Induction 37 weeks

[DaisyHH]

Hello,

I am being induced on Friday due to Pre Eclampsia, can I hear some positive stories please? I am terrified and well aware it might be a long process but I'm hoping to hear some stories so I feel more informed.

For reference, baby is measuring 7lb 4 and I believe I will be induced via the pessary method.

Thanks!

I was induced at 37 weeks after my waters leaked a bit at 34 weeks.

When they examined me I wasn't dilated at all. I just had the gel and DD2 was born 11 hours later. They had to break the rest of my waters after about 9 hours. She was my second vaginal birth though so that might be relevant. It wasn't more painful or intense than my first labour, but was about half the time. I was terrified beforehand but it was honestly fine.

One thing I had decided though was that I would refuse consent for the drip unless I had an epidural already administered (being told "you can have one later" or "let's see how you get on" wasn't going to be good enough). As it happened it didn't need the drip but I'd read enough scary stories to know I wanted the epidural first.

I had my first induced at 37 & 6 due to many reduce movement episodes through the pregnancy. Had a really positive experience but it was anxiety inducing not knowing what to expect!

Pessary was inserted around 8pm - midwife said cervix looked favourable. Things started happening for me within 30 minutes. Surges or contractions were happening through the night but I manage to get sleep on & off. 10am things were really ramping up & surges or contractions were back to back. After a check they removed the pessary. Body took over!

Wheeled me down to delivery ward & gas & air was administered - was so happy! Waters were broken and things moved quite quickly - no drip was needed or any further help. Squatted my son around 2pm. Was free to walk around and use yoga ball etc during labour & delivery.

Hoping for a positive second birth as I’m due in March.

I would recommend doing the digital Hypnobirthing course by positive birth company if you haven’t done anything like this. It will really help with mindset & feeling more confident with it all. I’m redoing it soon.

good luck with it and let us know how you get on!