Early Induction- experience/advice and how to avoid C-sections....

[makecakesnotwar]

I am 36 weeks pregnant with acute SPD so have been booked for an early induction in just two short weeks. Whilst this has given me the hope and perspective I was rapidly losing, I had a 'long talk' with the mw today at my check-up and she stressed that early inductions often end up in C-sections.

She outlined the process of being induced, (which the registrar forgot)so at least I have a vague idea of what is supposed to happen, and if I end up in theatre, so be it. But I was hoping that I'd be able to garner some stories of early inductions from the wonderful mnetters, who thus far have been a mine of information, and advice that might help avoid the dreaded c-section....

i had an induction at 38 weeks due to raised LFTs, it took 3 days for the pessary to actualy dilate me, i should have been dilated 3 cm but had only reached 1...i begged them to let me on CDU instead of having a c section

they popped my waters and used the syntocin drip to start my contractions....after 6 hours i could not cope with the strength of the false labour and had an epidural.....another 10 hours and i had DD

as regards to advice i havent really got any there is not much you can do...whatever is meant to be will happen...fingers crossed for you x x x

Having severe spd & chronic antenatal depression I also demanded an early induction. This was with my 3rd baby and had been induced with my frist 2 at 42 & 42+3 weeks respectively.

It was not a pleasant experience. Dc2 was here within 10 hours of the first pessary, dc3 (early induction) was a 3 day event with them finally performing an ARM which did the trick. With dc4 I decided to wait until 42 weeks again.

Have you tried an experienced osteopath, it really really helped with my spd I went from being unable to walk with crutches due to the pain to managing without them (although did have a puschair to lean on as it was my 3rd pregnancy!)

If I remember from my research the best way to deliver is on al fours or upright to avoid anymore spd damage IYSWIM

Have never been induced, but I did have spd in my 2nd pregnancy and wanted a vbac. The physio told me that whatever happened, I was not to allow the midwife to bend my legs back (frog style) towards me when I was in labour. Unfortunately, she did exactly that! I couldn't manage to tell her not to as there was no space between the contractions and my dh was in too much of a panic. Anyway, all was well, spd went after the birth - but I'd advise you to make sure your birth partner knows of any special instructions you've been given and is ready to make them known, as from people I know induction can make things happen fast.

PS - CS wasn't so bad (first time round) but for me normal birth was nicer

Thanks for the advice. Suspect the mw has just made me very nervous as usually of the 'what will be, will be' mindset.

There are a few things you can do to improve your chances of avoiding the knife:

Be active once contractions start - move around - refuse continuous monitoring (it's not proven to help outcomes at all, just go for intermittent doppler use), use gravity to help the baby descend, on your back is not helpful. Birthballs are great when you have SPD because using one in advance will help your core balance and supporting muscles. Water can also help (NB you won't be allowed in the pool if you are having an induction usually but you may be allowed a bath - bear in mind you have to be able to get out though!)

Finally make it very clear that you would like to avoid a CS if at all possible. With DD I said I'd rather have a CS than an assisted delivery (I just couldn't stand the thought of forceps - yeah I know it's daft). But also because I had SPD and normally assisted delivery is done in a lithonomy position (on your back with your knees back).

I had an early induction for severe spd with my daughter at 37 weeks and am having one again with this baby (I'm 31 weeks so counting down the days!)

I should probably say first that she wasn't my first baby so that probably has some bearing on the labour....

I went in to be induced, had a pessary at 9.30am which gave me a few niggles but nothing much, then had another at 6pm and contractions started immediately......I delivered her before midnight

As I'm sure you know an induced labour is usually more painful/intense so maybe have a think about pain relief! I have been told that possibly some c sections are done because the intensity of induced labour can leave some women exhausted and distressed so perhaps adaquate pain relief could help you last long enough to deliver your baby if you are really hoping to avoid a c section

Good luck with it all, two weeks will fly by

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