Don't know whether to say anything....(long)

[Manfwood]

Some of you may be familiar with the story of my friend who was given Misoprostol (when induced instead of the drip) and suffered really traumatic birth etc (still suffereing post traumatic flashbacks 16 months later!). My dilemma is whether to tell other people who may be going to this hospital not to take it. I'm not sure to what extent it is being used but apparently they were going to introduce it for incuctions. Someone at work whose wife is due in a few months asked me about the hospital as they are planning to go there. I dont know whether to say anything but dont want to scare him as this is their first baby - on the other hand dont want anyone else to go through what my friend has gone through.

any advice would be appreciated. By the way dont know the latest on my friends situation (she was going to ask for copies of her notes etc) but will let you know.

Thanks

Yes, I think you should say something - after all they have specifically asked you about this hospital and if you didn't say anything & something went wrong ...... imagine how you'd feel. I must admit that I didn't read your previous thread in great detail (never, ever intending to have another child!) but I think it's only fair to say something, you don't have to go into gory details but something along the lines of 'you need to be aware that they might offer you X and the possible side effects of this are Y' - that then gives them the opportunity to ask further details at the consultations.

HTH

I think you should say something. Once again just advising them of the risks and the knowledge that the hospital use this is a good starting point for them to then investigate further. Leave the decision up to them as to whether they opt for that or not and the hospital too but give them the information you have so they can make their own rounded opinion.

I know I personally would like someone to tell me about a drug and its side effects. You don't have to tell them not to take it or make it a scare story just tell them that you are concerned about the drug and what happened to your friend. I think Lindy and Meansmum have said it all really. But as I am due to have another baby and haven't heard of that drug before (I haven't read your thread but will now) you have made me aware of something I didn't know about. I think that is very positive. I feel it is best to know exactly what could happen.

Agree with the others here, especially bearing in mind that Mears was quite shocked this currently unlicensed drug was being used for inductions when you originally raised this issue. I wish your friend luck in her quest and think that although it might be a little awkward, you are absolutely right to mention your concerns to anyone who asks.

Don't know if it is any help, but am pretty sure they were trialing this at Chelsea and Westminster when ds was born. I refused it as I hadn't got a clue what is was.

somebody told me that there sister had a traumatic birth after some sort of inducement.i dont know what drug she was given maybe it was this bit i think it involved a drip also.i think you should tell them so they have real information at hand on which they can base there decisions .also you could advise them that it might be worth finding a baby friendly hospital-that meets certain specific criteria i would hope the attitude at these hosps is more enlightened. some people dont believe that inducement for late babies is always necessary a good walk(or waddle!) maybe better

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When any woman is being induced, she has a right to know what method is going to be used. In some instances misoprostol is a more effective drug, such as 1st trimester abortion. However, women should be given clear information as to benefits and hzzards of new drugs. As far as I am aware, misoprostol has not been given the thumbs up for induction of labour - it is still being evaluated in randomised controlled trials. I would adcie women to ask for the evidence to make an informed choice.

hello mears can you tell me any more about 'baby friendly' hospitals please.i heard about them cause the breast feeding nurse mentioned them.it seems like a bit ironic cause youd expect all hospitals to be baby friendly but this is not always the case as my thread tells