Is it true that induced labor hurts more than going natural?

Question

I really want to have a natural birth, but I'm in a bit of a difficult situation. I was getting my insurance through my mother because my job does not provide insurance. She just got laid off last week, and her severance package lasts up until the 13th of November. I am due the 15th of November. I am going to try all those natural methods of induction before the 13th, of course; nipple stimulation, red raspberry leaf tea, evening primrose oil, etc., but theres still a good chance I won't go into labor by the 13th. If I need to induce with pitocin, is it true it hurts more than going into labor naturally?
I would prefer not to strip membranes if it can be avoided, so I can labor in the jacuzzi tubs my hospital offers in every room. And I know epidural is available, but I really want to go natural without pain meds. I think that is the birth experience that will make me happiest. I have nothing against those who chose pain relief, but I just don't think its for me. Thanks!

I make too much for state insurance. Here's the crazy thing. I am a Soldier and a veteran. I work full time for the Army National Guard as a temporary technician. My job does not provide me with medical insurance.
Now, I can purchase Tricare independently starting October 1st (before that, Guardsmen weren't elligible for Tricare except when activated or coming off activation), but my doctors do not accept Tricare, which leaves me switching doctors and I'd rather avoid that too.
I know I have options, but I want to thoroughly research them all before I make a descision. I might prefer to induce than to change over to military doctors before the birth. That's why I ask.
Anyway, now you know the whole insurance/employment story.

Answer 1

In most situations, yes. It slams your body into labor, as opposed to naturally flowing into labor. I am not understanding why you do not want to have your membranes stripped though. It is not the same as breaking your water. If they strip your membranes, you can still labor in water. Women do it all the time in home water births. It would be much better if you could get your membranes stripped than induction. Inductions have a ton of risks, including increased risks including c-section and fetal distress.

Answer 2

I went into labor about 12 hours after I had my membranes stripped, the stripping part really didn't hurt I was just uncomfortable. Even though I was having contractions I was induced, let me tell you the pain seemed the same for a while and of course it got worse, I don't know if it was because of the pitocin I think it just gets worse period! If going into labor after your mom's insurance isn't a problem then wait! There is unbearable pain (some take it some don't) period! Good luck!

Answer 3

Speaking from experience (3 boys) I would have to say going natural is the best way. I had an epidural for my first two boys and I can say I felt no pain. However, with my third, I had a natural birth. The part that hurts is the contractions, once the baby is in the birthing canal and you are pushing, you won't feel any pain, just a bunch of pulling and tugging and that is from the dr.'s and nurses assiting you and pulling the baby out. Don't get me wrong the contractions will get very painful, but if you are up for it, then I would suggest that you have the natural birth. Trust me, you are going to be very tired from all of the pushing, but of course, it is worth it!

Answer 4

Every labor expirience is different. :) I swore I would go natural then the pain came and I wanted an epidural (which they ended upn not giving me because they had problems with the needle) but ended up not having it. For me the pitocin was intense so they gave me meds to take the edge off. I had her two hours after the pitocin. The epidural for me was worse than any of my labor. The contractions just getb intense fairly quickly. Main thing is have a plan but be somewhat flexible. But I will tell you it was worth it in the end. I have a beautiful baby girl to show for it.

Answer 5

No one should ever set out to get their child induced out, unless a valid medical reason is present, which reading your last question, there is not one at all. Induction is much more intense, and if you are a chicken with pain as you claim to be, I have no idea why you are setting out to cause more pain that what would be there if you just allowed your child to come naturally. 7 pounds at 38 weeks is completely average, I have no idea why people think they are going to have super huge babies, just because one is measured to be 7 pounds at the 38 week mark. Point is, if you are chicken with pain, do NOT be induced, as you can end up with a c-section, which in the long run will hurt more.

Answer 6

Pitocin makes your contractions more frequent and stronger but labor time is much shorter than if just going natural. Having a natural labor using pitocin is very hard but I've done it with my last child, I'm not going to lie, very painful but i was induced at 8:30 a.m. and he was delivered at 3:04 p.m., and I also had my membranes stripped it wasn't painful but felt a little discomfort. Using pitocin I would recommend getting pain meds. Natural methods of induction didn't work for me, and I wouldn't recommend taking castor oil either, I got bad diarrhea. You have to choose the best option for you and just maybe you won't have to be induced. You could have your wish of a natural birth. Is this your first child? I've had a natural birth without inducement meds. and a natural birth with pitocin. Natural birth was painful and very long but with alot of great support from my doula was bearable, but natural birth with pitocin, I never want to experience again in my life, extremely painful but labor was short, it felt like I was in labor forever.

Answer 7

i origenaly wanted to have a natural birth then changed my mind when i started having NONSTOP contractions for 14 hours. i did get an epidural but they did not hit the nerve right or something and i felt EVERYTHING. it hurt so bad hun but at some point you hurt so much that you cant focus on a single part thats hurting, which actualy makes it hurt less.. its weird and hard to explain. but dont worry about it so much it will happen and anticipating the pain makes it hurt more. do not worry about inducing labor my sister had to have the doc do that cuz it was late and dangerous for the baby, she said it BURNED. that didnt sound nice. look up what local hospitals have some kind of community pay program and see if you qualify for it, its when people donate money and pay the bill for you if u cant afford it. also see if you can apply for medicaid through the state.

Answer 8

Inducing labor makes the birthing process go quicker meaning more pain (most of the time) I would be careful of the ways you try to induce the labor yourself, definitely ask a doctor. I would recommend drinking Castor oil as that is a old wives tale (I tried it when I was 10 days overdue it didn't work for me) and my doctor chewed me out telling me that in most cases in caused diarrhea and not only for the mother but the baby as well and if the feces would of gotten in the child's mouth she could of been very sick, the best thing I can tell you is walk a lot!

Answer 9

I was induced with pitocin and I delivered naturally without an epidural. I don't think it hurt worse, but I guess I can't say for sure. My second child was not induced, and that labor was easier, but with my first I was induced and it took about 8 hours after they started the iv and I had the baby about two hours after they broke my water. With my second my water broke on its own and I delivered my son an hour and forty-five minutes later. I think the first one was harder because it lasted longer, not really because of the induction. If you have to be induced, try not to worry about it. Either way, there will be some pain, but it will be manageable.

Answer 10

If this is your first baby, you really can't say beforehand which is going to be easier for you! I was induced, because I had dilated to 4 cm without going into natural labor. My first, last and only child was born 15 gruelling hours later. I gave in and asked for an epidural after many hours of HARD labor. If it hurts too bad, go for pain meds.Don't be a hero - just do what you've gotta do! I wish you well!