Induction tomorrow - should partner be there from the start ?

[LizzeyBenett]

So obviously everyone is different but I'm
Just wondering is there any point having him here when they give me the first gel ? He has an hours drive to the hospital but i don't want him to have to sit here all day either and then potentially all night . Just wondering realistically let's say I get the first gel at 8am what time should I tell him to get here for ? I know it could Go either way and could
Potentially end up being a few days.

Guess it depends on each person.
I'd say it's unlikely things will progress fast if it's first baby. The induction process varies but most take 6-24 hours to be checked after given. If it's the gel it's usually 6 hours after being given your checked 'if' you've had constant progressive contractions... our trust didn't even examine if not had any pains they discussed a different option or another gel right away.
I came out of hospital Wednesday afternoon after the birth of our DD2. Even though it was second baby I was early it took 5 days to get me in to place to brake my waters. I got my husband to rest as much as possible at home when he could. He wasn't able to stay past 8pm anyway.
Even my first the induction was 4 days.
I ended up with x1 pessary, x3 gel and a balloon... it was a long progress but our little was born after 8.5 hours of labour once on the drip.
I got my second natural birth which is all I wanted.
My advice is go in with let's do what we need to get bab here safely and you both ok on the other side .
You've got this 🩷🥰

Had first pessary at 10pm in labour by 12am baby by 12pm

Totally depends how you feel OP, I did the first 12 hours alone and was absolutely fine with that. There might be an option where he comes with you, gives it a few hours and if it seems it might be a longer induction you might decide it makes sense for him to leave and come back closer to the time?

Or you may feel that if you are going through it he can stay share the experience even if it takes 5 days!

Thanks all for all your stories I love reading them , I think I will get the first pessary and get him to come to the hospital 5-6 hours after that as they have indicated they will break my waters then however there are delays as the labour ward is full so Here's hoping it goes smoothly.

I didn’t need any pessaries, they just broke my waters…10 minutes later DD shot out! Next pregnancy broke waters and 14 minutes later DD shot out. Next pregnancy they broke my waters and 5 hours later DD arrived.

I’d always say if you want someone there, air on the side of caution with timings!

I was told it would take 2-3 days for an induction to work as a first time mum - 45minutes after the first gel I was 4cm dilated & being moved to the delivery suites. Baby boy was born 6 hours later.

Everybody's reaction is different, and I think having someone with you for support during each stage is important. If you'd like your partner to rest until you're in active labour, why not ask someone else to join for the first part, just in case? & Don't worry too much about your partner's comfort when you're the one delivering!

I went in the evening and DH came with me and stayed until I had the gel put in at 11pm. He then went home to get some sleep and I just slept at the hospital. He was going to come back at 6 the next morning, but I called him at 5 as they wanted to break my waters. I was glad he came back, because I wouldn't have wanted to do that and the drip etc on my own!

My husband was. But he wasn't allowed to stay over night at all unless I was giving birth. Even after giving birth he was kicked out. It's the same the second time round. Partners aren't allowed to stay over night.

My induction was very boring so he provided attention.

So she's here , got the first gel at 11am and second around 5pm water went by themselves and she was born at 12.57pm no time for Epi just gas and air , she is absolutely perfect thank you all for your responses and well wishes . I went a bit nuts on the gas and air so I don't remember the last couple of hours before she arrived literally got wheeled down to delivery and my body started pushing was all
Over very quickly then.

That's incredible. She was very ready to come apparently! Congratulations!

Amazing - congratulations! Enjoy all the newborn cuddles

Massive congrats to you x

Huge congratulations!

Yay congratulations! You did it! Amazing.