Birth plan/preferences for induction

[breatheslowly]

I'm 40+8 now and will be booked for induction on Monday (40+12) if our baby (first) hasn't started to shift. I know I don't have to be induced, but I am happy with this decision. We wrote a set of birth preferences a few weeks ago which was based on a natural birth in the MW led unit. I think that we will write a second one this weekend for induction (though sticking to our first as far as possible if I only need minimal intervention to get things going). These are the differences I am aware of:

• I would like epidural before having a syntocinon drip (if required)

• I am unlikely to be offered a physiological 3rd stage

• Vitamin K by injection is recommended due to intervention

We have the other preferences - keeping mobile, skin-to-skin, BF as soon as possible, preference for ventouse over forceps etc on our original plan and can include those on the induction plan.

Are there any other things that I should consider specifically for an induction or are not generally advised for an induction and should be removed from our preferences?

looks like you have it well covered, IMO the main thing is get that epi. good luck

i would aagree with porcamiseria though be aware that mobility with an epi is rare, only v smallno of hospitals have the newer type epi which allows mobility. you should still have it though bc synto contractions strong.

was just wondering why you say ventouse over forceps?

also take some entertainment with you it may take some time to get going...

all the best

Be aware that if you are on continuous monitoring, your mobility and positions will be very limited. I had planned for being more upright and mobile on the monitors, like the books say etc etc, but when it came to it, the pads wouldn't stay put unless I sat dead still - they thought the drip wasn't working because the contraction trace was tiny, until I pointed out that I could damn well feel them, and they found moving and holding the pad suddenly gave a trace. If you can avoid continuous monitoring I would suggest you try. Once you have an epidural though, mobility tends to be a moot point, most hospitals will just put you on the bed and you won't be able to do anything else - I had a great anaesthetist, I could still feel a bit of my contractions, and move my legs a bit, but there is no way I could have been mobile or supported myself.

You might also want to add something about giving prostin a chance or not going to the drip until you have tried changes of position, walking etc, to make sure you absolutely need it.

Incidentally, why the vit K injection? My DS had oral vit K after emcs (he responded badly to synto) and no one questioned that. Is there a particular reason?

I think ventouse over forceps because it ventouse sounds less likely to do me damage, however I will take advice if it comes to it, as I obviously don't know as much as the experts.

Thanks Porcelain - definitely want to try other methods before ending up on a drip. I think our hospital has a policy of vit K by injection if there has been any intervention, but given your experience it sounds like it is worth asking about the options and their reasoning.

I was induced at 40 + 3. I had the drip but refused an epidural. I wanted to stay active and was wary about the side effects of epidurals. I am not going to pretend that it wasn't painful , but I found the pain to be manageable with gas and air and diamorphine. I remained on my birthing ball or sat upright in a chair (when I got to sleepy on my ball!) throughout, only lying down for examinations. An epidural would have prevented me from doing this. My baby was monitored via an internal fetal monitor to allow me to stay upright. You will need to consider what you would prefer - i.e mobility or no pain!