Any positive induction stories?? Plan to be induced at 39 weeks as previous 3rd degree

[Brigg253]

Hi All,

Looking for some positive previous 3rd degree birth stories.
I’m 37 weeks and the plan at the moment is to be induced at 39 weeks - second baby, first one was an induction for post dates, broke my waters and baby was out within 2 1/2 hrs… sounds great but I’m still traumatised, contractions went from 0-100, no time for pain relief, it all felt completely out of control and was a horrible experience. Had a 3rd degree tear and was away for over 2hrs being sutured in theatre.

Wanting to avoid this and any further pelvic floor issues this time. I’ve been going round in circles thinking should I just have an ELCS, but still holding out hope for a normal delivery and being up and about again quickly. I’m just terrified of an instrumental or very prolonged labour this time.

Consultant offered induction at 39weeks, baby shouldn’t be huge, I’ll feel more in control and hopefully will only need waters broken…just no way of knowing though!

Has anyone had a successful straightforward induction at 39 weeks? Or if you also had a previous 3rd degree what did you go for this time?

thanks!

Both my babies were induced at 39 weeks and I can say I had two positive experiences. Pessary with both, DS1 waters were broken after 24hrs and baby came 4hrs later with just gas n air. Second pessary was in for about 6 hours,(first contraction 1hr after pessary went in) was 5cm, and baby was born couple of hours after that.
I hear lots of awful stories about inductions but mine were both fine. With my first I had a 3rd degree tear (they didn't take me theatre long - different story) so I was really anxious about tearing again with DS2, I tore but nowhere near as bad and that was mainly because baby came facing upwards 🙈 I made it very clear after baby was born that I was traumatised from last 'stitch up' but they were really good with me and was over pretty quickly.
Best of luck xx

I had a third degree tear, healed well, giving birth again 16mo later in the next few weeks.

I'm not sure being induced has much benefit, as baby size is not really indicated in tear severity, especially for a second labour, but it could cause other complications (like an instrumental) as your body/baby won't necessarily be ready. And can also be a more painful/long labour. Although I know many have positive stories too.

If I were you I'd go for the ELCS or let nature take it's course!

I think how you healed is important in your decision too, if it was a hard recovery or there are any continuing concerns then I'd fall on the ELCS side.

I'm going for my second home birth, but with the option of a C-section if I get to 41+5.

Hi,
had third degree tear with my first, then second baby was born 12 months later, induced at 38 weeks. Second birth was fine- no instruments, tiny tear, 24 hrs from pessary in to baby out!

Love to hear this 😁😁😁

I would have thought you would be less likely to tear if you didn’t have an induction, as your body will be more ready, and it might be a more gradual process.

If I were you I would be trying to avoid an induction by waiting to see if you’d go into labour spontaneously. And if you go overdue considering a c-section, as the induction was obviously very traumatic for you. Your plan would be my worst nightmare. (I didn’t have an induction but I did have a tear).

It’s not necessarily the size of the baby that makes the difference, its the position and speed of labour (and luck).

i had a third degree tear and then was induced for my second. i went on to have a third. all was fine.

Not a third degree, but DD1 spontaneous labour 2nd degree tear, DD2 induced at 39+5, waters broken and put on the drip (pessary was attempted at 39 weeks, but didn't do anything)
I went from 3cm to 10cm in five minutes and no interventions or tears.

Thanks all for your responses! It’s great to hear so many have had positive induction stories for second babies 😊

@Hazelnuttella - yes this was my initial thought too! But the thought of labour potentially progressing so quickly again but at home is really scary.
I also thought that induction would lead to more issues, but some research came out a few weeks ago looking at induction at 39 weeks and there was a reduction in perineal trauma and decreased risk of instrumental and cs… so I’m hoping I’ll be lucky enough to have a straightforward one!

If only it were possible to know what our outcomes of either option would be, it’d be so much easier!

That’s very interesting, good to know.

Hope all goes as smoothly and uneventful as possible for you.

Induced with DD1, 2nd degree tear but only had 2 stitches on the inside and little bleeding for a few weeks. She was 8lb 5!

I'm due to be induced either Tuesday (due to extra fluid) or if all goes well it will be 26th.

Good luck OP. We got this!

I had a 3rd degree tear with my first (induction) and then was induced again with my second and it was as you describe - 0-100 in no time at all, absolutely agony, no time for pain relief and a 2nd degree tear.

But 7 weeks on - can't say I'm that bothered. She's here and she's safe 🙂❤

Ah sorry you had such a rough time again @Hungryfrogs23 but glad to hear you’re on the mend and feeling ok now!

@justanothermanicmonday1 Wishing you all the very best!!

I thought avoiding induction was meant to reduce risk of tearing?

I was induced last week for my second as my waters broke but had no sign of labour, and due to having strep B they wanted to get baby out to minimise infection.

I had (the rest of my) waters broken at 6pm, then went on the drip at 8pm and she was born at 1am. I have to say it was a really good experience, I progressed really quickly and managed with gas and air, but they asked if I’d like an epidural early on so you could always ask and plan to have one if you want.

all the best OP!

@Brigg253 what did you end up doing? I’m also interested in the Cochrane study and looking at 39 week elective induction.