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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

induction question

12 replies

MrsRV · 05/04/2014 20:55

so, due to obstetric cholestasis I will be induced in 2/3 weeks time at week 37.

second pregnancy - DD is 2.

will I be allowed an epidural?????? or do they discourage for fear of slowing down induction progressing??

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PenguinsEatSpinach · 05/04/2014 21:03

They'll try and start things off with ARM and the pessary first. But yes, I've known people demand an epidural in place before the drip.

Bear in mind that they can't 'make' you have the drip without epidural. They can advise, but they can't force the drip in your arm. I think sometimes knowing it is your own choice helps mentally too.

Original poster

MrsRV · 05/04/2014 21:25

I'm happy to have the drip, I think... but then wanted to make sure that they won't try and fob me off if I can't cope. if I really can't have one then put up & shut up but I'd like to know that induction doesn't automatically mean no epidural!

whats ARM?

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Original poster

MrsRV · 05/04/2014 21:27

in fact, how will induction work? I won't be admitted, started off & sent home?? once induction starts I'm there for long haul? x

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Witchesbrewandbiscuits · 05/04/2014 21:35

No you won't be sent home. Usually you will be given pessary on induction suite, and will have access to co codamol etc. if things don't progress, you can have another pessary, then drip. Once you are in established labour (4cm) you will be transferred to labour suite and can have an epidural.

Witchesbrewandbiscuits · 05/04/2014 21:36

ARM is artificial rupture of membranes or breaking your waters.

PenguinsEatSpinach · 05/04/2014 21:36

ARM= breaking your waters.

Not been induced myself, but friends who have have been given pessary in the evening, sent to ante natal for the night, moved if they go into labour overnight or given the drip in the morning. That probably varies by hospital though

Pregnantagain7 · 05/04/2014 21:44

Hi firstly IME the encourage you to have an epidural( providing it's what you want) I've had two inductions both were really good and positive experiences and I had an epidural with both.
With the first one they put a pessary in for 24hrs to try and start contractions and to try and get my cervix to dilate the aim was to either get me into full blown labour or dilate enough to break waters ( 2-3 cms) I was free to walk round go for a coffee in the hospital had to be back every 4 hrs for monitoring. I had a few cramps nothing major they broke my waters next morning left me for an hour to see what happened. I was having regular decent contractions but the said not enough so the put me on the drip. The increase the amount of hormone released every half an hour ie the pains get stronger I wanted to see how would cope and managed an hour then asked them to arrange an epi I wasn't in agony but knew I def didn't want it to get worse. They didn't increase it again till I had the epidural in, I had a relaxed lovely labour dd was back to back so when I was fully dilated they left me and hour to see if she would turn ( I had a nap!) she didn't turn pushed out fine 7lbs13 back to back no stitches.

Second very similar except had epidural in place before the broke my waters ds born about seven hrs later back to back 10lb 8 no stitches.both great births.

Sorry that turned into and epic post! Hope it helps :)

Pregnantagain7 · 05/04/2014 21:45

Sorry should have said epidural can't slow the drip down its much to hardcore!

Pregnantagain7 · 05/04/2014 21:46

Too not to

HelenHen · 06/04/2014 10:40

I've been induced twice! First time it was scheduled for 2pm Monday. It was really busy so they didn't do anything til 10pm and put the pessary in for 24 hours. Nothing happened so Tuesday night they broke my waters just before midnight and moved me to delivery suite to go on the drip. Mw seemed determined to give me epidural but I just had pethadine. I went into Labour about 6am and had him just after 9.

Second time completely different. Induction booked for 10am, gave me the pessary at 2pm after I declined a sweep. Can't remember what time they moved me to delivery suite, maybe 10pm and told me to go to sleep. Had some strong period cramps but got little bits of sleep, at 3.50 it got a little intense, mw checked me, I was 3cm and had a show, so they gave me pethadine! She said I could get in the pool when the drugs wear off in 4 hours. This never happened cos baby was born 55 minutes later after a 40 min labour and my waters broke just before she was born!

wishinwaitinhopin · 06/04/2014 11:07

I was induced and had an epidural. My partner asked on my behalf and was quite forceful

MrsCakesPremonition · 06/04/2014 11:11

I was induced early. I was offered an epidural when it came to putting me on the drip. I declined and the MWs did explain that most people have the epidural due to the intensity and speed of contractions. I had an epidural a couple of hours later.
I got the impression that epidurals on the drip were pretty standard.

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