Any tips for an induction?

[Snowy27]

Just found out I'm being induced tomorrow at 9.00! due to BP problems- any tips? Feeling very nervous about the whole thing!

Take a good book it can take a while! Best of luck and nice easy time of it wished for you.

Depending on how your induction starts but from what i've read its recommended you ask for an epidural BEFORE they give you syntocin drip.

If they are going to try to break your waters then definitely keep upright and active (go for a walk or use a birth ball) to try to get things moving. If after only 2 hours they say 'nope its not worked we'll try xyz' then if you feel up to it ask to try 'xyz' in another couple of hours to give your body more time to try to start spontaneously.

They may try a prostalen (sp) gel which helps soften your cervix and may start you off.

No matter what your local hospital practice is you should definitely try to get some sleep tonight as you will need your energy. Inductions can take a while (but not always). Take a book or a couple of magazines to keep you occupied (plus 9.00am may well turn into 1pm by the time they actually are able to start the induction).

Good luck. And no need to feel nervous, just keep in your mind that you are very soon to meet your new little baby.

What cravingcake said basically! Definitely the bit about buying more time if and when you can before moving on to the next stage - remember your body and your baby don't know or care about hospital protocol!

Question anything you don't understand or are hesitant about - why it needs doing, what alternatives are there, can you wait a bit longer before X? They need your consent to do any procedure, even if your reasons for induction are medical. You can't give informed consent if they don't explain all the options.

And it can take ages even once they start the procedures - some people have a few days worth of induction, if there's any point at which you think you've had enough and things are not happening, say so. Don't go on for days and days with no progress. If your body isn't ready, it's not ready, and it would probably be worth discussing EMCS.

Good luck. You'll have your baby soon :)

dont feel nervous, but i echo what craving said. mine took 2 and a half days and ended in c section. i would say relax and accept now that you still may not meet your little baby for a few more days and then if it arrives quicker than you will be pleased. I do think it is widely accepted that induction with drip is more painful than natural labour so maybe have a good chat with your partner and review your pain relief plans now while you are able to, rather than you getting upset or feeling unsure and rushed while in labour. Also then your partner can also help you discusss this with the doctors. all the best and enjoy your last nights sleep!!!

try not to be nervous.

I agree to taking books/ipod to keep you ocupied while your waiting.

I have I had 2 inductions. 1st time with the drip and 2nd the gel. I just had gas and air as a pain relief.

Both times they were only 4hours from start to having dc.

Good luck - hope it goes well.

Take something to read and something to eat as there is lots of waiting around. Try and get some sleep as well.

I was really worried beforehand as had horrible birth with dd1. And I found it a bit overwhelming knowing that I wouldn't be leaving hospital without baby being born. But I had a really positive experience. I had a pessary which they leave for 24 hours to work and dd2 was born after less than half an hour from first contraction although it took about about 14 hours of waiting around to start.