i am being induced tomarrow, and am very scared?

Question

has anyone got any advice or something to help prepare me for what will happen

Answer 1

The methods your practitioner would use to induce labor depend on the condition of your cervix at the time. If your cervix hasn't started to soften, efface (thin out), or dilate (open up), it's considered "unripe," or not yet ready for labor. In that case, your practitioner would use either hormones or "mechanical" methods to ripen your cervix before the induction. Sometimes these procedures end up jump-starting your labor as well.

Some of the methods used to ripen the cervix and induce labor are:

• Stripping or sweeping the membranes. If your cervix is already somewhat dilated, your practitioner can insert her finger through it and manually separate your bag of waters from the lower part of your uterus. This causes the release of hormones called prostaglandins, which may help further ripen your cervix and possibly get contractions going. In most cases, this procedure is done during an office visit. You're then sent home to wait for labor to start, usually within the next few days. Many moms-to-be find this procedure uncomfortable or even painful, though the discomfort is short-lived.

• Using prostaglandin medications. Your practitioner may try to ripen your cervix by inserting medication that contains prostaglandins into your vagina. This medication may also stimulate contractions — sometimes enough to jump-start your labor.

• Using a Foley catheter. Your practitioner may insert a catheter with a very small uninflated balloon at the end of it into your cervix. When the balloon is inflated with water, it puts pressure on your cervix, stimulating the release of prostaglandins, which cause the cervix to open and soften. When your cervix begins to dilate, the balloon falls out and the catheter is removed.

• Rupturing the membranes. If your cervix is at least a few centimeters dilated, your practitioner can insert a small, plastic hooked instrument into it and break your bag of waters. This procedure causes no more discomfort than a vaginal exam. If your cervix is very ripe and ready for labor, there's a small chance that this alone might be enough to get your contractions going. If that doesn't happen, your practitioner will give you the drug oxytocin (Pitocin) through an IV. Once your water has broken, most practitioners will want you to deliver within the next 12 to 24 hours because the risk of infection for you and your baby increases over time.

• Using Pitocin. Pitocin is a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin, which your body naturally produces during labor. Your practitioner may give you this drug through an IV pump to start or augment your contractions. She can adjust the amount you need according to how your labor progresses.

Answer 2

I was induced twice & both times were different, but fine. The first time was a semi-emergency because my fluid was low. I was only 36 or 37 weeks, but the baby came pretty quickly - I was induced at around 5pm & had my son around 1am. You get an IV of medicine which will start contractions. They start off with a low dose and gradually increase the amount, which should increase the contractions and dilation so the baby can be born. At some point, your water will either break on its own or the Dr. will break it for you. When you are far enough along, they will set up an epidural if you want one. (I highly recommend it.) All the while, the nurse will be monitoring you and your baby so if there is any sign of a problem, they can keep an eye on it or intervene.

The second time I was induced at 8am, but the contractions would start and then stop, start and stop and I wasn't really making much progress. By mid afternoon, though, the contractions kept up, I dialated, got my epidural & delivered at 8 or 9 that night.

Try to relax as much as you can, once you get used to being at the hospital & how they are doing things, REST as much as you can - it helps the time go faster & you'll have more energy to push!

Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

I was induced last year with my son. You really have nothing to be scared of, basically they will insert glycerin tablets on your cervix to get you to go into labor the natural way, and if those don't work then they give you Pitocin. After I had the Pitocin, I was in full labor 10 minutes later. You will be fine, your job is to get through this and let everyone wait on you hand and foot. You also should think about an epideral if you haven't already, as they say being induced is more intense than going into labor naturally. Just remember, this is a special day for you and your family. Although it is painful, it does not last forever. Just keep your eye on the prize which is a beautiful healthy child.. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

Both of mine babies were induced and everything went great. You will go in do your paperwork, get in a gown and then they will start an I.V. and your meds. Your GYN will probably break your water and then you just sit there and wait for it all to happen. Don't get stressed or you will put stress on your baby. Take you some music or books or even your thank you cards. Oh yeah, get an epidural as soon as you feel the need, don't let the nurses talk you into getting one until you are sure that you are ready for it or you really need it (ie: the pain gets too much). They can wear off if you get one too soon. Good Luck and Congrats!! Just remember by this time tomorrow you will be holding your beautiful baby in your arms.

Answer 5

Wow! At least you have time to prepare. I was induced when I had my son 7years ago. Only mine was unexpected. 3 days past my due date, I had some tests done. They went to check my baby's heartbeat and they said it was decreasing so right then, they call my doctor and he decides we should induce. This was a Wed. and I didn't have my son until Thurs. @ 7:15 a.m. He was very lucky. He was born with his umbilical cord around his neck AND in a knot (don't ask me how he did that) but otherwise he was fine. He's 7years old now. Very healthy and a very wild boy. Look...I hope that doesn't make you feel worse but from one mom to another,what I mean is that I was worried, too, and expected something bad to happen. But I had a healthy and beautiful baby and so will you so just take some deep breaths, pray (I will be praying also), and try to rest, okay? Good luck tomorrow and if you get time at some point, I'd like to know how everything went.

Answer 6

Congratulations!!!!
How exciting. I was induced with my last child too. It was so much nicer over all than my first. I was in labor over 35 hours & 15 of that was considered hard labor with my first.
When I was induced, we went to the hospital really early (6 am) & they gave me the pitocin (not sure of spelling) drip as soon as I was in the bed. Labor started pretty hard by noon and I had the Epidural at that time. From there it was a breeze, he was born at 2:30 pm.
I wish you an easytime & try to be excited rather than scared. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions & just remember the gift you get to leave with.

Answer 7

I was scared too when I was induced. And I am not going to lie to you, labor is hard and very tiring, but as soon as you hold your baby, you will forget all about the pain. I cannot tell you how happy you will be! Dont worry too much, try to get some rest tonight, you will need your strength. Take lots of stuff with you, magazines, cards, games, music etc. And once you have your epidural, if you are tired, then sleep just as much as you can. Good luck and you will be fine!

Answer 8

Put it in God'd hands. Also, its a mind thing. I had no problems with that much pain. Use your breathing techniques. Don't yell when u get ready to push because its not helping, its only slowing u down. Concentrate on seeing your little one. If u can't take the pain (i took it for 12 hours) get an epidural. I am with u in spirit. U can do it, I promise. Check this out, I started off at 105lbs. I reached 144lbs. The only thing big on me was my face and stomach. I did it. I'm scared of needles and I did it and I have a low tolerance for pain and I still did it. I'm with u. U will be a soldier. Keep your head up and make me proud.

Answer 9

You will go in and they will put you in a gown and hook you up to monitors. They will check you to see how far you are dialated. They will hook up an IV and put the potossim (?) in the IV. You might get an epidural if you asked for one. Shortly there after, you will start feeling contractions. It might take a while for them to get strong and painful. They might break your water, or it could happen naturally. They will continue to check you the whole time. They will put a big strap across your belly to hear the babies heartbeat and check the heartrate.

If the baby ever gets in distress, they can deal with it right them. You'll be aware of everything that's going on.

Congratulations. Dont be scared. Just think, by Sunday you will be at home with your new baby.

Answer 10

I was induced for all 3 of my pregnancies and there is really no big deal. From what I recall I didn't feel anything beside the normal labor stuff.(last one was 3 1/2 yrs. ago) Good Luck! And don't be scared when it's all over all you'll remember is your sweet baby and all the happiness!