Just "agreed" to an induction...not sure what to think.

[devoncreamtea]

Hello everyone, have been advised induction for several reasons - the 1st is a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, which hasn't really come to anything (blood sugars all fine and level, no meds, no other risk factors) and had previously agreed with consultant to have a sweep at next week just before due date as a pre-cursor to making a decision over induction with meds. However this morning had my 38 wk birth chat with community midwife, who was extremely concerned about the risk of me having an accidental unattended homebirth - due to speed of previous labours, the fact they have got faster each time and the distance from my house to hospital. (30 min drive in no traffic). Obviously I would like to avoid being unassisted, so she 'strongly advised' a 'managed birth' ie induction....

I feel a bit shocked as my previous births have been uncomplicated hb's and this is clearly rather different. I am scared of induction as I don't have any experience of intervention. I want to make the choice that minimises risk to me and my baby, but I also don't want to be overly 'medicalised' as actually the risks are more circumstantial rather than immediate danger...if that makes sense!

What do you think? How were your inductions? What can I expect or should I be aware of?

Many thanks!

I was induced at 38+4 with dd1, due to having very little amniotic fluid.
Start to finish was 5 hours, the contractions came back to back immediately so very painful from the beginning, no gradual build up.
I had a natural birth with no pain relief. I had no idea really if all of this was normal or not as it was my first baby...
Am now expecting dd2 , and am hoping that it'll be just as fast, if not faster...

Good luck!

I would think you're unlikely to have a long induction if this isn't your first. Things may be different if you look favourable at your sweep.

Thanks both! I think I needed to hear something reassuring!

How fast might a sweep work if it was going to?

If you have previously had hb's why is distance to the hospital the issue and not how quickly they can get to you? Or are you not this time?

I was induced with dc2 and dc3. Dc2 was for gd at 38 weeks and they were both fine. I did have an epidural (I didn't with dc1) but only because I needed the drip and I'd heard it was painful so I had one before it got really painful. I didn't need the drip with dc3 I had the pessary for about 6 hrs then they broke my waters again it was fine and I wouldn't hesitate in having another induction (I'm 39+3 with dc4)

Induction can be a really positive experience especially if it's not your first delivery it was great for me. Good luck hope everything goes smoothly :)

Oh and sweeps are very hit and miss I had one on Monday and have had mild contractions on and off since then. I had another one today I was 1-2cms dilated with very bulging waters I'm now waiting to jump on dp to see if that gets things going

Thanks pregnant! And - erm - best of luck with the DIY induction..!!

penguin I am not planning hb this time as consultant suggests hospital birth as GD. However the concern is due to fast and increasingly fast previous labours, if I 'go' spontaneously I either might not get to hospital or mw might not get to me in time to assist delivery. I live in a rural area so on call mw's could very easily be quite a distance away. My last labour was an hour so really hoping it isn't faster this time!

Sorry, I know nothing about GD and why hospital birth might be recommended. I just have a friend who was advised to plan a home birth because of previous precipitous labours.

Oh, I have had an accidental unassisted birth too. Because of a very erratic labour not a super speedy one, but if you have any questions. ...

Are they worried that the baby will be big with GD. Just twigged it might be a shoulder dystocia worry.

I think the size of baby can be an issue, excess waters too, baby is more closely monitored, your blood sugars are checked every hour also there is a higher risk of placenta failure if you go over dates or to full term.

My dd was absolutely fine though 7lb 13 and blood sugars were fine after birth as were mine. You may know already but they will keep you in for 24hrs afterwards to check yours and babies blood sugars. I found that hard all I wanted to do was go home!!

Thanks both - yes the Dr said they would want to check bloods etc after. I just want it to be over now, I have no idea what to expect from labour with induction, but grateful for all the positive stories!

what did you do penguin with your unassisted birth? I've read up, but it would be good to hear a real experience (as long as you don't mind!)

Well it was a planned home birth so it was all pretty straightforward. I had got in my pool to have a little rest from the back ache when things went at rocket speed. Because I had planned to be at home a paramedic arrived and stayed with us until the midwife arrived (actually stayed for longer as they didn't send a second midwife.) Paramedic arrived a couple of minutes after delivery so did nothing but cuddle her. In my area they would have ambulance transferred me if I hadn't planned a home birth so that might be worth asking about.

That sounds very calm and lovely. Yes, I think I will have another chat with supervisor of mw's and just go through things again. Thanks!

Only you can make the decision, OP, but since you asked for experiences...

I was induced with DCs 1,3 & 4, first time had a pessary and waters broken, second, just ARM, third induction was ARM & drip. Yes, contractions came pretty thick & fast all three times but all labours were very quick with no pain relief and no intervention. Three healthy babies and three quick recoveries for me.

Induction isn't always the hell it's made out to be, and, given you've had previous fast labours, I don't see any reason why your experience wouldn't be like mine.

Good luck.

Thank you Boysie (ace name!) I do think induction is the way forward this time. I just want everything to be ok for baby, it's just a lot to get my head round just now. Great to hear your positive stories though - I need to start thinking positive and embrace it! At least I will be able to properly organise childcare!