What are the birth options following induction?

[NearlySchoolTime]

Hello there - I've been told today I will probably be induced at some point after 34 weeks, due to a small baby and a history with severe IUGR. I have given birth before twice, but both in complicated circumstances. I can't help thinking my birth plan should be slightly more elaborate than "turn up, have baby".

So can I ask - does induction mean monitors and the like or will I be able to walk around, or even have a water birth? I am assuming this will depend on a) how much intervention I have and b) the baby's gestation. All advice welcome!

From my induction experience water birth was a no. I had to be monitored and also had the drip so missed out on a nice water birth which was what I wanted.

Can all depend though as you my not monitored and may not need the drip. Also I think all hospitals differ in their rules.

Depends on gestation, how baby is. If you need just the gel or waters broken or the drip.

Induced for all 5 of mine and still had active births, stayed mobile even with the one with the drip. For three I just needed waters broken and then laboured how I wanted with intermittent monitoring and even had a pool birth for no 4. Lots of gas and air with all of them! Sat on birth ball, knelt up over end of bed etc. Even when I had the drip and monitoring for no5 the midwife still made sure I could stay mobile.

So depends on lots of factors, your midwife and also ime being a bit bolshy and insisting!

No experience of induction here, but I would say if your baby is premature, expect to be monitored constantly - I was hooked up to the monitor the whole time (31+5), but I could still move around as much as that would allow me, sit on the birthing ball, etc.

Thank you ladies - very useful. I will start asking about staying active during labour at my next appointment and see what they say.

I've been induced twice both times with the gel I was monitored just after the gel was put in but after that was free to move around so it will depend on how your being induced. I wanted a water birth this time but the gel worked so quick there wasn't time my labour was 1 hr 12 min I only had gas n air baby was our in 3 pushes

1 hour 12 mins sounds good, lexyloub!