck OP!

thanks... nothing seems to be happening so it’s all really boring.

Just came on to see whether anything had happened , perhaps you will get some action overnight OP . Best wishes .

What happens next?

I had an induction at 40 +12 and four, yes four failed sweeps!

Was a quick, straight forward vaginal birth. No intervention needed and with only gas and air.

If I could choose to do the same again, I would.

Inductions aren't always bad.

Apparently it’s waiting for a space on the delivery suite and then they break my waters.

How are you doing, PinkSnow?

I was induced with my last 2 pregnancies at 40+9 and 40+11 (lazy babies!!) and on both occasions I stayed active, bopping on the birthing ball while watching TV, walking round hospital grounds, and getting in the wet room shower when contractions picked up.
Both labours were 5hrs long once I got into established labour, no tears, and no need for any intervention
First induced DD was born in the birthing pool and this was amazing...the pain just eased down about 20% which meant I was able to relax and it progressed quicker due to that.
Second DD I'd wanted another waterbirth but someone got to the pool before me! But I cannot fault the inductions at all. I didn't need the Syntocin drip (which i have heard can make things go disconcertingly fast!), but if this is needed then you can always request more pain relief to counteract that, I believe.

Good luck OP, you'll have your beautiful baby in your arms soon!