I am 42 weeks pregnant and will be induced on Tuesday..?

Question

I also have an appointment for acupunctury tomorrow which should get everything moving already tomorrow. Any experience of that? What should I do?

Answer 1

No but good luck and congratulations

Answer 2

About acupuncture, I don't have any experience on its use or possible effects on labor and/or delivery. But, I underwent a labor induction for my daughter at 41 weeks and 3 days. Besides, I'm an OB/GYN Nurse Specialist with 5 years experience in Labor and Delivery Room, so I've seen lots of labor inductions, plus my own personal experience. The procedure is very much as follows. First, you'll be prepped for induction by giving you a cleansing enema and your vulvar area will be shaved (some hospitals omit one or both of these, so ask your doctor or the delivery room nurse about it). Then, blood samples for a CBC, blood type and Rh, and urine sample for an urinalysis will be collected. An IV drip will be started to keep your vein open and to administer medications later on, if need should arise. A pelvic exam will be performed to determine how many centimeters you're already dilated. If your water hasn't spontaneously broken by now, the doctor will perform an amniotomy (he/she will insert a long plastic instrument called an "amnihook" into your vagina and rupture the membranes, or amniotic sac, that surrounds the baby). Don't worry, this is completely painless, both for you and the baby; a quantity of warm water will gush out of your vagina. Then, you'll be hooked up to a fetal monitor; this machine will monitor the baby's heart rate, as well as the strenght and frequency of your contractions. If your contractions are not frequent or strong enough, an Oxitocin drip will be started; Oxitocin is an hormone which stimulates your uterus to contract more strongly and frequently so labor progresses faster. Once you're about 6 centimeters dilated, an epidural may be administered for pain relief {I didn't have an epidural; in my country -Puerto Rico-, unless you can pay -$$$- an anesthesiologist, cash and in advance, pain relief during labor isn't covered by medical insurance companies; here, we have to be brave and give birth in pain, no matter how bad it is}. When your cervix is completely dilated, you'll be instructed to push with each contraction; fill your lungs with air, hold it in, and push like you were badly constipated and trying hard to have a bowel movement. In about 15 to 30 minutes after you start pushing (if this is your first baby, less if you've given birth before), you'll be holding your little bundle of joy. I wish you the best of luck, and hope that my advice has been of help and comfort.

Answer 3

The things that reportedly help induce you are:

Fast ride in a sports car
Spicy Food
Mad passionate sex

So you need your partner to take you out for a joy ride and a mexican and then give you a good seeing to....not necessarily in that order...and even if they don't work, you can enjoy doing it.

These are old wives tales, but tried by millions, so what do you have to lose?

The other thing that allegedly brings on labour is lavender oil or tea tree oil...from any aromatherapist...can't vouch for that one.

By the time you read this you probably are a proud parent - congratulations and best wishes for what is likely the best thing that will ever happen to you.

Answer 4

Hi I was induced at nearly 42 weeks with my first daughter. I was given the gel at 6pm and went into labour at 11.00 With induction things happen very quickly - at least with me thay did and we didn't have time to do any preparation - such as tens, massage, baths etc and I do regret that. However, it passed very quickly and labour totalled 5 hours!!
When the contractions start it can be extremely quick and very painful as you go straight into full blown labour without any of the build up. Also make sure your partner is there as mine had been sent home! I recommend constant movement including walking and stretching and once you start pushing the pain seems to subside.

Good luck!!! At least you know it'll soon be over

Answer 5

Not sure about the accupuncture but I was induced with my daughter 3 weeks ago, I had one pessary and then another 12 hours later as nothing had happened, then labour started and my daughter was born 2 hours later, this being my first it was very quick, but I will warn you, when labour starts it may be full blown , mine was and I didnt get the build up of contractions, they started very strong and almost constant, but one thing I will say, gas and air did it for me and the labour was a distant memory straight after, it is SO worth it .GOOD LUCK

Answer 6

never had acupuncture, but in all honesty, is it worth if if you are being induced anyway?

I was induced, I had a teeny pessary at 4pm, had my show at 5pm, labout stared about 8pm, and gave birth 26 hours later.

All you can do is listen to the midwife, listen to your body, ask for anything you want or need to make things easier during labour and take the opportunity to shout at your partner without him being able to shout back!

All the best, hope you have as pain free a labour as possible!

xxx

Answer 7

Never had acupuncture, but was induced. All the very best with the baby - it's fantastic.

Answer 8

i as to be induced and i went into labour myself the day before, good luck and enjoy your new bundle of joy

Answer 9

Get ready to have a baby, GOOD LUCK. It's a wonderful feeling to be a mother.

Answer 10

Just be patient, things will happen when they are meant. Try eating spicy food that often brings on labour and GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 11

I've never had acupuncture but I have been induced. All I can tell you is to walk,walk and walk.