Occupying time at the hospital?

Question

I'm set for a labor induction tomorrow morning. I'm the type of person who has to stay busy, but... should I take something to do with me, like a puzzle book or my knitting? I know it sounds like a crazy question, but will I have "down time" to do anything, or will I be so preoccupied that I won't have time? I'm hoping to have an epidural, but I really don't know what it's going to be like. I hate hospitals! Can I get some input?

Answer 1

I'm the same way, I can't sit still for 5 minutes. I was induced, in labor for 12 hours, then pushed for 17 minutes. I brought stuff to do but they never came out of the bag. There are no other emotions to compare it to. Take something, as everyone is different. I very seriously doubt you will use it/ them. Good luck and congratulations!!

Answer 2

I've been induced 3 times. At the beginning you will have a bit of down time, but not a whole lot. I usually buy a "special" puzzle book for the trip to the hospital. I say special, because I only take children's level puzzle books with me. I am a fairly intelligent person (if I do say so myself), but I know from experience that taking a normal difficulty puzzle book with me is just going to annoy and upset me when I have trouble concentrating on it. The children's puzzle books work wonderfully because they give me something to occupy my time (until I REALLY can't concentrate on anything) and they require little concentration (which is about all you will have). Knitting I feel might be a bit demanding for you at that point. Also, don't plan on starting to read a novel either, your mind will wander even at the beginning. I've never had an epidural though so perhaps it is easier to concentrate...

Answer 3

I found it very hard to concentrate on much of anything during labor since the contractions were painful enough, but I also didn't get an epideral until the end with my 1st and not at all with my 2nd or 3rd. I was induced with all three, and was very restless much of the time. We rented movies and watched those or tv through out much of the down time. I was always induced at night, and was told to try and get sleep...but I never could. I don't think I would've had patience to do puzzles or knitting, but with your plan to have an epideral it may work for you. A lot of times the nurse will be coming in and out wanting to check your blood pressure, check your cervix, or ask you questions...which usually requires stopping what you are doing completely especially if you are using your arms. With my last labor I spent much of my time laying uncomforably on my side trying to get the heart monitor on my baby to work since she was in a weird position until she flipped right before I delivered her. It was a very long 11 hours. I personally prefer being able to get up and walk around until the contractions get unbearable...but there really isn't anywhere to go and they like to keep the monitors on as much as possible. Good luck with everything!

Answer 4

I went to the hospital and they started the induction 2 days before my baby was actually born. I couldnt really get up and go anywhere (except for the bathroom) because I had a needle stuck in my hand and was hooked up to a machine that measured the frequency and intensity of my contractions. I occupied my time with books, newspapers, TV, and talking to visitors. I didnt have a whole lot of downtime because the nurses were constantly coming in and checking on me to see if I was progressing and explaining the birthing process and procedures to me and my husband. It gets pretty boring just sitting there and only being able to walk around your room but once your babys born there wont be a dull minute in your life!

Answer 5

Take a book to read, puzzle books, if you like to knit.. definitely take that with ya, another thing could be the baby book... if you dont have anything filled out in it yet that would pass some time. I had plentyyyy of downtime to do things. With any luck you wont have quite as much time. If you take it atleast you have the option of doing it if you have time and if you dont want to... no big deal. GL

Answer 6

with my first son i was inducted as well...and trust me you dont need to tke anything to do, you will be plenty busy, I dont know if you will labour as fast as I did everyone is different, but when they give you the meds to induce it usually works pretty fast.. I have also had an epidural and it works pretty good...they can usually speed up labour by giving u more meds.
I dont think dear that once they start inducing you that you will have some down time, and any downtime that you will have you might wnat to use it for napping because it can be exgausting to push sometimes.
I hope this helps.
congrads by the way:) i hope everything goes well for you let us all know what you have...

Answer 7

I'm the same way. I packed a book, magazines, the works. Didn't use a bit of it. I was too excited to focus on anything. I just stared at the TV and talked to my family and nurses. Knitting is probably out of the question, just bc once you are induced those contractions gradually get bigger, and the focus would be gone.

If anything, pack a magazine or light reading. I like Jenny MacArthy's books. Belly Laughs was hysterical!!!

Best of Luck! May it be speedy!

Answer 8

I've been seeing you posting questions on here lately! I know that you've been ready to go. :)

I know that when I go in, I'm borrowing my eight-year old's Gameboy Advanced, and playing Super Mario Bros until it's time to push. lol

Bring a book, a TV Guide, a friend to gossip with, or a notebook to write in. If you can find a video game of some kind, those are great, too.

I'm all about that epidural, though. They can go on and give it to me before they give me the pitocin, if they want. lol

Congrats and good luck! You're almost there!

Answer 9

Bring Sudoku!!! It is soooooooooo addicting! I can do it for hours and not realize that time is passing...even if you've never tried it before...just by a book and it has instructions in it. It's easy to learn! And very fun. Not to mention is makes you use your brain but it's not instense and you don't have to think too hard...(which you might not be able to, since you'll probably be a little distracted!)

Good luck and CONGRATS! I am excited for you!!!

Answer 10

I would bring something to do just in case you need it. In my case, I brought about three different things to do but didn't really have time to do any of them. Bring something that won't take too much brain power as it will be hard to concentrate. Good luck!