Induction - can someone talk me through the process/options?

[WorrisomeHeart]

Am staring down the barrel of an induction on Sunday if the second sweep booked for Wed doesn't get things going - on Sun I will be 41+6 with DC1.

I'm having trouble getting my head around the process and why certain things will happen, am hoping that all you genius MNers will be able to help!

I've been told that on Sunday they will administer the pessary and then try again with a second pessary after 6 hours. I'm fairly comfortable with what this is for in terms of ripening the cervix and starting to get things moving. The literature I've been given by the m/w says that the next step is ARM to get regular contractions going and that if this doesn't work, they'll move onto the synto drip.

My concerns are that if ARM is needed, then a timer of sorts is started and if things don't move on quickly enough, does that put me in the position of further intervention? Also, if the cervix has ripened from the prostin, what reason is there for doing anything further anyway? Surely things would move on from there naturally? I guess what I'm asking is how do I figure out if what they are doing is ACTUALLY necessary or just being done for process sake?

Gah, so much to think/worry about, would be really grateful for any advice on how to approach this. Sorry for the length!

I'd check out the hospital policy on induction (usually available online) and also the NICE Guidance. AFAIK it isn't usual to ARM straight after the pessaries, at least not in 1st children (with subsequent children ARM has a far better chance of kicking off ctx). However, the pessaries only soften your cervix and you may still not have contractions, which is why you then need the drip to artificially start your ctx.

Definitely read up about it and insist they explain everything. Also remember that you can ask for changes - e.g. for the drip to be slowed down.

Thanks japhrimel, that's interesting about the ARM timing, will check that w/ m/w.

WRT to the drip being slowed down - assume that would slow the contractions?