https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:33:32 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions/page/2#post-2623115 Sat, 17 Sep 2016 17:49:34 +0000 jaguar 2623115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsrain: Oh wow!!! How cool is that?</p> <p>@DesertDreams88: Okay - I will definitely suss out the water breaking rule at my hospital. They mentioned an option of starting things OFF might be breaking the waters, so good to know.</p> <p>@misolee: Gosh, two totally different experiences! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions/page/2#post-2623042 Sat, 17 Sep 2016 10:24:39 +0000 misolee 2623042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced at 41 weeks for my LO1 bc she was in no hurry getting out. I had been 2-3 cm dilated so just pitocin. I was put on standby for an open bed and the hospital called me Sunday morning at 4 am to come in by 6. I negotiated til 7. It was actually really less stressful. We leisurely had breakfast, parked in the hospital lot, and walked in together. I started pitocin at 10am, had my water broken a couple of hours later, got an epidural (bc oh the pain!), progressed slowly but nicely all night long. Until.. I got stuck at 9cm and it had been around 24 hours since labor started. So was taken into a csection and had my baby girl. I had no strong opinion on csection so I trusted what the doctor recommended. </p> <p>Three years later, I had my second via vbac bc he came too early and too fast in the middle of he night. Same hospital but my husband was driving like a madman, we were rushed in by wheelchair while our car was parked illegally, and as soon as I got there, they were telling me to push and he came less than a hour later. </p> <p>The induction was far less stressful </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions/page/2#post-2623035 Sat, 17 Sep 2016 09:26:08 +0000 DesertDreams88 2623035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My reason was I was 41 weeks and wanted the baby OUT. They used 50mg of oral misoprotol and breaking my water at the same time, then pit once I got to 8cm.</p> <p>I was 1cm dilated and 90% effaced. It tooK 24 hrs of labor and 1 hr of pushing. I had back to back contractions for most of the time. I wasn't allowed to get an epidural so instead they gave me doses of Dilaudid every 90 min between 5-8cm.</p> <p>I came away from it thinking 2 things:<br /> 1) Never do two methods of induction at the same time, it was like a double whammy. Very overwhelming pain.<br /> 2) Don't let the doctor break your water until you're at least around 5 centimeters. My hospital takes the 24-hr limit pretty seriously and I almost ended up with a C-section because of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions/page/2#post-2623025 Sat, 17 Sep 2016 07:46:10 +0000 mrsrain 2623025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced at 38 weeks due to gestational hypertension. We use prostaglandins to ripen my cervix. They told me it might take several doses before my cervix was ready but after three hours I had a single contraction and then my water broke. From there my body took over and I progressed quickly without needing any other induction techniques. My son was born just a few hours later! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions/page/2#post-2622979 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 21:23:08 +0000 jaguar 2622979@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@auggiefrog: That part I hadn't thought of - it taking a while to get going with some boring stuff. I had it in my head it would be BOOM, labour! Good reminder that it might not be! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions/page/2#post-2622976 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 21:18:43 +0000 auggiefrog 2622976@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced at 39 weeks due to my water breaking with no contractions. I was barely dilated, and only 50 or 60% effaced. I was given a pill to help soften my cervix, then induced via pitocin on an IV around 4 hours later. It took 24 hours until I was ready to start pushing. My son was a peanut, but he still took around 2 hours of pushing to get out. The beginning stages were pretty boring, and during the later stages I was so tired and only wanted to lay in bed with a blanket overly head. Not fun, but I am thankful I was able to give birth vaginally. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions/page/2#post-2622901 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 17:28:45 +0000 jaguar 2622901@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mdf106: I think this little girl will be pretty similar. I'm expecting a VERY large bebe. :) </p> <p>@Mrs. Pickles: Oh yes, hindsight for sure. </p> <p>@2PeasinaPod: I'm trying hard to focus on the baby and not the labour.. just so freaking excited! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions/page/2#post-2622718 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 11:40:32 +0000 Mrs. Pickles 2622718@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jaguar: I think I would have just gone for the C-section knowing that I wouldn't progress past a 7 and he wouldn't descend either (hindsight is 2020) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2622622 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 09:54:42 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2622622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jaguar: Though I wasn't induced, I did go into natural labor, and ended up with an emergency c-section after DS1 got stuck. Though it wasn't ideal and things were a little traumatic once he was born (ended up in the NICU for a bit), recovery wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. Though it's not the ideal birth experience, it's not quite as bad as you fear...and I feared it A LOT! </p> <p>I also can't wait to hear about this little miracle of yours. After all you've been through, you deserve a wonderful, happy birth experience! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2622602 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 09:26:21 +0000 mdf106 2622602@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jaguar: 8 pounds 7 ounces, which was slightly smaller than estimated, but still would have been pretty big at 40+ weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2622206 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 18:12:48 +0000 Smurfette 2622206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travellingbee: when did you go into labor with LO1? I'm so worried this baby is going to be late. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2622202 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 18:01:51 +0000 jaguar 2622202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: That's good to know! My doctor said he wouldn't suggest it at all, if he didn't think I'd be ok - obviously no guarantees with ANY labour, spontaneous or otherwise. I've had a decent sized vaginal delivery before, baby is looooow, and my cervix should be good to go, so I'm hoping these might work in our favour.</p> <p>@mdf106: That's awesome! I'd LOVE to get baby time straight after birth.. which would be a huge perk after expecting another special care stay. If I get past 37 weeks and do an induction past 38, I'm hoping baby is healthy enough to stay with me. How big was your little one after all that?</p> <p>@snowjewelz: I'm prepared for it to still be long, as G's labour was veeeery long too. :D </p> <p>@hellobeeboston: Thank you!!! Gosh, if I could avoid using the Pit as a first choice, I would like that - so good to hear stories with alternatives so I can suss out my OB and see what he would recommend. </p> <p>@pinkarmadillo: Wow, what a stressful pregnancy. I'm glad you got the birth you wanted in the end!</p> <p>@josina: Thank you for sharing! x</p> <p>@AnnabelleG: Wow! Sounds like that epi did its job pretty well with you. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2622196 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 17:51:00 +0000 jaguar 2622196@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsSRS: I am literally cleared from the bed resting tomorrow (36 weeks) so I have the fitness ball ready and rearing to go!</p> <p>@winniebee: That sounds so similar - the bed rest etc, except that this baby is measuring huge rather than small! I hope we have a similar experience with labour!</p> <p>@Mrs. Microscope: Yay for a good experience!</p> <p>@Mrs. Pickles: Would you induce again, if you had the chance? Or do something different? x</p> <p>@iluvboba637: Oh gosh, no not at all - I just feel so awful for YOU that you weren't able to at least get relief that way. I had the epi at the end of my labour with miss G! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2622169 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 16:01:13 +0000 AnnabelleG 2622169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced at 40w1d due to low fluid. They'd been threatening to induced me for 2-3 weeks, so by the time I actually got induced, I'd been to the hospital with my bags packed 6 times. They kept telling me that it was borderline, that I could elect to induce, and that I was "probably okay," until they said we had to induce. They tried miso (vaginally) and it did nothing, so we went straight to a low dose of Pitocin. It kicked in quickly and my body took over so they didn't need to up it. In fact, they had to take me off it for a while because labor got to intense so quickly. I had the epidural because I was so exhausted and thought I might have many, many more hours of labor (I was wrong!). Pitocin started at 8pm, labor started at 10pm, epidural at 3:30am and baby was born at 6:30am. I reacted strongly to the epidural so I felt almost nothing! When I asked to be checked at 6am, baby's head was peaking through my cervix! I had to be told when to push. (2nd baby opposite- Came on his own so fast I didn't have time for an epidural!)</p> <p>Best of luck to you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2622160 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 15:40:56 +0000 josina 2622160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Similar story to Mrs D... I had an elective induction, I was already 3.5 cm dilated and my OB was going to be on vacation the following week, and really wanted to be the one to deliver me. It was also winter with a 45 minute drive, so this was the easiest option.</p> <p>Anyways, pitocin started at 8, I was already having contractions on my own at this point. Dr broke my water at 10:30. Epidural an hour later, and baby at 2:30 after 3 sets of pushes (and vacuum assist).<br /> Super easy and great experience, my DH thinks I'm crazy for not wanting to go this route again. (I'd like to let it progress on its own this time - we'll see!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2622069 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 13:44:23 +0000 pinkarmadillo 2622069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced for similar reasons. Basically from 27 weeks on I had to be very gentle because I was having contractions that were timeable (sometimes 2 minutes or less) and while they were more than Braxton Hicks they did not change my cervix. So after weeks for basically sitting and lying down and contraction after contraction and multiple trips to the hospital to be monitored they decided to induce me at 39 weeks and 1 day. My OB was afraid that I would ignore them that one time they were actual cervix changing contractions and then end up delivering at home because I had been to the hospital so many times for false alarms. We chose a Thursday so my family who live six hours away could have plenty of notice to join us and also be able to stay for the weekend. My husband owns his own business and since we would be in the hospital during the weekend for the most part it worked out well for him time wise. Silly I know. The induction went well. I went in at 5 am and was given IV fluids and then pitocin, epi and they broke my water. I moved very fast to 8 cm but then stalled out for 6 hours. My OB physically pushed my cervix down to a 9 and I had to practice push and her head widdled it down to 10 cm. I was so close to being a c section mama. They were all pushing me to give up after stalling but I held strong and delivered vaginally. Bonus for our date we picked is her first birthday ended up being on a Saturday so we were able to have her party on her actual birthday and celebrate her the whole day as opposed to having her first birthday on a week day. I didn't think about that when we scheduled the induction but it worked out well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2622006 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 12:20:24 +0000 hellobeeboston 2622006@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had to be induced with my second at 10 days overdue! He did NOT want to come out.</p> <p>I had been having minor contractions off &amp; on but nothing major. I was walking miles to try to get labor going but he was stubborn! I was also only barely 2cm dilated.</p> <p>I went in to the hospital at 7am, got hooked up &amp; monitored, saw i was having some minor contractions. Placed misoprostol (sp?) at 10am, monitored for 1 hour, then allowed to walk the grounds of the hospital, go get lunch. By 2pm the contractions were getting stronger, got back to hospital room, got in tub at 3pm when the contractions were getting painful. Water broke at 4:30/5 when in tub - got out &amp; hooked up to epidural by 5:30, and by 7:30 I was 10 cm. </p> <p>Due to pushing for 5 hours with my first baby, we waited an hour an I 'labored down' before pushing... I ended up pushing for an hour (big baby - 9lbs, 6 oz &amp; he was sideways) and delivered at 8:30 pm!</p> <p>I felt lucky to have a really good induction! They let me choose between the Pitocin &amp; Misoprostol, and i decided to try the miso first, and if that didn't work then i was going to go with the pitocin 4 hours later, but luckily didn't need to.</p> <p>GOOD LUCK - it's so great that you've made it this far! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621988 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 11:53:06 +0000 snowjewelz 2621988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had an induction at 39 weeks due to GD.</p> <p>It was ok, it was just long! Started Cervadil at 1am. After 2 rounds of it, finally got over 3cm after 12pm the next day to start epidural/Pitocin. Then waited till 9pm to push, baby out just before 11pm. </p> <p>When I got induced I was totally shut tight, not effaced, nothing! So it took forever, and kinda sucked cuz I was stuck to a bed, and then we also had a heartrate scare that almost got me an emergency C-section. But since everything turned out fine, I would just say that it was long. I feel like I wouldn't be pushing that long if I hadn't been in the hospital without food for so long prior. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621973 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 11:45:16 +0000 mdf106 2621973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced for my second, at 39 weeks, for suspected large size. My induction was very similar to my first labor, which was spontaneous. I think that inductions after a previous vaginal birth are more likely to be successful. </p> <p>They started pitocin at 9 am, I was 1-2 cm, but pretty effaced, and the head was very low. At 1 pm I was 5 cm, and they broke my water. Before this I was not in much pain. I got an epidural at 2:45, when I was 8 cm. This time was very painful, and each contraction was noticeable worse than the previous one. After my epidural I still had a lot of pain on my left side, same as my first delivery. I am pretty sure my epidural slowed labor, which is also similar to my first delivery. I started pushing at 5:15 pm, and pushed for half an hour (only about five contractions). Pushing was much easier the second time, even though baby was half a pound bigger. I was nervous beforehand, but it was great experience. We got to do skin-to-skin right away, for a long time. I remember when DH called his parents to tell them, he still did not know how big the baby was. </p> <p>I really liked having my doctor deliver, and not having to miss sleep for labor. It was also great for planning childcare for my oldest, and for work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621863 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 09:43:05 +0000 Mrs D 2621863@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced at 3925d with DD2 (I was scheduled to be induced with DD1 but I went into labor 3 hours before!). It was an elective induction bc 1) I was in a favorable position for delivery and 2) I wanted to deliver with a doctor I knew.</p> <p>Arrived at 8am, hooked up and Pit started at 9am. I was 3.5cm and about 80% when I arrived (as I said I was in a good place and a favorable induction candidate). Pit from 9am-12:30pm only put me to a 4cm - I freaked out. I thought my induction was failing. :( FWIW - Pit was up to 11 out of 20.</p> <p>Dr suggested breaking my water but instructed me that if I wanted an Epi I should probably do it before I have my water broken. Epi placed at 1:30....water broken at 2:45 (5cm at this point)....Baby was out at 3:45...it was crazy fast once they broke my water...</p> <p>Best of luck to you. I was terrified of choosing an induction and then something going wrong and regretting it. At the end of the day I asked my Dr what she would do and she informed me she had zero concern inducing me ... I trust her so I went for it... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621854 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 09:33:23 +0000 iluvboba637 2621854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jaguar: please don't let my epi story scare you. Apparently the discs in my spine are very close together and I was very swollen from the iv fluids. I'm sure I'm just an anomaly </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621841 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 09:23:14 +0000 Mrs. Pickles 2621841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Microscope: our experience for the first part were quite similar, </p> <p>except I stopped progressing at a 7 after my epidural and had a C-section after 36 hours of labor. However, even though I had a failed induction overall the experience was nothing but positive, I had a great medical team and support people, I got skin to skin right after and my son latched on when I was in the recovery room and after a week at home I felt pretty normal </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621827 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 09:12:45 +0000 youboots 2621827@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pickle: I'm hoping this is what I get next time around. Sounds like an awesome experience. I had GD and PreE so I'm expecting another induction with #2. (Not pregnant) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621782 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 08:21:04 +0000 Mrs. Microscope 2621782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced at 38+1 for hypertension. 1cm, 30% effaced. It took 30 hours, but was successful! Got cytotec first, and dilated to a 2, added pitocin and got to 3, broke water and got to 4 (that was the first 24 hours) then contractions with the pitocin were unbearable so we added the epidural and 5 hours later I was at a 10. They let me eat the first 15 hours, and I had a great team of nurses. It was a good experience! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621768 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 07:54:25 +0000 winniebee 2621768@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With DS2, I was induced at 38 weeks with my second due to concerns about a growth restriction. He was measuring small so I was monitored for that throughout 3rd tri. Between 36-38 weeks they measured no growth, so I was induced at 38. The irony of it all was that I was on modified bed rest from 30-36 weeks because of contractions (and because I had had preterm labor with DS1). The induction was really easy. I was already dilated to 2-3 and maybe 80% effaced, so my OB just broke my water - didn't need pitocin or anything. That was at 1 p.m. By 6 p.m. contractions were fast and furious. Got an epidural at 8:45 (requested it at 6:30!) and he was born at 9:59. He was totally healthy, just small. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621759 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 07:25:37 +0000 MrsSRS 2621759@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Related to your comment above, and not sure if you're allowed, but I had good luck shifting a posterior baby by spending lots of time on hands and knees. Basically anytime I was just hanging out the last month or so it was on hands and knees. Worth a shot? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621736 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 06:15:34 +0000 jaguar 2621736@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@iluvboba637: That's great reading your stories, except the epi part! :( </p> <p>@bluestriped bee: I think that sounds like a wise move - especially prepping the epi just in case. So proud of you!</p> <p>@agold: What a trouper! I am probably 90% excited to have an end date in sight, and 10% nervous - but I would be that way about regular spontaneous labour too! :P </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621723 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 02:33:43 +0000 agold 2621723@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was induced, I suppose, even though labor had started in its own. My contractions weren't strong enough and I had a high amniotic leak. I was started on the lowest level of pitocin around noon. Every hour it was increased a step. I didn't get the epidural until close to 10 that night. I just labored through the contractions. Sure, it got tough. But it's labor. :silly: I got the epidural because i still didn't dilate past a 1 and the contractions got to 2 minutes long with like less than a minute before the next would start. I was trying to wait until I got dilated to a four or five before getting the epidural because I've heard the epidural can slow dilation. But the nurses wouldn't check me often because of risk of infection. I don't have an issue with when I got the epidural but I'm so glad I got it. The ensuing dramatic delivery would have been just ridiculous for all involved if I had chosen to do it without the pain blocker. The epidural was fine - I could feel everything except pain. I could still move my legs to an extent. But it did cause me to throw up a bit. </p> <p>Good luck if you have to be induced. I really was fearful of being induced but now that it's all done, I'm just happy to have my baby out any way and that we both are safe. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621722 Thu, 15 Sep 2016 02:26:58 +0000 BSB 2621722@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I had a failed induction with my twin pregnancy and resulted in a scheduled (not emergency) c-section. </p> <p>As you know I PPROMed (water broke) at 28 weeks and was on 6 weeks on hospital bed rest. I was scheduled to be induced at 34 weeks since that is the golden number in PPROM land. After 34 week, the risk of infection for mom and baby goes up and it is safer for both to have the babies come out than to stay in. </p> <p>I was started on pitocin at around noon. At the start of induction, I was 4 cm dialated, 100% effaced and -1 position. Around 5pm, I was 6cm dialated and I decided to get the epidural in place. Not because of pain (I was breathing and talking fine through the contractions ) but because the high risk of c-secction for twin pregnancies and I wanted to be awake to hear the babies cries if I had an unscheduled emergency c-section. </p> <p>After the epidural and while the pitocin was continually increased, at around 11pm, there was talk about me having a tired uterus because I was still at 6cm. They turned of the pitocin to give my body a rest, plus I was super nauseous. They turned it back on but no luck in further dialation. </p> <p>I think around 1am, they discussed my options. Wait or do c-section. They mentioned that there was a spike in my temp (not quite a fever) but that maybe it was early signs of an infection. Babies were fine at this point. I was super tired so I decided to do the c-section. I knew the high risk of c-section in twin pregnacies so I was fine with it. I was not upset. Anxious of being cut open but happy to be able to meet my babies. </p> <p>After the babies were born, the test results showed I did not have an infection. They think that me PPROM so early probably contributed to me having a tired uterus and not being able to progress passed 6cm. </p> <p>My twins born at 34 weeks were tiny and healthy and only had a 15 day NICU stay. Both released on the same day, which I heard is rare for twins.</p> <p>Oh, even though, I had a failed induction, it was still a positive experience (probably because I wasn't in a lot of pain before and after the epidural). The worst part of it was the nausea from the epidural and/or high amounts of pitocin towards the c-section. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/talk-to-me-about-inductions#post-2621716 Wed, 14 Sep 2016 23:54:41 +0000 iluvboba637 2621716@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>With ds I was induced on my due date for PIH. I was not favorable at all. Pitocin only at 9am. Ob broke my water ~6pm. Epi ~8pm but only Bc they kept telling me that it would help bring my bp down. Ds was born the next morning at 6am after ~20 mins of pushing. </p> <p>With dd I was induced at 37+3 again Bc of PIH. I was prepared and quite expected an induction. Pitocin only at 9am. This time midwife said I was ~3cm when we checked into the hospital which was a big shock Bc i was 0cm 3 days before and had done nothing. I was getting very little breaks between contractions. The computer monitor showed mountain after mountain of contractions and I was like where the heck are the valleys so I could just breathe for a sec. Asked for epi ~1pm. Anesthesiologist could not get it in after a few painful tries so I told him to stop. I was not surprised Bc it was a nightmare the first time w Ds. Got Nubane but it's not meant for pain relief just made me loopy and doze in and out of sleep. Ds was born at 3:30 after 5mins of pushing. </p> <p>Overall both positive inductions and I'm prepared and will probably end up w another induction if we decide to get pregnant again. Ob also said I'll probability have to go au naturale w/o epi. And I'm ok with it. </p> <p>Good luck if you end up having to be induced. I've read quite a few other positive induction stories too. </p>