Induction questions, what to expect and how to pass the time

[Nov19]

I’m 38+5 due to be induced on Sunday due to high blood pressure and reduced movement. I had a sweep on Monday and again yesterday which I’m hoping gets things going naturally but I don’t have much faith. On examination for the sweep the midwife said I’m about 2cm, cervix has moved further forward between Monday and Thursday so it’s about where it should be now so hopefully it can continue to dilate. She said it’s still quite long but she wouldn’t expect it to shorten more than It has until I’m in active labour so it all sounds good to me.

The midwife said during the induction they give a pessary first for 24 hours to get your cervix in a position where they can break your waters. She said she doesn’t think I would need that as you could break my waters now most likely so it could be a case of waiting for a bed on delivery suite straight away.

I’m just wondering, in case I do need the pessary (even if not as it can be a long process to just wait for a bed on delivery suite) what sort of things Did you do to keep yourself occupied? Were you able to go for a walk? I have books and magazines but I can only read for about an hour before I get a headache. I have Sky Go but I don’t watch a lot of TV to be able to pass much time with that. I struggle to sleep anywhere that’s not my own bed so I’m worried I’ll just be awake all night.
I’m struggling for ideas!

Also, how long was from going into the hospital for an induction til you were discharged with your baby? Due to medication I’m taking I may have to stay in for 24 hours post birth for closer observations on the baby. I’m just making sure I’ve got enough things ready for me (comfy clothes/pyjamas).

Any words of reassurance would be appreciated as I’m so nervous about the induction process. It feels like everyone only has negative stories to share!

I had first pessary 8pm. Was in labour by 11pm but in their wisdom they gave a lather. Full on labour in delivery suite by 7 and had him at 10. I was fine until 7am. Uncomfortable it ok. Had a bath, read my book, dozed a bit but didn’t sleep. Good luck! Sounds like you’re nearly there anyway!

I'll be watching this with interest, I'm booked for induction on Monday, currently 40+9 and at my sweep on wednesday the midwife said my cervix was still very much closed, nothing happening at all. I'm hoping things will get going on their own but it's looking unlikely.

My midwife told me I wouldn't be able to go home once the process was started but they would encourage me to go for walks, get food at the cafeteria etc, keep active. I've been downloading stuff onto a tablet so I have some tv shows and films to watch, and books to read too. I might take my knitting too. Do you do any crafts or hobbies? Or have you wanted to learn? Now might be the time!

I@Whoopstheregomyinsides thank you that sounds a lot better than the scaremongering I’ve heard about it taking days! I know it can go either way but I’d like to go in feeling positive, I’m hoping with things progressing already it should be a fairy smooth process!

@katmarie ah good luck! I’ll keep my fingers crossed something starts naturally for you, you never know! Baking is my usual hobby which unfortunately isn’t something I can do in hospital But speaking of crafts I may buy some colouring books they usually keep me entertained for a while and I’ve not had one for ages!