Questions About Inducing Labor

Updated on December 07, 2006
H.J. asks from Chapel Hill, NC
43 answers

I am 37 weeks pregnant with mild preeclampsia. My doctors are planning on inducing labor early. Did anyone here get induced and at what week? Also, what was the experience like?

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So What Happened?

I had a doctor's appointment today and my cervix is still closed and way back so she wants to hold off the induction. I am scheduled for the induction on November 5th. This could all change however if the blood pressure starts rising or protein starts spilling out. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. It really helped ease my mind. Thanks again.

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T.G.

answers from Spartanburg on

I was induced at 38 weeks. I believe they gave me pitocin (sp?) and it was a very comfortable experience. I was preeclamptic too and they thought it would be best. It kind of made me miss that feeling of having my water break at home and getting excited about delivering that way but it was nice to know that I was already in the hospital and could be taken care of if anything happened. It is a very slow process. You slowly start to feel labor pains and they hook you up to a monitor and can actually tell you when you're going to feel one before it even gets there. They can regulate how severe they are so that was nice. It's nothing to be afraid of. Hope everything goes well and congratulations!!!!

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I.F.

answers from Washington DC on

I was induced at 38 weeks because of the same thing. I didnt want to be induced but they felt it was safer for me and teh baby. it wasn't all that bad and i was glad when the dr decided to do so because i was so anxious to see my baby and finally have her here.

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S.C.

answers from Charlotte on

Hi H.. Congrats to you! I have been a doula for over ten years and have lots of birth experience. Inductions can be h*** o* you mentally because it is forced. Yet, realize that labor is painful for most people and the more intense the pain, the closer to delivery you are.....
Feel free to write to ask more questions or even call if you need to chat. ____@____.com ###-###-####

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K.P.

answers from Norfolk on

H.,

I was induced twice, once at 39 weeks, and once at almost 42 weeks (that kid did not want to come out!). I'll admit it was a little odd - gee, I think I'll go to the hospital and have a baby today!

You'll get an IV, and they will start the medicine (Pitocin) almost immediately. They won't want you to get out of bed after the Pitocin starts, so make sure somebody is willing to hang out in the room with you the whole time to help bring you stuff, etc. The contractions will start pretty soon after the medicine starts going. The hope is that the Pitocin will sort of "kick-start" you own contractions, but if not, they will adjust the medicine coming through the IV until you get contractions that mean business!

If you get to a point where the contractions are really intense - don't be afraid to ask for something for the pain! Labor with Pitocin is different than labor without it - every friend I've had who has done both ways says the contractions came faster and more intense with Pitocin. This is good for getting your daughter out safely and quickly - for both of your health. I was so glad that I got my epidurals. And trust me that nobody is going to think you're a wimp becasue you took something for the pain with an induced labor!

Lastly, don't be afraid to ask the L& D nurses for advice. They do this ALL DAY LONG, and they are so knowledgable about things like pain management and how you are progressing. I got really good advice from mine both times. Good luck to you both!

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S.B.

answers from Norfolk on

Hello H., I was induced with my first baby. The doctor thought I was 2 weeks over due. Delivery was normal compared to my second who came right on her due date. Labor was 10 hours from start of drugs to delivery.

After my baby was born it was determined that he was actully right on time and not late or early. The due date was calculated from an ultra sound done pretty late in pregnancy and since he was almost 10 pounds when he was born I was glad that the doctor didn't wait any longer! lolGood luck with everything.

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D.T.

answers from Birmingham on

I had a C-section at 37 weeks. My baby girl was perfect, lungs fully developed. My blood pressure was extremely high. C-section is definately the way to go.

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W.P.

answers from Decatur on

I have had several types of inductions. The pit was the WORST. The pain was absolutely horrible but then again I didn't have an epidural. I went pretty my natural with all my kids. The easiest induction was the water induction. If you are already dialated and the doctor thinks he can break your water without jeopardizing anything then go that route. My dr did that with baby number 6 and within 2 to 3 hours of him breaking my water my labor started good and strong and within a few more hours after that my baby boy was born. I had my last baby at 37 weeks and he turned out just fine so don't worry too much about that but just be well informed no matter what decision you make.

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S.

answers from Spartanburg on

Hi H.,
I was induced also with the Pitocin, I was a week overdue.

They'll put a needle in the vein on your hand and they'll decide the amount of medicine that will be dripping into your bloodstream.
The pitocin is a syntetic hormone similar to the oxitocin that starts naturally the labor, so the cramps are really similar, but if you choose to have an epidural you'll only suffer until dilated 3cm, then you can get the epidural.
It worked wonderfully for me, you can still feel the contractions coming, which is great (so you know when to push).
It's a wonderful experience, don't worry about the Pitocin, it won't make you miserable and, please, do get the epidural: you'll enjoy the birth of your baby much more without sharp pain!

Congratulations,

S.

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C.W.

answers from Spartanburg on

hello there! Congrats on the soon to be labor! I was induced because my little one didn't want to come. It was painful but after the epidural I was fine. If you don't try to be a super hero and go ahead and get the good stuff early it will be a breeze! I was only in labor for 2 hours. Good luck to you!

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J.S.

answers from Charleston on

Hi H.,
I was induced at 36 weeks due to problems with my nerves in my back. I was induced at about 10am and gave birth to her at 6:15pm. It was my second child. The induction definatly made the labor much longer(i was only in labor 4 hours with my first)and i experienced severe back labor. It was a very unpleasant experience until i recieved an epidural. I am unsure of your choice of drugs if any during labor, but i would definatly recommend an epidural with induction. Good Luck and i wish you the best with the birth of your child.
Jen

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S.

answers from Spartanburg on

I was set to be induced on thursday the 17th of May due to preeclamcia and I was at the time 37 weeks. My water choice to break on the 16th however I still had to have the potosin because I was only dilated 1-1/2cm and not fully efaced. The potosin can cause cramping similar to period cramps some are worse than others depending on your pain tollerance. I choose to do Demerol after about 30 minutes of the potosin and then about 4 hours later I was finally dilated to a 4 so they were able to do the epidural. Inducing can prolong labor, so if you are able to go for some long walks, have sex, and take some castor oil, you might be able to go into labor by yourself. The baby is fully formed just not weighing as much as if you were to go full term so you don't need to worry from a health stand point that it would be bad for the baby. I wish you the best and congratulations on your soon to be new baby.

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M.P.

answers from Montgomery on

Congratulations on the up coming birth of your little one. I had the experience of inducing labor at 38 weeks cause of preeclampsia. Please go ahead and do it. I regret having waited till 38 weeks. It was no different then the regular labor, all it is just delivering early. If you let it go to long it will harm the baby (like mine) or even yourself. My email is ____@____.com if you have any questions.

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H.W.

answers from Roanoke on

Hi,

When I was pregnant I developed hypertension and was induced at 36 wks and 3 days. They started me out with a cervic softener which is like a really firm tampon. Honestly. After 24hrs they started me on patosin(not sure if that is the correct spelling.) The contractions started hard and heavy. After 24 more hrs my body refused to dialate, so we ended up doing a c-section. And to tell you the truth with the next one I will opt for a c-section from day one.

It wasnt that bad but I couldn't stand laying in bed without moving (because of all the monitors) that and of course the lets see how far along you are checks. (I was checked on a every 2 hr basis.)

My son was born at 36wks and 5days, healthy and weighing 8lb 9oz.

Good luck I hope it all goes well.

H. W

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C.

answers from Charlotte on

Hi,
I was induced at my due date with my second child.it was the easiest birth ever.I was scheduled to go to the hospital at 12 am by 1 am they had me all hooked up to the machines.Then they came in and gave me the littlest little pill ever.they came back about 2 hrs later and gave me the 2nd half,by then i started to have contractions,then it all went fast,i got an epidural,and with in 4 hras i was fully dialated no pain and ready to deliver.My baby was hanging out pretty much i just had to do one push, and it was over.it was great,I wouldnt worry about a thing,it really is a good thing.I would love for this pregnancy to go the same way.good luck and dont worry the only thing that scared me was the epidural,and i shook for hours.

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C.S.

answers from Norfolk on

H.,

My labor was induced but only because my baby was late, and my other two babies had come at 2 and 3 weeks before their due dates, getting increasingly bigger, and I'm not the largest gal, so they were afraid that I wouldn't be able to get him out so they induced me 2 or 3 days after my due date, and I went into labor, and my babies heart rate kept dropping everytime I had a contraction, and the nurses were like "roll to your right, roll to your left." each time and it was still happening, and after a WHILE of this they took off the monitors off of my belly and put in internal monitors and it was STILL happening! You would have thought that if they had 1/2 a brain cell in their body that they would have given me an ultrasound to make sure that the baby was alright. I finally got fully dialiated and told me I could push, nothing happening, he was not comming down, so they turned off my epidural completely thinking I just can't feel enough to push hard enough. After about 15 more minutes of pushing and me being in the worst pain imagineable, I (THANK GOD) insisted on having a c-section. I told my husband "No one should have to go through this much pain to get a child out." And that was a very hard decision to make because with my oldest, I had her by c-section and it got infected very badly. So to shorten this story, we went to the O.R. and I had my c-section and thank God I had insisted on it because somehow, the doctors didn't know how but my uturus got in back of my bladder, and no amount of pushing would have brought my baby down, and on top of that, his imbellicial cord was around his neck THREE TIMES! Now when I had been in my hospital room and the babies heart rate kept dropping if they had done an ultrasound right then and there they would have known to take me straight to surgury, and if I hadn't insisted on having that c-section, I could have died, my baby could have died, as it was we both almost did, I lost a 1/3 of the blood out of my body, and had to have both my uturus and my bladder reapaired for quite some time. And our baby had to be in observation for a few good hours. And I am not saying that being induced caused all this, what I am saying that when you do go in there if your baby's heart rate drops at all to concern you SPEAK UP! Insist on having an ultrasound!
Good luck! ~C.

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C.W.

answers from Lynchburg on

Hi H.,
I have 3 beautiful girls 11, 8, and 4. My 4 year old was induced 2 weeks early due to me having preclampsia. I was not prepared for that at all. She didn't even have a name yet, I went to the hospital will really bad chest pains and the next day they were making me have her. It was sad, not knowing what day she was really supose to be entering this world, but it was fine and as long as she was healthy that is all that mattered. First, they hook you up to a IV that brings on the labor, this did not hurt at all. Then they will break your water which is weird, it just feels like you have went to the bathroom. After that the baby is ready to come, with me haveing preclampsia and not knowing it she only weighed 5lbs 2oz. So she came out very quickly, it was the best labor I had out of all 3 of them. Well good luck hope you have a great delivery.

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M.S.

answers from Roanoke on

I was induced with my first child. The pitocin ran all day but I did not progress at all. The doctor asked me if I'd like to stay in the hospital and start again the next day, but I chose to go home and wait it out. I didn't have to wait long - I went into labor the next night. I was on pitocin throughout the labor and honestly, it was awful. I allowed the doctor to break my water, etc. trying to speed things up. My son eventually came - healthy and beautiful. I was exhausted and felt like I had been completely out of control during the labor. With my daughter, I was determined to do things my way. I went to my last doctor's visit and was 4cm dialated. The doctor told me that he would give me one more week but then he'd have to induce me because of the chance that I would have the baby within minutes and not make it to the hospital. She came that week and I waited until I couldn't wait any longer to go to the hospital and then insisted that only her heartbeat be monitored. I meditated, rocked, and kept my membranes intact until the very end. I could tell a great difference in the two labors. The amniotic fluid cushioned the second labor and it was much less intense without the pitocin. I recommend to everyone that they let their baby come naturally if at all possible. With that said, I'm also a nursing student and know that preeclampsia can be very dangerous. I think that if your blood pressure is only mildly elevated and you are well aware of the symptoms of eclampsia or worsening preeclampsia, I would wait as long as I could. It's always better to let nature take its course, but not at the expense of your health. My best advice, wether you are induced or not, is to know what you want and implement a plan to make sure that your wishes are respected if at all possible. Have a great delivery and enjoy every moment of motherhood!

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L.C.

answers from Roanoke on

Hi, H.. I have 2 sons, 13 months and 3 weeks. I had mild preeclampsia with both of them and went into labor on my own with both right at 37 weeks. They were both perfectly healthy and there were no complications. Although I wasn't induced I was given pitocin to strengthen contrations and all turned out just fine. Try and relax, your doctors will monitor you and the baby carefully and all will be well. Good luck and enjoy your new baby girl!
L.

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J.K.

answers from Columbia on

Hi H.,

I was 2 weeks LATE, Ugh, so my doctor induced me. It was fine. In fact it's pretty common. They just give you a hormone to speed things up. They also had to pop my sac which you can't feel. Congratulations on your first child. Try not to worry so much and enjoy the experience.

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K.B.

answers from Mobile on

With my first daughter I was induced at 36 weeks due to preeclampsia. I had an ok experience. I wasn't told induction could take 24 hours or more. I wasn't told you don't get pitocin right off. I had no idea of what to expect!! I still had a good experince, although with my second induction at 38weeks I found out it depends on what hospital your going to. With my second it was a cakewalk!!! I not only knew what to expect I gave THEM instructions. The single most important advice I can give anyone that is going to have a baby is have a birthplan. I gave one to my doctor before the hospital stay and the first thing I did at the hospital was hand another to the first nurse I saw. I had a big sign on the door that read "this patient has a birthplan" Because I was induced some of my plans changed, it mostly went exactly as I expected. Ask your OB for examples or someone at the hospital. If you have any other questions just ask.

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A.S.

answers from Raleigh on

I was induced at 36 1/2 wks due to high blood pressure and somewhat preterm labor for the second time. I had lost my plug at 32 wks, on a Tuesday night. I wasnt sure that is was my plug, so I called the nurse the next morning from work and she requested me to come in immediately. When I got there I found out I had dilated 2 cm and was 50% effaced, so they sent me to the hospital. There they gave me the shot to speed up my son's lung developement and my labor had stopped, so they sent me home on bed rest. My blood pressure started raising steadily during the next appointments and on the appointment during 36 1/2 wks, my blood pressure was really high and come to find out I had dilated 2 more cm. So they went ahead and sent me to the hospital again. With my blood pressure acting funky and the fact that I wasn't feeling the baby as frequently, the doctor decided to induce me just to be on the safe side. Though I didn't know what to think and I could tell that my nurse didnt agree with the doctor's decision, all turned at well. They started the pitocin around 6pm and nothing happened so they then broke my water at 11:15pm, and then is "WAS ON"; The contractions started off slowly and bareable for the first five minutes but then when they went back to back with no breaks, I opted for the epideral, which was a god send. I remember telling the guy who administered the epideral, "thank you drug man!" I ended up taking a few hour nap with the nurse checking in on me frequently to see how my dilation was doing; Finally I was fully dilated at 5:15 am the next morning and after 45 minutes of pushing, there was my beautiful baby boy at 6am on the nose.

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D.D.

answers from Jacksonville on

I went into severe preeclampsia at 32 weeks... I delivered him at 32 weeks and 5 days. They had tried for almost 37 hours to induce me but I really wasn't getting anywhere because of the Mag they had to give me to stop seizures. I had a C section. It wasn't the greatest experience, but not the worse either. It was scary, and half the time I really didn't know what was happening. I knew that my baby was going to be too early and that scared me the most. Good luck, I hope everything turns out okay!
D.

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A.H.

answers from Washington DC on

Hello H.

Congrats on your baby Girl,

I have had to be induced twice with Pitocin, The first time was with my first child, I was given the pitocin at 1.00pm and had my daughter at 4.15pm she was 9 pounds. the second time was with my third daughter I was given pitocin at 8.00am and she was born at 10.18am and she weighed 9.6 1/2oz. my sister had pitocin with her first child they gave it to her at 9.00am and she had her girl at 12.15pm and she was 8.14oz. So personally I love the stuff it did put me straight into heavy labour, but it is so quick I have never needed any drugs or an epidural, Your baby will be fine coming a little early and the doctors and nurses will take good care of you so my advice is to try and take it easy and just be excited about the arrival of your beautiful baby girl.

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K.J.

answers from Richmond on

Hi H., I was induced at 38 weeks, and everything went fine. I had a healthy baby boy on August 23. I kept hearing all these horror stories about how much worse induction made labor, but I didn't think it was that bad. Not that I have much to compare it to, as he's our first. They put the gel on, when I got all settled in around 6pm and started the Petocin at midnight. They stopped the Petocin around 3am. I was 5 cm dialated. I was 10 cm and going into active labor at 10:45 am and started pushing and had him at 11:23 a.m. Your doctors wouldn't reccomend induction if it were dangerous to the baby, and you're technically full term at 37 weeks. So you should be all set. Good luck and congratulations!! :o)

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L.K.

answers from Danville on

Hi H.. I was induced at 41 weeks. It was very strange to just show up at the hospital and say I am here to have a baby! I was put in the hospital on a Tuesday night at 7 pm. They started a balloon to get me to dialate. (I was a 0 when I went in) The next morning at 6 am, they started an IV. Well, by 5:30 pm (and no kind of pain relievers), I had only dialated to a 4. They stopped the IV and performed a C-section b/c her heartbeat was going down and I had a beautiful baby girl at 6:03 pm. So I was in labor for about 24 hours. They said I could not have her natural b/c my pelvic bones were to small. (Go figure...I'm a pretty big girl). It's all worth it. Everyone's experience is different. Good Luck and I'll be thinking about you!

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

H. J,

I AM A MOTHER OF THREE BOYS AND WAS INDUCED WITH ALL OF THEM. I WAS AT LEAST A WEEK OR MORE OVER DUE!! THE FIRST ONE WENT PRETTY SMOOTH DIDNT HAVE TO HAVE ANY DRUGS OR ANYTHING TO HELP WITH THE PAIN. NOW WITH NUMBER 2 AND NUMBER 3 IT WAS A DIFFERENT STORY! (LOL) THERE WAS NO COMPLACATIONS WITH THE BABY'S AT ALL. GOOD LUCK TO AND YOUR FAMILY!
D. B

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A.R.

answers from Spartanburg on

My second child, (first son) was induced at 35 weeks, our umbilical cord was twisted inside, he really needed to come out into the world or he may not have survived. The experience was kinda scary under the circumstances of why we had to be induced by compared to lar with all my other children, I would say you have nothing to worry about sweety. Everything will be fine. All there doing is giving your little girl an extra push it doesnt hurt you or her.Good luck

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T.E.

answers from Charleston on

First let me say congrats.. Both times i was pregnant they did this to me. I had preeclampsia bad both times you can say. There was nothing wrong i had a baby a month early and 2 weeks early. Both mine i had c-sections with. Everything went well. I wouldnt worry about it but i guess it would be easy for me to say since ive been through it twice. If you have any questions please ask i can tell you whatever you wanna know that i know and what took place with me.

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A.H.

answers from Greensboro on

I was induce with both of my children, but it wasn't because health problems. I went over my due date both times, I think 42 weeks the first time the second child I was about two days past 40 weeks. It really wasn't a bad experience like some make out to be they just put the meds they induced me with in my IV and then in a within a hour the contractions had started I think makes the whole process go a little then if you wasn't induced.

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L.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I got induced at 39 weeks. Other than a long labor, I had no problems.

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J.Q.

answers from Tuscaloosa on

my induction was a breeze compared to my pregnancy! i had mild pre e also. we woke up late and rushed to get to the hospital. i was soooo excited. they did all the paper work and an hour later hooked me up to a bag and off we went. i was 37 weeks. my labor did not progress and they thought they were going to have to start over but they relized the delivery floor was really busy the next day so at 2cm dialated they broke my water and that started labor. it was not bad but the contractions were coming so fast i was getting tired so they gave me and epidural and everything was fine. a couple of hours later they told me we were ready to push. it took me 15 min to push and here she was the only part that drove me crazy was my hubby asking if i hated him yet every five min..lol.. i think after being on bedrest and in the hospital with my blood pressure rising it was a great delivery. i had a stereo in the delivery room with me which helped me focus on what i was doing. ( i made my own mix cd with soothing songs to help me through it)i had a small freak out moment while i was pushing i kept wondering if i was really ready and if i could really do this but i told myself it was too late for worries now her head was out.. she is the best thing ever just try and take something that is calming and you'll be fine good luck!
J.

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L.L.

answers from Birmingham on

Hi i just recently had a little one myself. I was 37 weeks as well . I ended up with a pretty severe case of preclampsia. When i went to the doctor that morning to have a nonstress test they seen that i had plus 3 protien in my urine and my blood pressure was elevated really high. So the doctor went ahead an broke my water . But when he did my daughter didn't come down like she was suppose to she was shoulder down and i had to have a c-section.I was induced with my son who is 3 and it wasn't to bad. The contractions are stronger then normal but the nurses and all are right there with you and they offer all kinds of wonderful pain killers to help ease you through them..If you need someone to talk to , to help you through this please feel free to holler at me.. i have been where you are.. take care
L.

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K.V.

answers from Huntsville on

i have a beautiful 4 year old boy now and i had a severe case of pih (pregnancy induced hypertention) while i was pregn. and they induced me at 38 weeks everyone is different i dont know how your pregnany has gone or who your doctor is and i think that has a lot to do with it. inducing labor isn't scary or painful it's all the pain that comes after lol. dont worry everything will be fine.

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J.S.

answers from Richmond on

Hi H.,
I was induced at 38 weeks with my first (13-months). My fluids were a little low, and since I hit the 38-week mark, they went ahead and induced me. My experience was a little different because it wasn't scheduled, so I actually went to the hospital for a sono in the late afternoon and they ended up admitting me. Overnight I had Cervadil (I think it's called) and later the next morning I got my Petocin (sp?). In all I was in the hospital 22 hours before my son was born, but I only pushed for 15 minutes. Long labor- quick delivery!!! The only thing I didn't like about being induced was that I had to be monitored constantly, so there was no walking around the hospital while I was laboring. I would pretend I had to pee just so I could get out of the bed! I also held off on an epidural until the last few hours, so that may have been my fault for not getting it earlier!!

I am expecting #2 in mid-January, but am considering an early induction again because my first one was successful. All-in-all I had a great experience and didn't have to deal with laboring at home, not knowing when to go to the hospital, etc.

Good luck to you!

J.

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S.B.

answers from Raleigh on

I was induced with our second child at 38 weeks simply becuase I couldnt take it anymore and I was having a lot of false labor pains. It was a great experience overall. I will say though that they broke my water and told me to walk around on the delivery floor to keep things moving along. They did not think I would be back so soon needless to say! I did not have time to have an epideral before it was delivery time. Just simply no time! But I will say that after having one with drugs and now one without drugs, I actually preferred no drugs. The delivery was so much easier. I couldnt feel my legs from my first delivery due to the drugs so pushing was tough. You should be fine with inducing early. Good luck!

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R.W.

answers from Charlotte on

I have never been induced, but I did have extremely high blood pressure when I was in labor with my twins. My doctor said c-section was best way to go, because the pushing could make me have a stroke. I just want to say to ask your doctor what is the best way to end up with a healthy baby and mama, and do that. I am very much into natural parenting and keeping things as earthy as possible, but we have technology now, and when there are special circumstances we have to use unnatural means to gain a healthy end. Also, my girls were 35 weeks and only had a bit of jaundice, so I'm sure at near 38 weeks if your baby has to be born now, she should be fine.

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S.

answers from Charleston on

Hey H.,

I am in the same boat as you. I am in my 37th week and I think that they are going to induce next week. My pre-eclampsia is very mild.. The blood pressure is more the issue than the protien in my urine. I have not started dialating yet, but I think my doctor was trying to get it started with my intrnal yesterday. I have also been on limited bed rest for 2 months because i have so many braxton Hicks contractions. My sister in law went in 2 weeks ago for her 37 week appt. and showed signs of pre-eclampsia. They did not even do more testing, she was induced the following Monday. Her baby was great and they went home 2 days later! What is your situation like? Do you want them to induce you or do you want to wait? Love to hear back as I am sitting on my couch waiting for my appt on Fri!

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B.V.

answers from Norfolk on

I was induced at 37 weeks due to pre-E too! I had Cervidel at midnight and at 4am I started contracting (maily back pain) was given Nubain for pain. Went back to sleep till 8am. I was actually told I labored fast! Now understand, that sometimes with induction it doesn't work, or you're laboring for hours! They won't let you have the epidural (if you plan to get one) till you're at a certain stage. I asked for a birthing ball, and that got me from 2-8 in an HOUR!!!! Then I got my epidural (didn't take effect...I went so fast!) I gave birth less than 11 hours later! So I was in active labor less than 4 hours!
I actually enjoyed my induction and birth experience.
If I would have had my choice again, I would have NOT had the epidural put in. 1) it didn't work on me fast enough and 2) still having back pain from the needle insertion!

Good luck!

Actually I went so fast, I never had the pitocin!

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J.R.

answers from Columbia on

hi H. i had preeclampsia at 35 wks it just hit me over night i woke w a blinding headache couldnt keep anything down went to the hospital they told me i was 80percent efaced and dilated 4centimeters/ that was very scary for me.also my blood pressure was real high.like 100 over 80. i was really scared but i had family and a wonderful husband.i was enduced w my daughter its not that bad contractions tend to be a little stronger. i have had 3 natural and 1 enduced. if you have any questions u can email me.

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M.B.

answers from Charleston on

3 out of 4 of my children were late AND induced. I'm not going to lie to you, inducing makes your contractions come harder and faster. They seem more intense, but on the happier note, seem to be more productive and your labor MAY progress faster than if you weren't induced. Honestly though, everyone's experience is different, and may I suggest an epidural? They are somewhat uncomfortable to recieve, and if you are afraid of needles, please have someone like your husband present to comfort you when the procedure is done. They are worth it in the long run if your labor is long because you can get some rest before delivery. They should let you walk around with your IV pole until you have an epidural, and I would suggest it because it made my labor easier. It helped me deal with the pain of contractions and walking also makes you breathe more. All in all, every one of my deliveries were wonderful. Good luck with your new angel! Be blessed!!

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D.R.

answers from Charlotte on

I was scheduled to be induced with my first child. I had SEVERE preeclampsia. I went into labor the day before the scheduled inducement at 38 weeks. They still had to give me the pitocin because my labor wasn't progressing. I ended up having a mid forceps delivery with a baby over 10 lbs. I basically had what was a vaginal c-section. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital and 2 days in ICU where I couldn't see my child. My blood pressure got so high, they called in my family fearing I wouldn't make it. My suggestion is to urge your doctor to induce sooner than the November 5th. Hopefully your delivery will not be the nightmare mine was, but I say take action with you doctor NOW. My son is now a healthy 16 year old with a drivers license.... so he's still causing me trouble ha ha... Good Luck to you.

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M.G.

answers from Norfolk on

For starters, congrats on your new little girl!! Other than pre-eclampsia, how has your pregnancy been? I didn't get induced at 37 weeks, but I did end up getting induced because I was having contractions every 2 minutes for 45 seconds for 3 weeks and I wasn't dilating. Trust me, we tried EVERYTHING!! When I was induced, they gave me and IV and pitocin to make the contractions finally strong enough to make me dilate and 6 hours later my daughter was here!! If you have anymore questions, feel free to contact me. Good luck to you!

M.

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D.M.

answers from Greensboro on

I was induced with my last child at 38 weeks due to some high blood pressure problems. If you are planning on getting an epidural, I'd say the experience was fine. I have three children and had planned "natural" child birth meaning no drugs and I found it difficult to do so with the induction because the contractions were different and more intense. The only other thing is that they want to monitor you and the baby more when you've been induced... so you may not get to walk around as much. Overall, it wasn't so bad.

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