Being induced in the next 3 weeks. Share your stories!

[MamaTT]

I'm 34+4 with DC3. Her growth isn't great and the blood flow through the cord is less than ideal. I've been told to pack my bags for induction anytime between now and 37 weeks (obviously hoping to hold off until 37 weeks).
DC1&2 were both textbook spontaneous labours. DC2 was born 40 minutes after first contraction.
I'm terrified of induction - I have no idea what it entails. I've heard it's more painful than normal labour (they were bad enough) and I'm terrified of it ending in c-section. Obviously I'll go with whatever to get DD out safely. But I literally have no idea what to expect and it's very unnerving that it could be any day now!

Please share your induction stories with me.

My induction story is less than positive so the best advice I could give anyone is to get an epidural way before you're put on the hormone drip.

The syntocinon drip makes contractions crazy intense!

Because you've had kids before though you might not need the drip. The pessary works better on people who have had kids before.

Same here for not a good inductio but whether that was mainly because of the drop or other reasons I am not sure. I ended up with an epidural and so glad I did!

Drip* should really proofread.

Get an epidural before all the anaesthetists go home for the evening. I was so glad of my EMCS post-induction... a healthy baby and a very swift and nearly painless recovery. Good luck!

induction i had was quick in terms of induction. You will have the pesary with the intention(that all being well) you won't go into labour for another 24hrs. I delivered within 19hrs and had 2 other quick, spontaneous labours after. The fact that you have quick labours under your belt, would suggest that this will be quick aswell (maybe not 40mins though!).

You'll be monitored throughout, so may be asked to spend a lot of time lying down on a trace, you can request to sit up on a ball or stand by the trace side of the bed. That's what I did, kept tedium at bay when things were slow. Epidurals do slow things down a tad and if you laboured so quickly before, there may not be enough time to get one if you wait until things become a bit crucial, so try and plan ahead of it is something that you definately want (I didn't and when compus mentus told midwife that, she was very good alongside OP, at reminding me of that when my voice raised an octave or too, couldn't thank her enough in the end).

also, no indication it would increase likelihood of c-section. Good luck!

The midwife did say that second, third etc time mothers usually respond well to the pessary and don't usually end up needing the drip. Does the pessary make it more painful than usual? Both my labours were back to back. DD turned in the last half an hour but DS was born facing up. I'm hoping I'll be able to stay off my back as much as possible. I remember being most comfortable on my knees leaning on a pile of pillows. Would like to avoid epidural if poss but if drip is needed, I'll try and get one straight away. I'm so nervous!
Going to do a bit of research later and jot down some questions to ask consultant tomorrow.

I wouldn't say the peasant made it worse for me but I was induced with DC1 so had nothing to compare it to at the time. Pessary at midday and baby born 12 hours later. No problems and just on gas and air so there are some good inductions! Hopefully yours will be the same.

Peasant! Hah. Pessary. Oh and I was induced at 38 weeks if that helps.

Ooh that's very positive vader
I am a bit concerned that my body won't be ready at 37 weeks but I know DD will be safer out than in from that point. Can't believe a mere few weeks ago I was buying supplies for a lovely homebirth. Pregnancy is so unpredictable!

I had to have a synto drip with dc4 as labour stalled. It's not more painful in my experience, the pains become stronger quicker but they were no more painful at the end than they were with my 3 normal labours. It was my worry too when they said I was having a drip.

My induction was pessary only. It was my second labour, first was natural. It was at 38 weeks. It was more painful, intense and faster. Tbh I was traumatised by it. I don't know how this info will help you, only to say it was better than the alternative (a seriously ill newborn.) I did it with gas and air.

First labour, spontaneous labour. Contractions very painful from the get go after waters broke. 5cm within an hour. Begged for an epidural which slowed everything down. DS born by forceps due to back to back position and getting stuck about 14 hours after waters breaking. Second labour DD induced due to reduced movements. I was 3cm when pessary was given but I would say I had a much more pleasant early part of labour with contractions building steadily. DD born about 7 hours after first contraction. Don't get me wrong from transition to birth was v painful but didn't last long. I definitely preferred the induced labour to my first spontaneous one.

I was induced with my first and (pessary only) and it was fine. Painful and quick but ok. The worst thing was having to be monitored and not being able to move, I would ask in advance if you will be allowed to be mobile. From what i understand it is much more painful if you are stuck flat on your back.
I managed with just g+a but only because by the time the anaethetist came I was fully dilated. I would get an epidural early if you can, especially if needing the drip.
good luck