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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Is being induced more painful?

12 replies

Plumm · 19/01/2011 12:18

I was induced for my first birth as i had meconium in my waters and nothing was happening naturally. The sweep thing (i forget what it's called) didn't work so I was hooked up to a drip for the labour.

I've heard that being induced is more painful than going into labour naturally so in a pitiful attempt to make myself feel better about my impending second labour can anyone reassure me a natural labour is easier and less painful and I will be able to conduct a meaningful conversation while giving birth rather than screaming for a c-section.

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SuperSoph73 · 19/01/2011 12:25

I was induced with DS1 which resulted in an emergency C-Section and had DS2 naturally with no help. I tell people that with DS2 it was a million times better as it was a gradual build-up of pain. I seem to remember that with DS1 I went from pain free to instant pain in a matter of minutes. However, as I'd never had a baby before I think it actually felt worse than it actually was IYSWIM.

Anyway, I suppose what I'm trying to say is that, for me, a natural bith was a lot easier & less painful initially than with DS1.

Congratulations btw and good luck :)

christmasmum · 19/01/2011 12:28

Hi, hope to reassure you. I was induced with the drip for my first and had an epidural etc after several hours of unproductive contractions. With my second I went into labour naturally and only needed two paracetamol and the water pool.

I'm not sure if it was easier or less painful or really how to describe it. What I really noticed was that it was 'working' the second time and that made it seem easier. The first time I'd got to 2cm after 10 hours and just thought, sod it, what's the point being in pain if I'm going to end up with a c-section anyway?! Thankfully, the epidural seemed to speed things up and I had a normal delivery 3 hours later. With my second I stayed at home not really sure how much it was supposed to be hurting as it all seemed very manageable compared to the induction. Went in when the contractions seemed to be regular etc and was told I was 7-8cm. DS was born 2 hours later and while I'm not saying it was pain free, I never felt out of control or that I needed any pain relief.

Hope it goes really well for you.

Porcelain · 19/01/2011 14:08

I found syntocinon changed my contractions from a gentle wave like build up, to a sudden strong sustained contraction. They looked very different on the monitor and were more painful.

Also, here comes the science bit, it stops your body producing its own oxytocin, but doesn't have the same effect on the brain. So all your lovely pain relieving, relaxing "hormone of love" stuff is stripped away ad you feel it more.

Original poster

Plumm · 19/01/2011 17:52

Thanks for your replies. I've only got 3 weeks to go and am trying to convince myself that it will be a wonderful, life affirming experience

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ipredicttrouble · 19/01/2011 18:58

Interested in this thread as I was induced with syntocin with my first DC.

I'm pregnant again and would be lovely if this labour was easier

BertieBasset · 19/01/2011 19:05

I'm the same as you Plumm and ipt. Induced with number 1 and it bloody hurt! 20 weeks with number 2 and still hoping this time for a water birth.

greenbeanie · 19/01/2011 19:16

If you were induced using syntocin then labour is definately more painful as the contractions are more intense right from the beginning. I had syntocin with my 1st labour to speed things up and needed an epidural. With next 2 labours managed with gas and air, although they were both very quick and intense it was fine (2.5hrs and 1hr40mins).

Original poster

Plumm · 19/01/2011 19:18

ipt and bertie, I'll report back in a few weeks!

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BertieBasset · 19/01/2011 19:51

Thank you!! Lots of luck (and drugs if needed )

Morph2 · 19/01/2011 20:36

i had syntocin to speed things up and went from 3cm to 10cm in 2 hours after taking about 35 hours to get to 3cm. Epidural didn't work either so it was hell, i've still only had the one so can't really make any comments but am hoping a natural build up is less painful.

Original poster

Plumm · 27/02/2011 06:40

UPDATE!

Turns out going into natural labour is just as painful as induced labour - go figure!

(I didn't scream for a c-section this time though, so maybe it wasn't quite as bad)

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wigglesrock · 27/02/2011 07:01

Congratulations I was about to post that spontaneous labour was as painful as being induced, having had dc3 11 days ago, I was induced with dc2, but looks like its old news Enjoy the new arrival.

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