Scared to be induced

[Loz1093]

Hi, I'm currently 40+1 and a FTM.. so very very excited, but silly old me thought baby would be early. (Don't even ask) now I've gone past my due date and I'm just simply terrified at the thought of having to be induced. I don't know what it is about it I'm scared of, possibly the fact that because of Covid my partner cannot be there and I could be on the ward by myself for around 3 days. I've been losing my mucus plug for about a week now, some big bits and others small (sorry tmi) and been getting all the cramps etc, along with back pain.. but every day they just end up fading.

Why am I being so silly?

You're not being silly if you've never experienced it before, it's a big unknown of what will happen.
I've had 2 inductions, one during COVID, both very different experiences but equally lovely. It's the calm before the storm in a sense, so I'd just prepare yourself for a wait with lots of things to keep you occupied, take plenty of snacks and clothing so you're fresh. It is boring with no visitors on antenatal, I won't lie but everyone on the ward is in the same boat so it doesn't feel as lonely?
Fingers crossed, you get a quick one. The signs of something happening are good 🤞

Thank you thank you!! This is the positive advice I was hoping for 💕

You don't have to have an induction if you don't want one.

I had one induction, one natural and one c section.
The c section would have been an induction if the hospital had had their way.

They trade of a slightly worse birth experience for us against the cost of a c section. If this wasn't the case they'd offer induction or c section in cases like mine when baby HAS to come out soon.

Thank you @AldiIsla
Do you mind me asking why you decided on csection rather than induction on that occasion?

I remember the feeling of waking up on my due date and feeling incredibly disappointed that I wasn’t in labour! Despite knowing that only a tiny percentage of babies are actually born on their due date!!
Anyway I went on to be induced and it was scary because I didn’t know what to expect but it was also quite exciting knowing that at last something was happening!
By the sounds of it your body is getting ready so you could soon be holding your snuggly new baby. Good luck!

Induction had too many variables. They set everything in motion, then left us when it got busy. Left me for days after breaking waters so we got sepsis. By the time we were properly checked we were really in trouble. Instrumental delivery. If baby was going to come easily I wouldn't have needed induction.

With c section it was - baby needs to be out soon. Prep. Theatre. Baby. Recovery. Recovery isn't a cake walk but it was a walk in the park in comparison to induction.

Just to put your mind at rest if you are induced, I was, and DH couldn't stay with me, but it was fine. I was almost sick with dread beforehand, but in reality it was absolutely fine.

Thank you everyone for your comments. Think it really is just the unknown and worried I'll be there for days alone. Wish it was because I thought I was terrified of the pain, yes that though does scare me but it's made me realise that's not why I'm so scared.

At the end of the day, I've not even got an induction booked in yet until I see my midwife on Tuesday. I'll hold out hope baby decides to make her appearance by then 👶🏼

I was so anxious at the idea of having an induction it totally ruined the last week of my pregnancy for me because I was constantly thinking about it and getting upset. If someone had actually explained the induction process to me in a bit more detail I wouldn’t have been so against it. It was much more gentle than I thought it would be- I thought I would be pumped full of drugs and the baby would be rushed out but it wasn’t like that at all.
I can’t comment on the birth partner situation for you as the rules are down to individual hospitals. DH was with me through the whole thing. But the actual act of being induced isn’t as awful as you might imagine.

@Loz1093 I have been induced twice second time was in May so during covid. I was allowed to go home once the pessary was in and then just went back to the hospital 24 hours later and then they checked me and put me in a delivery room and my dh was allowed in then so the only part I was on my own for was the pessary which while it wasn't ideal to be alone the midwife was lovely and it only took about an hour and half so not too bad. I think as long as your not high risk you should have the same option.

I was induced and I enjoyed the certainty and control of an induction. It's really not that bad! Good luck x

They have something called a balloon. It's a medicine free away of induction. Maybe you can talk to your doctor about it.

Piece of advice don't have a sweep, doesn't work...

@Bleepers

I was induced and I enjoyed the certainty and control of an induction. It's really not that bad! Good luck x

Ive had 2 and there was no certainty nor control

Thank you for these replies, they are so helpful and putting my mind more at ease! X