Induction of labour...come share your stories please

[TeachersPest]

I am due to have an induction tomorrow at 40+13, and am a little apprehensive about it, to the point that I am considering not going in and waiting it out a couple of days more.

Back story: this is DC#2 following 2 years TTC and mc's. My DD was born 10 years ago, a week before EDD, spontaneous delivery that lasted 6 hours laboured in water with only Gas and Air.

For this little one we had planned a homebirth, set up a whole room dedicated to it, have a play list etc. his head has been 3/4 engaged since 34 weeks and his lie has always been LOA or ROA when checked. All had been going fine apart from the fact that EDD has been and gone.

MW tried to do a sweep last week but cx was posterior so couldn't. I have been having braxton hicks for weeks and weeks but nothing happened. Yesterday they we regularly coming every 10 minutes and lasting a 45secs-minute, but today nothing to a single twinge!!

I am completely torn between going for the IOL and giving my body a few more days to see if it can get going, and still have HB.

I only hear bad things about induction of labour, and feel that in a way it is forcing my body and baby into something it's not ready for, which may lead to interventions and other complications.
I have been a complete emotional wreck all day.

Please share your positive stories of induction with me as I only have horror stories as a point of reference.

What DC were you induced with?

How quickly did it work?
Did you need pressery and Drip etc.

Were you able to get into birthing pool if you only requires pressery?

Did you have any other interventions after?

Thanks in advance x

I haven't been induced, so I'm sorry to not answer your question at all, I'm sure you know you can decline or delay induction. I haven't myself but do know lots of ladies who have, all through local homebirth connections. You said you were torn, you could give yourself a little more time if you and baby are well, you sound so close!
Good luck xx

I had a very similar story for my second birth- went to 40+13 with lots of false contractions (which were alarmingly regular at times). I chose to be induced as I was getting quite uncomfortable and it was easier in terms of childcare for dd1 (which was getting complicated with the massive delay!). I wasn't planning a homebirth so that wasn't an issue although I was sad not to be able to use the birthing pool (not allowed if you're induced where I am).

It was all fine
If you're 2cm dilated (which you probably will be for dc2) they just break your waters. No gels/pessaries. My contractions started immediately and gradually built up. Mine were a bit irregular so they threatened the drip. Asked for an epidural before that happened and as soon as it took effect my contractions sped up and I didn't need the drip. Still kept my epidural in though (I'm rubbish with pain) Baby came out with 2 pushes and no stitches! Was 12 hours start to finish but when you consider that my first labour was 40 hrs, that's pretty short.

If your first was 6 hours, I don't think you'll have any issues with induction. It'll probably shoot out