Pre Eclampsia -Induction experiences?

[Ohb0llocks]

Long story short...

Diagnosed officially with pre e yesterday evening after a week of back and fourth to the hospital with high bp (picked up at routine mw appointment), feeling generally unwell, and +++protein. Was allowed home for the night, back in today, just waiting for them to call at the time.

OB said she wants me being monitored today and mentioned a scan, so just waiting the appointment time for that.

She did say that I won’t be going full term which is terrifying but I’m trying to stay calm about it.

I’m 37 weeks today. Any idea when induction is likely? I’m very scared that it’s going to be a case of ‘well we will just wait until you’re/baby really ill then do it’.

And also what’s induction like? My DS who’s 3 came on his own (albeit 12 days late).

And any way to ease the fear of being away from him for so long? He stayed at my mums Saturday night for the first time in 2 years and I was a wreck. I miss him already and he’s asleep in the same bloody house!!!

I've had 3 inductions and they've all been very different.

Currently in hospital after my third induction. Gave me a good sweep (wasn't painful) on Thursday at my consultant appointment - lost my mucus plug then on Tuesday went in for propess for 24 hours, inserted at 1am - contractions started but it fell out twice once my waters went at 6am. 6pm the next day was put on the hormone drip as contractions slowed down after the propess fell out - didn't take any pain relief and slept through till around 4am when I was 4cm dilated and my hindwaters were broken. Contractions ramped up and around 5am I asked for an epidural and paracetamol. Had to have bloods done for the epidural which took half an hour at 6.30am. By this poInt my midwife said she thought it would be too late for an epidural as was over 7cm dilated so I asked for pethidine but was refused as baby measuring below the 10th centile. The drip had finished by this point and they agreed not to put it back but leave me to do it myself then 45 minutes later DD was born. They did threaten to put it back on if she wasn't born within the hour but thankfully she was. Those last 45 minutes I went a bit crazy but she got here in the end.

Moral of the story - don't wait too late to ask for an epidural. With my first 2 inductions I asked for the epidural before the drip started as I heard it was much more painful. I pretty much slept through both of those and woke to push basically telling the midwifes that I wanted the epidural turned off 2 hours roughly before pushing so I could feel myself push. I just decided this time I wanted the full experience. I don't regret it but if it had been my first time I'm sure I would have been horrified.

Also remember different hospitals have different policies - so my hospital let you eat and drink on the drip. You're not allowed to eat I think with the epidural. Also I was on the drip for 11 hours - other hospital don't seem to allow that.

Finally, you've had one baby already so your body knows what to do and induction is more likely on your side as opposed to a FTM as you've done it before. The cervix never fully closes once you've had a baby so you're probably already 1cm and the propess will soften your cervix for delivery.

I've been in hospital now for 3 nights, laboured the middle night and I'm escaping today. I'm sure your son will be fine with your mum. They really do surprise you - I always worry about leaving my boys with their grandparents but they always seem to enjoy it. He can come and visit you in hospital - my children are feral so I try and keep it short for the sake of other patients.

I’m just on the monitor now and then I think she’s going to pop it in 😬

Peassary In

I ended up having a c section when I had PE as for some reason the consultant didn't want to induce me - I remember the registrar saying 'He's said it's ARM (artificial rupture of membranes) or section' when the midwife queried it. My cervix was nowhere near ready so I went straight to theatre.

One thing I remember is being told that an epidural is usually encouraged asap with PE, as it can lower the blood pressure substantially. The pain relief is a huge bonus too! So hopefully you'll be a priority for an epidural should you want one.

DS was in neonatal for a couple of weeks, purely due to him getting very cold just after he was born (the delivery suite was freezing!). Then he developed jaundice which took a while to sort out, but he was fine just a bit small (5lb 0oz). I was fit for discharge after a week - they struggled to get my BP down again and stable. I recovered well though and just had to take Labetalol for about 3m afterwards. I didn't develop it during my next pregnancy - it's a lot less likely the happen again if the father is the same (my DP goty pissed off with me being asked if it was the same dad at every single appointment until I explained the reason for this).

Good luck OP, hope all goes smoothly for you

Just been for a massive walk round the hospital. Had to stop a few times. Feel a lot of pressure but not really any pain!

Good luck. The pressure is what started off my contractions!

Pains now and lots of shaking!

Fingers crossed it's all going well for you both

Thankyou! I’m in the bath now! Had some codine too.

I had pre-eclampsia at 32 weeks. Was admitted to hospital, discharged after a few days with the aim of getting to 37 weeks. Was readmitted the next day and decision to induce was made at 33+5. Had already discussed with the consultant that I'd rather try induction than go straight to section. When I was examined for the pessary, I was "surprisingly favourable". Pessary in mid-afternoon along with drip for IV labetalol. BP remained uncontrolled so about midnight the started a drip of magnesium sulphate. It was dreadful. I had to have a catheter, not allowed to eat, and only allowed tiny amounts to drink. Waters broken 6am then drip started after. Because of continuous monitoring, 3 drips and a catheter, no getting up for me but I felt so awful I didn't care. Managed to 4cm on my own, to 6cm with gas and air then got epidural. This was partially effective but much better than before. 7.30 PM, baby's heartbeat crashed, so rush to theatre for c/section under GA. DS came out crying. He is small but fine. Spent a week in neonatal and our last night in hospital was together. I wasn't prepared for the long postnatal stay, took ages for my BP to settle. Stopped all meds at 7 weeks postpartum. Have just got almost-6-month-old DS off to sleep.

Had some more codine and sent DP home so we can both get some rest. I’m just snoozing.

Need a wee bit darent get up incase contractions start up bad again!

Bp has been steady surprisingly. 130/77 at last check.

Sounds like it's all going well OP.

Went for a wee all was fine, led drifting off and the pains came back. Went for another wee and I’m not sure if my waters have started to break. Got some more codine so just waiting for that to kick in. Sat on the bed rocking back and fourth must look a right oddball!

I just moaned like a cow dying when I was in labour. Ended up having to have a CS but I put my time in!

Are you choosing to have pain relief?

Ok, now I've just remembered you've mentioned codeine twice. How far along are you?

Yes just codine and paracetamol at the minute

As in how dilated.

No idea not been examined yet, just called DP told him to come back. Can feel myself starting to panic and lose control

I fully expect to awake to your response of baby having being born by the time I wake up tomorrow. Such a special time.

Nothing to worry about pet. It's all in hand. Tell your midwife if you're distressed. They should be able to calm you and reassure you.

I was induced at 37 weeks with Dd. I had pre-eclampsia and the whole process took 17 hours until start to finish. Looking back I was an emotional wreck and I hated having to be constantly monitored. They kept us in hospital for 3 days as my BP was of concern post birth and as my kidneys had started to shut down they wanted to make sure I was healthy. Dd was pretty healthy. She did develop jaundice but it was well under control.

Good luck x

It would be nice to have your dp with you though.