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Original poster

Overdue again! Urgent advice needed re pain relief etc if I'm induced.

53 replies

hotmama · 06/02/2006 10:02

Hi, I was due on the 29th Jan so am now 8 days overdue with dd2. I am booked in to be induced on Thursday.

Dd1 was 9 days overdue but was born without being induced.

I really don't want to be induced as I understand they are really painful etc but if I am I want to be prepared as best as I can be.

With dd1, I intended to have as little pain relief as was needed but eventually worked my way through the menu.

I originally didn't want an epidural as I understood there was more chance of having an assisted delivery - but I did and ended up having a forceps delivery and losing 4 pints of blood - and took quite a while to recover.

Dd1 was 8.10 and the view is that dd2 is probably going to be bigger.

I would really like some advice on how to play it if I do have to be induced.

I will be started off with prostaglandin pessaries and will progress to the drip if it is needed (advice from the hosp). I understand that having contractions induced by the drip are bl*@ dy painful and have been advised to book an epidural the same time as the drip goes in.

My dilemma is obviously, I don't want to suffer unnecessarily but I really want to try to have an unassisted delivery - not sure if this would be possible anyway if dd2 is 'big'.

If the induction doesn't work then I will have to have a c-section and is my worse nightmare as dd1 is only 16 months - how will I cope?

Are inductions really awful, or is it possible to get through them without going through the whole drug menu.

Any advice will be gratefully received. TIA

OP posts:
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edam · 06/02/2006 10:12

Do you want to be induced on Thursday? Because no-one can make you. You could postpone it. You could insist on monitoring. As for baby's size, no-one really knows if that's the case. Even growth scans are not very accurate - they can be + or - 10 per cent out and sometimes up to 20 per cent.

You could also try all the other tricks to encourage babies out - sex, curries, castor oil, driving over speed bumps etc. etc. I ran for a bus the day I went into labour (at 41 weeks) - don't know if it helped or was mere coincidence but worth a try given that you want to avoid induction.

Also, labour in second pregnancies is often more straightforward, because baby no. 1 has prepared the way out, as it were, so it may not be as difficult as last time.

HTH

mummy23 · 06/02/2006 10:20

The only thing i can think of to get things going is try and get as much house work done (it got my 2nd labour going naturally), cleaning windows, scrubbing the floor, hovering everything down, i tried everything because i didn't want another induction!

I can understand that you dont want inducing (i was induced with ds1 and it was not a nice experience!) but i did manage to give birth to ds1 with gas'n'air and also pethidine, that was after being in laour for 13 hours (it helped me sleep for an hour during labour).

But with ds2 i only asked for gas'n'air, and managed to have him in 3 hours of arriving at the hospital!

And it's not necesarily true about 2nd being bigger, ds1 weighed 8lb 6oz and ds2 was 8lb.

I think you should have a birth plan wrote out and if you feel it necersary to have the drugs menu, go for it, it will help with the birth.

GL, and hope to hear your birth announcement very soon!

Original poster
hotmama · 06/02/2006 10:24

Thanks for the advice so far.

I have done all the old chestnuts like RLT, pineapple, hot curries etc.

Am now going to wash the kitchen floor to see if that will get things moving.

Nice to see that it is possible to get through an induction without having to have an epidural.

Any more?

OP posts:
Piffle · 06/02/2006 10:31

Have you considered a sweep hotmama? this might be enough
Are you having many Braxton hicks?
If you're having loads of pre labour signs, then induciton might be ok. It could be assimple as that you ovulated late in your cycle and therefore your dates are a little later than normal. This was true for me.
Growth scans bah they predicted dd would be 9lbs at 38 weeks to try and "force" me into an induction so it would suit them
I ignored them and she was 7lb 8oz.
Even so a lareger baby should still be well withi your capabilities
If you want to face out the hospital, offer to submit to daily scans and checks, and refuse to be induced... unless your baby shows signs of needing to be born...

PrettyCandles · 06/02/2006 10:33

I have to wonder whether you really are overdue. After all, most babies are not born on their due dates, and, if your first was late but born spontaneously, maybe you are just one who cooks her babies for longer. With any luck you will go into labour spontaneously before the induction date.

One thing that is important is to go into it with confidence, and to be prepared to accept whatever happens and to work with it. Epidurals don't always lead to assisted delivery (mine didn't). Can you ask for a mobile epidural? After all, it can always be topped-up if necessary. You can feel much more with a 'lighter' epidural, so know when to push and can move into helpful positions.

Original poster
hotmama · 06/02/2006 10:36

I had an overdue appt at the hosp last week, but unfortunately my cervix was too posterier to be swept IYKWIM and I was only a fingertip dilated (but apparently this is normal if you have already had a baby). I was gutted at not being able to have a sweep - was able to have one when dd1 was overdue.

I seem to have been having BHs and period type pains for weeks - keep on getting my hopes up that something is going to happen and then nothing.

I am getting sooo demoralised and can't believe I am overdue again.

OP posts:
juliab · 06/02/2006 10:55

Hey, Hotmama, I know just how you feel! Same happened to me: DS1 induced at 14 days overdue and had all sort of horrid intervention. DS2 then went overdue too and I just burst into tears whenever anybody mentioned induction. Quite effective, IME! Agreed to go in every day and be monitored. DS2 eventually arrived on his own on 14th day overdue and birth was great.
This may sound mad but it really helped me to have the extra days to get round to accepting the idea of having another induction (even though I didn't need it in the end). By the time DS2 actually arrived, I felt much more relaxed about all the different possible birth scenarios (maybe it was that feeling of being relaxed that helped him come out on his own. Who knows?)

lellybel · 06/02/2006 11:23

Hi Hotmama Both mine were "overdue" my cycle is about 32 -34 days so they were probably on time !! went in to get dd induced but delayed due to high Blood pressure on term +6 waters broke at 3am next day then given prostin gel 12 hours later. Hurt like hell off my head on pethidine screamed for an epidural and then relaxed and had a great delivery. Dreaded having ds as overdue again but had stretch and sweep at T+8 again. cervix was 1cm but bp up again so had my waters broken - uncomfortable but not agony didn't work so had a drip to induce much less painful, controlled well but quicker went for an epidural again and went from 3 to 10 cms in 2 hours with a very quick delivery !! If you are induced get everything explained especially how quick your delivery may be and give advance warning if you do want to go for an epidural so you are not exhausted and in agony. Not sure if this waffle will help but second time 110% better just wanted to reasure you !!

Btw dh is an aneasthetist and reassured me that epidurals are not as bad as people claim. My selfish attitude was I wasn't going to be a martyr !!

cece · 06/02/2006 11:46

have you had a membrane sweep?

also you don't have to agree to an induction and could ask for it to be put off for a few days with regular monitoring...

I too have a 34 day cycle and both of mine were 42 weeks.

was induced with first and it hurt but I didn't have any drugs... when I had ds I made sure I had quite a lot of drugs and it was much better! (ALthough not allowed an epidural due to bad back so had pethidine - marvellous )

cece · 06/02/2006 11:49

have you had a membrane sweep?

also you don't have to agree to an induction and could ask for it to be put off for a few days with regular monitoring...

I too have a 34 day cycle and both of mine were 42 weeks.

was induced with first and it hurt but I didn't have any drugs... when I had ds I made sure I had quite a lot of drugs and it was much better! (ALthough not allowed an epidural due to bad back so had pethidine - marvellous )

cece · 06/02/2006 11:50

have you had a membrane sweep?

also you don't have to agree to an induction and could ask for it to be put off for a few days with regular monitoring...

I too have a 34 day cycle and both of mine were 42 weeks.

was induced with first and it hurt but I didn't have any drugs... when I had ds I made sure I had quite a lot of drugs and it was much better! (ALthough not allowed an epidural due to bad back so had pethidine - marvellous )

cece · 06/02/2006 11:51

have you had a membrane sweep?

also you don't have to agree to an induction and could ask for it to be put off for a few days with regular monitoring...

I too have a 34 day cycle and both of mine were 42 weeks.

was induced with first and it hurt but I didn't have any drugs... when I had ds I made sure I had quite a lot of drugs and it was much better! (ALthough not allowed an epidural due to bad back so had pethidine - marvellous )

cece · 06/02/2006 11:51

have you had a membrane sweep?

also you don't have to agree to an induction and could ask for it to be put off for a few days with regular monitoring...

I too have a 34 day cycle and both of mine were 42 weeks.

was induced with first and it hurt but I didn't have any drugs... when I had ds I made sure I had quite a lot of drugs and it was much better! (ALthough not allowed an epidural due to bad back so had pethidine - marvellous )

Albatros · 06/02/2006 12:38

Hi hotmama I had a drip with dd1 to speed things up due to myconium being present when my waters broke and then no dilation after that. I wanted as natural a birth as possible but after 12 hours using gas and air I had an epidural, which was wonderful.
For dd2's birth again I wanted natural but due to her being very small I was induced. It took 3 lots of pessaries until labour started (3 days waiting in hospital) and a drip. I then used only gas and air but wished I had had an epidural, but it was to late to put one in. dd2's birth weight was only 4lbs 6oz and it was agony. I don't know if it was due to the induction or not as I haven't given birth naturally. After dd2's birth I lost alot of blood and ended up in the operating theatre. I don't know if any of this is helpful but from my experiences child birth is very over-rated and the important bit is after when you are holding your baby, whatever you need to do to get to this stage is somewhat irrelavant.

Albatros · 06/02/2006 12:39

Forgot to say best wishes for you and baby.

Eulalia · 06/02/2006 12:55

I was induced with my 2nd at 14 days late and it was very easy. I only needed one dose of the gel and nature took over. dd arrived very quickly and easily. Just wanted to balance things that it needn't necessarily be an awful experience. Good luck whatever happens.

emmawill · 06/02/2006 13:21

Hi ya hotmama I've just had my 2nd baby on 2/2/06 and had to be induced as I was 12 days overdue and my blood pressure went sky high. My 1st I start the night before going in to be induced but the contractions slow so had to have the drip. This time I had the prostaglandin gel and that started me off I went into labour and had gas and air I had an epidural with 1st and it was wonderful as the pain went totally. It got too painful so I had an epidural and contractions keep coming so I didn't need the drip til I had problems pushing and had to have the drip and also gas and air and 3 hours later my 2nd was delivered using a ventouse cap, however the reason was that he had his cord wrapped around his neck and arm and shoulder so it was pulling him back. However, we went home after 10 hours and and both doing well. My 1st was 7 lb 1 oz and I tore bably my 2nd was 9 lb 3 oz and had assisted birth but didn't tear or need stiches. I would personally reckemed booking an epidural if you coping then fine but if not your'll have the drip in place and you can choose every birth is so different but why suffer? There's only a year between mind and I had the same worry.

Best of Luck.

emmawill · 06/02/2006 13:21

Hi ya hotmama I've just had my 2nd baby on 2/2/06 and had to be induced as I was 12 days overdue and my blood pressure went sky high. My 1st I start the night before going in to be induced but the contractions slow so had to have the drip. This time I had the prostaglandin gel and that started me off I went into labour and had gas and air I had an epidural with 1st and it was wonderful as the pain went totally. It got too painful so I had an epidural and contractions keep coming so I didn't need the drip til I had problems pushing and had to have the drip and also gas and air and 3 hours later my 2nd was delivered using a ventouse cap, however the reason was that he had his cord wrapped around his neck and arm and shoulder so it was pulling him back. However, we went home after 10 hours and and both doing well. My 1st was 7 lb 1 oz and I tore bably my 2nd was 9 lb 3 oz and had assisted birth but didn't tear or need stiches. I would personally reckemed booking an epidural if you coping then fine but if not your'll have the drip in place and you can choose every birth is so different but why suffer? There's only a year between mind and I had the same worry.

Best of Luck.

Original poster
hotmama · 06/02/2006 13:53

bump Keep the advice coming.

OP posts:
fairyjay · 06/02/2006 14:01

Hotmama
1st baby induced using pessary - pains started around 2 am, but not severe until around 6 am.
Ds born just after 10 am at 8 lbs. 10 ozs. Gas and air didn't work, and had to have a spinal for forceps delivery. To be honest, I don't remember any of it being unbearable.
2nd baby induced using pessary at 10.10 am and born 11.30 am - 7 lbs. 11 oza. Bloody painful until I got my hands on the gas and air, which worked well this time. But....with labour of less than one and a half hours, I can't complain!
So many people talk about being induced being so painful etc. etc., but I honestly didn't find it so, and I am a bit of a wimp!!

Good luck - it will all be worth it very very soon!

emmawill · 06/02/2006 14:17

Yes both my labours were 18 and a half hours, the 2nd was worst but as I'm sitting here he's in my arms and my 1st is playing and I would do it all again tomorrow they're amazing and least when your induced you know when they're coming and you know any pain is not going to last forever. Wished I was braver and didn't need the epidural but I found the gas and air scarey as I felt to out of control which made the pain worst I think, least with the epidural I could rest and eat and chat to my husband. Have got bit of back ache afterwards though.

Rach69 · 06/02/2006 14:31

Hotmama - if you've followed my saga on the due in Jan thread you will be well and truly frightened - however I have now been induced 3 times and it's not always awful honestly. With dd I started (and dilated really quickly) on the first pessary - if you do into labour quickly then it shouldn't be any worse than a non-induced labour. The drip can induce intense contractions (it is increased until you have a certain number every 10 minutes) but the worst part is that you are usually tied to the bed with the drip and continuous monitoring - in this case I would (and did) request an epidural - mine was top-up-able and didn't affect my legs or my ability to push. I had to have the ventouse then c-section because his head was high and in a bad position. I hope this helps, really good luck!

Rach69 · 06/02/2006 14:33

Emmawill - I was first induced on Jan 9th and I thought he was coming then but he wasn't born until Jan 18th! It doesn't always work first (or in my case, even seventh time!).

Rhian101 · 06/02/2006 14:45

Just wanted to add a possible natural induction thing that worked for me. I was very sceptical but if you can get hold of some clary sage oil and either put some on a tissue to sniff or burn it in an oil burner then it can start contractions. It definately did with me, my son was 8 days overdue, and it's also a natural pain reliever and relaxant. It's completely safe to use when you're due - but not before because it can trigger labour! I am not hippyish and am very cynical about such things but it you can feel it work almost immediately. It's worth a try anyway. Good luck

emmawill · 06/02/2006 14:46

rach69 - gosh that sounds awful I thought my was bad enough at 18 and half hours. Do you reckon that happens a lot being induced and it not working? Guess I was luckly. I had continous monitoring on my first its horrible not being able to get up and about especially as your body is wanting you to. My epiural was a top up one too and I must say my midwives were absoultey wonderful with both births and they seemed to know excatley when i would be needed to be topped up so as soon as I felt it wearing off they where there with the top up.

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