Third night on antenatal ward for bed for induction

[HogsmeadeJ]

Not sure what I'm hoping for here - I guess if anyone else has been in a similar situation or any advice, and just somewhere to vent really as I've been trying to stay really positive but starting to feel a bit emotional and disheartened.
I'm 37+5 and was admitted to hospital with pre eclampsia on Thursday and told I needed to be induced, which I agreed to. I am currently still on the antenatal ward and about to spend my third night here still waiting for a bed on the labour ward so that I can start the induction. I've been told I need to stay in hospital until the baby is born because of the pre eclampsia but any time I ask for an update I am told I need to be prepared to wait indefinitely which is a little dispiriting. Is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this long a wait or can give me any indication how many more days I may have to wait based on their experience? Sorry to moan, I am just going a little stir crazy and not sure how much longer I will be stuck on this ward.

Unfortunately there isn't any specific timescales, it will be when a bed is free and there is enough staff. I'm not sure if this is the case for all inductions, but for mine I had a 1:1 midwife so obviously that majorly affects staffing on the ward.

I had to wait a couple of days for my induction, so I understand the feeling! Obviously you have already exceeded that so you have my sympathy.

Thanks @Alarae , rationally I know you're right, just seems so long to be here. Appreciate your message though, reassuring to know others have been through similar :)

I hate to say it, but it's the same same as saying how long is a piece of string. It'll only be when there's a bed available, enough staff, and no expected pressures.

I really do feel for you. I was in the same position back in March. For the same reason too. Had a gel on the Monday, which got my cervix good and ready to go. But I remained on antenatal until Friday morning. No beds available, as everyone seemed to have gone into labour that week. So almost exactly 4 days wait.

Was a bit of a difference from my first induction, where I went downstairs within 24 hours of the gels as they had only one other labourer and were desperate for something to do.

FX it won't be too much longer for you.

@Dyra thank you for your message! Again, I think I probably knew the answer really just needed somewhere to let off some steam.
I haven't even had any part of the induction process yet so it just feels like I am getting nowhere and just sort of living here indefinitely whilst generally feeling fairly okay in myself.
Anyhow, very aware this is just me feeling sorry for myself and I shall try and find the positivity I had a few days ago and hope for an update soon.
Thank you for replying 😊

Hi @HogsmeadeJ I don’t have any insight into waiting times I’m sorry but just wanted to say I really feel for you.
The waiting around and not knowing is tough, especially when it’s for something like this!
It’s completely understandable to feel the way you are feeling.

It will probably only help slightly but have you got things to help occupy you and keep you as comfortable as possible?
Someway of watching Netflix etc., with earphones? Books/magazines? Puzzles?
Visits from family? Lots of nice snacks? Online shopping lists? Pregnancy pillow?

Could anyone bring anything in for you that may help the time go even just slightly faster?

I know it's tough but it is the home straight. Take time to relax and enjoy some rest before the hard work comes.

My last for induced and I spent longer on the induction ward then I did in post natel ward including a c-section.

@HogsmeadeJ Completely understand! I'm staff, so I understood, but it's still utter rubbish. Have you had a cervical check yet? If you're 2cm+, you don't need any cervical ripening and can go straight to ARM. Hoping today is the day!

Thanks so much all! In a twist of fate, I was induced yesterday but after 16 hours and two pessaries, my cervix was still closed despite regular contractions. I also found the three vaginal examinations excruciatingly painful. I am now back on my original antenatal ward waiting to find out if I will be having a c section today or tomorrow and compared to the induction process i have just been through, I am actually happy to be back in familiar place! Very tired and tender but feeling positive about a c section now and hoping it will be today.

Good luck today! I had similar experience of induction many years ago. I would definitely prefer the C section. And I was in for three days waiting. And I never did get a bed in the maternity ward. I hope you’ll be holding your baby in your arms soon!

Things should move quicker from here OP. I had two pessaries and the gel with DS1 before they moved to a section (at 42+1!). If they've said the words in front of you I'd be pretty sure that's going to be the outcome - they don't like to say it while a vaginal birth is still on the cards because the distraction / worry can in itself stop a "natural" birth taking place.

Rubbish the induction didn't go anywhere, and was painful. But happy for you there's now a finish line in sight and baby will be with you soon! Hoping recovery is lovely and quick for you.

If it helps, DC2 was also born via C-section. The induction did work, but dilation was very slow, and he wasn't descending. Which given I'd already had one vaginal birth, and second babies are "always easier and faster" 🙄was concerning. Turns out he was back to back and had tilted his head backwards. A vaginal birth was never going to happen. Not what I had wanted at all, but I was glad to have at least tried, and felt nothing but relief about it.