Induction booked for Saturday and very anxious

[megadude]

Hi Everyone,

This is my second birth, and after going into labour spontaneously at 37 weeks last time, this time the LO doesn't want to go anywhere, and I will be 41 + 12 on Saturday when I'm booked in to be induced.

I know this is nothing compared to what lots of people go through, but I'm getting really anxious and a bit upset about how things are going. My first baby was 6lb 2oz, but was on track to be over 8lbs. This one feels massive, and has just gone back to back.

I've been having the beginning signs of labour a few times over the last fortnight, but then nothing. After my second sweep the MW said I'm 4-5 cm dilated already. I've had my show a couple of days ago.

I've had a good pregnancy up until I passed the due date, now I'm getting increasingly nervous, and the hormones are making me a bit teary. I hated being on the maternity ward last time, and this is where they will induce me. I'm sorry to be such a moaner, I'd be really grateful if anyone could share their experiences if they went 12 days over.

Thanks

I went in to be induced at the same point too. Wasn't looking forward to it as I wanted a natural birth. And that's exactly what I got. I had the pessary first, just a tiny thing the slip behind the baby's head. If this doesn't work after 24 hours they put you in a drip (this obviously may differ from area to area). Luckily I didn't get to the drip, and i suspect (although I have no medical qualifications!) that you wouldn't get the drip either as you're already dilated.

The birth progressed well and was very quick, so dont assume it'll be worse in any way.

Also, remember, you don't HAVE to agree to he induced. You are able to refuse if you choose. This is your body, your baby and your birthing experience.

Thankyou Lozmatoz. More nervous this time around than the first time, and really hoping things progress naturally.

Hi, I was induced with DC4 2 weeks ago on my due date. When I went in in the evening I was 1-2 cm dilated, I'd been having sporadic contractions over the previous week. The midwife told me she could have broken my waters to start the induction but it would be better to use some prostin gel to soften the cervix a bit more. If they had deemed the cervix to be "unfavourable" it would have been a pessary instead. Regular contractions started within minutes and labour progressed like a normal one from that point with no further intervention, DD3 was born in the early hours of the morning. I wasn't actually on the antenatal ward that long.
If you are already 4-5cm dilated they may just break your waters, I was told if this was to be done it would be on delivery ward, so you may not even be put on maternity ward.
Good luck!

Thanks Irishmammybread, I'm glad everyone's responses describe such a straightforward procedure.