Induction

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I'm 38+6 today with dc7 and was at my antenatal appointment at the hospital today. I've had an eventful pregnancy so far and at the combined screening I came back at 1 in 12 for ds. I also had a low ppap score which indicated a pre term birth.
I had to have a scan and she has dropped a centile so the consultant has decided I need to be induced. The first available appointment is Tuesday morning unless I have reduced movements then I have to ring delivery suite and will be induced when I go in.
They have explained I will have the gel and if that doesn't work possibly the drip and they will be breaking my waters as soon as they are able to. I have had the drip with a previous pregnancy has I had a 32 weeker due to heamoraging.
Tbh I'm a bit scared but in the past 2 weeks I've had cramping and 2 small shows so unsure if that is a good sign for the induction. Is more intervention likely and would the cramping in the last couple of weeks be a good sign.
Sorry for the slightly rambled post I'm still in a case of shock and trying to get my head round it all.

Hello. I can understand why you are finding it hard to get your head around. As I understand it, it's difficult to tell whether the cramping and shows are a good sign or not - they could be and the induction will get you straight into labour, or alternatively, they could make no difference whatsoever. I was induced at 37 weeks in January due to slow growth and reduced movements and had had cramps and a couple of small shows. Unfortunately, I just didn't go into labour for days, despite pessaries, followed by gels, a sweep, broken waters, the drip etc and ended up with an emergency c-section. However, SIL went for appointment on wednesday and was told she would be induced on sunday due to a drop in growth. They gave her a sweep, and DN was born just yesterday after a short labour, without even needing any induction. She'd also been having cramps for weeks so hopefully you will be like her. When I was being induced, there were women coming in, having the pessaries and being whisked down into delivery quick as you like. I wasn't impressed at the time as nothing was happening for me (and I was properly fed up) but it certainly does happen for a lot of women, hopefully including you. I know it's hard and scary and I really hope that for you, your cramps have been your body getting ready and your new baby will be here before you know it. I was feeling exactly the same as you and although I did need a lot of intervention and it was scary, I was monitored and my baby arrived safely.
Lots of luck

Thank you for the reply. I'm trying to focus on her being here safe and I think it's the fear of the unknown at the minute I've had anxiety most of my life and have always preferred to know what going to happen.
I've spent today putting plans in place for my other dc as 2 have sn and I've yet to explain to them that I have to go in. That's helped cut the anxiety a bit now and now trying to remember that this time next week I'll definitely have my baby to snuggle all being well.

I understand completely; I have generalised anxiety disorder and find the unknown difficult and know how hard that can be with induction. I much prefer knowing what is going to happen so I can be prepared. I am glad you're feeling a little better now you have plans in place for your other children and hope that you can keep that positive thought that your dd is going to be here soon for snuggles. I hope everything goes smoothly for you

I didn't need the induction in the end dd decided to make an appearance on the Monday night instead

Ah congratulations!