To think induced labours are more painful?

[amrscot]

Have been told by diabetes midwife likely to be induced anytime after 37/38 weeks.

Everyone I've spoken to who has had an induced labour has said the pain was much more horrendous than when they went naturally with there other DCs.

AIBU to think induced labours are always more intense or is that not always true?

I had induction with both of mind. Really nothing too awful, even though I have nothing to compare it to as never had spontaneous labour.

Didn't need an epidural or even pethadine with either. Had gas and air. But obviously don't be shy to ask if you do need it!

Dc2 was facing the side (I don't know the phrase for this) and it was still ok.

I have had one of each - my induction was due to waters breaking but labour not starting, there was an infection so I was straight on the drip. It was really a completely different experience to my natural labour and the pain was much much harder to cope with.

Like many PP the midwife advised me to have an epidural at the start and I refused it. If I had to be induced on the drip again I would absolutely take the epidural. I just wish I’d known how different it was and that I wasn’t ‘failing’ by being unable to cope. It really is a different pain.

With DC1: I was exhausted after sleepless nights on the antenatal ward. Made t through 6 hours on the drip using gas and air. Midwife advised me to get an epidural as she said I had several hours to go. It was the best advice I have ever received - DC wasn't born for another 12 hours so the epidural was a godsend. Slightly scary having it put in while experiencing quite intense contractions though.

With DC2: knew what the steps for induction were so was able to say no when midwife suggested I experience the pain of the drip for a while first - instead asked for the epidural before getting started on the drip. I highly recommend doing this! No pain!

Get as much sleep as you can, when you can. And be aware the drip can make you vomit and shake uncontrollably...

The induction was fine the hormone drip absolutely was not.

I was in so much pain my brain switched off. it's so hard to describe but i couldn't remember to do anything e.g to eat or drink or brush teeth etc. Went to the doctor's and he explained that your brain can shut off from your body when in so much pain. I went from crying, moaning the usual to having conversations about my midwives lunch break and how preety she was and she needed to rest all while I was in labour. Thank God I was induced but went naturally with my second I enjoyed it so much more.

AIBU to think they're reluctant to give epidurals??

Oh I didn't have the drip but they changed the nature of the pessary between the two occasions. The second time it was a kind of gradual release pessary that stays in there, rather than dissolving all in one go. Or something. Might be more akin to the drip, I don't know.

@Louiselouie0890 oh dear sounds horrendous!!

Although there is a ton of pain relief so take advantage of it. By the time I asked and they got round to it it was to late for my epidural. Always said of o had another I would just have epidural first

Oh I vomited and had shakes with mine but I didn't realise that was anything to do with induction drugs!

I didn't personally want an epidural because I don't like having my movement restricted. But if I wanted one Id make sure i got one. I think you just have to be really definite. Do you have a birth partner? It's part of their job to insist for you.

@blackteasplease yes birthing partner will be my boyfriend.

I'm going to have to discuss with him that he needs to be persistent for the epidural if I want one because it sounds like they are reluctant to give them or try to talk women out of having one?

I had a prolonged induced labour with my first (he was 14 days overdue) plus meptid and epidural as the whole process became too exhausting and painful. Had the pessary put in on the Weds at 8pm and baby wasn't born until just after 6am on the Friday morning!!
Made the decision I would refuse an induction with second baby. Luckily I went into labour naturally at 10 days late and found it much less painful with just gas and air. Also much quicker but he was my second baby.
Unlikely I will have any more as I'm 38 now but would refuse an induction if I were to. I'd opt for additional scanning instead.

@Ella1980 I really want to try to go naturally but I don't think that's an option, even with additional scanning

Defo be open to an epidural with an induction.

I had the pessery gel and started contracting very quickly soon after but couldn't dilate and it was so painful I just cried and begged them to help me which they did. It was amazing! I ended up with complications and had a crash section but I was so calm because of the epidural, was the best decision I've ever made!

But also everyone is different and lots of people have very positive experiences. Good luck

I had no issue in getting one and was 2cm. They say they don't allow them till 4 but I think they say that to deter people asking. If you want it, have it!

You'll be OK. My advice would be that if it starts to get a bit too much then please don't be scared to ask for an epidural. I waited waaaaaaaaaay too long to ask for one which was silly really as I still ended up having one. Are you overdue or is the induction necessary for other reasons?

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

I was induced (via pessary) with my first DD. The contractions came on very quickly and very strongly, I didn't seem to have any build up whatsoever, which was a huge shock as I wasn't expecting it at all. I was screaming for an epidural about an hour after arriving at the hospital. The midwife tried the old "Let's wait and see how you get on" approach and I nearly ripped her head off. I was crying and swearing, which is hugely out of character for me. Once the epidural kicked in, it was brilliant. I calmed down, had a sleep, and then woke up 10cm dilated all ready to push.

Nobody's handing our medals for pain and suffering. Definitely get your DP to back you up in regards to the epidural. They certainly tried to talk me out of it, but I was persistent.

Do speak to your boyfriend first, as I think men don't automatically know they are there to be your advocate, and when you are in labour already is not the time for them to find out!

It isn’t that they are reluctant to give epidurals. More they need an anaesthesiologist so there can be a long wait/didn’t make it in time scenario if they are caught up in theatre.

I was induced with a drip in my last labour. The feeling sick was the worst bit for me. The pain was manageable and I took comfort from the fact it wouldn’t get worse. I have a low pain threshold generally but not during labour.

I’d advise to know all your options and have an idea of how you might want to handle certain scenarios but then wait and see how you feel. Nobody else’s labour will be the same as yours and you may find you feel differently during it than you do now.

Sorry-just read the bit about diabetes. You're absolutely right to go with induction if that's what they're suggesting and just remember that you can request an epidural if you want one and it's safe to do so as it's your choice.

I had an induction with my first and went naturally this time round. Second was worse as back to back but induction wasn't much easier, however I'd say it would have been a lot worse had I needed the hormone drip. Without that I don't think it would be more painful.

Tbh it will hurt either way, if epidural is right for you then go ahead. I just had gas and air with both, it was sore but manageable (I'm a proper wimp normally) x

Honestly thank you everyone

I've loved reading everyone's experiences

Also seems like YAY to the epidural!!!

It's not always true! My second was induced and I found the pain was manageable (using the methods from Juju Sundin's book). Unlike my first labour which was awful.

@Raisinbrain what pain relief did you have?

None.

Had gas and air and an epidural with first baby.