Preparing for induction

[HazyDays81]

I’m being induced on Monday (unless anything happens in the meantime). Just wondered if anyone had an advice on how I can prepare & what to expect? I went into labour naturally with DS1&2 albeit 7 & 8 days overdue so expected the same again but this little one seems a little too comfy!

It does ramp up the contractions fairly quickly rather than giving you time to get used to them better. I was induced after 12 hours of labour as I wasn't progressing. Good luck!

When I was induced I went in at midday, was examined and had my waters broken straight away. I would guess with it being your 3rd baby this will be the case for you. They then waited a couple of hours for contractions to start but nothing happened so I was put on the drip. This was about 4pm. I was monitored so on a bed. The midwife would increase the dose every 30 mins until contractions started. They didn't really get going till about 6.30 pm but by 7 I was in agony. It was very intense with no gaps. I asked for pethidine but when the midwife was out getting it I got the urge to push. Couldn't speak when she came back in so she injected me, when the contraction finished I managed to tell her, she had a look and said yep baby's ready! Only took 3 pushes and he was out. I was up and about very quickly having a shower etc, after ds1 I couldn't actually get up without help for 3 days! I was hardly tired, just felt the elation.
The contractions can be waaaaaaay worse, but for me the whole thing was over much quicker. Once you go on the drip you can't eat so have something beforehand. I think I drank lucozade which you are allowed, definitely helped keep me going. Good luck!

Thank you ladies that is helpful to know. Good to hear it can be quick but not looking forward to the intense contractions. Will try & be focused on finally meeting my baby tho!

I was induced with DS2. I went in on the Saturday to begin proceedings. They test your cervix. If it’s still closed, they put something up there to see if it will soften it. For me, this didn’t work. Cue 24 hours in a hospital bed bored out of my mind. They next morning, they test again. If it’s still shit, they put another thingy up there to try again.
In my case, the next morning i was dilated 3cm. The drop was was put in my a at 3:30 pm and the baby was born at 6pm. The contractions were immense. And came on quick. Boom the epidural. You can always change your mind but let the anaesthetist know you want one in case it’s quick and they are too busy.
Good luck. I much preferred my induction to labour number one. I had one midwife with me who stayed by my side the whole time and barely left the room.

If planning to breastfeed start hand expressing now can help get things going.