Just been told I'm being induced next Tuesday...

[Champagneformyrealfriends]

and I'm really scared! I feel completely unprepared. DH is so excited and I just feel like the rugs been pulled from under my feet!

Champagne listen to me: I was in the identical situ to you 6 weeks ago

1. My bishop score was 1 and stayed that way all through the sweeps and inductions. The reality is that if it sits at >5 continuous throughout induction you'll end up with a CS.
2. I had the 24h pessary, then the 6h one and another 6h one. None worked. I was told after the 2nd failed one they may end up just putting me on the drip if the 3rd one failed and only THEN break my waters. I replied with "we shall see" delivered through tears and with an expression of pure hate.
3. After pessary #3 they examined me one last time to determine that I was really closed. That ought to be the last internal exam for you. I was in so much pain at that point but I knew I had to just bear that last one and I could legitimately say "no more you have all the info you need". I don't know what they'd need to do again after that final rummage. Your cervix is open or closed. Thats all they need to know.
4. biggest piece of advice don't dictate what you want to the doctor. Ask "so the pessaries have failed, what are my options?" Be calm and look them dead in the eyes. Looking like you're in control of your shit is your best friend at this key point and will aid your being taken seriously.

I was exhausted and both physically and emotionally bruised after pessaries and gels. I was ready to scream for a CS. By staying calm and going "ok, what do you suggest" they uttered the magic word "Caesarian" and 7h later my baby was in my arms.

Don't fear the CS. I am needle-phobic and generally squeamish. Let me tell you now with good authority that if you end up with a CS you've been through the worst already. After my pessary experiences I was on a massive high waiting for the CS, telling all staff "I've never been so up for an operation - EVER!!!"

My heart goes out to you but I think you've been through the worst.

Just remember; it's worth letting the doctors think they've come up with an idea rather than you dictating what you want. But if they don't offer a CS, don't be afraid to listen to what they do suggest (drip probably) and then say "any alternatives"?

If you end up getting dripped get an epidural basically as soon as it starts. But I think you'll end up with a CS.

If you do, I promise this will all be over before you know it

In theory they could I guess.....But they have a duty of care towards you and your baby. If you are in too much pain to have any further examinations or to have your waters broken then they need to find a practical way forward and I very much doubt they will refuse. Realistically they know that it's quite a likely consequence of your Labour anyway even if they do more examinations or do manage to break your waters so they are unlikely to be particularly reluctant.

But that just what I have gleaned from experience and mumsnet. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will come soon.

Someone more knowledgeable came before me! Great advice. Best of luck and

dynavoran nails it: they know at this stage you'll more likely than not end up with a CS.

Just let them tell you that and you'll be home and dry.

X-post love in haha!

Thanks all!! I'm still not up for the next examination-I feel quite strongly that I don't want it and I want to ask for a CS so I'm hoping that when they come round I can convince them that it's an option. Some great advice from everybody-

Let us know how you get on but the trick is not you convincing them - it's repeatedly asking for the options and letting the doctors (don't bother with midwives they don't have the authority to make such decisions) think they've suggested the "solution".

Pushing the CS issue is more than likely to make the docs back off and have you seen as a "fussy first time mum".

Shit, but true.

I got to this stage with examinations. I firmly declined any more and insisted on section.
I had already had one section so they didn't argue.

If you don't want the examinations though, don't have them. I found it really violating and quite distressing afterwards.

I was refuse a c section - or they said it wasn't an emergency it would be an elective so they would stop the induction and book me in that afternoon not as priority tho.

I was about to go in the drip do u know full well I would have had the baby by the time I went to theatre.

Please believe me when I say it very likely the pessaries do nothing I had 6 and went to 1cm then back again.

I was glad in the end I was told no as I was up and about the next day and out the house etc (I'm not knocking a c section but there is a light at the end of the induction tunnel and I got through a full 4 day induction)

Once in the drip you will fly - good luck xxx

northern that's what I kept telling myself but to be honest for me the c section recovery and the forceps one were quite similar, so whilst it is a consideration it's not a done deal either way unfortunately.

Having said that though if I have another I would definitely hope for a natural Labour for those reasons and would do everything I could to try and get my body to cooperate, but if faced with an induction I'd always ask for cs instead.

champagne I'm thinking of you lots and hoping you are able to make the right decisions for you and get support from your medical team.

I've spoken to the consultant today and they're leaving me alone for 24 hours-after that they'll examine me again - if I'm "favourable" I'll have my waters broken, if not it'll
be a caesarean. I feel better knowing there's a plan and that I'm going to be left alone for a bit first!

I'll keep everybody posted

I didnt have forceps although I know induction usually ends in assistance.

The consultant said push this baby out or the forceps come out. I pushed

Also I did have my waters broken while non favourable not pleasant they use a hook but it did the trick and is a weird thing to experience the gush X

Just keep moving hopefully it'll get things going! I've been there I know it's tough and no one told me induction was like this or I probably would have told them to F off but you will have your baby here soon x

3 failed pessaries and a 24h wait?

OP you have the patience of a saint. Still rooting for you xx

You're doing so well and keeping in a good state of mind op. Thinking of you.
I shouldn't really respond to northern because I don't want to derail your thread op, but I'm a bit baffled at the face in your letter after saying you didn't need forceps because you pushed when you were told. Our bodies are all different and I'm pretty sure most of us who had forceps or ventouse also tried our best to push....no puzzled faces needed.

No you took it the wrong way. The other post to me was about c section or forceps.

The consultant basically said push the baby out or I get the forceps out. I was probably getting tired so she tried to move it along a bit.

Thanks again everyone! I'm really fed up still-not sure how I'll face the examination tomorrow morning or the breaking waters (if they can!). I'm sick of internals and in pain still! I've no patience at all 2many I'm miserable! I keep crying.

Dude, you could've floated an ocean going liner on the amount of tears I cried. You are doing fab. Just one more rummage and you'll get your final answer tomorrow. I hope you can relax to some degree tonight: the emmerdale omnibus kept my sanity stable for a wee bit in the dead of night when I was high on anxiety and exhaustion

You REALLY CAN refuse examinations and breaking water.

I would absolutely (and did) refuse to have my waters broken through a basically closed cervix. Having my waters broken at 4cm with baby one was bad enough. I point blank refused, and you can too.

Just say 'I'm really not comfortable having another internal. I've found them painful and I don't want another. With this in consideration, what are my options?'

Your only option will then be a section, so let them tell you that and then agree to it.

You really really REALLY do not have to consent to painful and intimate examinations.

I'm not sure I would opt for a c section over having my waters broken. It doesn't really compare.

It's so hard champagne, you're doing so well coping with the whole process and being able to articulate and properly consider the options despite being so tired and in pain. have courage in your ability to make the right decisions....we all have faith in you.

northern I don't know if anyone is comparing per se it's more of a case of should the OP ask the Dr "what next" those will be the likely two options and that a CS ought to put a stop to requiring anymore unpleasant internal (and possibly unnecessary) exams; the outcome the OP is seeking.

Champagne I know I don't know you but I've been thinking about your situation all day - everyone on this thread is rooting for you. Be strong and firm and remember: they want the baby out, you want the baby out. Be clear, be calm, be confident and it will all be over soon x

2ManySweets thank you-it's lovely to know people are thinking about me particularly when I feel as low as I do. I'm dreading today-I'll be examined this morning then the decision will be made whether to break my waters or go for a c section.

dynevoran Thank you for having faith in me even when I don't myself! It's so hard when the doctors and midwives don't understand the anxiety around my fears. I'm asking for a MW to do my examination-nothing to do with the sex of the person but I found my last internal with a doctor way more invasive than the mw's have been. I'm not sure if I want them to say they can't break my waters or they can. On the one hand I'm prettified of more internals but on the other I don't want an operation! My parents are really against the c section and quite vocal about it which is making me doubt things a lot. I've been told in great detail about how much pain I'll be in during recovery. I'm not sure my mum really understands the likelihood of an EMCS/vontousse/forceps delivery with an induction. She just seems to think they'll break my waters and baby will be born with ease!