A few questions re: induction tomorrow....

[heatherb82]

I'm 41+2 at the moment and am going into hospital tomorrow for a scan and an induction via the prostaglandin gel. I had a failed sweep on Tuesday (midwife couldn't reach my cervix), hence why I'm being induced. My midwife told me that I could go home after the gel tomorrow, and if I don't go into labour, then I'll need to go in again on Saturday to be attached to a drip. For anyone who's had the gel, do you normally get to go home straightaway? And would you advise wearing a maternity pad afterwards in case of any spotting, leakage etc? Any other words of wisdom in terms of induction would also be welcome....bit nervous as I don't know what to expect!

Hi, I'm in Ireland but here once your in there is no going home!

I was induced, got gel then you had to lie down for an hour, stood up then waters broke. I was told put a pad on and then they put me on a drip. Got pethidine soon after to help with pain and I don't really remember much else even though it was only 4 months ago!! I would advise against pethidine but go with all other pain relief, pethidine made me out of it

I wasn't allowed to go home after gel! I had to be monitored half an hour and an hour after each gel!

I wouldn't say you'd need a pad.

Gel stings a bit but no trouble really (though it didn't work for me! You are further along though so it probably will for you)

So she couldn't reach your cervix eh?!

Long vagina, or short fingers?

You'll be fine, good luck. All the best! X

My cervix was too far back apparently, but she had a good rummage in there before giving up....hurt like hell!! I'd better prepare myself for staying in then by the sounds of it....will have to get my guinea pig-sitters (i.e. the in-laws) on standby!

Didn't realise you could go home after gel. I went home after the pessary (which failed and fell out three times,) and was brought in to stay over for the gel. Luckily for me while I was waiting for gel my waters went and things kicked off quickly on their own.
Hope things go smoothly for you.

Best of luck heather!

Good luck, hope your birth goes well.
I'm slightly confused though, if your cervix is too far back doesn't that just mean that your body is ready for labour? Why would they induce you if your body wasn't ready? (Sorry if that's not what it means to have it out of reach)

I think some areas do let you go home after the gel.
I don't think you'll go home straight away. They normally like to monitor the baby for a bit (about 30mins) after they put it in. Also, they'll probably ask everyone to come in at the same time then examine etc one at a time. I'd plan for a stay in of at least 2hrs then you might be pleasantly surprised.

I wasn't allowed home after the gel. Waters broke 12 hours afterwards and there was meconium present. Dd arrived 18 (!) hours after that via c-section as I failed to progress beyond 5cm.

Some of the ladies I have supported in London have been allowed to go home after the gel and pessary though my local hospital in Kent have only just implemented this situation. It really does depend on your trust and consultants view and of course why you are being induced. Once inserted, if the trace is good and you are not too far to come back in at short notice or have a Doula with you, the trusts that are trialling
this seem in favour :)