Preparation for induction/what to expect

[EmC96]

I’m due to be induced on Monday at 40+4 weeks for several different reasons.

What should I expect/how can I prepare?
I’m hoping it won’t take days as my cervix is already ‘favourable’. It’s forward, central, soft & im 2 cm dilated. Babies head at position +2. Had another sweep on Thursday so May even be even more favourable by now.

Any tips?

I’d ask for an epidural before the drip. Contractions without the drip are manageable with very painful. Although not everyone needs the drip.

I've had 2 inductions 1st one with the drip and while its obviously painful, I didn't feel I needed a epidural and the 2nd induction I only needed the pessary and my body just done the rest and I found the pain to be the same both with the drip and without.

I don't know if there's other ways of doing it but with my inductions I was given the pessary waited a few hours in the antenatal ward/room for it to do its thing and I can't remember much but I think when your cervix is at a certain point they'll then put you onto labour ward and give you the drip. They should have mobile monitoring so you don't have to be stuck to the bed the whole time, they gave me a birthing ball to sit on too and basically just left me to it, popping in now and then to check on me and baby. My first was a 7.5 hour labour and the 2nd was a 6.5 hour so they don't always go on for days. Sounds like your cervix is done alot of the work already so hopefully it'll be quick for you

@Kalesandwich @gonewiththerain

Thanks ladies!