Question about inducution?

[fairyandbump]

If induction fails and the cervix doesn't open and you haven't already got an epidural in- can you have one put in for the caesarean so you can be awake or will it be an emergency under general anaesthetic?

no, that's fine you could still have an epidural/spinal block unless it was an emergency
why are they adivsing an induction?

An epidural takes about 20 minutes to set up, so the only reason you would need a GA is if you didn't have that long. GA is typically used for "crash sections" where you have a few minutes notice that baby must come out NOW. Luckily there aren't very many of these.

If induction fails, you would normally have been waiting several hours before it is accepted that you are just not going to dilate so the crash scenario won't apply. Also, induced contractions are more painful so you will probably have an epidural in anyway.

Provided the cervix opens 2-3 they will perform an ARM (only 50% success rate in bringing on labour)- I suggest you ask for an epidural to be given after the ARM as either it will work (strong painful contractions), it won't work so you won't need the epidural, or very rare you get a prolapse cord which would be one of those "crash sections"

Generally you get time for a spinal block.

Thanks everyone for replying I'll be 10 days overdue tomorrow, and I'm booked in for tomorrow evening!