Induction - thoughts and experiences?

[Zoe]

It's a while since I posted anything but I have read avidly and enjoyed all the good advice given on this board.

I am going in to be induced on Sunday - I will be term + 10 days at that time. I am having pessary induction.

Although I am aware of the technicalities of the process, I wondered if any of you had tips, thoughts and experiences you wouldn't mind sharing? I am reasonably positive about the prospect although I wasn't expecting to have to go through it, but I would really appreciate any input.

FYI it is my first baby, reasonably straightforward pregnancy - baby is expected to be over 10 lbs (wince!) and was conceived after three years trying (hormone treatment)

Thanks

I too was induced after 10 days. I assume that they've told you that it doesn't always work the first time.
My own experience was that it didn't, but I've heard lots of people say otherwise. I think it depends on whether the baby is really ready to come out or not.
I went into the hospital on the Saturday, had prostin on the Sat and Sun. Monday was a rest day as nothing had happened and then they tried again Tuesday. Wednesday morning in the early hours labour finally started and they decided to break my waters and give me a drip at about 9ish Wednesday morning as it had been going on so long. My son was finally born at 8.10 in the evening weighing in at 10lb exactly.

the best thing that anyone said to me during the whole process was a nurse one evening who said that I must find a positive mantra such as "I'm doing this for my baby" or something equivalent to keep repeating through the contractions (Prostin does give mild contractions )and remember that there is an end and a very positive one in sight.

I'm sorry that my experience of being induced wasn't more positive, but I now have a wonderful 8 month son who is very happy & healthy and I must say that I forgot how long and drawn out the process had been on seeing him for the first time.

I second Pamina's advice about having plenty to do. I spent five days climbing stairs in the hospital ( they seemed to think it would help) walking around the grounds, reading books, the papers, playing board games with my husband who was fantastic through it all. We also took a cd/radio with us which we had plugged in.

If it doesn't happen straight away you will need the distraction.

Oh and having a warm bath is nice too.

I wish you all the best for Sunday. Do let us know what you have and how it all went.

Hi Zoe. Both my children were induced - one at 17 days overdue (by wich time I would have done ANYTHING to get it over with!) and the second at 10 days over. The bad thing was that I tended to slam into labour pains rather than the gentle ache/go for a walk/back massage type of introduction. The good things were that it was fairly quick and so not completely exhuasting. Also it all took place during the day so I had had a good nights sleep the night before, and then got some sleep after the baby was born. Finally (for the second child) it was really nice to be able to prepare the older one for it, to sort out good childcare and so on. Much less frightening all round. Anyway, lots of luck, hope it goes well.

Hi Zoe, I too was induced after 10 days. I did not need pessaries as I was already 3cm dilated. I was put on a drip and my waters broke around 10am and my baby wasn't born until 9.35pm. I opted for an epidural early on as the contractions came on fast and furious. From that moment it was fine. I lay on the bed reading magazines, talking to my husband, listening to music and generally having an alright time. My baby was 8lb 7ozs and fine. The day was long and tiring, but it was nothing like I had imagined it would be. I remember being really frightened and apprehensive on the trip to the hospital, but it was fine and I would have no hesitation in doing it again.
Good luck and try to relax. I know its not easy but soon the birth will be a distant memory and you'll be so involved in looking after this little person.

hi back in feb i was 15 weeks pregnant when i went for a scan and they told me my baby had died,to say it was a shock is the least of what it was i felt so empty inside,but after a month we desided to try again normaly it only takes two months at the most but im still not pregnant and wonderd if anyone has been though the same and can give me some advise im worryed and scared what if it happens again to me,why aint i fell by now ive got 4 children so i know how long it,s taking me before,hope someone can help
leighanne

I know this will be too late for Zoe (hope it went well), but I was induced and it was a good experience (see my message on 'to induce or not to induce thread'), the main thing I've learn't from reading lots of threads is that birth can be be good or bad or somewhere inbetween and there's no way of knowing really. So, be prepared for anything!