40+11, induction looming: what to expect/how to prepare?

[LeeMiller]

I'm a ftm, currently 40+11. Had my second sweep yesterday afternoon. I'm 1cm dilated, cervix soft and partially effaced but still posterior. Baby in position but at -3. Basically no change in the past 3 days. Been gradually losing my mucus plug since the first sweep 2 days ago (prior to that it wasn't possible to sweep as cervix closed). Plenty of fluid left, apparently. No contractions since Braxton Hicks tailed off a couple of weeks ago, just the occasional cramp.

Induction is scheduled for 40+12/13, depending on how the trace/scan/internal examination at 40+12 goes.

I know that you can refuse but I've decided not to. Waiting is just upping my anxiety. I know from my first trimester scan that the baby is a few days ahead. I'm not in the UK and they're really not keen on letting me go past 40+13.

I'm not even sure what my question is, beyond what can I expect from induction? Is it likely to fail if I'm still only 1cm? What can I do to prepare mentally and physically?

Congratulations @LeeMiller that's great news

Thank you 😄

@LeeMiller thank you for the thread and posting the outcome. I have to be induced at 40 weeks due to my age and was feeling pretty terrified. I was due for a c-section due to another issue which has now resolved and so wasn't prepared for the induction chat in which the Dr basically told me what a nightmare it was going to be! The advice on this thread has been great.

Enjoy your lovely baby

Xxx

Thanks Jane. Good luck. Induction is such a horrible word and the idea feels so unnatural, but if you understand the path you're starting on it helps a lot, rather than approaching it passively and fearfully. And it doesn't have to be terrible, mine was a positive experience, I'm crossing my fingers for you that yours is too.