Speed of Dilation

[Hawkmoth]

I'm on my second pregnancy, first was induced and I went from 2-10cm in about 40 minutes. I'd only had one pessary, was totally unfavourable when they put it in, and noone (including me) really believed I was in labour until I started pushing.

Question is, was the speed due to the prostin? I'm planning a homebirth and don't really want DP having to catch in the bathroom, but will get him ready for that if needs be.

My mum was 8 then 4 hours with me and my sister, from start to finish.

Well I have 20 weeks to go. Must get him to watch some more births on telly. His two were by C-section and he quite enjoyed that. The only natural birth he's seen, on telly, caused him to go grey and sweaty.

Christ, I hope we don't have all 3 kids there on D-Day!

Hi - I'm not sure the prostin would have speeded things up necessarily - I was the same as you (unfavourable/got going straight away after one pessary), but still took the better part of a day to get to 8cm. Looks like you might have a nice fast (too fast?!) labour this time as well! Good luck with the homebirth plans, I'm going for one as well this time round (fingers crossed).

Should I raise this with hospital doctors at 20wk scan appointment, where DP will be coming, or with my MW?

I'm more worried about the possibility of a head injury when he hits the floor. He grated his finger instead of cheese once and had to have 20 minutes with his head between his legs.

We have spoken about it, and will just try to be ready. Most likely he'll be fine then have flashbacks for a month!

I had 2 lots of Prostin and nothing so they put me on the oxytocin drip.

HarryB - that's totally what I expected to happen too. Nowhere in the "about your induction" leaflet does it say 'could happen really fast'!