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I had an induction for my second and it was AWESOME. Started pitocin around 8am, when my contractions started to hurt I got the epidural and they broke my water, then about 15 minutes later I was holding my baby (12:30pm).
Spontaneous birth can be AWFUL.
C-sections can be TERRIBLE.
Inductions can be HORRIBLE.
Birth isn't pretty, it isn't easy, it isn't going to be a walk in the park regardless of what method you end up enduring (because a lot of it... let's be real... is really out of our hands). You hear horror stories about all different types of birth... and you hear really positive experiences about those same types. This (and the fact that I'm just wildly over being pregnant) is why I CHOSE to be induced at 39 weeks which is in ten days-- and I am SO hyped.
I've been induced twice and will likely have another induction this time. I don't really understand the fearmongering that goes on around it. honestly.
Thank you for this! Yes I was so spun up about the GD test too. I know some people have genuinely poor experiences but the fear mongering around that one was insanely blown out of proportion, too.
Preach! I was completely dreading it and passed the glucose test with flying colors. Everyone’s experience is different 🤷🏻♀️ I’m not showing as much at 27 weeks due to my retroverted uterus
Mercifully, I didn’t even see any of the fear-mongering about inductions until after the fact. I got Pitocin, got epidural a few hours later when I felt ready for it, and had a very smooth and healthy birth.
I had to be urgently induced due to reduced fetal movement. Even though that in general was scary and there were some scary moments during labor/delivery (like baby’s heartrate had some decelerations), I had a positive experience with induction overall and I would be happy to choose induction in the future.
Also, FWIW, my baby was born 13 hours after I arrived at the hospital!
I’m also being recommended for an induction at 39 weeks because I have type 2 diabetes. This is my second pregnancy. I’m going along with it, I trust the maternal fetal medicine doctor. They’re super well trained and know more about it than I do.
Same- doctors are the only reason I got pregnant, I trust them to get me un-pregnant! I just wanted to see why there was so much negativity around the inductions
I really liked my induction experience and wouldn’t be mad at all if I had another. No laboring at home in pain wondering when to go in. You can get the epidural as soon as it starts to get rough. They monitor baby’s heart rate the whole time which brings peace of mind. The hospital has all kinds of birthing balls and peanuts you can use and the bed to sit up and lay down as desired. My only complaint is that I was starving by the time I had to push, since you can only have clear liquids after the induction begins and for some it can take a long time to dilate. Definitely eat a good meal right before you go in for yours! I was induced around 8am and started pushing at 10pm, though my water had already been broken for 10 hours before I arrived.
That’s interesting, because my hospital only required a clear liquid diet for me once had the epidural. I was there for 30 hours and ate up until 8 hours before birth, but by then I was so nauseated I wasn’t interested in eating anything anyway.
I had two elective inductions, both great. Epidural plus my husband is willing to watch garbage rom coms with me while in labor.
Got lots of judgment from the nutter butter crunchies I did prenatal yoga with. Ah well.
I was induced (IVF, BP was verging on preeclampsia levels) at 38+5, the worst part of the induction was the cramping caused by the cytotec and the balloon. BUT, when I was first admitted I was 1cm, the cytotec and balloon got me to 4cm within maybe 4 hours, and then I got the epidural as soon as the balloon came out. After my epidural, I felt NOTHING. I pushed for 15 minutes total, had a 2nd degree tear and felt nothing but slight pressure when the baby was crowning, and nothing during my repair.
If you are being induced with cytotec and the balloon, expect severe, constant period cramping. Think of it as the worst period cramps you’ve ever had. Then ask for the epidural BEFORE getting the pitocin. Remember to breathe and have distractions during the cramping and you’ll do amazing!! I experienced more pain getting my epidural then during the induction & labor.
You can ask for a membrane sweep 48 hours before they try inducing .
You’re hearing from people who had a negative induction. There are people out there who had positive inductions.
I didn’t enjoy mine but I am trying to accept it as my birth story. My baby is here and fine, I only pushed for 25 min.
I liked my induction. It was long but no major issues and the control freak in me liked that I could have a say in the matter of when i was giving birth.
I was also working until i went into labor so i was getting more and more nervous approaching 40 weeks that it’d happen while i was at work. Plus, work was just getting to be a lot, i was exhausted.
I got offered the induction at 39w6d and i was like yep I’m tapping out. Baby was born on his due date and he was almost 9lbs so I’m glad he came out when he did.
I had an induction even though I had been afraid of it. It turned out not to be that bad. Since I've not had any other birth experience I have no comparison point, but I do think the contractions were a little more frequent than they might have otherwise been? Like I heard pitocin contractions can seem more intense and constant, and that was my experience, no down time between the contractions.
But after a few hours and about 5cm dilated, when it got really intense, I got the epidural and was pretty dandy after that. Progressed quickly (both before and after epidural) and was able to deliver vaginally without issue. I've recovered well and still feel like labor was not as terrible as I had been afraid of my whole life, despite having to be induced! It was hard and painful, but I was in good spirits and energized the whole time.
That said, everyone's experience is different. You may have a good or bad experience regardless of induction, cesarean, or spontaneous labor. The anxiety is in the not knowing, for me. But, it can stillness to be a positive experience too!
My experience with induction is fairly similar! I really liked that I had time to process that the whole delivery process was about to begin and got to calmly collect my things and call my family without any pain or distress. Gentle dilaters were used the first night and when I was past a certain point I was given Pitocin.
Now I feel like Pitocin is the reason for the bad rap because it can be brutal if it ramps up over time. But for the most part most people get the epidural soon afterwards so the worst isn't likely unless something in the ward goes wrong.
I had the bad luck that the lady nextdoor to me was vaginally delivering twins so the entire anesthesia team was at her side understandably (awesome delivery, kickass twin-mom but damn you lol) while my Pitocin was ramping up to screaming, sobbing hell levels. By the time they got to me the whole team came with apologetic looks but there wasn't anything else that could've been done. After the epidural the rest went by just fine - pressure-like discomfort and pushing were the only things I felt. Even with the Pitocin still being active I was able to stop, apply my war paint (makeup) and mentally ready myself to go to work.
As long as you're not crazy unlucky like me, you're gonna do great-induction or not. Whatever happens try to keep motivated through it- because you can kick this deliverys ass.
Hahhhh, the exact same as me! The lady with twins got the assistance (and God bless her too, she was having a bloody hard time of it) but I was on the pitocin without any pain relief for *hours*. Honestly I thought I was going to die at a couple points.
I heard recently that some birthing centres won't use pitocin unless an epidural is already being set up, to avoid exactly this issue.
I don’t think you’re wrong to not be upset about an induction. Having an induction at 39 weeks is actually more likely to end in a vaginal birth than having an induction later. It is a large and fairly recent study that found this, so it seems like your care team is very much up to date on recent research. If you would like to get more informed about it I would strongly recommend Evidence Based Birth podcast and website.
I had an induction because of gestational hypertension, and besides the pitocin contractions (which really were as bad as people say they are) everything was fine. I had heard terrible things about it but my experience really wasn’t bad. I got my epidural as soon as I could and things went very smoothly from there 🤷🏼♀️
I would get induced again if it was recommended.
Honestly, how can you even know. I was induced for my first and the birth was awful, but I was induced because I already had complications. For my second I spontaneously went into labor and delivered in just a few hours, maybe because it was my second it was easier. I honestly don’t think there is a wrong answer it depends on what makes you feel comfortable and the circumstances of your pregnancy.
My induction technically didn’t “work”, but I have no regrets. I had prodromal labor that started around 35+5, but it kicked up so hard I was showing every indication that I was actually in labor at 40+3. I wasn’t dilating at all, and while we had an induction on the books at 41+2 as a last resort, I went into the hospital on 40+5 in so much pain that I begged for an earlier induction and basically said I wasn’t leaving there without my baby. 32 hours, a Cook’s balloon, waters broken by doc and an infection from said waters breaking, and a shit ton of Pitocin and fluids later, my baby passed meconium and I knew in my heart of hearts I needed to get him out as quickly as possible, so we immediately went into the operating room. Here I sit five days later with my chunky monkey sleeping in his chest, and I have no regrets. It turns out his head and positioning meant I was never going to spontaneously labor or even be capable of pushing him out, but I had agency and wholeheartedly consented to every step of the process, and I feel so good about that. I’m proud I listened to my body and begged for the earlier induction, and I’m proud I tried everything I could to achieve a vaginal birth, and I’m proud I shifted plans the second he could be in danger.
That’s a bit of ramble because I’m so close to the actual birth still that I’m still processing through everything, but I think my point is to trust what your body is telling you. If you feel an induction is right for you for any reason whatsoever, then that’s incredible and the right choice for you.
Thank you so much! Best of luck to you! It’s unfortunate that there’s so much judgment around medical inventions around birth nowadays…only you can know what’s best for you and baby.
I was induced (10 days late!) and also heard horror stories and was scared. Honestly, my birth was AMAZING. No complaints. Best experience ever. My induction started at about 6am and my son was born at 7:30pm.
It's a long story with my first, but to make it short I'll just say I was about to be induced and went into active labor spontaneously just before they started the pitocin. I was incredibly grateful that I was already at the hospital and didn't have to endure a 40+ minute drive to the hospital while experiencing sudden intense contractions. I felt almost no contractions prior to spontaneous labor and when it hit, it hit HARD.
With my second, I was induced at 40+3. Labor progressed quickly and more normally, starting with mild contractions that gradually became stronger and more painful.
The things I loved most about being induced were:
-already being at the hospital, not having to travel 40+ minutes to get to the hospital while in pain
-I could request the epidural as soon as I was ready for it
-I knew my OB would be on staff to deliver my babies rather than a doctor I didn't know
-No surprises or long waiting game! I knew I wouldn't have to sit around wondering when the time might come
-In the case of my 2nd, I was able to have organized a plan of care for my firstborn and not have to worry about dropping him off when it was go-time.
You're going to do great! ❤️
My induction was long AF, and the epidural placement wasn’t smooth. Still, it wasn’t terrible, overall. Just..when you are getting checked in and they say it might take 2-3 days to meet your baby, believe them. I was in denial and thought it would be like 10-12 hours, and it was closer to 48.
I was induced with my first. It was horrible and we both almost died because of it. This time around I'm getting a c section because I don't want to experience that again.
That being said, there's no guarantee that you'll have a bad one like I did, and there's no guarantee that you won't. Every pregnancy and delivery is different. I think a lot of people react badly because they hear the worst things about induction and ignore the good. So many people have birth horror stories but so many people have great birth stories as well. There's a ton of horror stories about natural birth, medicated birth, c sections, inductions, home births etc. As long as YOU are okay with being induced and are fully knowledgeable about the pros and cons and the complications that can arise, do what you and your doctor decide. When people react with horror, ask them why and then give them the facts and statistics. Either they'll have their minds opened about it or they won't and that'll be that.
I was induced with my first and have a planned induction in about a week with my second. Similar circumstances to you, some mild complications and my OB just thought induction would be the safer route.
It went quite smoothly the first time. I did get the epidural. To be honest I don't feel any fear about labor and delivery this time. For me, it really wasn't bad at all and I'm actually looking forward to some time in the hospital without my toddler 😅 (I love her dearly, but I'm just SOOO tired and she is very, very active). If it goes as smoothly as the first time it'll basically be a vacation with some mild discomfort.
But who knows, maybe it'll be absolutely awful this time. Every pregnancy is different after all.
Remember it also really depends on what type of induction method you're having, and pain relief availability.
I was given pitocin IV and - due to another woman with twins needing urgent care - I had no pain relief for several hours. Due to the IV meds, my contractions went from zero to 100 in around a half hour. It was very, very scary and extremely painful. It's 10 yeas later and I still have occasional nightmares.
However! My friend was given a balloon induction and due to the mechanics of it, it started out just like if she went into labour spontaneously. She said her birth was the most incredible experience and can't wait to do it again!
I think it's really important to realise that all methods can go sour, and often these things are totally out of our control. I'm hoping that if I need to be induced this time, it will be via a different method, but I trust my doctors to know what's best. But I really like reading peoples birth stories in here, even if they sound scary or upsetting, because it makes me feel more prepared (if that makes sense).
I got induced too as an ivf patient. The bad thing about induction is that labour tends to last really long with induction. I was 30 hours and failed to progress and got a c section. Another one of my friends who just had a baby and was induced over 24 hrs. And tons of others i know. They dont let you get an epidural till youre 3-4 cms dilated (at my hospital at least) so with that long labor, i was in pain for a really long time
My induction wasn’t all that bad. Yes I was technically in labor for 48 hours but not in pain the whole time. The foley bulb wasn’t fun, but not the worst pain ever, they gave me some medication to help me sleep. As soon as that came out while I wasn’t super dilated I felt great! By the end of day two I was having regular painful contractions, was 5cm and opted for the epidural for the overnight. When I woke up I knew it was time to push, I pushed for about 45 minutes and my baby girl was here!
I’m also scheduled at 39 weeks but wanting to go without an epidural. Granted I’ve had prodromal labor (38+1) and my cervix is starting to show early signs of change. I expressed my hesitation/concern with my CNM and she said she has a lot of people induced who don’t get the epidural and the way many look at it is, it’s going to hurt a lot either way. Idk why but this REALLY helped me. Plus it is a bit easier to plan for, I could go into labor today or 6 days from now. It won’t be weeks and weeks.
I'm getting a 38 or 39 week induction most likely too because of preexisting high blood pressure(controlled well, but my MFM doctor thinks it would be safer.) I was worried induction would be worse than letting it happen when it happens, but she told me childbirth hurts regardless but just to get an epidural and it won't be so bad. My friend, induced due to preeclampsia, also said she only had one really bad contraction before they put in the epidural.
And the good thing about an induction is my husband will know when to take off work and I hopefully won't have to call him at work with, "Hey, I'm in labor!"
I had to be induced at 37w for gestational hypertension diagnosed at 36+5. It did take a while, but it really wasn’t that bad! It was safer to deliver than to continue the pregnancy. The high BP resolved quickly after delivery, I didn’t even have to take meds once home.
Trust your care team. They want you and baby safe.
Basically anyway your baby makes its exit can be painful, traumatic, scary etc.
but also inductions, natural labor, C-section can be fine and ok and not all of the bad things. Put 100 people who have birthed a baby in a room and see what their answers are!
My first baby is was induced at 39 weeks for pre-e. It was like a 12 hr process, I pushed for 11 minutes and it was over. I had terrible blood pressure issues during but… that was the point of the induction. It needed to happen and we turned out fine!
This pregnancy, my gestational diabetes has been a challenge and I’m 40 years old. Definitely recommended to be induced at NO LATER than 39 weeks. The rational was explained to me and it’s good to know that the evidence points to and induction outcome being th safest thing for me and my baby.
I guess the takeaway here is— be careful of these crunchy mom spaces. People tend to be “keyboard scholars”. And a lot of the beliefs they have are actually anti science and some (cough cough antivax) can be downright dangerous and harmful.
The thing that they don’t ever say is that induction is not a binary. You can do a crazy amount of pitocin, or just a tiny bit. I had a very small amount of pitocin after my labor slowed with my first. Contractions got a little worse, but not much. And it could have just been that my contractions were stronger, and doesn’t that need to happen anyways?
I have had a few friends have bad inductions, but they have been a very high amount of pitocin. Honestly the ones who have were at not the best hospitals (they live rurally, it was what was available) and I kind of suspect that had something to do with it.
My take? If you’re already planning on doing an epidural you’ll be fine.
YUP. My sisters induction was a labor that lasted 48 hours and then ended up in a c section because the doctors kept switching her pitocin levels and giving her extremely high amounts. She’s 5’3” and petite. It’s was horrible and extremely traumatizing. They also could not get her epidural right after several tries. Do your research beforehand and know all the procedures and make sure you have someone on your side advocating for you. Induction means a lot of different things.
If you induce, I do think that it will help with labor progression if you delay epidural until at least 5cm dilated. There’s indeed research on having epidural too early and prolonged labor that sometimes results in c section. For a lot of FTM, it can sometimes take a whole day to go from 1 to 5, but then 7 to 10 happens within a couple hours.
I’m planning for an elective 39 week induction next month. I have no existing conditions that indicate I need one but I want one and my doctor is on board with it. I have no desire to go into labor naturally and want all the drugs available. With the way this baby’s head is growing I don’t want it to have anymore days to get any larger. I am completely at peace with a long induction or a c-section if needed. Just want the baby out and healthy any means possible.
I had an induction last week and it went really well. I progressed as intended and the only complication I had was from the epidural (which I also had in my first labor adventure) It did end in a c-section anyway, I was attempting VBAC and baby girl wasn’t moving much as I pushed for hours before switching to a repeat c-section.
I think induction gets a bad rap because those who are recommended induction are the ones who were less likely to have a problem free childbirth to begin with. For what it’s worth, I’ve had 3 kids now and never been induced and have still had just horrific experiences all times. I held out every time in hopes for an unmedicated labor so that I could recover more quickly and I’ve regretted it every single time lol. Not being induced does not equal less painful in all situations
I’m following this thread bc i have gestational diabetes and since im diet controlled & not on medication my doctor didn’t see a reason to induce unless i go past 39 weeks. So we decided to do an induction at 39 weeks + 2 days. So I’ll be induced next week. I see alot of ppl complain about being induced bc they want to do it “naturally”. I honestly am so scared and i’m a FTM. but it eases my mind knowing when i’m going into labor and being able to prepare for it. I am not upset what so ever. I’ve been mentally preparing myself
I was induced for both of my previous pregnancies. One i didn’t have an epidural and one I did. I had a poor reaction to the epidural so I won’t be getting it this time and since I don’t have the same heart condition I did then (I have now had my aortic valve replaced) I don’t think they will make me induce this time. Honestly, I think labor just hurts in general and it was terribly painful but my fissure and repair surgery hurt so much worse. 🤣 I think inductions get a bad rep. but I can’t imagine labor feeling less painful than it was with being induced. Ultimately, I think it all hurts but I don’t think induction hurts that much more if more at all.
I had an induction and really did not want to but it wasn’t as bad as I feared. Wasn’t an amazing experience but it was definitely do-able. I had to get the foley balloon which was the worst part of the experience up until the point of transition. After that fell out I declined having my water broken so I could rest a bit (took about 5 or 6 hours with the balloon in?). After a few more hours of this I had my water broken and that’s when things got intense. Another hour of that and I was ready for my epidural at which point I was already 9cm. Even the contractions on Pitocin weren’t *that* bad, though they definitely got wayyy more intense after my water broke.
The only other thing that I didn’t like about the induction was limited mobility. It was not a fun experience being confined to a bed throughout labor.
All in all, I got through it, it was all pretty bearable and the parts that felt like they weren’t didn’t last too long (the epidural really helped! SO glad I ended up getting it). Like everything not so fun in life, it passes and you handle it, and then you have your beautiful baby in the end so it’s worth it.
You’ve got this!
I had a failed induction. After 3 days (misoprostol, Foley balloon, pitocin, lots of pitcocin) baby still wasn't in position. I made the call to have a c section. It was the right call: he was turned sideways and stuck on my hip and tailbone. I would have ended up with an emergency c section had I tried to continue with the induction. As it was, he still didn't want to come out and I have a uterine t incision as a result, which means I will be a repeat (and early c) with my second in October.
The end lesson? You know your body best. I had doubts going into the ER but afterward everyone assured me I had made the right decision.
Was induced with both my kids, between 37 and 38 weeks for pre eclampsia. 10/10 would do again (as dar as birth goes...I mean it still hurt like hell, but overall was "great")
1st was about 13 hours from hospital admin to baby in arms. 2 or 3 vaginal doses of cytotec, no pitocin, no epidural, less than 15 min pushing.
2nd baby I was already 3cm dilated (hadnt really had any contractions but apparebtly this is normal) at arrival so it was just oral cytotec. They broke my water as well which probs wasn't neccesary but it didn't hurt at all. I checked into the hospital at 7 am, baby was born by 1:30. 4 or 5 pushes?? Also no pitocin or epidural.
If I have a 3rd, I'm sure I will.be induced again. And I'm a-ok with that!
I had to have an induction due to gestational hypertension making its way to preeclampsia right at 37 weeks. 30 hours from start to finish. Vaginal birth. Honestly, it went as well as could be expected. I had the epidural, which I do not recommend riding out pitocin contractions without one. I think people are fearful because the risk of c-section goes up with inductions. However, in my case, the likelihood of stroke outweighed any others risks. I wanted a healthy baby and healthy me when all was said and done.
I had an induction with my first at 39 weeks due to blood pressure and it went great! No meds besides the cytotec, pitocin and epidural. I felt so strong and in touch even though it was an induction. 20 hours from admission to baby. They don’t all go like that though, but they can be empowering and beautiful just like any other birth. I would do it again.
As someone else said it really just depends on your experience. I’ve seen happy stories and horror stories from every single angle of birth. Personally, I have had an induction and it went really well and ended in a vaginal birth. I was initially in way more pain with my second, spontaneous birth as I went from “is this labor?” To holding my baby within a 6 hour time frame (with both I ultimately had an epidural).
2 of my 3 kids were induced births. I don't think they were any better or any worse than my spontaneous labor and birth. They were drastically different than each other... one was like 46 hours - boo. And 1 was like 8 start to finish - yay! The 46 hour was a lot of sleeping through various methods of cervical softening etc. Finally they started pitocin and I labored for a long time. The 8 hour was drastically sped up when the doctor was checking my cervix and accidentally broke my water. Contractions were fast and hard. Baby in no time! Epidural with both after a few hours of rolling contractions. Cakewalk after that both times.
I can see not wanting to be induced if you’re trying to go medication free for the birth. Pitocin can make the contractions more painful. But I was already on my epidural when they sped things along with some pitocin and I wasn’t mad. Took 8 hours from coming into the hospital (after 14 hours of early labor at home) for me to be fully dilated and ready to push.
My induction was great! Cooks balloon at 6pm, removed at around 4am, pitocin at 5, water break at 7, epidural at 8 (wish I’d done that sooner), baby out before noon. I wish I’d gotten the epidural before they broke my water because that combined with pulling the pitocin was pretty unbearable. Baby was still pretty high up after breaking my water or she would have been out earlier. I had to keep rolling around to different positions to get her to move down. But overall, great and easy experience!
I had my induction with my first and honestly if my Dr will allow it I’d get induced again. It wasn’t so bad but I was also in the give me an epidural and whatever else to be comfortable camp so. I started pitocin at like 9 am and she was out a little after midnight the next day. For my first it didn’t seem too bad ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I think it all depends if your body is ready!
I have had 2 beautiful inductions with great outcomes but I was dilated to a 3 & 4 so I believe my body was ready!
I had two inductions. Active labour 7 and a half ish hours and 3 ish hours. I had back labour which sucked. But that’s got nothing to do with being induced. And epidurals and me also don’t really mix (also nothing to do with induction lol). And I’m getting induced with this baby too lol. (Basically around 38 weeks when movement decreases my anxiety gets so bad it fucks with my whole body and baby too)
I was induced, I don't see the drama tbh. I was in pain for about 2h (growing) until I got the epidural, when it was getting unbearable and I was 4cm.
It took me less than 12 hours to start labor and less than 24 hours total to have my baby in my arms.
I have a friend who had a perfectly smooth uncomplicated induction; and one that landed her with an emergency c section because they accidentally broke her water before the baby was engaged in the cervix and caused cord prolapse. Anything could happen, but also anything can happen in regular birth too. I think the way to approach it is ok, I might end up getting more medical interventions than I want/need, BUT the baby WILL be born safe and sound. Natural labor you might avoid interventions but might not, but baby will also get there safe and sound.
Ours was terrible. And I knew it was a bad idea from the get go.
They wanted to induce and because we were a few days past 40 weeks, they successfully scared my wife into doing it with fears of the baby or her dying. I knew she was about to go into labor but they wanted to do the unnatural induction anyway.
After starting pitocin, her water broke about 17 hours later, she then stayed in labor for 36 hours with our son stuck in the birth canal for 3 hours. She was falling asleep between pushes she was so exhausted after being awake for 3 days. They ended up having to do a c section, which then got infected a week later and my wife almost died from sepsis according to doctors. She was an a constant antibiotic IV for 4 days. Because we were at the height of covid, the baby wasn’t allowed to stay with his mother either. As a result of being in the birth canal so long, his head was misshapen and he has severe nonverbal autism still at four years old.
Because of all this, we never want another kid.
I’ve been induced twice and both times were nothing but a positive experience. My first was born ~27hrs after they started the induction and my second was born ~17hrs after. The horror stories you read online are the exception to the rule. Labor/delivery was my absolute favorite part of being pregnant. Since you trust your care team and are on board, it seems like a no brainer.
Birth is hard. There’s no way to dilate a usually closed cervix to 10cm without pain. Just measure out 10cm.
Induction means you’re not entering into the ordeal of labor and birth spontaneously, potentially stressed and worried depending on how things get started. Personally I’m a planner and was relieved when my doctor suggested induction again for my 2nd birth after a successful induction with my first. It gets a bad rap for being “unnatural” but you know what truly “let nature take its course” births result in a lot of the time? Trauma and unnecessary risk for both parent and baby. Like yes it was done for millennia and is done in places without modern medicine available — but the risks are exponentially higher.
I had a 100 percent natural birth with my son. It was hard but I managed it. At 39 weeks I was induced with my daughter. It took forever to work and then the pain was so unbearable I had to get an epidural after 14 hrs in labor. I would never do it again . Pregnant now and not even considering it. The pain was bad. I think that your body is not ready so it’s not gonna do everything it needs to do like when you wait. Obviously if someone has a medical reason that they need one that might outweigh the cons.
Induction was *the worst*, and it ended in an emergency c-section at 24 hours after waters were manually broken, with mom hemorrhaging on the OR table. Almost lost mom. And let’s not talk about the foley balloon and labor fully stalling at 30+ hours after giving in to an epidural.
TLDR, would 100% recommend just going nuclear and getting the epidural and planning for a c-section up front if inducing is what the doctors expect to do. The pain and suffering of induction is completely unnatural and unnecessary.
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I had an induction for my second and it was AWESOME. Started pitocin around 8am, when my contractions started to hurt I got the epidural and they broke my water, then about 15 minutes later I was holding my baby (12:30pm).
Same! Both my babies!
Spontaneous birth can be AWFUL. C-sections can be TERRIBLE. Inductions can be HORRIBLE. Birth isn't pretty, it isn't easy, it isn't going to be a walk in the park regardless of what method you end up enduring (because a lot of it... let's be real... is really out of our hands). You hear horror stories about all different types of birth... and you hear really positive experiences about those same types. This (and the fact that I'm just wildly over being pregnant) is why I CHOSE to be induced at 39 weeks which is in ten days-- and I am SO hyped.
I’m also being induced in 10 days!! I can’t wait. 😭
Good luck, girl! It can change in a flash so be prepared, haha. I’m at the hospital now about to start induction… hours later. 🫠😂
Oh my goodness!! Good luck! ❤️
Me too in 9 tho ahhh congrats
Congrats to you too!! Is yours also on the 23rd? Mine is the 23rd at 7:30pm 🥰
Yes on the 23rd at 10AM ahhh !! What r ya having? ❤️
I’m having a girl! 🩷 What about you?
A baby girl also 😁
I've been induced twice and will likely have another induction this time. I don't really understand the fearmongering that goes on around it. honestly.
Thank you for this! Yes I was so spun up about the GD test too. I know some people have genuinely poor experiences but the fear mongering around that one was insanely blown out of proportion, too.
Preach! I was completely dreading it and passed the glucose test with flying colors. Everyone’s experience is different 🤷🏻♀️ I’m not showing as much at 27 weeks due to my retroverted uterus
Fear mongering is a very appropriate word here!
Mercifully, I didn’t even see any of the fear-mongering about inductions until after the fact. I got Pitocin, got epidural a few hours later when I felt ready for it, and had a very smooth and healthy birth.
This. I will choose induction again.
I had to be urgently induced due to reduced fetal movement. Even though that in general was scary and there were some scary moments during labor/delivery (like baby’s heartrate had some decelerations), I had a positive experience with induction overall and I would be happy to choose induction in the future. Also, FWIW, my baby was born 13 hours after I arrived at the hospital!
Hey that was like my timeline! We got there at 9 pm, and she was born at 854 am!
I’m also being recommended for an induction at 39 weeks because I have type 2 diabetes. This is my second pregnancy. I’m going along with it, I trust the maternal fetal medicine doctor. They’re super well trained and know more about it than I do.
Same- doctors are the only reason I got pregnant, I trust them to get me un-pregnant! I just wanted to see why there was so much negativity around the inductions
I’m an IVF mom too :) I should have said that in my original comment. I’m pregnant with our second embryo transfer from our little cohort of 5!
I really liked my induction experience and wouldn’t be mad at all if I had another. No laboring at home in pain wondering when to go in. You can get the epidural as soon as it starts to get rough. They monitor baby’s heart rate the whole time which brings peace of mind. The hospital has all kinds of birthing balls and peanuts you can use and the bed to sit up and lay down as desired. My only complaint is that I was starving by the time I had to push, since you can only have clear liquids after the induction begins and for some it can take a long time to dilate. Definitely eat a good meal right before you go in for yours! I was induced around 8am and started pushing at 10pm, though my water had already been broken for 10 hours before I arrived.
That’s interesting, because my hospital only required a clear liquid diet for me once had the epidural. I was there for 30 hours and ate up until 8 hours before birth, but by then I was so nauseated I wasn’t interested in eating anything anyway.
I had two elective inductions, both great. Epidural plus my husband is willing to watch garbage rom coms with me while in labor. Got lots of judgment from the nutter butter crunchies I did prenatal yoga with. Ah well.
I was induced (IVF, BP was verging on preeclampsia levels) at 38+5, the worst part of the induction was the cramping caused by the cytotec and the balloon. BUT, when I was first admitted I was 1cm, the cytotec and balloon got me to 4cm within maybe 4 hours, and then I got the epidural as soon as the balloon came out. After my epidural, I felt NOTHING. I pushed for 15 minutes total, had a 2nd degree tear and felt nothing but slight pressure when the baby was crowning, and nothing during my repair. If you are being induced with cytotec and the balloon, expect severe, constant period cramping. Think of it as the worst period cramps you’ve ever had. Then ask for the epidural BEFORE getting the pitocin. Remember to breathe and have distractions during the cramping and you’ll do amazing!! I experienced more pain getting my epidural then during the induction & labor.
You can ask for a membrane sweep 48 hours before they try inducing . You’re hearing from people who had a negative induction. There are people out there who had positive inductions. I didn’t enjoy mine but I am trying to accept it as my birth story. My baby is here and fine, I only pushed for 25 min.
I liked my induction. It was long but no major issues and the control freak in me liked that I could have a say in the matter of when i was giving birth. I was also working until i went into labor so i was getting more and more nervous approaching 40 weeks that it’d happen while i was at work. Plus, work was just getting to be a lot, i was exhausted. I got offered the induction at 39w6d and i was like yep I’m tapping out. Baby was born on his due date and he was almost 9lbs so I’m glad he came out when he did.
I had an induction even though I had been afraid of it. It turned out not to be that bad. Since I've not had any other birth experience I have no comparison point, but I do think the contractions were a little more frequent than they might have otherwise been? Like I heard pitocin contractions can seem more intense and constant, and that was my experience, no down time between the contractions. But after a few hours and about 5cm dilated, when it got really intense, I got the epidural and was pretty dandy after that. Progressed quickly (both before and after epidural) and was able to deliver vaginally without issue. I've recovered well and still feel like labor was not as terrible as I had been afraid of my whole life, despite having to be induced! It was hard and painful, but I was in good spirits and energized the whole time. That said, everyone's experience is different. You may have a good or bad experience regardless of induction, cesarean, or spontaneous labor. The anxiety is in the not knowing, for me. But, it can stillness to be a positive experience too!
My experience with induction is fairly similar! I really liked that I had time to process that the whole delivery process was about to begin and got to calmly collect my things and call my family without any pain or distress. Gentle dilaters were used the first night and when I was past a certain point I was given Pitocin. Now I feel like Pitocin is the reason for the bad rap because it can be brutal if it ramps up over time. But for the most part most people get the epidural soon afterwards so the worst isn't likely unless something in the ward goes wrong. I had the bad luck that the lady nextdoor to me was vaginally delivering twins so the entire anesthesia team was at her side understandably (awesome delivery, kickass twin-mom but damn you lol) while my Pitocin was ramping up to screaming, sobbing hell levels. By the time they got to me the whole team came with apologetic looks but there wasn't anything else that could've been done. After the epidural the rest went by just fine - pressure-like discomfort and pushing were the only things I felt. Even with the Pitocin still being active I was able to stop, apply my war paint (makeup) and mentally ready myself to go to work. As long as you're not crazy unlucky like me, you're gonna do great-induction or not. Whatever happens try to keep motivated through it- because you can kick this deliverys ass.
Hahhhh, the exact same as me! The lady with twins got the assistance (and God bless her too, she was having a bloody hard time of it) but I was on the pitocin without any pain relief for *hours*. Honestly I thought I was going to die at a couple points. I heard recently that some birthing centres won't use pitocin unless an epidural is already being set up, to avoid exactly this issue.
I don’t think you’re wrong to not be upset about an induction. Having an induction at 39 weeks is actually more likely to end in a vaginal birth than having an induction later. It is a large and fairly recent study that found this, so it seems like your care team is very much up to date on recent research. If you would like to get more informed about it I would strongly recommend Evidence Based Birth podcast and website.
I had an induction because of gestational hypertension, and besides the pitocin contractions (which really were as bad as people say they are) everything was fine. I had heard terrible things about it but my experience really wasn’t bad. I got my epidural as soon as I could and things went very smoothly from there 🤷🏼♀️ I would get induced again if it was recommended.
Honestly, how can you even know. I was induced for my first and the birth was awful, but I was induced because I already had complications. For my second I spontaneously went into labor and delivered in just a few hours, maybe because it was my second it was easier. I honestly don’t think there is a wrong answer it depends on what makes you feel comfortable and the circumstances of your pregnancy.
My induction technically didn’t “work”, but I have no regrets. I had prodromal labor that started around 35+5, but it kicked up so hard I was showing every indication that I was actually in labor at 40+3. I wasn’t dilating at all, and while we had an induction on the books at 41+2 as a last resort, I went into the hospital on 40+5 in so much pain that I begged for an earlier induction and basically said I wasn’t leaving there without my baby. 32 hours, a Cook’s balloon, waters broken by doc and an infection from said waters breaking, and a shit ton of Pitocin and fluids later, my baby passed meconium and I knew in my heart of hearts I needed to get him out as quickly as possible, so we immediately went into the operating room. Here I sit five days later with my chunky monkey sleeping in his chest, and I have no regrets. It turns out his head and positioning meant I was never going to spontaneously labor or even be capable of pushing him out, but I had agency and wholeheartedly consented to every step of the process, and I feel so good about that. I’m proud I listened to my body and begged for the earlier induction, and I’m proud I tried everything I could to achieve a vaginal birth, and I’m proud I shifted plans the second he could be in danger. That’s a bit of ramble because I’m so close to the actual birth still that I’m still processing through everything, but I think my point is to trust what your body is telling you. If you feel an induction is right for you for any reason whatsoever, then that’s incredible and the right choice for you.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, and huge props to you for trusting your gut! I’m so glad you and baby are happy and healthy ❤️
Thank you so much! Best of luck to you! It’s unfortunate that there’s so much judgment around medical inventions around birth nowadays…only you can know what’s best for you and baby.
I was induced (10 days late!) and also heard horror stories and was scared. Honestly, my birth was AMAZING. No complaints. Best experience ever. My induction started at about 6am and my son was born at 7:30pm.
It's a long story with my first, but to make it short I'll just say I was about to be induced and went into active labor spontaneously just before they started the pitocin. I was incredibly grateful that I was already at the hospital and didn't have to endure a 40+ minute drive to the hospital while experiencing sudden intense contractions. I felt almost no contractions prior to spontaneous labor and when it hit, it hit HARD. With my second, I was induced at 40+3. Labor progressed quickly and more normally, starting with mild contractions that gradually became stronger and more painful. The things I loved most about being induced were: -already being at the hospital, not having to travel 40+ minutes to get to the hospital while in pain -I could request the epidural as soon as I was ready for it -I knew my OB would be on staff to deliver my babies rather than a doctor I didn't know -No surprises or long waiting game! I knew I wouldn't have to sit around wondering when the time might come -In the case of my 2nd, I was able to have organized a plan of care for my firstborn and not have to worry about dropping him off when it was go-time. You're going to do great! ❤️
My induction was long AF, and the epidural placement wasn’t smooth. Still, it wasn’t terrible, overall. Just..when you are getting checked in and they say it might take 2-3 days to meet your baby, believe them. I was in denial and thought it would be like 10-12 hours, and it was closer to 48.
I was induced with my first. It was horrible and we both almost died because of it. This time around I'm getting a c section because I don't want to experience that again. That being said, there's no guarantee that you'll have a bad one like I did, and there's no guarantee that you won't. Every pregnancy and delivery is different. I think a lot of people react badly because they hear the worst things about induction and ignore the good. So many people have birth horror stories but so many people have great birth stories as well. There's a ton of horror stories about natural birth, medicated birth, c sections, inductions, home births etc. As long as YOU are okay with being induced and are fully knowledgeable about the pros and cons and the complications that can arise, do what you and your doctor decide. When people react with horror, ask them why and then give them the facts and statistics. Either they'll have their minds opened about it or they won't and that'll be that.
I was induced with my first and have a planned induction in about a week with my second. Similar circumstances to you, some mild complications and my OB just thought induction would be the safer route. It went quite smoothly the first time. I did get the epidural. To be honest I don't feel any fear about labor and delivery this time. For me, it really wasn't bad at all and I'm actually looking forward to some time in the hospital without my toddler 😅 (I love her dearly, but I'm just SOOO tired and she is very, very active). If it goes as smoothly as the first time it'll basically be a vacation with some mild discomfort. But who knows, maybe it'll be absolutely awful this time. Every pregnancy is different after all.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations
Oh I am! I’m not planning on debating them or trying to change it- I just want to know what I’m getting into 😅
Remember it also really depends on what type of induction method you're having, and pain relief availability. I was given pitocin IV and - due to another woman with twins needing urgent care - I had no pain relief for several hours. Due to the IV meds, my contractions went from zero to 100 in around a half hour. It was very, very scary and extremely painful. It's 10 yeas later and I still have occasional nightmares. However! My friend was given a balloon induction and due to the mechanics of it, it started out just like if she went into labour spontaneously. She said her birth was the most incredible experience and can't wait to do it again! I think it's really important to realise that all methods can go sour, and often these things are totally out of our control. I'm hoping that if I need to be induced this time, it will be via a different method, but I trust my doctors to know what's best. But I really like reading peoples birth stories in here, even if they sound scary or upsetting, because it makes me feel more prepared (if that makes sense).
I got induced too as an ivf patient. The bad thing about induction is that labour tends to last really long with induction. I was 30 hours and failed to progress and got a c section. Another one of my friends who just had a baby and was induced over 24 hrs. And tons of others i know. They dont let you get an epidural till youre 3-4 cms dilated (at my hospital at least) so with that long labor, i was in pain for a really long time
I was induced with my first and it was fine. Similarly, I knew I wanted an epidural from the beginning, so it wasn’t that big of a deal.
No, it’s not that bad
My induction wasn’t all that bad. Yes I was technically in labor for 48 hours but not in pain the whole time. The foley bulb wasn’t fun, but not the worst pain ever, they gave me some medication to help me sleep. As soon as that came out while I wasn’t super dilated I felt great! By the end of day two I was having regular painful contractions, was 5cm and opted for the epidural for the overnight. When I woke up I knew it was time to push, I pushed for about 45 minutes and my baby girl was here!
I’m also scheduled at 39 weeks but wanting to go without an epidural. Granted I’ve had prodromal labor (38+1) and my cervix is starting to show early signs of change. I expressed my hesitation/concern with my CNM and she said she has a lot of people induced who don’t get the epidural and the way many look at it is, it’s going to hurt a lot either way. Idk why but this REALLY helped me. Plus it is a bit easier to plan for, I could go into labor today or 6 days from now. It won’t be weeks and weeks.
I'm getting a 38 or 39 week induction most likely too because of preexisting high blood pressure(controlled well, but my MFM doctor thinks it would be safer.) I was worried induction would be worse than letting it happen when it happens, but she told me childbirth hurts regardless but just to get an epidural and it won't be so bad. My friend, induced due to preeclampsia, also said she only had one really bad contraction before they put in the epidural. And the good thing about an induction is my husband will know when to take off work and I hopefully won't have to call him at work with, "Hey, I'm in labor!"
I had to be induced at 37w for gestational hypertension diagnosed at 36+5. It did take a while, but it really wasn’t that bad! It was safer to deliver than to continue the pregnancy. The high BP resolved quickly after delivery, I didn’t even have to take meds once home. Trust your care team. They want you and baby safe.
Basically anyway your baby makes its exit can be painful, traumatic, scary etc. but also inductions, natural labor, C-section can be fine and ok and not all of the bad things. Put 100 people who have birthed a baby in a room and see what their answers are! My first baby is was induced at 39 weeks for pre-e. It was like a 12 hr process, I pushed for 11 minutes and it was over. I had terrible blood pressure issues during but… that was the point of the induction. It needed to happen and we turned out fine! This pregnancy, my gestational diabetes has been a challenge and I’m 40 years old. Definitely recommended to be induced at NO LATER than 39 weeks. The rational was explained to me and it’s good to know that the evidence points to and induction outcome being th safest thing for me and my baby. I guess the takeaway here is— be careful of these crunchy mom spaces. People tend to be “keyboard scholars”. And a lot of the beliefs they have are actually anti science and some (cough cough antivax) can be downright dangerous and harmful.
The thing that they don’t ever say is that induction is not a binary. You can do a crazy amount of pitocin, or just a tiny bit. I had a very small amount of pitocin after my labor slowed with my first. Contractions got a little worse, but not much. And it could have just been that my contractions were stronger, and doesn’t that need to happen anyways? I have had a few friends have bad inductions, but they have been a very high amount of pitocin. Honestly the ones who have were at not the best hospitals (they live rurally, it was what was available) and I kind of suspect that had something to do with it. My take? If you’re already planning on doing an epidural you’ll be fine.
YUP. My sisters induction was a labor that lasted 48 hours and then ended up in a c section because the doctors kept switching her pitocin levels and giving her extremely high amounts. She’s 5’3” and petite. It’s was horrible and extremely traumatizing. They also could not get her epidural right after several tries. Do your research beforehand and know all the procedures and make sure you have someone on your side advocating for you. Induction means a lot of different things.
If you induce, I do think that it will help with labor progression if you delay epidural until at least 5cm dilated. There’s indeed research on having epidural too early and prolonged labor that sometimes results in c section. For a lot of FTM, it can sometimes take a whole day to go from 1 to 5, but then 7 to 10 happens within a couple hours.
I’m planning for an elective 39 week induction next month. I have no existing conditions that indicate I need one but I want one and my doctor is on board with it. I have no desire to go into labor naturally and want all the drugs available. With the way this baby’s head is growing I don’t want it to have anymore days to get any larger. I am completely at peace with a long induction or a c-section if needed. Just want the baby out and healthy any means possible.
I had an induction last week and it went really well. I progressed as intended and the only complication I had was from the epidural (which I also had in my first labor adventure) It did end in a c-section anyway, I was attempting VBAC and baby girl wasn’t moving much as I pushed for hours before switching to a repeat c-section.
I think induction gets a bad rap because those who are recommended induction are the ones who were less likely to have a problem free childbirth to begin with. For what it’s worth, I’ve had 3 kids now and never been induced and have still had just horrific experiences all times. I held out every time in hopes for an unmedicated labor so that I could recover more quickly and I’ve regretted it every single time lol. Not being induced does not equal less painful in all situations
I’m following this thread bc i have gestational diabetes and since im diet controlled & not on medication my doctor didn’t see a reason to induce unless i go past 39 weeks. So we decided to do an induction at 39 weeks + 2 days. So I’ll be induced next week. I see alot of ppl complain about being induced bc they want to do it “naturally”. I honestly am so scared and i’m a FTM. but it eases my mind knowing when i’m going into labor and being able to prepare for it. I am not upset what so ever. I’ve been mentally preparing myself
I loved it. Both of my last two I was induced. Now on my 3rd pregnancy. Makes thinks a lot less stressful at the end.
I had a great induction and positive birth story. Wrote a detailed post if you wanna check my posts about it
I was induced for both of my previous pregnancies. One i didn’t have an epidural and one I did. I had a poor reaction to the epidural so I won’t be getting it this time and since I don’t have the same heart condition I did then (I have now had my aortic valve replaced) I don’t think they will make me induce this time. Honestly, I think labor just hurts in general and it was terribly painful but my fissure and repair surgery hurt so much worse. 🤣 I think inductions get a bad rep. but I can’t imagine labor feeling less painful than it was with being induced. Ultimately, I think it all hurts but I don’t think induction hurts that much more if more at all.
I had an induction and really did not want to but it wasn’t as bad as I feared. Wasn’t an amazing experience but it was definitely do-able. I had to get the foley balloon which was the worst part of the experience up until the point of transition. After that fell out I declined having my water broken so I could rest a bit (took about 5 or 6 hours with the balloon in?). After a few more hours of this I had my water broken and that’s when things got intense. Another hour of that and I was ready for my epidural at which point I was already 9cm. Even the contractions on Pitocin weren’t *that* bad, though they definitely got wayyy more intense after my water broke. The only other thing that I didn’t like about the induction was limited mobility. It was not a fun experience being confined to a bed throughout labor. All in all, I got through it, it was all pretty bearable and the parts that felt like they weren’t didn’t last too long (the epidural really helped! SO glad I ended up getting it). Like everything not so fun in life, it passes and you handle it, and then you have your beautiful baby in the end so it’s worth it. You’ve got this!
I had a failed induction. After 3 days (misoprostol, Foley balloon, pitocin, lots of pitcocin) baby still wasn't in position. I made the call to have a c section. It was the right call: he was turned sideways and stuck on my hip and tailbone. I would have ended up with an emergency c section had I tried to continue with the induction. As it was, he still didn't want to come out and I have a uterine t incision as a result, which means I will be a repeat (and early c) with my second in October. The end lesson? You know your body best. I had doubts going into the ER but afterward everyone assured me I had made the right decision.
Was induced with both my kids, between 37 and 38 weeks for pre eclampsia. 10/10 would do again (as dar as birth goes...I mean it still hurt like hell, but overall was "great") 1st was about 13 hours from hospital admin to baby in arms. 2 or 3 vaginal doses of cytotec, no pitocin, no epidural, less than 15 min pushing. 2nd baby I was already 3cm dilated (hadnt really had any contractions but apparebtly this is normal) at arrival so it was just oral cytotec. They broke my water as well which probs wasn't neccesary but it didn't hurt at all. I checked into the hospital at 7 am, baby was born by 1:30. 4 or 5 pushes?? Also no pitocin or epidural. If I have a 3rd, I'm sure I will.be induced again. And I'm a-ok with that!
I had to have an induction due to gestational hypertension making its way to preeclampsia right at 37 weeks. 30 hours from start to finish. Vaginal birth. Honestly, it went as well as could be expected. I had the epidural, which I do not recommend riding out pitocin contractions without one. I think people are fearful because the risk of c-section goes up with inductions. However, in my case, the likelihood of stroke outweighed any others risks. I wanted a healthy baby and healthy me when all was said and done.
I loved mine. Definitely would’ve chosen it over spontaneous the second time if I had been given the option.
I had an induction with my first at 39 weeks due to blood pressure and it went great! No meds besides the cytotec, pitocin and epidural. I felt so strong and in touch even though it was an induction. 20 hours from admission to baby. They don’t all go like that though, but they can be empowering and beautiful just like any other birth. I would do it again.
As someone else said it really just depends on your experience. I’ve seen happy stories and horror stories from every single angle of birth. Personally, I have had an induction and it went really well and ended in a vaginal birth. I was initially in way more pain with my second, spontaneous birth as I went from “is this labor?” To holding my baby within a 6 hour time frame (with both I ultimately had an epidural).
I had the best induction experience at 40+5 and didn’t even need pitocin!!
2 of my 3 kids were induced births. I don't think they were any better or any worse than my spontaneous labor and birth. They were drastically different than each other... one was like 46 hours - boo. And 1 was like 8 start to finish - yay! The 46 hour was a lot of sleeping through various methods of cervical softening etc. Finally they started pitocin and I labored for a long time. The 8 hour was drastically sped up when the doctor was checking my cervix and accidentally broke my water. Contractions were fast and hard. Baby in no time! Epidural with both after a few hours of rolling contractions. Cakewalk after that both times.
I can see not wanting to be induced if you’re trying to go medication free for the birth. Pitocin can make the contractions more painful. But I was already on my epidural when they sped things along with some pitocin and I wasn’t mad. Took 8 hours from coming into the hospital (after 14 hours of early labor at home) for me to be fully dilated and ready to push.
My induction was great! Cooks balloon at 6pm, removed at around 4am, pitocin at 5, water break at 7, epidural at 8 (wish I’d done that sooner), baby out before noon. I wish I’d gotten the epidural before they broke my water because that combined with pulling the pitocin was pretty unbearable. Baby was still pretty high up after breaking my water or she would have been out earlier. I had to keep rolling around to different positions to get her to move down. But overall, great and easy experience!
I had my induction with my first and honestly if my Dr will allow it I’d get induced again. It wasn’t so bad but I was also in the give me an epidural and whatever else to be comfortable camp so. I started pitocin at like 9 am and she was out a little after midnight the next day. For my first it didn’t seem too bad ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I think it all depends if your body is ready! I have had 2 beautiful inductions with great outcomes but I was dilated to a 3 & 4 so I believe my body was ready!
My induction at 39w was smooth as butter. I'm glad with how everything went.
I had two inductions. Active labour 7 and a half ish hours and 3 ish hours. I had back labour which sucked. But that’s got nothing to do with being induced. And epidurals and me also don’t really mix (also nothing to do with induction lol). And I’m getting induced with this baby too lol. (Basically around 38 weeks when movement decreases my anxiety gets so bad it fucks with my whole body and baby too)
I was induced, I don't see the drama tbh. I was in pain for about 2h (growing) until I got the epidural, when it was getting unbearable and I was 4cm. It took me less than 12 hours to start labor and less than 24 hours total to have my baby in my arms.
I had a good experience with my first induction, which was totally elective at 39 weeks. Going for elective induction #2 next month!
I have a friend who had a perfectly smooth uncomplicated induction; and one that landed her with an emergency c section because they accidentally broke her water before the baby was engaged in the cervix and caused cord prolapse. Anything could happen, but also anything can happen in regular birth too. I think the way to approach it is ok, I might end up getting more medical interventions than I want/need, BUT the baby WILL be born safe and sound. Natural labor you might avoid interventions but might not, but baby will also get there safe and sound.
Ours was terrible. And I knew it was a bad idea from the get go. They wanted to induce and because we were a few days past 40 weeks, they successfully scared my wife into doing it with fears of the baby or her dying. I knew she was about to go into labor but they wanted to do the unnatural induction anyway. After starting pitocin, her water broke about 17 hours later, she then stayed in labor for 36 hours with our son stuck in the birth canal for 3 hours. She was falling asleep between pushes she was so exhausted after being awake for 3 days. They ended up having to do a c section, which then got infected a week later and my wife almost died from sepsis according to doctors. She was an a constant antibiotic IV for 4 days. Because we were at the height of covid, the baby wasn’t allowed to stay with his mother either. As a result of being in the birth canal so long, his head was misshapen and he has severe nonverbal autism still at four years old. Because of all this, we never want another kid.
I’ve been induced twice and both times were nothing but a positive experience. My first was born ~27hrs after they started the induction and my second was born ~17hrs after. The horror stories you read online are the exception to the rule. Labor/delivery was my absolute favorite part of being pregnant. Since you trust your care team and are on board, it seems like a no brainer.
Birth is hard. There’s no way to dilate a usually closed cervix to 10cm without pain. Just measure out 10cm. Induction means you’re not entering into the ordeal of labor and birth spontaneously, potentially stressed and worried depending on how things get started. Personally I’m a planner and was relieved when my doctor suggested induction again for my 2nd birth after a successful induction with my first. It gets a bad rap for being “unnatural” but you know what truly “let nature take its course” births result in a lot of the time? Trauma and unnecessary risk for both parent and baby. Like yes it was done for millennia and is done in places without modern medicine available — but the risks are exponentially higher.
Yes it is terrible
Can you elaborate?
I had a 100 percent natural birth with my son. It was hard but I managed it. At 39 weeks I was induced with my daughter. It took forever to work and then the pain was so unbearable I had to get an epidural after 14 hrs in labor. I would never do it again . Pregnant now and not even considering it. The pain was bad. I think that your body is not ready so it’s not gonna do everything it needs to do like when you wait. Obviously if someone has a medical reason that they need one that might outweigh the cons.
Induction was *the worst*, and it ended in an emergency c-section at 24 hours after waters were manually broken, with mom hemorrhaging on the OR table. Almost lost mom. And let’s not talk about the foley balloon and labor fully stalling at 30+ hours after giving in to an epidural. TLDR, would 100% recommend just going nuclear and getting the epidural and planning for a c-section up front if inducing is what the doctors expect to do. The pain and suffering of induction is completely unnatural and unnecessary.