Scared of labour induction tonight?

Question

I'm going in to hospital to be induced and am very scared. They say first time mothers will usually need more than one pessary so that means I could be in there a couple of days. Any advice on how to stay calm or what it's gonna be like would be helpful. Could you only reply if your from the UK cheers X

Did not mean offence when I said only UK, but cos it may be different in other countries and I didn't want conflicting advice..

To darlingdiva...I can't believe how mean u are, you obviously have serious issues.

Answer 1

I know you only asked for people from the UK, and I am not, however I was induced 3 months ago, and couldn't resist answering. I too was terrified. I had no idea what to expect, and it kept me awake and in tears thinking about it. Honestly, though, the fear is the very worst part! Once I got over that, it was smoothe sailing.

I went in at night also, where the inserted what is called a Foley Bulb. It's just a catheter, which the put into your cervix and inflate with saline. As my nurse said, it's job is "to piss your cervix off". The most important thing to know is that this procedure does not hurt. If you're modest, you may find it a little embarassing (like me), but it really feels no different than a pelvic exam. After it's over you'll probably have some small cramps, that feel like your period is about to start, and you may even see a small amount of blood. This is a GOOD thing! It means everything is working! It was at this time that my hubby and I popped a Comedy into the DVD player, to pass some time until we were sleepy. I went to bed before the movie was even over, and when I awoke in the morning, the bulb had dialted my cervix the expected 4cm, and fallen out on it's own.

That morning the nurse hooked me up to an IV, through which pitocin was administered. You most likely won't really notice the contractions at first, but eventually they will increase the amount until it's you start having them. After that they come on FAST! That part about inductions is true. I was having them every two minutes for about 30-40 seconds I would say, soon after the induction began. It was for this reason I elected to have an epidural at 6cm. After the epidural, I was feeling GREAT and hubby and I just joked, and chatted to pass the time. You can still sort of feel the contractions with the medicine, but they just feel like Braxton Hicks contractions, instead of the sharp, stabbing real contractions.
One big time benefit of induced labors is that they're often fast. Mine lasted only 7 hours, and 2 minutes of pushing. In hindsight, I think I could have done the entire thing without the epidural, but there were moments toward the end that I felt strong labor pains THROUGH my epidural, and was glad I had it. Either way, just know that inductions are nothing to be afraid of. I totally understand why you are afraid, since I was too, but in the future I will most likely elect to have an induction. Most of all, enjoy the experiance! You're little one will be here soon!

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Why only UK? Just because most Americans are morons don't lump us all in that category. If there is one thing people do pretty much the same no matter where the are from it's giving birth lol. Well... I'm an american so disreguard this if you must but I'm going to answer anyway (just call it my stubborn americaness). I've answered this alot it seems lol. Now I wouldn't know any different because I've never gone into labor naturally (my babies tend to get too big lol) so I don't know what that kind of labor feels like. But I have been induced 3 times and will be again in about a month and a half. Don't believe everything you read. There are many people on here that have no experience in being induced that like to try to scare people out of them because they think its wrong and not natural. I've never had an epidural. I do however partake in some of the other lovely things they have to offer. Such as the narcotics (I usually have Demerol). It is painful, but not unbearable. You'll do just fine :) Don't let other people scare you. Just focus on that beautiful baby you will soon be meeting. At least 25% of pain is mental.

Answer 3

unless there is a medical reason for your induction you don't have to have it done if you are scared. It's normal for a first time mother to go past the 40 week mark and not unusual to go to 42 weeks.

I was induced and had a great experience but I live in the U.S. I went in the night before they put a gel in to help soften my cervix and the next morning pitocin was started to get my contractions going. I did use an epidural but not until after my water broke. My pitocin was started at 8am. I got the epidural at about 3pm and my son was born at 5:15pm.

Answer 4

I'm from Australia & have also had an induction. If you use pain relief you will be fine. I found the experience to be very, very painful (unbearable) but fine once i opted for the epidural. You'll be fine & the pain will soon be forgotten. Oh why only UK women?

Answer 5

You need to go to a website for only UK people if you only want anwers from people them. I am American and I was induced. I could give you a very thorough answer to help ease your mind and tell you all about my experience, but all I will tell you is that I hope you don't have time for an epidural and tear like crazy!

Don't ask a question on a website where people from all over the world can read, when you only want one nation to answer. That's rather rude!

Answer 6

dont get induced unless its medically needed and if you only want uk woman to answer pot on the uk forum that was very rude of you as this is the american forum

Answer 7

why only from the UK? I was induced twice but I am American; guess I *could have* been an encourager but I guess not now...anyhow, best wishes; don't be afraid...remember to breathe and remember it'll be over soon and you will not remember the pain when you see your beautiful baby

Answer 8

First-time mothers also have longer pregnancies -- 41 weeks.

Why on earth are you letting people do something to you that scares you? Unless there's a clear need for it, just say no.

Answer 9

yeah, why only he UK.
do you have some problem with the rest of us?