Induction & Pain Relief... How did you cope with the so called 'extra painful' contractions

[moomsy]

I am one day overdue and already trying to prepare myself psychologically to the possibility of having to be induced.

I know there are many ways one can be induced but from reading books, forums etc but everyone seems to be agree that the contractions generated due to a oxytocin drip seem to be far worse than contractions that would come on their own.

Is it really possible to go through being induced and still be able to cope with the increased contraction level only on gas & air. Is this the situation when you really have to consider an epidural?

Congratulations! Thanks for reporting back - I have been thinking loads about options for DC2's birth the last few days & have first dr appt coming up so it's helpful to have info like this. It's confirmed my suspicions that babies that are the wrong way round can be right difficult to get out!

Deffo sounds like you made the right choice, esp given the fact that dilation was not great even with the drip. If you had struggled on somehow without a CS I reckon it's likely you would have ended up with a retained placenta &/or PPH. Hope all is going well with your new DD :)

I had a very similar feeling to you prior to the birth of my DS. I had done as much preparation as possible to avoid any medical interventions, but sometimes babies have ideas of their own it would seem! The gel pessary caused contractions that I could not cope with and I had an epidural before being given the sytocinon drip. It really depends on your pain threshold (mine is quite poor) and how long things have been going before you get to the induction stage. I had been experiencing what were laughably described as "tightenings" for three days by this stage, so I was pretty exhausted and the epidural gave me the space to re-group, rest and prepare myself for the second stage. Unfortunately and to my eternal regret, it also meant that I couldn't have an active birth and get into a natural birth position. That said, I did have what as classed as a "normal" delivery, with no further interventions and I only needed one stitch! Plus, I could still feel enough to be able to feel when I finally delivered my baby.

Just wanted to agree with those who have given positive induction stories... I was induced with DD at 40+12 and found it really fine without any more pain relief than gas and air (tbh, I didn't really need that, as I am not sure it did anything!). I had been very scared of induction but founf my induced labour relaxed, just quick enough (8 hours from first contraction to DD being in my arms, 4 hours of what I would call "proper" labour), I felt totally in control and totally manageable in terms of pain. I promise you it was never unbearable.

Like others, I recommend the birth ball and walking about LOTS in the early stages. I was on my feet until the last half hour or so of pushing when I was on the bed.

Its not a compitition of course, so have the epidural if you need it, but you may not and it may all be smooth and hassle free. I never knew induction could be, but I honestly don't think I could have had a better birth. I had an episiotomy at the end, but even that was fine - I had local anesthetic of course and then it was all healed within about 3 weeks (tmi, but hopefully reassuring if it happens... i was having sex again within 6 weeks... all fine!).

The main thing is: DON'T WORRY ABOUT BEING INDUCED!!!

(Just noticed the age of this thread... guess OP has popped, but still wanted to write in case others facing induction!)

Well done for insisting on the cs, and congratulations. Hope you're well.

Would also like to second (third?) the epidural advice.