Advice! Waters broke but no contractions

[ChocoLover7]

My waters broke at 9.30 this morning plus baby seemed a bit quiet. Went to hospital for monitoring and everything was fine but because it wasnt my first time going for monitoring, they wanted to induce me using an oxytocin drip. I refused as my baby is already back to back plus I've heard horror stories about being induced via drip. I was allowed to come home and wait for contractions to start. If they dont start by tonight then I'll have to go in to be induced.

Why did they want to use this method of induction? Is there no other better way to induce labour? I also mentioned to the doctor that I was hoping for a water birth and she laughed in my face. I thought this wasn't uncommon for a first baby? Any advice/reassurance about my situation would be appreciated!

So my waters broke at 4 in the morning, if baby isn't born in 24 from then then they have to intervene and help. So I was back to back as well and was at pushing point when it got round to 4 the next morning, but baby wasn't out so I was started on the drips as well as a drip to speed up the contractions that were slowing, which is common with back to back labours. Baby was born at 7am. Back to back usually takes a lot longer so I would imagine she thinks you won't get a chance to be in the pool as you'll be on the drips. Lots of walks today to try and get things moving along, but if you don't go into labour then you will have to be induced 🤷‍♀️

My first was back to back. My waters broke at 3am and contractions did not start until 7pm. I had a water birth although it was very lengthy as baby did not turn and was born back to back in the pool. I found water really helped.

I refused all offers to induce me and spent the day relaxing and walking and trying various methods that are meant to start labour. The only one which worked was nipple stimulation.

Good luck, refer midwives to nice guidelines if they are pressurising you to get induced and try to avoid internal exams as they increase the risk of infection. You should be allowed 24 hours to go into labour naturally.

Sorry the doctor laughed, they forget this isn't everyday for us. I was induced because my waters broke but I didn't get contractions. Pessaries etc didn't get things going fast enough so I went on the drip which means no water birth etc.

Take the time to think about how you will approach a more medicalised birth and be prepared not to get the midwife led style birth. Also reconsider pain relief etc as induced can be more painful and you may consider an epidural where you wouldn't have previously. Just be open minded.

It can still be a wonderful experience but my own labour was very different to what I had wanted and I wish I knew that was going to be the case as I would have been better mentally prepared.

Good luck, you'll have your baby soon!x

If you are induced they'll insist on constantly monitoring you, so no waterbirth

Guidelines 1.2.3
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg70/chapter/1-guidance#induction-of-labour-in-specific-circumstances

You should have until 9.30am tomorrow before you are required to have an induction unless there is any concern for the baby.

Other methods of induction (the pessaries etc) are used to try and get your cervix to dilate enough for them to break your waters. Yours have already gone. The drip induces contractions and they can adjust the speed of the drip to get the contractions at the rate they want.

Sorry the doctor laughed, as a PP said I think they forget this is one of the biggest events of your life.

Just try and relax, it may all start naturally for you. But if it doesn't then that's fine too. Just be flexible and keep an open mind, it's never a good idea to be too set on a particular type of birth.

Evidence indicates that 60% of women with pre labour rupture of membranes will go into labour within 24 hours so hopefully things will start happening soon.

www.hey.nhs.uk/patient-leaflet/information-women-going-home-pre-labour-rupture-membranes-term-prom/

How are things now Op? I had my waters broken and was advised to walk walk walk. I could feel things were starting within a couple of hours. They also wanted to use the drip which I was keen to avoid. When it seemed inevitable I decided to have an epidural as had also heard horror stories. By the time they gave me the epidural, then checked me, I was ready to go, no drip needed. Also, very large baby and back to back so was pleased I'd had it in the end.

Good luck. Xx

I had to be induced 24hours after my waters went and contractions didn’t start. I had a pessary at 12pm and contractions started about 2 hours later, dd was born at 5.30pm. She wasn’t back to back though so I know that adds a complication in.

Good luck with everything!

Waters breaking without contractions puts you at higher risk and in need of monitoring which isnt always possible in a water birth.

I went 36 hours without contractions after my waters broke. Both me and my dd ended up with sepsis. Much better for you to be induced sooner to reduce infection risk.

I was induced with a drip ( different circumstances to yours) and DS was born 3 hours later. It was intense but actually much better than my first natural birth in many ways-and I was up and about the next day, recovered v. quickly. Other posters have given great advice so see whether your contractions start naturally, but don’t be too worried if you end up needing the drip, it’ll be fine. The most important thing is that you and your baby are safe. [ flowers]

My water went at term and 24 hours later no contractions. I had the pessary, then 6 hours later when nothing happened still I was induced by drip.

Wasn't a straightforward birth, the epidural helped massively though!

Thanks for the responses. Currently at home on my ball bouncing away (and still leaking). Trying to get myself in the right frame of mind in case I do end up being induced, I'm terrified!

Try not to stress. Easier said that done I know! Adrenaline will slow anything that is happening, you need to get your oxytocin flowing. Try to do something you find relaxing, take your mind off of it.

It's not the end of the world if you have to be induced. It's medically managed yes, but you will be ok. You'll be monitored, as will baby. Remember it is your body an you can consent or not consent to whatever you want to.

Same happened to me, waters broke but no contractions. I had wanted a water birth and midwife led unit.
I had to go on the delivery ward and was told a water birth was not possible after the 24 hours had passed due to infection risk.
I was induced with the pessary, started working within 90 mins. I had an epidural and the birth was super relaxed (After the epidural had kicked in!)
I had to wait 3 hours for the epidural though as the anaesthetist was busy and that was 3 hours of HELL - If you want one, I definitely recommend taking it as soon as you can as you don’t know how long you will have to wait.

Oh don't be terrified! There's nothing to be scared of, if it gets too much then you just up your pain relief. Just keep moving and trying to stay as relaxed as possible

This happened to me both times. No-one suggested it was a reason not to have a water-birth but yes, the clock was ticking both times to have them without induction

My waters started leaking Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon i was checked over and offered induction or go home and see what happens. I went home and contractions started Wednesday evening. Into hospital in the early hours of Thursday morning and DD born about 4 hours later (including 2 hours in a birthing pool). Good luck mummy - nearly there now!

Hey, don't worry about being induced. My contractions did start hours after waters breaking but I still got induced as didn't really progress 24 hours later. Then was just 8 hours till giving birth. Might have been quicker if I hadn't had a nap after epidural. I also wanted a water birth but tried to use water early labour and caused pain so wasn't for me in the end. Best of luck and wishing you have your baby.in your arms allready, nothing left to fear. X

Give us an update when you can, OP!

Thanks for the supportive responses. Had my beautiful baby boy Friday evening after a horrendous labour. Ended up being taken to theatre where he was delivered via forceps. Currently soaking up the precious newborn cuddles and trying to recover from the episiotomy and second degree tear!

Congratulations!!!

Sorry the delivery was so awful. I had an episiotomy and tear with my first and they'll heal up quickly if you don't overdo things for a few weeks (walk too far or lift heavy objects). Enjoy the cuddles!

Congratulations on your baby. The main thing is both you and him are safe and well. Don't beat yourself up about the delivery not going to plan, few do! Do speak with your GP or HV if you have any concerns.

Thank you so much! Recovery is going well so far :) Hoping it stays this way