I was induced to deliver my daughter 4 years ago, and it did not go well. I was 0 cm dilated, not in any kind of labor at all, and it only took 3 1/2 hours from the time they put the pitocin drip in to the time my baby was in my arms. Needless to say, that was just too fast and I ended up with a 4th degree episiotomy with rectal involvement (sorry - lots of info). I developed an infection, plus the healing from nearly 20 stitches kept me from using the bathroom normally for a couple of weeks. I obviously do not want to relive that experience.
All that being said, I am now almost 39 weeks with my second child. They want to induce next week, and I am shaking in my boots. Is there ANYTHING any of you have done at home that brought on labor? I would love to go into labor on my own before they have a chance to induce me.
(* i am 2 cm right now, and have been for about two weeks now. dr. said have sex, and i am also a praying woman.)
Is there a reason the dr wants to induce other than it makes his schedule more convenient? Why go through this if there's no reason? That being said, when I was approaching 40 weeks, my dr's advice was to eat spicy food to bring on labor. I don't really like spicy food so it didn't really work for me!
S. - I was told to rub my ankles, which did seem to help, however the thing that seemed to work best for me, was 1 ounce of wine. An elderly woman had told me months before I was due, to try this. I was hesitant to try it in fear of harming the baby, but I had been in labor for 2 days and I was only 2 cm. The hospital sent me back home. Well, I decided to try her advice. I took 2 little sips of wine and Wa-Lah! It expedited things....but I still had to have a C-section.
Best of luck to you,
Jolie
Caster oil is what Ina May's Guide to Childbirth discusses for inducing labor. My OB told me it is effective but pretty miserable as it inducing vomiting. But probably less miserable than 20 stiches! And I'd insist on waiting to 42 weeks. Exercise and spicy food help too.
Oww. That sounds painful.
From what I know, episiotomies are not directly related to being induced. It is about your body, the doctor or midwife with you, the baby's size,etc...
I think it has to do with the doctor-- and somewhat other things. I would ask the doctor to massage you while you are in labor. Regardless if it is 15 minutes or 5 hrs. They can stretch you a little. They can 'coach' you and may have you stop while you are in labor, stretch you and start again. Call now and talk to them!
Also-- go walking. walk. walk. drink water. tons. walk. if you do more walking than you normally do- your child will come sooner.
Praying for you.
I agree with what most of the others are saying. You're not techincally "overdue" until 42 weeks. Unless there's a problem, there is no reason to induce you. After your experience with 4th degree tears, I don't think I personally would let an OB near me ever again! Your body knows what to do and when to do it. So listen to your body! And sex and walking both help... I'd avoid castor oil... my friend had a terrible experience with it and no labor. I've also heard great things about the evening primrose mentioned in another post. Good luck, and remember, if you don't want to be induced, just say NO!
I am so sorry to hear everything you have been through. I am a firm believer the birth process was meant to offer empowerment to bring the mom up to a place to mother well and be most available to her children at all times especially right after birth, not dis-empowerment. How "we" in the United States offer "the best" there is quite a long way to go when it comes to delivery. Do you know of anyone who has a midwife who can offer some info for you? I found this site online:
http://pregnancychildbirth.suite101.com/article.cfm/herb_...
There is more on this site for other ways too. Regardless, your baby will likely come when ready. Is there a way to hold off the invasive nature of the medical establishment?
I wish I could be more help. I hope all goes fabulously well! And, as peacefully as imaginable!!!
Blessings!
I induced my labor at home by drinking a laxative. It's an oil that you can find at a pharmacy or grocery store. There is something in the oil that puts women into labor. I drank the laxative and was in labor and at the hospital within a couple hours. I'm not sure what the exact name is but it's a laxative that I bought at the grocery store. My girlfriend told me about it and how it had worked on a couple of her friends. I tried it and it worked perfectly! Good Luck!!
Why do you have to be induced? Is there a medical reason? I ask because when I lived in CA most people are induced for no good reason. I have gone through both. Normal delivery with my son and induced with my daughter. I know being induced feels really strong, but it just cuts to the chase. I don't think your tearing had much if anything to do with being induced though. The size of your baby and how much you stretch. Talk to your Dr. about having an episomity (can't spell it at 6am). Make sure your Dr. has a good reason for inducing you. Go online and research, research, research. When it comes to the herbal stuff. I tried to induce myself with my son and it sucked. Castor oil ... .sucks. I have heard going to the mountains helps, atmospheric pressure or something.
Good luck !
Girl, you can say no! In healthcare, they are not allowed to do anything to you without your consent. Just say "I do not consent." Just think of them as peer pressure and yourself as a teenager. Tell them when you are 42 weeks, you can talk about inducing. Inducing is more convenient for them - no waking up in the middle of the night. Remember that when you are induced, your chances of Cesarian double. Stand up for yourself! And also remember, second babies are normally early or on time - so it may not even be an issue! God bless you and that sweet baby.
If you want to be induced then go for it. If you don't want to be induced then ask them why. If there is no sound medical reason then wait and see what happens. with my son they wanted to induce at 38 weeks for really no reason at all (convenience on their part) and because they thought I wanted to be induced. I was dilated 2 cm at 35 weeks with the head way down and 3 cm at 37 weeks and he was born on his own time at 39 weeks and 3 days (labor less than 2 hours). do what you feel is right!
sex and walking did it for me! i wish you the best of luck!!
lots of good advise here S.. i'm a little concerned that they are wanting to induce at 40 weeks. God created womens body to instinctively go into labor on their own (with some exceptions) so do whatever you can to induce it on your own. it's your choice of weather or not to allow them to induce. i pray that you have a better experience the second time around.
Hi S.! Congratulations...but don't be nervous. You have enough to be anxious about. Definitely have lots of good lovin'...tell your husband to come home during his lunch hour too :-). I would also suggest walking and going up and down steps. I know that you don't feel like moving. But, when I was pregnant with both of my boys, I walked three times a day and I walked them right on out. This is also great exercise and will help with the stress. Good Luck and keep Praying :-)
JUST SAY NO!! Unless there is a DRASTIC medical reason to have this baby right now ("it's getting big" is NOT a good enough reason to induce! they can be very wrong about that). The other posters are right- many doctors like to induce because it's easier for them. Birth is a rare experience that should be all your own- intervention should only come in to save you or your baby's life. Otherwise, tell them where to stick it until you're technically late (42 weeks). If you need another good reason, consider that many last minute things are being taken care of right now in your womb. I was 10 days late with my son, and they were threatening to induce so I went and got acupuncture (it works, by the way). 2 weeks after he was born, he had an inigual hernia- his bowels fell in to his testicles, requiring immediate surgery. It turns out that the tissue that seals a wall between the bowels and the testicles happens as the last thing before labor. That taught me to just leave well enough alone- both my body and my baby knew it was too early, even though the doctors considered him "late". So, I would just encourage you to stick to your guns and tell them that there is NO reason to induce you. I had my first through spontaneous labor, it took 17 hours and he was turned the wrong way so it was excruciating back labor. My 2nd was induced b/c my water had been broken for 2 days and no sign of good labor. I too had my 2nd in a matter of hours once the pitocin brought on labor. I would take the first labor over the 2nd no doubt. That pitocin makes you feel way out of control, and it's hard. So it's your body and your experience. Tell them to butt out until they have a good reason. And have a wonderful experience!!!
Your not even overdue. Why let them induce. It's your body. It took me 3 babies to figure this out and I am so glad that i had my 3rd when he was ready to come.
Just relax and enjoy the next week or so, your baby will come!! Inducing is SO h*** o* the baby too. You would be glad you waited.
Congrats on the baby, hang in there!
Walking helps I have heard from my sisters....I was a C section to I can not go my personal experience.....Also having sex Ask your doctor also for his opinion
S. I was induced with my son but I was about 2cm dilated (I had no choice b/c my b/p was going up)and it took about 6 hours from the beginning to the end. I think it maybe easier with you already being dilated some. I don't know how much it works but I here people talk about walking helps induce labor.
I think you are doing the right thing by praying because God answers all prays and I know He will guide you through this delivery and I am praying for you as well.
Your husband will be happy to hear that my advice on this is sex! Worked for me on both my pregnancies a little too well.....as my kids came 2-3 weeks early. Good luck - I don't blame you on dreading being induced after your first experience. I hope this delivery goes much smoother for you.
2 cm is a start! How effaced are you? I think, because your body is already doing the "before" stuff, you may not have as hard a time as last time. You could try massaging the perineum with Vitamin E oil (or if you can't reach, get the hubby to do it). Also, if your OB knows about your last experience they can tune down the intensity.
(BTW, I am so intrigued to hear someone with a similar birth story. I went into natural labor and had mine 3 hours after my first contraction. Everyone says, "Oh, you're so lucky" and I think a little bit slower would have been a LOT better.)
Oh goodness. I just wanted to help relieve your fears a bit. Usually that's not going to happen twice. I've been induced 3 (first 3) out of my 5 children and not all of them were the same. I won't be induced anymore, thank goodness. My doc waited for me to do it on my own for my last one...no pytocin anymore...I have something to look forward to when/if we have more.
Try not to worry and relax as much as you can. There is an herbal formula to prepare you for the laboring, etc., but that can be taken the last 6 weeks of your pregnancy. Red Raspberry Leaf tea can be taken throughout the pregnancy...not just at the end...just thought I'd let you know that. I have MANY friends that take RRL to strengthen the uterus, etc. Wonderful for many things.
Good luck! Relax...and enjoy your birth.
Hi S.,
I understand. I was 40 weeks and passed my due date, not dilated, but my blood pressure wasn't steady. They induced me too at 6am that morning 12 hours later I had a beautiful baby but the pitocin drip was not as easy as expected. My baby also didn't drop. They broke my water. etc...It was horrible.
Ask the doctor if you can wait another week to see if labor will start on its own? I tried all sorts of things. Eating the parmasan eggplant at Provino's, all the myths and nothing worked. Best of luck!
I second what every one else said about just saying NO. Doctors are induction happy these days because it's convenient for them, not because it's what's best for you or your baby.
The only thing I have to add is be prepared to be bullied and scared into it. My third pregnancy I switched practices at 38 weeks because I wanted to deliver at a different hospital. I had just seen my old docs (who I loved) and everything was great. As soon as I switched the new docs made a big deal about my blood pressure (which had never been high before, and hasn't since). When I didn't take the bait they honed in on my husband, telling him that we were both (baby and I) going to die if he didn't talk me into the induction. My bp was barely up at all, no protein in my urine. The slight elevation was probably due to the fact that I hated that practice! i'll never use them again.
Anyway, I've heard similar stories. They'll tell you the baby is going to be huge and you'll tear badly or need a c section if you don't take the pitocin NOW, they'll make up health problems for you or the baby, anything to get you to do it their way.
It makes me so mad that I just stopped going t the doc all together after 30 weeks with my last baby and had her at home. You could do the same thing, only go to the hospital. They don't do anything important at the visits anyway once you get to the last few weeks. The weekly vaginal exams are pointless. you could go from 0 centimeters to baby in a few hours literally, especially with a second pregnancy. They check the heart rate, big whoop. You'll know your baby is ok by doing kick counts at home. I'd just nest and enjoy the last week or two instead of going to weekly appointments and being stressed. Check your bp yourself while you're out at the drug store or wal/k-mart.
Walking and/or sex were very helpful.
Hi there, S.:
This worked for my daughter - she took a laxative and went into labor and delivered within a couple of hours after that or maybe less - it worked very well for her and her doctor said it was ok to do. Best of luck and hope this delivery is much easier than your last.
Yeah take the docs advice and have sex as uncomfortable as it is. I was pregnant with twins and at 36 weeks I was
m-i-s-e-r-a-b-l-e! I went and walked around Walmart for a couple of hours and then I decided to have sex later that night too. I was determined to have those babies. I had gained over 80 lbs my feet were swollen to no end I began to have sciatica issues so I was ready. I did everything in the book but I believe that the sex is what did it!lol!
I was in the hospital by 7:00 a.m. the next day and they finally admitted me in to have those babies!
They weighed 6 lbs even and the other weighed 5lbs 10 ounces. I can't even imagine how big they would have been if I had carried to full term!
These may have already been mentioned, but many people swear by eggplant parmesan, and if you are in the ATlanta area, try the dish at Scalini's (there are two locations). Also, my sister swore that rasberry tea (not just flavored by rasberry but with real rasberry extract) caused her to go into labor. Walking a lot if you can, too, may help. Good luck.
S.,
They do not have the right to induce your labor - you have until you are 42 weeks before it should be worrisome. Here's a website link that has helpful ways to naturally induce labor http://pregnancy.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Natural_Ways_to_Indu...
Acupuncture and massage can induce labor. I hope you can stand your ground and not let the doctors bully you into getting your baby out when he or she is not ready. Babies are known to come out on their own just fine, most of the time maybe they need to be reminded of that.
Best of luck S.!! And congratulations, mama!
Is there a reason to be induced? Is there a problem? Are you past your due date? I had a mid-wife for both of my boys. When my due date was coming, she told me that a due date is an estimate. It could go two weeks, either way. Another thing I realized is that doctors look at a pregnancy as a medical condition that needs to be treated. A mid-wife looks at it as the most natural thing in the world and all they can do is make sure you and the baby are healthy. Take to your doctor about this and try to find out why he won't let you go into labor on your own.
Tryinmg doing some walking and I heard that taking a warm bath is supose to help in induce labor dont know if that is true or not
Hi S. - you may be worrying needlessly - sure hope so! I had my first son very fast. Walked into hospital happy as a clam at 7 am, and was holding my son by 10 - same deal - nasty tear. My second was induced with pitocin and it was a TOTAL BREEZE - i'm not kidding!!!! None of the other stuff. Remember, something's already gone through there before! WAY easier and more comfortable - cause it's more controlled, I guess.
Good luck and try to relax!!!
S.,
I was induced when I was 37 weeks, dialated 2. I had no problems. It was my 1st child & I was in labor for almost 12 hours. Good Luck, but I personally don't believe that anything you do (other than prayer) will bring that baby unil he is readyn (other than inducing).
Hi S.,
I know this is late, sorry! If you havent had the baby yet, here is my advice. Unless you have a medical cond. or the baby is in danger, then there is NO reason to induce before 42 weeks. Your body will do it, its just going to do it on its own time. YOU have a right to choose your birth. Dont let the Drs make that choice for you just because of convenience! I wish you the very best!!
Hi S.,
The website www.givingbirthnaturally.com is full of information and many different ways to induce without physician involvement. You can also look on this link and it will give you certain herbs that are safe for the baby. Some of the same stuff Karen B said previously. http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/herbs-induce-labor.html
I was scared to death with my second one the same as you because I had it so rough with my first one. Being anxious for nothing was so difficult at that point. My second went so much better and it really helped when my OB leaned over me and prayed with me...
God bless!
The Dr. is right, have lots of sex if you can and walk often, this should help with bringing on labor, it worked for me. I was scheduled to be induced with my second pregnanacy after being a week overdue, but I went into labor the morning I was scheduled to get induced. Someone mention drinking raspberry tea also brings on labor, never tried it, but you can look into it. http://www.babycenter.com.au/pregnancy/labourandbirth/pla...
What's the rush? Are you diabetic or do you have a heart condition? Is something going on with the baby? If no is the answer to all of these then what is your doc's hurry? You are WELL within your rights to say that you don't want to be induced. Outside of a medical necessity there is no reason to induce and it can only harm you and possibly your baby. Have someone like your husband come with you to your next visit or be with you when you tell them that you don't want to be induced. Birth has occurred naturally for generations and only in the last few decades have we felt the need to speed up the birth process. It was always meant to be a gradual process.
Having sex is how I had my little girl early. And of course C- section if its needed.
Hi there - I don't have any advice but I will certainly be praying for you. I'm doing so right now. I pray that the Great Physician will deal tenderly and mercifully with you this time and that your sweet boy will arrive safely.
Funny - they say you forget the pain of childbirth. After my third c-section, I say "not so much!!"
May God bless you richly!!
If you are having a healthy pregnancy, with no risk to your or the babies health, it isn't going to hurt to go past your due date. Just tell them you do not want to be induced next week, that you would rather wait to see if your body responds NATURALLY. It seems doctors are getting all "gung-ho" about inducing and c-sections these days, and they are unneccesary. Especially if the "big baby" excuse is used. They induced me early saying I could have a big baby and my body wasn't ready at all. If you are 2 cm dilated right now, it means your body is preparing for the natural birth. I'd wait.
Your dr is right. Sex will work. I was 2cm the day before my husbands birthday. Dr said to have a baby as a birthday present have sex. Daddy and our youngest now share the same birthday! I'll keep you in my prayers.
N.
mom of 5
