40+6...fed up and terrified of induction!

[kel1910]

Just coming on for a rant and a moan!

40+6 with our second baby and beyond bored of waiting! Done everything I can to get them out, sweep was attempted last week but baby wasn't low enough. I've been booked for an induction at 40+8 and I am absolutely bricking it.

I was induced at 40+8 with our daughter and she arrived on 40+11. It wasn't the most pleasant of experiences - pessary didn't work, ARM, syntocin drip, awful contractions, infections, meconium, stressed baby, the lot, and ended up with a 5 day stay in hospital so she could finish 10 rounds of IV antibiotics. I know it could have been an awful lot worse but it was just horrendous as a FTM who knew no different.

I've a BMI of 41, but everything else in my pregnancy has been absolutely fine with no issues at all. MW wanted to book me an outpatient induction but only because of my BMI I've got to stay in. And I'm absolutely gutted. It's properly stressing me out because I just don't want the same experience and the induction ward isn't the nicest of places!

Umming and aahing as to whether to decline it or not. Think I'll very much see on the day as I know I'll probably get an earful what with being overweight. But I was a mess in the car after my MW appointment last week. Think I'm just coming round to accept it now though.

Has anyone had a better experience second time round?

Please don’t be terrified of inductions, I’ve had 2 ( never gone into labour naturally) and both times I had amazing midwives, my supportive husband and lots of positive thoughts. First time was a shock to the system however I don’t know what normal labour feels like either so for me it was a pain but I knew my baby was coming and that’s all I had to focus on. Was being prepped for emergency section as ds was stuck and I as tired but thankfully dr tried one attempt before hand was delivered by forceps before c section. All a bit of a panic and he was whipped away to special care due to his breathing , we also had an extended stay

2nd time was much easier, I knew what to expect and it was much quicker too. , felt more confident throughout it and had an amazing midwife. Home 2 days later. Much more positive experience. Even got to hold dd when she was born.

Totally understandable that you’re feeling reluctant for another induction after your first experience. I’ve had 2 inductions now (first baby was 40+8 and second was 40) and they were totally different experiences. First was quicker but ended quite dramatically (baby not breathing and in NICU for 7 days after, and 3L PPH for me) so I was reluctant to have a second induction. Even though this induction took longer to get going, the overall experience was so much more positive, better administration of pain relief, and baby came out perfectly healthy and I got to hold him straight as he was born. I think what made the difference is the hospital was fully prepared for the possibilities of another PPH and there was a doctor there as baby came out and they were totally on it (I only lost 1L the second time).

I’m currently 39 weeks and I’m going to be booking an induction for 40 weeks as I’m fed right up and in a lot of pain with PGP, can barely walk! Try not to be afraid, no two birth experiences are the same, do what feels right for you! Good luck x

Thank you so much! Has helped me massively hearing some positive experiences

@2chocolateoranges sounds like our first experiences were pretty much the same. I delivered in theatre too and it was one shot with forceps to turn her before an EMCS.

Think as long as I'm honest with the mws about my previous experience when I get there on Thursday I hope that they'll put me at ease.

@Dmfo and good luck to you too! Hope all goes as well as it can. Our little ones will be here soon 🥰

Hi OP, I feel you. With my first I went to 42+2 and had an induction which also didn't go to plan and I found the whole thing horrendous. With my second I was booked in to have a c-section at 39 weeks because I wss so terrified after my first birth. At the last minute my consultant withdrew her backing to have it and instead told me I was having an induction. As you can imagine, I fell to pieces.
BUT. I come here to give you hope, as I can hand on my heart say my second induction was nothing like my first. Even though I didn't progress and needed the syntocin drip, it was still a much more relaxed affair - I emerged feeling like I'd had a positive birth experience (and even managed a nap mid labour 😅) I can completely understand why your experience first time around would make you cautious of it all again, but it definitely doesn't have to be the same.

All three of mine were induced. Each birth was different. It didn't occur to me to worry about it. At that point (40+ 4 ) I just wanted to get the baby born, I was prepared to crack on with whatever that took.
I know birth can be so daunting but, there's no getting out of it now. Roll with it. Just focus on meeting your beautiful new child.

I am 40+5 tomorrow, and have midwife in the morning and will be getting an induction date.

I didn't have an induction with my first it was booked for 42 weeks! But I went into labour naturally at 41+6 the day before!!

I am also dreading induction just because it is the total unknown for me!! But.... I am ready to get this baby moving now if she doesn't come this week, as I have family visiting 24th-27th!! So she needs to be out by then!! 😣

My mum found second induction MUCH smoother and quicker..........

Please don't be scared. Everyone makes inductions out to be terrible but mine was OK. Worst part was the sweep. Having the dilapam rods inserted wasn't nice but it was bearable. I hope you meet your baby soon! Big hug x

If you have time, look at Sara Wickham's writings on induction, her webpage is good and she has a book. It has made me realise how unnecessary most inductions are, I am refusing one unless the baby is in distress. She also writes about BMI and pregnancy. Being overweight alone is really not the huge risk factor it's made out to be. It's your decision, don't feel any pressure to do anything you don't want to. Due dates are very random, in some countries the due date is at 42 weeks!