So what are the odds of an induction working?

[FuckYouChrisAndThat2014]

I'm being induced at 38 weeks due to severe SPD. It's not my first baby, and with the others I went to 42 weeks but always just avoided being induced.

I don't actually know what the figures are. All the Midwives keep assuring me a bit of prostin gel and it'll get things going no problem. But is that actually likely or am I getting my hopes up for nothing?

Had pristine gel with my second. Three hours later ds2 was born. Easy peasy birth it was wonderful! No time for painkillers but great experience ( labour only 20 min!)

I was induced at 38 weeks with my second. It took 3 pessaries to open my cervix enough for them to break my waters but after that happened they gave me an hour to see if that would be enough on it's own. Started on the drip then and DD born 3 hours later, only needed gas and air and while going from 0 to baby in 3 hours was pretty intense it was WAY less exhausting than the full day of contractions and 3 hours of pushing that was my first birth! Good luck x

Induced at 40 weeks with dc2, had one pessary at around 4pm, pethadine at 11.30, dc2 born at 12.27 am ,so a very short labour and a beautiful birth compared to my first dc. Good luck op!

They broke my waters at 42 weeks with our second baby. I was holding him 57 minutes later. Keep walking for as long as you can! Made the world of difference between first and second labour!

I was induced at 39+6 due to my waters breaking 36 hours before. I had the pessary at 12.15, first contraction at 12.30. I went from 1-10cm in 5 hours, baby by 7pm. Recommend an epidural which was pure bliss

Induced at 37+6 as waters had broken 4 days earlier. One pessary, baby born about 9 hours later. Easy birth.

Dd1 - pessary. Didn t work. C section.

Dd2 - didn t want to run the risk of a 'failed induction' and for the move to theatre to kick on so asked for another type. A balloon type thing inserted which was filled and which pressed down on my cervix. That didn t work either. Moved to drip but kept upright for all of the labour (only 1.5 hrs). Wasn't especially painful (despite me expecting it to be and the short lead into it). In fact, I loved it! No pain relief (I'd done alot of ante natal yoga and breathing practice which worked). As soon as Dd2 was out, I thought 'I could do that all over again'. Overall, I found the drip induction fine tho being upright and mobile helped. Good luck!

Induced at 42 weeks after just one dose of the gel too. Overall had a positive birth experience despite the induction.

Congratulations and good luck!

2 inductions.
1st, pessary on a Wednesday evening dd1 born Saturday mid morning.
2nd, pessary on a Thursday evening dd2 born just before dawn on Sunday.

2nd ended up a ventouse as baby was distressed. She had her cord in her hand and they believe that affected her heart rate at each contraction.

Good luck, I hope yours is a success.

Sorry, what the anaesthetist actually said was that if you have an induction and and epidural then it's more likely to require further intervention than if you had an epidural in a natural birth. Shouldn't have tried to short-hand that info, sorry.

Thanks for the clarification thumbwitch :)

Thank you for all the experiences, I do feel a lot more like I know what to expect now.

I had two sweeps and four pessaries and was still put on the drip. Was put on at 12 delivered at 4, I think it's very individual and all about your body at the time so other peoples experiences won't really matter to you , I suppose it's nice to just have some insight though :)

Straight into the drip with DD1 after my waters went and they gave me 48 hours to let things happen naturally. They didn't.

Went in at 1030 and they told me I was 4cm dialated which was a surprise. I'd be uncomfortable in the night but didnt think Id been early labouring.

Went on the drip about half twelve and had her at half four. The contractions were sudden and intense after about an hour but she actually made her appearance about half an hour after the canula which supplied the drip came out my hand. I'd taken a half assed swing at DP after he was peeing me off about my breathing. It was placed back in and she arrived very soon after. I did always wonder if the sudden change to my system of the drug no longer being available was what gave her the final push!!

Was induced at 42 weeks - one pessary at 11pm and DD was in my arms with no further intervention by 6am. I was really surprised!

Thanks for all the experiences :)

And now for mine... It worked!

The second lot of gel got things going and ds was born with no further intervention in the birth pool 12 hours after the first gel was put in :)

I felt so much better about it all after starting this thread. I went in expecting it not to work on gel alone, but fully armed with what might be suggested and what options I would have.

I can't thank you all enough

Hurrah! ANNNNDDDD?? What did you have? Congratulations anyway

A little ds, he's adorable (well I would think that) :o

I don't think it's quite sunk in that it worked yet!

Awwww, lovely! So pleased for you, and so pleased it worked so easily. :)

You and me both, Thumbwitch :)

And there I was thinking inductions always end in C-sections. I stand corrected.

It was also very lovely that my consultant, who was willing to perform a c-section on me, but reluctant to do it, popped in to see me afterwards just to say how glad she was that it had all gone so well.

The staff were all utterly brilliant throughout.

Congratulations
Glad it went well.

Thanks Carbe :)