Inductions what are they really like

Anne-Marie - posted on 09/10/2009

I had an induction because i was 10 days over due and they needed to get my baby out. I was induced at 1pm on a wed night and by 8 pm was having very minor contractins. i had to stay in hospital over night and in the morning they toook me back to the delivery room and checked me out. I had dialated 3cm so they broke my waters and out me on the drip. i had a long lavout as my son was born at 10.18pm thu. I didnt want to be induced but i also wanted to have my baby already as i was sick off bein pregnant. I guess the good thing was knowing what was going to happen and when but I also wanted to have the whole ewxperience of being able to go wow im in labour take me to the hospital. It all worked out in the end and I guess every exoerience is different so good luck and i hope all goes well for you.

Megan - posted on 09/10/2009

in the end we went back to hospital and i was more unfavourable than when wed left so we got gel again middle of night my waters broke and we had him out 2 hours after i was 3cms doc said gel had probably done nothing and he didnt even get to put us on drip

Megan - posted on 08/28/2009

well the docs still trying hes trying to wait as long as he can to brk my waters as baby is just sitting to high and worried baby wont present straight as my platlets are to low so to dangerous for me to have an epidural if we needed a caesar. weve had 3 doses of gel to try and make him drop and a catheter which i sneezed out in a couple of hours hes just to high they willl prettty much wait till he drops or gets sick or i get sicker fun fun

Jeri - posted on 08/24/2009

I was induced and it wasn't bad at all. I had blood pressure issues too and went in at 8 am. By 9am they had me all hooked up to the meds. Because of the bp issue, I couldn't move around (walk, try different positions for comfort), the nurses just came in and turned me from side to side every so often. The meds they induce you with keep increasing until your contractions get to be between 2-3 minutes apart. I was breathing with them alright, but after a while I just felt like I couldn't get a break between them, so I asked for the epidural. After that I took a nap and my son was born at 6:14pm.

Ashley - posted on 08/24/2009

I was induced and everyone kept teliing me if they induced me that it would be a long drawn out very painful process and really it wasn't as bad as i prepared for i got the epidural and felt nothing till a half hour before i had to push and really it was just pressure they let her labor down and i had to push 3 times and she was out i was only in labor for 8 hours...

Angela - posted on 08/23/2009

Quoting Tiffany:

Quoting Angela:

If you can, avoid pitocin at all costs. I had both of my pregancy's induced. My first was at 37 weeks, water bag broken and pitocin (the whole 9 yards). The contractions came on fast, long and horrible. When I finally gave in for an epideral, it was too late!
With my daughter (who is almost 4 mo), I was 39 weeks and was dialated to 2 cm. I went in and had my water broke. I told them NO pitocin, I would do what ever it took to avoid it. I had heard that walking and nipple stimualtion help speed up contractions and bring on labor faster. I had my water broken at almost 9am. I was in total control, I was able to walk around, do my breathing and my nipple tweeking. I walked up and down the halls with one hand across my belly on my nipple doing an on for 2 minutes off for 5 then switched nipples. Once I started that, within an hour or so I had my daughter. The only times I laid down were to be monitored to make sure her heartrate was good and to see how much I dialated. With my son's birth (pitocin) I was not in control. I was confined to a bed the whole time. The contractions were hard, fast and unbearable for 4 hrs. With my daughter, it took the same amount of time but I was in control and had no desire for an epideral and would do it again like that in a hearbeat. I had the nurses in total amazement. Good luck and if you have any questions, I am here.

Why did they confine you to a bed when you were on Pitocin if you didn't have an epidural?

 

Just so the OP knows, that's not something that is standard all the time.

 

I personally was on Pitocin and still mobile until I had my epi. And I know 6 other women who also were put on Pitocin and not bed-confined.

And my Pitocin drip was carefully monitored and slowly increased to avoid bringing on contractions too fast. They specifically watch the monitors and only try to give small amounts to start, and increase it slowly over time.

They told me it was standard protocol that me being on pitocin, I had to be closely monitored so my son's heartrate could be watched since inductions can make the hearrrate irregular.  In the end they had to put one of those internal heart monitors on my son's head since the standard wasn't picking it up as good as it should have.   

Maureen - posted on 08/23/2009

I was on the "dial up" a contraction drug as was not dilating. I could watch the nurse adjust the drip and just know I was going to feel it within the next minute ! I went from a 2cm to 10cm in just over 2.5 hours. We joked anymore and our son would have shot out across the room ! The only thing I got testy about was as our son was about to be born, I asked the Dr. in quite plain lanquage if the drip could be turned down NOW !

Tiffany - posted on 08/23/2009

Quoting Angela:

If you can, avoid pitocin at all costs. I had both of my pregancy's induced. My first was at 37 weeks, water bag broken and pitocin (the whole 9 yards). The contractions came on fast, long and horrible. When I finally gave in for an epideral, it was too late!
With my daughter (who is almost 4 mo), I was 39 weeks and was dialated to 2 cm. I went in and had my water broke. I told them NO pitocin, I would do what ever it took to avoid it. I had heard that walking and nipple stimualtion help speed up contractions and bring on labor faster. I had my water broken at almost 9am. I was in total control, I was able to walk around, do my breathing and my nipple tweeking. I walked up and down the halls with one hand across my belly on my nipple doing an on for 2 minutes off for 5 then switched nipples. Once I started that, within an hour or so I had my daughter. The only times I laid down were to be monitored to make sure her heartrate was good and to see how much I dialated. With my son's birth (pitocin) I was not in control. I was confined to a bed the whole time. The contractions were hard, fast and unbearable for 4 hrs. With my daughter, it took the same amount of time but I was in control and had no desire for an epideral and would do it again like that in a hearbeat. I had the nurses in total amazement. Good luck and if you have any questions, I am here.

Why did they confine you to a bed when you were on Pitocin if you didn't have an epidural?

Just so the OP knows, that's not something that is standard all the time.

I personally was on Pitocin and still mobile until I had my epi. And I know 6 other women who also were put on Pitocin and not bed-confined.

And my Pitocin drip was carefully monitored and slowly increased to avoid bringing on contractions too fast. They specifically watch the monitors and only try to give small amounts to start, and increase it slowly over time.

Angela - posted on 08/22/2009

If you can, avoid pitocin at all costs. I had both of my pregancy's induced. My first was at 37 weeks, water bag broken and pitocin (the whole 9 yards). The contractions came on fast, long and horrible. When I finally gave in for an epideral, it was too late!

With my daughter (who is almost 4 mo), I was 39 weeks and was dialated to 2 cm. I went in and had my water broke. I told them NO pitocin, I would do what ever it took to avoid it. I had heard that walking and nipple stimualtion help speed up contractions and bring on labor faster. I had my water broken at almost 9am. I was in total control, I was able to walk around, do my breathing and my nipple tweeking. I walked up and down the halls with one hand across my belly on my nipple doing an on for 2 minutes off for 5 then switched nipples. Once I started that, within an hour or so I had my daughter. The only times I laid down were to be monitored to make sure her heartrate was good and to see how much I dialated. With my son's birth (pitocin) I was not in control. I was confined to a bed the whole time. The contractions were hard, fast and unbearable for 4 hrs. With my daughter, it took the same amount of time but I was in control and had no desire for an epideral and would do it again like that in a hearbeat. I had the nurses in total amazement. Good luck and if you have any questions, I am here.

Jenni - posted on 08/22/2009

I was induced with my second because she was 5 days over due. It was not a nice feeling. They hooked me up to all the iv's and just started pumping me full of fluids. And then after 4 hours nothing had happened even with them turning up the pictocin. So they then broke my water and instantly it was full on labor. So just have them break your water if you can and not get any pictocin. If I have another baby and it comes down to that I will ask them to do it that way. Hope that helps and gives you alittle more info. Good luck!

Ashley - posted on 08/22/2009

i was induced for my first son due to high bp at 39 weeks. they used cervadil to induce me. when they put the cervadil in it really hurt. i was induced saturday at 4 pm and they told me not to expect a baby until atleast monday. they told me it usually takes 2-3 cervadils until labour starts. they put the first one in and if it doesnt work 12 hrs later they take that one out and put another in. 10 hrs later i woke up in pain andi was 2-3 cm dialated. they were pretty shocked that the first one took but i'm a redhead so my labours go faster. it was a pretty rough labour/delivery. my 2nd son i was put on oxytocin because my water had broke, i was dialating but wasnt feeling any contractions. they started me on the drip at 10:45 by 11 i was in severe pain (a lot worse than my first). they checked me at about 12 and i was 6 cm dialated and by 12:30 i was 10 cm. while they were doing my epidural they didnt know i was 10 cm until i yelled that i had to push. epidural was done at about 1 and i had him at 1:34. so once they got me started on the oxitocin things progressed very fast but i went about 2 hrs in excruciating pain. everyone handles pain differently and i'm one that doesnt so its different for everyone.

Laura - posted on 08/22/2009

I was induced with both of my children, and had no epidural. The first time it hurt worse ( I had bad back labor.) As long as you breathe through the contractions, it shouldn't be that bad. I wouldn't even know how it feels to not be induced, but with my 2nd child they broke my water right away and everything. My labor was very mild compared to the first. Every woman and labor experience is different. I am planning on being induced again with my 3rd if I don't start natural labor. I have heard it goes a lot faster than natural labor. My 1st took 8 hrs, my 2nd went 3 and a half hours.

Charlie - posted on 08/22/2009

I was induced on my due date as bubba was getting too big , i was in induced labour for two days and had to get my waters broken , i had an Epi all though it did not work at all !

Tiffany - posted on 08/22/2009

Quoting Cassey :

I was induced with my first baby using prostin tape. 

What is Prostin tape?

Tiffany - posted on 08/22/2009

My water broke when I was 39 weeks.
My water had broke at 4am, and by noon I was only dilated MAYBE to 2 cm.
They induced me-started me on a Pitocin drip.
Honestly, I'm a BIG BABY. I don't do well with pain at all. Or even needles for that matter, lol. But my IV hurt going in, but you're going to get an IV no matter what. Other than that, when they start the drip you don't feel it (some injections burn when they go in). But I didn't notice the Pitocin. My contractions continued very regular and got stronger. Mine didn't happen super fast (but in the end I didn't dilate all the way anyway). It was a slow progression, they start at a certain amount of medicine, and slowly increase it every 20-30 minutes or so (may differ for you), and the contractions hurt a little, but for as big of a baby as I am, they weren't really that bad. And this was my first baby too.
If you have health concerns, they may also want to insert an internal monitor as opposed to the belts. I had already had an epidural when they inserted mine, so I didn't feel it. But it will give them better readings so they can closely keep an eye on the baby for you, and hopefully give you a better chance for a vaginal delivery. In the mean time, so you are prepared, read up on C sections. I had to have one (not by choice). I had read about them, and heard first-hand about them. But I wasn't as prepared as I would've liked. I knew there was always a possibility you may need to have one, but I guess I didn't think it would be THAT likely. If you have any detailed questions, feel free to message me, I will give you honest, no frills answers about it! I was a little surprised at some things after mine that I didn't realize would be going on.

Good luck girl!!

Charlotte - posted on 08/22/2009

I was induced with my 1st because I was 12 days overdue and nothing had worked to start off labour. They started me off at 7pm, by about 8pm the contractions were getting a little stronger. As the night progressed they got stronger and closer together, they were getting so bad that the highest setting on the Tens Machine wasn't helping anymore. They gave me some painkillers and I sedatives to help me sleep (by this time it was about 1am and I hadn't slept since 5am the day before). But the tablets just made me sick, which kept me awake. They broke my waters at about 8am and I progressed well until my baby got to the end of the Birth Canal and got stuck, which lead to me having an Episiotomy (doesn't happen in all inductions). But, other than that, everything went fine. I was pleased I'd managed to do it all naturally because so many people had told me that the majority of Inductions ended in C-Sections, and I didn't want mine to end that way.

Lori - posted on 08/22/2009

I was induced with my second, it was so much easier than my first. I went in at 6am and he was born at noon. Not near as long and painful as my first. Good Luck to you~!!!!!

Emma - posted on 08/22/2009

My first child was completely natural and drug free!!!! The labor lasted for 10hrs 30mins, and I had a beautiful daughter. My second child was completely different, I was induced due to the fact that my handsome son had no fluid around him, he was two weeks early...the labor lasted for 2hrs 30mins...very fast and yes I did have an epidural right at the last minute! My third childs birth had to be scheduled, due to the fact that she has a problem with her heart, she was induced and her labor lasted for 4 hours, she was perfect. Being induced is not anything to be scared about, it labor can still be slow or quick. Just remember try top relax and breathe! You have been through this before. The nurses and doctors are there to help...you will be fine.

Stephanie - posted on 08/22/2009

I was induced for my 2nd & 3rd baby and it did'nt hurt, yes it is faster but i think it's better. I was induced at 11.30 and at 14.45 my baby boy was born, i would do it again if need be. Good Luck hope it works for you.

Helen - posted on 08/22/2009

i was induced with my second buba and had all the same fears as you but it was actually easier than my first labour. yes it does hurt when they hook you up to the drip but i managed this labour with just gas in the last few minuites. i was hooked up at 8/30 am and my waters broke naturally just after midday, maxence was with us about an hour later

Amanda - posted on 08/21/2009

I had to be induced with my son, he is my first child, so I can't say for certain its more painful, but yes I have heard that. I found my contractions very strong, I labored for aprrox 14 hours, and dialted very fast!

Meghan - posted on 08/21/2009

My first was induced (she wasn't growing and was 3wks to due date) and I had an epidural she came out (with forceps) 6 hours later. My second was induced 1 week before due date and he came out 2 hours later. My third I went into labor in the middle of the night 4 days before due date and I barely made it to the hospital in time. A nurse delivered hi. Contractions and such were the same both ways. With each child your labor should get shorter. The thing with induction is everything progresses faster. Your contractions come on faster and get closer together.

Kathi - posted on 08/21/2009

I was induced with my daughter.... and it was a much easier and quicker than with my son (natural labor). With my daughter, I went in at 7:30am... broke my water at 8:30ish and started a drip around 9:30. She was born at 4:30pm. The contractions come on harder maybe, but in a sense, they were working harder as well. I wanted to do it naturally (no epidural... even had it in my records) but had a nurse who refused to help when I needed encouragement with my breathing (my husband had stepped outside to check in at home). Instead, she stood across the room and kept insisting that I needed to have an epidural until I couldn't catch my breath and ended up in tears (it wasn't from the pain, it was from the out of control feeling you get with hyperventilation). The epidural wore off just about the time I was pushing.



With my son... 2 days of labor and he was "sunny side up" which meant a much harder delivery (all back labor). Both babies were BIG.. (he was 8.3 and she was 9.6). Do what is best for you and your baby. The most important thing isn't how your baby comes into the world, but that the two of you are healthy when all is said and done.

Dawn - posted on 08/21/2009

my water broke naturally...but my son jus wouldnt come...they gave me pitoson to get me to dilate...cant spell sorry...then the drip and an epi...and i was GOLDEN...then i couldnt feel to push so they took my epi away! grrr...but it wasnt bad jus get the epi

Sarah - posted on 08/21/2009

I was induced 15 days overdue. As i was pretty much 'ready for action' they burst my waters to get things going rather than giving me drugs.
I was doing really well with contractions and everything until they discovered she was breech so i had an emergency c-section.
:)

Joy - posted on 08/21/2009

Quoting Selina:

I have been induced twice drug-free. I will not lie to you. It HURT like crazy! But I had the best nurses. They talked me through it the whole way. The worst thing for me was having to be tethered the whole time. I like to move around. If that's not a problem for you I wouldn't worry about it. Also, you can still have pain meds if you choose just like a "natural" onset birth. You can do it (because you will whether you want to or not lol) so don't stress. Focus on your little one and you'll do fine. Let us know how it goes! :)

I was just curioius as to how you were induced drug free?  Did you induce yourself with natural remedies?  Also, I wanted to say that not all inductions include being "tethered".  I was induced and walked around freely all day until my water broke.

Joy - posted on 08/21/2009

I was induced at 41 weeks and I had a good experience. Went in at 6am, they placed a pill on my cervix. I walked the halls off and on until my water broke at 3:30. For me, that's when my "labor" actually started. Contractions, the whole bit. He was born at 9:16, so six hours of active labor. I don't know from personal experience, but I've heard some good stories and some pretty bad ones when it comes to Pitocin. I've heard that it brings labor on hard and fast in some people, instead of being a gradual progression. Hope your experience is a "good" one :) Let us know!

Tara - posted on 08/21/2009

I went through induction with my 1st because of high blood pressure and she had failed a non-stress ultrasound, plus I was almost 2 weeks overdue. It wasn't that bad really, just a little uncomfortable because until you go into active labour you generally have to be in a reclining position to be monitored - once in active labour they unhook most of the monitoring stuff and just do random checks, so you can move around a lot more. My labour was about 14 hours, but that was more because of how things were through my pregnancy than because of the induction.

Kristi - posted on 08/21/2009

I was induced at 36 weeks due to high BP. I started swelling at 19 weeks and by 36 weeks I looked like the goodyear blimp and felt like it too. I was ready to have my baby however they wanted me to. They decided to try induction. I went in at 7:00 am on Tuesday, started induction at 9:00 am. I was only dilated 1 cm when I went in and my cervix was completely closed so I knew we had a long way to go. They used cervadil (a small vaginal suppository) to try to soften my cervix. They wanted to do this slow so I wouldn't get too stressed and raise my BP even more. They did the cervadil 3 times 4 hours apart. I wasn't dilating so they inserted a catheter into my cervix to help me along. That was the most painful part of the entire experience. I could have had contractions for a week and it wouldn't have been as painful, but it did make me dilate. I was also on a pitocin drip. At 1 am my doctor broke my water and I got an epidural. When I got the epidural my babies heart rate went down and I had to turn from side to side to "wake him up" I had to lay on my right side for 3 hours. The epidural works per gravity so the right side was completely numb, the left side wasn't hardly numb at all so I felt all my contractions, but they weren't bad compared to the cervical cath. At 7 am I was ready. I started pushing at 8 and had a baby at 8:17 am. I know this probably sounds terrible, but it wasn't. I was very comfy and had wonderful support. I would do it all over again in a heart beat. You need to be sure and take anything and everything you think you may want or need. (ex. your pillow from home, magazines, laptop, etc.) Just try to focus on the end result...your beautiful baby! You will be fine. I will keep you in my prayers!

Nicole - posted on 08/21/2009

It's a hard spot you're in but high bp can become dangerous - for you and baby. Chances are, with it being your second, it won't be too bad. Still, it's labor and it's going to hurt. Plan on an epidural if you're that scared of the pain because fear/tension can make a huge difference. I'm not one for epidurals but if you need one, you need one.



I was induced with my first because of high bp also and it was the worst labor of my three. BUT, one, it was my first. Two, my body wasn't really ready for labor. And three, I had no idea what labor was like and was scared. Because of my bp, I had to lie on my left side which is not conducive to laboring as I know now. Plus, I was exhausted by that pregnancy. By 5cm I felt like I was dying and felt the need to push. I started feeling like I couldn't breathe and so got an epidural. In that situation, that was the best for me. Pushing was definitely easier, lol! All in all, it was short, considering he was my first and the situation - started about 8:30am and had him at 5:30pm though I could have started pushing earlier.



My other two were natural and in comparison, so much easier as far as pain. Plus, they were super quick which helps.



I have a friend who has been induced with all four of hers because of fast labors and she said that while painful it's over very quickly. I was supposed to be induced with my third and my ob said that it would go quickly, especially once the water is broken.



Best of luck! You have to do what's necessary. Just think of the baby at the end and you'll get through!

Selina - posted on 08/21/2009

I have been induced twice drug-free. I will not lie to you. It HURT like crazy! But I had the best nurses. They talked me through it the whole way. The worst thing for me was having to be tethered the whole time. I like to move around. If that's not a problem for you I wouldn't worry about it. Also, you can still have pain meds if you choose just like a "natural" onset birth. You can do it (because you will whether you want to or not lol) so don't stress. Focus on your little one and you'll do fine. Let us know how it goes! :)

Cassey - posted on 08/21/2009

I was induced with my first baby using prostin tape. That was enough to get my labour going and it was calm and fairly easy. No epidural and only a couple of grazes. Very surprised at how easy it was really :)
My son came naturally the night before I was to be induced with him. This was the best labour. No epidural and easy relaxed pushing.
Then my youngest- she was the stubborn one. My waters broke I had a few minor contractions and then nothing. We tried everything to get it going but nothing. So two days later they gave me pitocin drip to get things going. I thought it was an exageration that induced labour was hard - I can now say - it is hard. They turn that drip up and up and up till the contractions are on top of one another and there isn't that nice gentle build up that you have with a natural labour. The last few hours was hard and near the end I was asking for the epidural (and I am dead set against it!). I am glad however that they all refused me cause I was still able to go home that day. Once I was ready push though it only took a couple and she was here :)
Each labour is very very different though. You may find it more easy going and quicker than the first. I wish you luck!

April - posted on 08/21/2009

You seem a little too early for induction! Usually you want to wait until you are at least 2 weeks from due date but that is all up to your doc. My sister went in 14 days early for her 2nd boy and had a c-section and he was in the hospital for a whole week and in an incubator b/c his lungs were underdevelped. If your body naturally goes that early that is one thing but to rush nature is another thing.
On another hand, I was induced one week early for my first boy. I was induced because I was a high risk pregnancy and had high blood pressure so they wanted to monitor me very closely during labor. They started me at 9am with my first induction pill(never had the meds into my vein line). I started having small and far apart contractions. Around 1pm they gave me my 2nd pill and my contractions got stronger but not unbearable. Then at 3:30pm I was dilated 3.5 and my doc broke my water. From there everything went haywire!! My son's heartbeat was very erratic and the doc was getting concerned. She opted for me to get an epidural hoping it would calm down my contractions and regulate my son. I got the epi around 4:30pm and I didn't feel it cause I was in so much pain and distress from the labor and worrying about my son. After I got the epi my body calmed down buy my son's didn't. Around 5pm they saw my son was d-celling bad and they had a hard time locating him on the monitor. They rushed me to have an emergency c-section and he was born at 5:56pm. It was a scary and intense labor and delivery but everyone has their own story. I am thankful that I was induced so that my doc was able to monitor me. Before induction I was on full monitor and was seen daily at the doc office. If I was to have any labor feelings I had her home number and if I could not reach her she told me to call 911. I am so thankful that nature did not take it's course early and I was able to get induced one week early. Although I had a scary experience it really did not have to do with being induced but I firmly believe you should not be induced unless it is medically necessary deemed by your ob/gyn. Trust in your doc...they did go to school for umpteen years to specialize in what they do. I hope this helps and good luck with the baby.

Elin - posted on 08/21/2009

I have had 2 inductions, and they weren't bad. I don't know any different though. But, my labors were drug free, and quick. Once the water got broke it was pretty quick. So I can't complain.

Bron - posted on 08/21/2009

I've had two inductions and two that started on their own; all were fast and painful for me (although the first induction was the best delivery of all). Having my waters broken did hurt though. Hope it goes well.

Di - posted on 08/21/2009

i was induced with my daughter and was in labor for 10hours

Elizabeth - posted on 08/21/2009

At 41 weeks they induced by breaking my water, then started a pitocin drip. It's been my only birth so far so I have nothing to compare it to. As soon as pitocin is started my contractions began, but I found it to be pretty manageable for 6 hours, just with breathing techniques. I was getting up to 30 "whatevers" of pitocin, and the contractions were one on top of the other, so it was getting too intense for me. They checked me and after 7 hrs I was only 2 cm (- 2 station), so I got the epidural, and off to sleep I went. I didn't feel much of anything until push time. Total labour was 22 Hrs. Good for you on going natural with your first.

Amy - posted on 08/21/2009

I was induced for my first baby, I was 2 weeks over due. I went in was all hook up, they broke my water an hour later (which was slightly painful, I was only 2cm dilated) I was on the drip of 7 hours and only had a few contractions. Then the doc said that we would need to do a C-section. Once they turned off the drip, it was like they hit an off switch. All my contractions stopped and I could have walked to the operating room if I wanted too. They always tell you to have a birth plan when you go in. But the best birth plan is to go in and do whatever needs to be done to have a health baby and a health you. Hope this helps, whatever needs to be done is well worth it in the end. Good Luck

Rebecca - posted on 08/21/2009

I've heard from some people that the labour just comes on really hard and really strong really fast, but of all the people I know that that have been induced it was their first baby and have nothing to compare it to. I was going to be induced at midnight on a sunday night but spontaneously went into labour on saturday at lunch time. My contractions came on really hard and really fast pretty quickly so I don't really see the difference. I wish I had just been induced as I had a terrible time working out whether to go to the hospital or not, the midwives were trying to convince me to stay home even when my contractions were 2 1/2 mins apart. Just take it as it comes and relax. If it gets too much, they have drugs :)

Alison - posted on 08/21/2009

I was induced with my first and only child and I have to say the experience was not a painful one in the slightest however it was long. I went into hospital on the monday afternoon she was not born until the wed morning however I did not go into labour until the tuesday night and I had an epidural and felt nothing. She was born naturally healthy and big...9.5pounds. (so much for my small baby) I never intended to have a drug free birth why suffer in pain if you dont have to. Dont stress about your induction if you feel you need pain relief ask if you dont you wont. Good luck with the new baby

Vicki - posted on 08/21/2009

Hey! I was induced with my first - I was polyhydramious (excess amniotic fluid) so there was always a danger of the cord coming out before baby if my waters broke in an uncontrolled situation. I still went 3 days overdue and baby was born the day after I was induced. I had an epidural (wanted to be awake if they had to take me in for an emergency c-sec) so hardly felt anything. The worst thing was it took so long!! My 2nd was a natural, drug-free birth - and, from the time I really started pushing, he arrived in 7 minutes flat! You've probably heard it all before but my only advice is that EVERY pregnancy and labour is different - try to go into it relaxed and open minded, with people around you that you trust and will look after you and you will be just fine. Good luck! :)

Michelle - posted on 08/21/2009

I was induced with my 2nd and 3rd and they were both different. The 1st time was really quick and she flew out, but, I wouldn't say it was more painfull and she was 2 weeks late. the second time was very slow and progressed like a normal labour. So no matter how many horror stories you hear every1 is different, and lets face it, once you hold them in your arms you tend to forget the pain anyway.

Lynda - posted on 08/21/2009

I was induced with my first bub, she was 10 days overdue, 12 hours of hell then had c-section.. second bub i said dont bother inducing me again, if i'm overdue, just book the theatre for a c-seciton.. He was 4 days over, my waters broke & he was born 6 hours later without any drugs or tearing.. I think the worst part of labour with my first baby was the anxiety related to waiting & wanting the baby to be born naturally. With the boy, i really wanted a natural birth & paced myself.. I was better prepared mentally.



Since this is your second bub, i'm sure you know what you're in for once you get to the delivery room.. Stay calm & good luck

Debanie - posted on 08/21/2009

hi megan! i was induced with my first.. they dragged me into it kicking and screaming as it was the absolute LAST thing i wanted. having said that, it wasn't awful. not ideal, but not as bad as i thought. i was 13 days over, i left it for as long as i they'd let me.. doing all the natural induction methods i possibly could, but my daughter just wasn't coming. had my waters broken early in the morning and was put on the drip straight away. this is probably the only good thing about an induction as you know what's happening and when. you know when they're about to turn it up a notch and can mentally prepare. but by 8 o'clock that night my dd was going into d-cell (sp?) and the doctor told me i'd HAVE to have a c-section. i said "no way" he said, "well, lets try an epidural, but i'm telling you now you'll have to have the Caesarean." from what i've heard a majority of inductions end in a c-section.. i was so disappointed, all that hard work.. so i had the epi, lay down and fully relaxed and 45 mins later out she came!! (had to be vacuumed out, but at least it was the natural birth i wanted) the doctor was very surprised and had to cancel the operating room he went ahead and ordered for me!

my advice? just trust that your body can do it.. no matter how it starts. and work with whatever is happening to get the birth you want!! good luck!!

Megan - posted on 08/21/2009

Because my blood pressure is to high and its the safest option for baby and i. Id rather go naturally again. My fingers are crossed that hell decide to come out in next 2 days

Sara - posted on 08/21/2009

I hear it's awful. Why induce? Second pregnancies, when they progress naturally, are notoriously easier than the first.