induction booked for 15th Jan - scared!

[babysparkles]

So I am currently 37 + 4 & will be exactly 39 weeks on the 15th jan. I am to be induced then due to gestational diabetes although they dont think baby is going to be huge. Im hoping nature takes its course before then as I am very scared of the whole induction process. I know baby needs to come out somehow but I almost think if I don't let the mw near me the process cant be started lol. Anyone with any advice to help stay calm or any positive induction stories? X

 

[Take2]

I don't understand why GD necessitates induction?? Particularly if but isn't looking large..have you asked if they will let you go to your due date?

 

[babysparkles]

No im basically just following drs orders. They are doing it exactly a week before due date & it can take up to 4 days before labour is established so it may be quite near due date. Or is it because the placenta can stop being productive?

 

[Take2]

They should be able to monitor you and keep an eye on the placenta, I researched this a bit and the concept of induction because of GD is now being questioned as to the benefits if mum and bub are both well

 

[babysparkles]

I think its because he might be small that they are going ahead with induction. I go back to hospital this Thurs so could ask then. I see we have about the same amount of time left take2. How are you doing?

 

[Take2]

Ok well if bub is little your placenta may not doing great then. I'm in Australia and it is very hot and humid so I have so much fluid and very swollen ankles but other than that I'm doing ok. Must be nice and cool where you are?

 

[jopascoe]

I have 3 inductions. 1st was horrendous if I'm honest ended up with a forceps delivery. But 2nd and 3rd was a breeze, the contractions are much stronger though therefore more painful but 2nd baby came within 4 hours and 3rd was 6. Currently on baby number 4 and I prob have another induction when time comes.

Good luck

 

[babysparkles]

Ok well if bub is little your placenta may not doing great then. I'm in Australia and it is very hot and humid so I have so much fluid and very swollen ankles but other than that I'm doing ok. Must be nice and cool where you are?

Well I had a scan at 28 weeks & one at 35 weeks & they didn't say the placenta wasnt working well then so who knows! Hot & humid sounds a night mare! Its cool here between 5-10º so rather mild. It could be worse with loads of snow & ice.

 

[FeistyMom]

I've had inductions scheduled for all my babies, and have gone into natural labor prior to induction date or on induction date each time, so no real help with actual induction but sometimes just the knowledge that your baby is going to be arriving soon/labor will be starting can get the hormones flowing.

I have read several positive induction stories as well as the negatives, so know that it doesn't necessarily mean anything bad The main tips I've been given are to prepare yourself for the contractions being more intense right from the start. If you feel strongly about wanting/not wanting pain medication or an epi, it can be a little more stressful.

 

[Shyllama]

My first 2 were inductions my third came on her own my first i was induced at 38 weeks my labor only lasted 6 hours and we got a head of a lot of the pain because we knew it was coming due to the induction my second I was induced at 37 and that was only 3 hour from start to finish my LO who came on her own was my hardest I was first off a nervous wreck not knowing when she was going to be here but when I finally went into labor my water actually broke when we were heading to the hospital I was in a lot of pain with my contractions close together so was hoping we would get in get an epidural and she would be out no such luck first what I didn't know was they has to do blood work before they could give me the epidural (did not know this because everything had been done in advance the last 2 times) so I had to wait for quite a bit (probably seemed longer cause I was in pain and I am a big baby with pain) but then my labor stalled for a few hours I went in at 4pm on may 23 she wasn't born till lat on the 24th so and I had the hardest time getting her out despite her being my smallest so in my personal experience induction was easier for me but the first to pregnancys were full of issues and complications and the birth easy and my 3rd was a cake walk until the actual birth so that may have contributed to it as well this time going to be a completely different story so we will see how it goes. good luck and I hope all goes well for you

 

[babysparkles]

Thank you shyllama. That makes me feel a bit better about things. I guess I just wont know how things will go or how I will cope with the pain until I get there & will just have to take things one step at a time. X

 

[Jaxvipe]

I was induced at 39 weeks with DD. The DR broke my water at 8:30 am, I was able to get my epidural at 10:30, I went from 4cm to 10cm within 45 minutes. They then had me labor down on each side twice and at 2:30 I started pushing, pushed for 3 sets and she was out!

The contractions were intense and the best advice I can give you is when they say you can get the epidural ( I am assuming you are having an epidural bc you are being induced) get it! Don't wait! After I got my epidural I was able to relax and things progressed really fast.

 

[laceyrainbow]

To the PP who asked? Sorry, can't remember name. The placenta ages and stops providing sooner than a "healthy" one. Monitoring the placenta can't really be effective. If the placenta gives up completely.. unless mum notices something within minutes.. it'll be too late.

I'm being induced at 38/39 weeks, too.. and at first I was horrified. No way was my baby coming before she was ready. But honestly, on adequate research, I'd rather her be born a week early than be stillborn. There's a few threads on here and mumsnet where people who refused induction and went to 41 weeks ended up leaving the hospital without a baby.. heartbreaking. It's about weighing up the risks.. and honestly, even if her lungs wern't ready (not really likely at 39 weeks), I think we'd all agree we'd rather deal with a baby in special care for a short time, than none at all? I work on Labour Ward and Women's health and Doctors aren't eager to induce, normally.. just how they're not eager to give out sections. I trust that if they think you need one of them.. it's for a good reason.

I don't have an experience for you OP! But I hope it all goes well and you don't have too hard of a time xx