Induction / stretch and sweep advice needed

[tingelingle]

Hi, I'm 37+1 with non-id twins who are growing very well. I've had a complication-free pregnancy and can still put my right sock on (DH for left). I have a consultant's appointment on Monday where he has said he'll give me an internal exam to assess how things are going and would 'see if conditions were favourable for getting things going'. I believe he means he'll do a sweep and consider the potential for induction whilst he's down there. He is happy to let me go to 40 weeks if all is well though and if that is what I want. My hospital is trying to reduce c-section rates and support a natural delivery.

I'm ummming and ahhing about what to do. My first DD was born after a long labour ending on an epidural and syntocinin (sp?) after about 40 hours on gas and prayer. Ultimately though it was without complications and I delivered 'naturally' ie without instrumentation. So I am not against chemical intervention. But I still don't know what to do and would like some opinions.

The reasons I am even considering not going until term are:

1. I'm huge, uncomfortable and hate being pregnant. I want some puff back.
2. I'm scared of having twins and the disruption this will bring to our lives. The sooner they arrive, the sooner I can start to deal with the realities of having them and overcome this fear, which I know I will be able to do.
3. I am worried about leaving DD when I go into hospital so again, the sooner I can get on with things, the sooner I can give her a big cuddle and get going with the new phase of our lives.

I'm not against epidurals, I'm not against c-sections, I don't want instrumentation.

So I guess the main thing is, given all the above, why not get booked in some time next week for an induction, when I'll be 38 weeks plus? I'm hoping for stories that are both for and against this decision! Thanks.

I appreciate your dilemma and i'm very sorry i'm not going to be much help here, but my advice would be to have a very good discussion with your consultant and do what is medically best for you and the babies.

I completely sympathise with your reasons for wanting to get it over with (have been there myself) but you will have to deal with those things whenever you give birth so I wouldn't put too much weight on those reasons. As long as you do your best to include your daughter and make the effort to show her she's still your special girl she'll be fine.

I think it's good that you're open-minded about most aspects of it though, induction isn't always a terrible experience, I had 2 fantastic births after being induced.

Best of luck to you whatever you decide though x

Many thanks, you make a good point about having to deal with my reasons for wanting it over and done with one day or another. Thanks for the support. Good to know that induction wasn't a negative experience for you either.

Ho hum, we'll see and maybe they'll decide for me over the weekend.

I begged to have my two evicted from 35 weeks I had had a very easy pregnancy but was just massive and uncomfortable and wanted them out lol
She finally agreed to induce me at 37 weeks, They broke my first set of waters but nothing happened so put me on a drip, it took a while to work (2 hours ish) but from first contraction to both babies took 47 minutes and was no worse than my first labour.

No one can decide but you x

I can honestly say though that having twins hasnt been anywhere near as bad as I imagine, yes there have been hard days but its amazing how you just get on and manage

Hope everything goes well whatever you decide x

Hi, just seen your message 3ismylot (that could be my username too!). Just to say thanks for replying. I went to 39 weeks in the end and was granted an induction because the growth scan showed no movement since the previous fortnight. Turned out the growth scan was a load of rubbish, totally out on both babies. But anyway, had an induction - after 6 hours was 2 cm, 1 1/2 hours later I was cuddling both girls. Ouch! But it's so nice to be able to sleep on my tummy again!

And so far twins has been ok. A few blips but mostly hormonal. I'm really enjoying it actually. Thanks again for replying.

Hi i know you've had your twins but others who are reading and who may be in a similar situation may also like to know having twins really isnt as bad as people lead you to assume. Mine are 16 days old and i'm coping fine, looking after DD who is 5 also which seems to be the most challenging (only because she likes to talk back and so forth!) ;)
But also i'm raising these 3 practically alone as DP is away at work so much but im doing fine - loving my babies and not exhausted either..and no my house isnt a tip - im managing to keep up with all the housework too!

So for those of you who are worried dont be, just relax and enjoy every moment!

Twins really are a double blessing x

Hi i know you've had your twins but others who are reading and who may be in a similar situation may also like to know having twins really isnt as bad as people lead you to assume. Mine are 16 days old and i'm coping fine, looking after DD who is 5 also which seems to be the most challenging (only because she likes to talk back and so forth!) ;)
But also i'm raising these 3 practically alone as DP is away at work so much but im doing fine - loving my babies and not exhausted either..and no my house isnt a tip - im managing to keep up with all the housework too!

So for those of you who are worried dont be, just relax and enjoy every moment!

Twins really are a double blessing x