Inducing Labor

[momincharge1]

getting in on this one. I went into labor with my first 3 children on my own and delivered naturally no drugs etc. My 4th I went in to labor (twice!) on my own. The second time I had been having good contractions for hours so we decided to augment labor and use pitocin to move it along.She was a facial presentation,a little scary, but I also had her naturally. My 5th we decided to induce if things were favorable -- my dr was going out of town and we had 4kids to find aplace for.Plus I am one of those women who goes into labor and once my water breaks the baby is delivered 20-30 minutes later (even with my first- the dr had thought since it was #1 he could leave the hospital for awhile-- they ended up yelling for a doc and telling me NOT to push-- they tell you to pant like a dog which does not work!) and we live 30 min from the hospital so these were all considerations. I delivered her naturally also. Went in at 10 am she was born by lunch. Also a great experience and nice to have the dr keeping close tabs on you because he is right there instead of at home in bed! Lastly, I went into labor on my own just a month ago and chose to have an epidural. Since my labors progress quickly I had to have it early to insure it would be working when I delivered. We chose to augment labor with pit again so the labor wouldn't die with the early epi. BTW I was still able to be a participant in the delivery and not a "puppet" although I did need help getting my legs into the stirrups. I was able to get baby out in 1 push. The pain was much more manageable although I did not like the squishy, water baby feeling your behind and legs have and not being able to "feel" where the push was coming from. good things and bad about each and not sure which way I would choose the next time around ( natural or epi). I have delivered all my children at 40 wks and been 3- 31/2 cm and 50 % or more effaced b4 choosing any of these options ( ripe for delivery at anytime).Anyway, I think there are many safe, options out there and I think it is important to be informed in your choices and then do what feels right for you and your Dr. Afterall you are a team working together to do what is best for you and your baby! Oops I was carried away--sorry so LW

[jencrispin]

<center><font size="1" color="#ff0000">LAST EDITED ON Sep-03-00 AT 02:45AM (EST)</font></center>

My doctor believed in induction only as a last resort-- he tried everything to make me deliver naturally (I was in labor for 68 hours.) Induction did make things progress quickly, but I've heard it makes the pain more intense (which was a consideration for me since I had my baby in Italy, where most doctors don't believe in pain-relief during childbirth. They want the birth to be as clean and natural as possible.) I ended up having a C-section (cord around the neck) and I learned that the only important thing is to have a healthy baby and mother. Everything else is secondary.

But, although you'll want the baby out at 38 weeks (possibly sooner! ), I've heard that "natural" labors are "easier" (if there can be such a thing) than induced labors. If I ever have another baby, I will try to go all-natural. Since I've only had one baby, I can't compare for myself whether induction does make it more painful.

Good luck and enjoy this special time!
Jenne

[wrwatch]

I am presently 21 weeks and my doctor has already informed me that she won't let me go over. She said that as my due date gets closer she wants to keep a real close eye on my baby's size. My last baby (11 years ago) was 8lbs 10oz. I am 37 years old and she doesn't seem to want to put me through an extremely hard labor. I am very healthy and in good shape. I don't understand this though because neither of my labors have been very hard (7 and 5 hours). After reading this strand I am going to ask more questions. I dont' want to be weeks overdue( I was 2 days with one and 8 days with the other.) but I do want to do what is best for my baby. Thanks for sharing your stories and advice. wr

[Alison]

This is quite a timely thread for me because I'm scheduled to be induced on Thursday. I'm almost to 41 weeks, and although my cervix has softened a little, I'm not effaced and I haven't dialated at all. My doctor said she feels it's important to "get the baby out of me" this week. Since I'm very confident my due date was predicted correctly and I'm now overdue, I agree with her. It's not for the sake of anyone's schedule. I'm glad I got the chance to read all your posts about being induced. It's my first, and I must say I'm a little scared. And maybe the baby will come in the next two days on its own.

[LeslieM]

Ok gals, think if we all put out mind to it we can get Alison to go into labor naturally? My first was 11 days overdue and the doc told me to be at the hospital 6 a.m. Thurs morning if I hadn't gone on my own before then. I still remember not sleeping the night before from the nerves. Good luck to you, everything will be fine, I'm sure. The first time is the worst since you don't know what to expect. Take care, Leslie

[jencrispin]

One positive thing about inducing is that it usually makes things go pretty quickly. It took me from 2 to 10 in six hours. And, honestly, what everyone says is true... it's all worth it once you hold that darling baby. I would have walked through fire for my baby once I held him. And eventually, the memory of the pain gets duller.

But, here's some contraction vibes for you ~~~~*~~~~*

[Stephanie_B]

I am sending positive vibes and hope for you a positive labor experience, of course in the end holding the baby it's all worth it :)

Stephanie

[Alison]

Thanks for the vibes and well wishes everyone. I'm still sitting home without contractions, but I still have a little more time. I know I won't sleep much Wednesday night knowing I'll have a baby the next day, especially since I have to spend that night in the hospital, which I've never done before (yes, I know I'm lucky on that one). Here's hoping for some contractions in the next 28 hours!

Alison