Natural labour after induction?

[cheesybeano]

Just wondering if anyone has gone into labour naturally after being induced with previous pregnancies?

This is my 3rd baby. With my 1st I had to be induced because my waters went and I didn't go into labour after 24 hrs and my 2nd was a planned induction.

I'd love to go into labour naturally this time, I'm just wondering will my body even know what to do as it's never had the chance before? Probably an irrational thought lol. Also will a natural labour be quicker/longer? I just have never read about people in this situation so I'm not sure what to expect

Yes me. DS1 was induced for being 'overdue' at 42 weeks and it wasn't the best experience. I've since realised I grow long big babies and he was dated ahead. I was probably induced too early for him and he was really more like 6 days overdue when he came. I put my foot down with DS2, stuck to my dates and said he'd come when he was ready. He came at 8 days overdue, lovely home birth too. DS1's labour was 66 hours and hurt like hell. DS2 was 2 hours from start to finish. The first hour I denied I was in labour because it 'didn't hurt enough'. Midwives arrived as I started to push 10 minutes before he was born. It was great and I'm planning a home birth again for this baby.

I was induced with my first at 38 weeks, DS came naturally at 40+5 with no problems- a calm home birth. Currently 38 weeks with my third so watching the clock as it were to see when this one makes an appearance!

I dont have experience of this, BUT, wanted to say I am a bit worried they will think baby is overdue but actually won't be as like you said @eventhecathasapenis I think they dated baby ahead. I know when I ovulated due to temping and so that due date is 1 Sep, however at dating scan they said DD is 28 August.

Anyway, we shall see! I am ready to resist induction if I need to and I guess knowing when I ovulated will help to reassure me if baby is late.

OP I think you would have every chance of a natural labour! Being induced before definitely does not mean you can't go into natural labour. x

@IslayBrigid - stick to your guns. They've already tried to date me a week ahead this pregnancy at my dating scan. I just laughed and said 'So you're telling me I ovulated on day 8 of a 30 day cycle?' The male sonographer said yes while his female colleague stood behind shaking her head at him 😂 So they've agreed to use my dates again which is good because I know I'll go past my due date again. I firmly believe that most inductions for overdue babies (not medical reasons of course) are totally unnecessary. They come when they come. So don't fear about your body not knowing what to do OP, it absolutely does.

Yes. Me too. Induction, just like you, for the first, after waters broke and 24hrs later still no proper labour. Induced at 9am, baby born at 9pm. Had to have an epidural and a catheter - not nice.

Second, had a bath at 9pm and mucus plug came away. Went to sleep, woke up at 10.30pm with contractions, dropped DD1 off with grandparents, got to hospital at 11.30pm baby born at 1pm. Quick, brilliant, only gas and air. She literally dropped out .

@eventhecathasapenis (crazy username by the way haha oh I've just figured out what it says ) thank you for your message & reassurance! exactly, I'm sure some babies are just bigger. At least I'll know that once 40 weeks comes it's actually 4 more days till she will actually be 40 weeks gestation! So maybe I'll consider induction if I get to 42+4 haha. Obviously unless there is a need to do it earlier. I don't like the thought of having pressure put on though or having to go in for monitoring every day. I should have insisted to keep my due date as 1 Sep. Oh well! My partner was early when he was born and I was a week late. Not sure if that would affect baby's appearance at all!

I am at the moment aiming for a home birth, and my midwife is great... it's my first baby so still in learning mode!

I'm just wondering will my body even know what to do as it's never had the chance before?

Every first time mum who goes into labour naturally has a body that's never done it before. It'll be fine. Good luck x

Thank you - what can I say, I'm good at making boys...then we got a boy cat 😂

Thank you all! I also have the added bonus of needing active management as I've haemorrhaged before so I supposed that's making me overthink labour and worry about it more

I have my fingers crossed for you! But wanted to link to this study, where women were induced or left to go over 42 weeks. They ended the study early as six babies in the 42w+ group died: www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/oct/28/post-term-pregnancy-research-cancelled-babies-die-sweden

Yes me! Had 2 inductions at 42 weeks airy one and two, with number three I went into labour myself the day before my planned induction. Because I didn't know what the build up really felt like I didn't know when to go in, I didn't want to be there for hours so waited all day. I called when the contractions were every 6 mins and I couldn't speak through them, expecting to be told to come in when closer but when they asked if it was my 1st baby and I said 3rd they told me to get over there asap as 30 min drive. So glad I did as DS was born about 45 mins after I arrived It was brilliant.

@pjani 6 babies in 2,500 died. Currently the stillbirth rate in the U.K. is 4 in 1,000 so it’s worth considering relative risk. I’m not saying that the placenta doesn’t degenerate at some point, for some women, but there is a lot of factors to consider. And particularly where women are sure of their dates (ultrasound dating is by no means an exact science and can be out by a few days certainly), there is an argument for a watchful waiting approach.

www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/induction-of-labour-at-or-before-42-weeks-of-pregnancy-new-evidence/

@Bienentrinkwasser - couldn't agree more. The risk of still birth at 42 is actually the same as at 38 weeks. Anyone can check that too, it's in the BMJ. First trimester ultrasound is only accurate to +/- 7 days, second trimester even less. Let's not forget every method of delivery, (including induction) at any time, has it's risks.

I was induced with my 1st and 3rd. Had my 2nd naturally at 40+2 and out of all 3 labours my 2md was the nicest and calmer

I didn't actually think you were allowed to go over 42 weeks. I had my first at 37.5 and second at 39

@cheesybeano - you're allowed to do whatever you want. Medics are only ever there to advise. I've had several heated discussions when they pipe up 'I'm not going to allow this or this'. Once it's clear you know your rights they back down. It helps that I am medically trained myself as they understand I know my rights. The fundamental principle is informed consent. You have to freely consent to every procedure and you have to be aware of the risks and benefits to do that.

Me!
Induced with first at 31 plus 6 and had the works (drip etc) and assisted delivery
Induced with 2nd at 41 plus 5 but only needed waters broken and baby born six hours later.
Went into labour myself at 41 plus 1 with number 3 and 41 plus 3 with number 4. Both 3 and 4 had sweeps though- are they even possible now?😬