Being induced via Dilapan rods tomorrow - constantly on the verge of a panic attack - talk me down!

[moonriver32]

So I'm currently 41+5 and being induced tomorrow using Dilapan-S rods. I had a sweep on Wednesday which I found absolutely horrible, so uncomfortable/painful and I completely forgot how to breathe during it.

I've done an online hypnobirthing course via the Positive Birth Company and was feeling fairly calm about labour the whole pregnancy, apart from the usual nerves - I knew it had to be done!

But today, knowing tomorrow is the day, I'm panicking - I feel constantly on the verge of a panic attack.

At the sweep the midwife said she managed to do a good one and that I was 1-2cm dilated, but cervix was still quite long. The plan for tomorrow is to go in, have the rods inserted then hopefully go home for 12-24 hours before coming back for the next stages. But I just have no idea what to expect, if I'm more dilated I assume they could skip to breaking my waters and I might have to stay in... After finding the sweep so awful I'm now terrified of them putting the rods in, and all the potential examinations to follow.

Has anyone had any positive experiences of induction, particularly using the RODS? Or if anyone has any wise words or tips of how to calm down ahead of tomorrow they'd be much appreciated!

Hello, I don't have any experience with the rods but I can sympathise with being worried about it after finding the sweeps painful.

I was induced using pessaries and got quite sore. When they came to break my waters I had to tell them to stop as it hurt too much. An absolutely lovely midwife then came along and offered me some lube that numbs the area! She used it and I barely felt a thing! I had no idea it existed and wish someone had told me about it before. Please speak to the midwives about it tomorrow.

Once they did manage to break my waters, my son arrived within 3 hours on only gas and air.

Please don't worry. It was a far easier experience than I thought I would be.

I found have a sweep unbelievably painful. I have been induced 3 times and nothing has been anywhere close to the pain of a sweep.

No advice RE the rods but my hospital let me use gas and air whilst they were inserting the pessaries and suppository, you could maybe ask if you could too or the lube as PP mentioned. Good luck OP

Thanks all, it's actually reassuring to know that other people have found sweeps to be mega painful and even the worst part!

Really helpful to know about the lube and the gas and air - I will definitely ask about both tomorrow, I wouldn't have known to do that so appreciate the tips!

I've just been so anti-induction the whole way through and now we're actually here. Argh!

Try to meditate or listen to the hypnobirthing meditation. It needs to be done and you might feel uncomfortable but try to stay calm and practice breathing. Labour is always unpredictable, but concentrate on positive, you are in good hands and will meet your baby soon! Everything will be fine! Good luck for tomorrow and hope all goes as smoothly as possible!

Just wanted to say to all you expectant mothers out there, you DO have the option to say NO thank you. The most important question you can ask when told you ‘must have this or that, especially regarding induction, is WHY, and then ask why, again and again and do not accept the argument that ‘this is what we do here’. I have just heard about dilopan ‘rods’ and the frightened messages of women about to have them inserted. I know you feel under immense pressure. But sometimes women need to say no thank you. I’m growing my baby well, your tests have not indicated anything untoward, so I am happy to wait. Stop putting yourselves through this. Induction has become SO routine and it is a highly unpleasant and often can be harmful. Women must start saying, No thank you.