Questions & Answers

I was induced with both of my children and personally do not see the problem with it. I had two beautiful birth experiences and am planning an induction if need be with my third. As for pain medication, I think it is a good idea to be open. If you have not given birth, you don't know if it is needed, and if you have it could be different every time. Good luck and if you feel that you have chosen your caregiver wisely, then follow their advice.

Yes I have. And it was awful. I was induced at 39 weeks because they said my baby was "too big". (she was only 7lbs 8.5 oz and they told me she was going to be 9 or 10lbs.) I will refuse to be induced this time at least until 41 weeks or so. I ended up having a c-section because she just couldn't tolerate everything that was done to her. Between the pitocin to start labor, epidural, and 2 hours of pushing it was 22 hours of labor before they called c-section. I'm just not willing to do that again.

i don't want to scare you.

1st-went into labor on my own, had iv meds, no epidural, labor was 27 hrs, 7 days past due date
2nd- was in labor 24hrs before i went to be induced. gave me pitocin anyway (dr's orders), 34hr labor, had iv meds, no epidural, contractions in excess of 150 on digital readout-extremely strong, 17 days past due date
3rd- 7 days before due date, pitocin, baby's breathing slowed to 80, dr had to sick his arm up there to turn baby. very bad experience. had iv meds, no epidural

with this pg, i'm refusing any pitocin, and i don't care how long it takes past my due date, i want to go into labor on my own.

go with your instinct, because a lot of women have had good experiences with induction. if you feel it's right for your situation, go for it. talk it over with your dr. good luck!!!!

I was induced at 36 weeks with my 3rd child because my placenta had begun detaching itself. I have 4 children and I have to say.. I had them all natural and drug free.. But the one I was induced with was the absolute worst! My progression was slow, it is uncomfortable because you are not free to move around. The meds made me vomit and gave me a headche. I would do anything to avoid being given pitocen again! I'm not trying to scare you but wanted to be honest. I wish you the best of luck on getting going naturally.

ps... with 3rd, labor was 13 hrs.

hi, i was induced at dead on 28 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. it was great. from start to finish was 6hrs, no stitches. i must warn you though, because of being induced it makes things quicker therefore it can hurt just a little bit more but dont worry. my 2nd labour i didnt get induced and i still lasted 6jrs start to finish! lol everyone reacts different to it so try and keep positive.

Baby #1 and #2 were not induced and their labors were long (46 and 26hrs from first contractions) both times I had a shot of pethadine and used gas with my first. Baby #3 was induced because my waters broke but after 4 days no contractions and the risk of infection was far to high at that stage, her labor was only 6 1/2 hours from when pitocin was stared to her birth and I made it on just gas.. Baby #4 was induced at 41wks because I was having irregular contractions that were not dialating me, his labor was only 2 1/2 hours after the drip was started with no pain meds not evan gas and he was 9lb 9oz and born with his hand by his face (no stiches or evan skid marks!)... I have to say pain wise they all hurt ALOT but none more than the other, only being induced they tend to start full force than the natural build up.

I was induced with my first child. Needless to say I ended up with a c-section 48 hours later. None of the "this medicine will make you go into labor" worked, I never progreessed. turns out my pelvis was too small for him =)

I havent been induced either, but I did have my membranes stripped very close to my due date. It definitely helped things get started even though I ended up delivering 5 days late. I think there are some more natural things you can do at home like reflexology and nipple stimulation. This is my third pregnancy and as someone who wants to go as natural as possible I totally understand your anxiety and concern. There are still options I would say though, try natural stuff at home first and ask about having membranes stripped. It is rather uncomfortable but a step you can take that might prevent a full on induction. Good luck and Congrats! Either way you are gonna have a beautiful babe in a couple weeks.

I did not say I was being induced now, I said it was a possibility since nothing has started happening yet and since first time mom's tend to go past their projected due dates. And since I was planning an all natural birth, this was upsetting to me and I was looking for opinions and experiences from people who HAVE been induced. My OB does not like going past 41 weeks so that's when my induction would be scheduled.