AIBU to not know what to do here? Baby induction

[BabyIncomingg]

I attended the hospital today for reduced movements and they did a CTG and said they wanted to induce the baby either today or tomorrow. I asked for tomorrow so I could get some bits and pieces organised overnight. Then they checked and said they're fully booked for tomorrow and this can't wait until Friday so, if I'm happy to be induced, it'll have to be today. DH can't stay until I'm in labour so I'm alone. It's now almost midnight and I still haven't even been looked at - no sweep, no one checking if I'm at all naturally dilated, no CTG to check the baby, no one has talked me through anything (I've literally just been told "induction" and no further information). Nothing since they said they want to induce. I'm concerned that I'll be absolutely exhausted by the time I actually have the baby because I'll have been up all night waiting to be induced. I can't go to sleep, I haven't been provided with a pillow or blankets yet or anything. I don't want to be a nag or a pain but I'm feeling really unsure at the moment. Is this normal? I'd just assumed inductions all happened in the day time?

Thanks for the help - I'm still waiting to be seen but not sure what exactly I'm waiting for. The doctor yesterday said monitoring every six hours but I haven't been monitored since about 4pm yesterday. I feel a bit silly.

A c section is SO much better than induction. Worst experience ever. Just book in for a c section date and agree to monitoring. Are you in the UK? Your hospital sounds like a shit show. Is there not another hospital you can switch to? The care sounds awful.

If they think you're staying in for a week they're probably not in a rush. I'd probably start packing up my things to leave, see if they get a move on.

They’re inducing now(ish). Although, hopefully not too soon because I have a work meeting at 2pm 😂

I encourage you to figure out what you want and push for it. The nhs is great but seriously stretched, and there is a lot of evidence that becoming an expert in your own care gets you better outcomes. This was certainly my experience - I suffered in both pregnancies from high blood pressure and suspected pre eclampsia. The first pregnancy I did as I was told and spent my whole third trimester in and out of hospital.

The second pregnancy I knew this wouldn’t work with a toddler to look after. I became bossier and monitored myself and explained what I wanted, got my GP to prescribe what I needed etc. I didn’t spend one night in hospital until my actual induction which was quicker and safer (no interventions, my first had ventouse) with a healthier larger baby, despite being a week earlier (37+4 rather than 38+4).

so my advice is be bossy! Ring the bell! Ask about monitoring!

FWIW my inductions were both absolutely fine with no pain relief, so it’s not awful for everyone (and I’m a huge wuss!).

In your shoes I’d be pushing for induction as in most trusts they start with a pessary or Cook’s balloon before they set the drip, meaning it’s likely at least 2-3 days from starting induction to baby, and you need to get back to your family.

Good luck, sending virtual hug. It’s miserable being stuck in hospital.

Just seen your update. FGS put down the laptop! I love my job too but priorities!!

Op this sounds atrocious. I know 39 weeks would be ideal but if I was you I'd insist on being induced now or having a c section now. The first consultant they can find should sign it off. 38 weeks is not early. It is early term. Your baby will be fine if they are born now. It sounds like you are at risk of complications if they want to monitor you every 4h so I'd not take that risk. I think on balance I'd risk the slightly less favourable 38 weeks early term delivery. In the UK there is a culture of going for as natural a birth as possible but in many cases this is not in the best interest of the mother or the child and if you've been following the news on this there is a push back to change that culture.

And I totally understand that you don't want to leave your ds of it can be avoided.

Just seen your update. Best wishes and best of luck. 🙂

Pessary is in and we're on the way

Good luck!

but please- do nag if your needs are not being met. Otherwise you’ll be overlooked.