Second time inductions

[Emerald4512]

Hi all, hoping to hear some of your labour stories for those who were induced for your second time births.

I've been booked in for one tomorrow and after a horrific birth with my first, where I was also induced, I'm feeling very anxious tonight.

Induced second time round. Nothing like the first - had my waters broken, took 7 hours to go into labour (they kept pushing the drip after 2 but I resisted.

What's the reason for the induction?

Nothing like first induction*

Thank you for your response :) I'm booked in for one due to concerns over growth.

Sorry for the late response, hopefully all is going well for you.

My 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th were all inductions. 2nd was my only spontaneous.

3,4,5 were all very straightforward, quick inductions, nothing like my first. Even 4th where I had drip was infinitely better (had epidural in first)

Good luck.

First - 46 hour labour, 2 failed pessaries, drip, ARM, meconium in waters which he inhaled and had to have IV antibiotics for, episiotomy, forceps, fetal distress, my BP plummetted, massive PPH, anaemia, 5 day hospital stay.

2nd - 1 pessary worked enough to do ARM, was put on drip at same time due to my previous traumatic and long delivery, baby born 2 hours later with just gas and air, BP fine, no problems with me or baby, I had a minor PPH but felt absolutely fine and went home the next day.

3rd - No pessary required, ARM + drip, baby born 90 mins later, no issues, no PPH.

Let me be your story of hope! Inductions for both births. First was horrendous, I'd had all the typical first time mum aspirations of a low intervention birth, ideally water birth. After over a day in active labour with only gas and air I ended up in theatre, it genuinely traumatised me. Second time around I was so scared of it being the same all over again that I actively fought for a planned c section as soon as I had my booking in appointment. All agreed, c sec date booked... only to have my consultant decide to withdraw their backing 48 hours beforehand. She told me she understood why I wanted to avoid induction but that she genuinely thought this was the better way to go. I cried in front of her and then all afternoon at home, got myself into a right state. Eventually accepted I had no other choice as there was no way baby was going to come naturally before my newly scheduled induction date. I was a nervous wreck going into hospital.

However I can honestly, hand on my heart, say that it was a completely different experience the second time around. On paper it doesn't look great, I didn't progress so needed the syntocin drip, which I'd heard nothing but terrible things about (first time my waters went quickly and labour soon followed). However even with this it was still a million times more positive than the first. I think part of it was me ensuring adequate pain relief was in place (with my first I only had gas and air and the pain was bloody horrible). This time as soon as they mentioned me needing the syntocin drip I asked to have an epidural first. If you'd have told me I'd have felt calm about having either the epidural or the drip beforehand I'd have laughed at you. I felt calm, in control, I even managed a little nap at one point mid labour! When I thought I was too numb I just asked them to lower the top up so I could still feel contractions. I think having given birth once before also helped more than I'd anticipated.

It's 100% understandable why given your first experience you are nervous about the prospect of having another induction, but it definitely doesn't have to be a case of history repeating itself. Hope all goes smoothly and you get to meet your little one soon! X

Remember an epidural is your friend! Get one booked in as soon as you can and you will be fine!