Induction process

[lolaBell123]

FTM I'm getting induced next week at 37 weeks due to IUGR and don't really know the whole process and would feel so much better knowing an in depth step by step as all I can find it just basic plans online.

Can anyone share their experience from the moment they stepped into hospital until birth? Like was you spoken too?, fed? Did you start in one place then get moved to a room? Do they do cervix checks before induction? Any small detail is appreciated

Hello, I'm here now and have been for coming up two days. I'm almost 38 weeks.

For me it's been a lot of waiting around. So on the day waiting to be called to come in for my slot (hours later than I was told). Then waiting for a bed. But the midwives have been very lovely. First thing they did was monitor me on a trace machine. Then I waited til someone was free to insert a pessary. You get breakfast lunch and dinner provided. It's very dull though so bring lots of books, downloaded series, podcasts etc. My partner is allowed in for visiting, and I've been allowed to go out for walks with him and for lunch. There's lots of waiting around and being monitored. Also bring an eye mask and ear plugs, as this goes on throughout the night for the other people you share a room with. Lights on, trace machines beeping, people making noise and being moved to labour ward.

The pessary was left in for 24 hours, then they examined me. I had a sweep last night and a gel, and have been waiting for a space to open on the labour ward since dinner time last night. I really didn't know what to expect (and still don't for the rest of it) but the pessary I didn't find too bad at all. The sweep was fine and the gel was okay also although did cause lots of manageable contractions. They do have pain relief and anti sickness pills if you want any - some ladies have been on gas and air also.

I was induced at 39 weeks as I had polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid) and they thought baby was a bit big. He ended up only being 7lbs 1oz so they were wrong! 😅

I went in for 6.30pm and was put on the machine to monitor the heart rate for a while. Then they inserted the gel and checked my cervix (it was 1cm dilated). I then went back on the heart rate monitor for a further while as the gel went to work. My husband had to leave at 8.30pm when visiting ended. About 9pm I started feeling quite sore in my back. The pain got worse so I buzzed a midwife to help me get my TENS machine on. It continued to get sorer and without any relief gaps as you'd expect with contractions. By midnight I buzzed again asking to be examined and for a better pain killer and to tell them I had leaked some green fluid. They gave me paracetamol and reluctantly examined me (I think they suspected I was being over dramatic and nothing was happening) and discovered I was 4-5cm along and agreed to wheel me to the labour suite. I leaked a lot of meconium waters all along the corridor 😂 very undignified! My husband was called in and I went on gas and air and pushed my baby out at 5.24am. I don't think inductions usually go so fast, I suspect I was about to go into labour anyway but just wanted to share that for me it moved quickly so it's not necessarily a long haul ahead! Good luck 🤞