what happens when you are induced?

[booyhoo]

am 40+ 4 today and going for a sweep on wed to hopefully start labour. however if that doesnt work i think i have to be induced at 40+10. really im just asking what happens and what i should expect, ie; quick labour/ slow labour/ pain relief options/ how active can i be during labour? whats normal

Hi! I've had 3 births. the last two both induced at 40 plus 10. i wouldn't say labour was any more painful than with number one. but when things got going it all went rather quickly.(2 hrs with number 2 and 40mins with number 3)My advice would be if you think you'll like pain relief ask early. I was worried before my 2 inductions, but honestly, they were fine! sweeps didn't work for me-had to have prostin pessaries. was still advised to walk around the ward as much as possible to get things going!
Really feel for you, as every day over 40 weeks seems like a week! Hope all goes well for you!!

Every hospital is different. Firstly you don't 'have' to be induced at any stage, it's up to you! I belive that after 42 weeks you need to be monitored regularly to make sure that baby is ok but it's honestly not heard of to go into labour naturally at 43 or 44 weeks. You should have the opportunity to discuss this with your consultant at your 41 week appt if you get that far, but remember, you're in charge and they are there to advise you, not force you into anything.

Sorry if I sound a tad against induction, I'm honesty not, I just hate it that mums to be (esp 1st time mums) are led to believe that they don't have a choice in what goes on.

I had to be induced with my first as he was almost 4 weeks early and my waters had gone but labour hadn't got underway. I believe I was in early labour when I went to hosp as I was having regular pains but I ended up having to have a pessary induction. I don't think it did much to me to be honest, it didn't appear to speed things up or hurt more than I'd expected. I was advised to walk lots though which I did and I'm sure the pressure of baby's head on my cervix helped more in the long run. All went well though.

With baby No2 I went into natural labour but I'd also gone 4 days overdue! I'd walked and walked in the few days leading up to labour & I'm certain that this again helped & I can't recommend it enough.

I'm sure everything will be fine for you & try not to worry. The midwives will support you through every step and should explain what they're doing and what you should/could feel once induction has started.

Good luck

thanks for those responses, i really was under the impression i had to be induced at 40+10. i guess the hospital make it seem like that cause it means you just take their advice then. i have ben walking quite alot, lots of baths and bouncing on a birthing ball aswell so hopefully i will go into labour naturally but it really helps to have an idea of what will happen if i dont. thanks again.