Being Induced

[Cavalierlover14]

Hi, I'm due my baby on 7th April but I'm induced on1st April as my baby is measuring 2 weeks behind. This is my first baby and I'm a bit nervous and unsure of what to expect.
I have to get an Epidural also as I have Epilepsy and they want to reduce the risk of me having a seizure during labour.
Has anyone got any advice on what I should expect with labour induction and how long it may or may not take to give birth?

You will have an increase chance of a c section so be prepared for that.

How longs a piece of string! For some it's quick others not and being induced doesn't mean it will work. I was induced and it worked with one pessary. My friend had pessary after pessary and the contractions would start but go away! She had a section in the end after 3 days of trying.

Lots of people say induction is terrible but on the whole my experience was okay, i went in and had pains 2 hours after pessary was inserted. I laboured all night and day and had my daughter 24 hours after the pains started. I did have to have an episiotomy but I expected that, and it was a struggle to get her out they were going to intervene if I hadn't of birthed her when I did. I think everyone's experience is different but go in with an open mind and be aware your induction could fail. Take lots of books, magazines, snacks, drinks, birthing ball. Be open to pain relief and nice warm baths really really helped me with the pain, along with gentle walks. Be open to help they offer I.e forceps and you may need a c section but as long as your little one is delivered safely it's doesn't matter how they get here. Good luck, I wish you the best x

I will try and be prepared for a c section. Thank you :-)

Very difficult to say. I was induced at 40+12 with DS, pessary at 10am, contractions started at 2am that night, DS born at 1:15pm. It was painful but I ran out of time for an epidural and he was 9lb 6oz. I had stitches for a 2nd degree tear but they were fine and I was up and about walking 3/4 miles the next week.

I'm 40 weeks with DC2 on Tuesday and there are no signs of anything happening any time soon so I'm starting to get my head around being induced again. I really wanted to avoid it this time but I think my plan is to ask for an epidural a lot earlier and hope I actually get one this time - you've already got that covered!

The great thing about induction is that you're in hospital so none of this waiting around at home, wondering when to go in, being turned away or delivering on the side of the road. The waiting is boring so take lots of magazines and snacks!

Wishing you lots of luck, it will be fine one way or another and you will have a lovely baby to cuddle very soon

Thank you guys for sharing your experiences. I am starting to feel a bit more at ease about everything, and I am really looking forward to having my baby in my arms.

I will take heed and bring lots of reading material and tell my husband to bring a packed lunch :-D xx

I had a good induction, it just took quite a long time (pessary in Saturday morning, baby born Monday evening) - definitely bring entertainment, ear plugs/eye mask so you can get some sleep if you're there a while, decent snacks and lots of comfy clothes.

I had an epidural with mine and it was lovely, I had a nice sleep and felt calm and in control when it was time to push.

Hope all goes well! x

You will be fine, you just have to be aware it's not as simple as just being induced because they can fail and it can be hard to get labour started but hopefully it won't be that way for you. I'll keep my fingers crossed that your induction takes quickly ! Also make sure the hospital staff listen to you, if you're in pain tell them, if you need pain relief ask for it ! Deep breaths to keep you calm, can't stress enough warm baths 😂 they were a god send for me and helped me to dilate quicker, I felt so relaxed just floating there and I'm presuming it does the same for a lot of women 🤷🏻‍♀️ good luck and update once your babe is here ! Xx