Induction stories and advice please

[photographerlady]

So second pregnancy that's it's going 42 weeks and being booked in for an induction. Could anyone offer stories and advice? Last time I did a full day of gel (2), such back pain I couldn't sleep at night and then waters were broken at 10am the next day. Drip at 6pm which ended in a 10pm delievery via forceps and so much blood loss. I was exhausted, baby was exhausted and a horrible birth experience. I really wanted it drug free (gas and air then a spinal at 9pm because they were threatening theatre). Idea of another in induction in five days has me so upset I'm trying to tell myself it won't be so bad.

Not sure I have any advice to offer, but I gave birth 9 weeks ago to my third DC, and was induced. I was told I'd have 3 pessaries over 18 hours (one every six hours), then they'd break my waters, and then I'd go on the drip. I had the first pessary at midday. Felt nothing, ate lunch, went for a walk. Around 4pm had a few twinges and took a couple of paracetamol. At about 5pm the contractions really ramped up, and she was born at 7:05pm. I only had gas and air (and a local anaesthetic because they used forceps for the last bit). So I guess I'm saying things can go much faster, and induction needn't mean a drawn out ordeal. Hope you have a much better experience this time around.

As pp, I had an induction with dc3, at 36 weeks, as they were concerned about growth and a couple of bleeds I'd had. I had waters broken as was already 5cm when examined, and a drip, was in full labour a couple of hours later, just over an hour of contractions, gas and air and he was born. It was a very positive experience for me.

I was told that the body is more favourable to induction once it's been through one labour. Sorry your first delivery wasn't more positive, and best wishes for a speedier, happier time this time around.