All the ladies who have been induced and went into labor naturally, did the induced labor take longer or hurt more? I'm considering being induced on the 30th if baby girl hasn't come yet but I'm scared.
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
When and Why Labor is Induced
All You Need to Know About Induction
Induction of labor is a medical procedure that involves initiating or stimulating contractions artificially before they begin naturally. It is a common practice in certain situations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
If you're facing the possibility of induction, it's important to understand the procedure, its reasons, benefits, and potential risks.
Reasons for Induction
Induction may be recommended by your healthcare provider for various reasons, including:
- Post-term pregnancy: If you go beyond your due date, your healthcare provider may suggest induction to reduce the risk of complications.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, may necessitate induction to protect your health and that of your baby.
- Fetal concerns: If there are concerns about the well-being of the baby, such as reduced fetal movement or abnormal test results, induction may be necessary.
- Ruptured membranes: If your water has broken, but labor has not started on its own within a certain timeframe, induction may be recommended to prevent infection.
- Other factors: In some cases, inductions may be performed for personal or logistical reasons, such as the availability of healthcare providers or if there are concerns about travel or logistical challenges during labor.
It's important to discuss the specific reasons for induction with your healthcare provider and understand why it is being recommended in your particular situation.
The Induction Process
The induction process typically involves the following steps:
- Cervical ripening: If your cervix is not yet favorable for labor, your healthcare provider may use methods to soften and ripen the cervix, such as medication or a mechanical dilator.
- Artificial rupture of membranes: If your water has not already broken, your healthcare provider may break the amniotic sac to initiate or enhance contractions.
- Oxytocin administration: Oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates contractions, may be administered through an IV to initiate or strengthen labor.
The specific methods used for induction will depend on your individual circumstances and the recommendations of your healthcare provider.
Benefits and Risks
Induction can have both benefits and risks, which you should discuss with your healthcare provider. Some potential benefits include:
- Reduced risk of complications: Induction may help prevent certain complications associated with prolonged pregnancy or medical conditions.
- Timely intervention: Induction allows for closer monitoring and timely medical intervention if necessary.
- Peace of mind: Induction may provide reassurance for both the mother and the healthcare team in certain situations.
However, there are potential risks associated with induction, such as:
- Increased likelihood of medical interventions: Induced labors are often associated with a higher rate of medical interventions, such as epidurals, assisted delivery (forceps or vacuum), or cesarean section.
- Stronger or more intense contractions: Induced contractions can sometimes be more intense than those of natural labor, requiring additional pain management techniques.
- Risk of infection or fetal distress: Induction may increase the risk of infection or fetal distress, although these risks are generally low.
Your healthcare provider will carefully assess the benefits and risks specific to your situation and guide you through the decision-making process.
Emotional Preparation and Support
The decision to proceed with induction can evoke a range of emotions. It's important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider and seek emotional support from your partner, family, or friends. Consider the following strategies:
- Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider any questions or express your concerns. Understanding the process can alleviate anxiety.
- Birth plan flexibility: Discuss your birth preferences and be open to adjustments based on the needs of you and your baby during the induction process.
- Emotional support: Surround yourself with a supportive birth team, including your partner, a doula, or a close friend who can provide encouragement and emotional support.
Dig deeper
Preparing for Induced Labor: What to Expect
3 min read
Induced Labor Fears?
3 min read
Natural Methods to Induce Labor: Fact or Fiction?
3 min read
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kaya Smith
27 Sep 2023
Just came from my doctors appointment and everything is good and I’m still only 2cm and I am having an induced labor Tuesday oct 3rd at 8:00am
Asia
Me too. Hope she comes before then. I'm tired 😩
27 Mar 2024
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Julie
Good luck!
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Christy
27 Aug 2023
I'm 37 weeks and 2 days and have a lot of pain in my back and vaginal area and lots of pressure. Is that a sign that labor is approaching? I had to be induced with my first so my body never went into labor by itself.
Heather
The baby drops around 37 weeks so what you’re feeling is normal for the last few weeks. Watch for losing your mucous plug, contractions, and your water breaking. Trust your body mama you’ll be fine.
27 Mar 2024
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Christy
thank you so much!!! ❤️🥰
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Autumn
23 Jul 2023
What are your experiences with Induced labor?? Any moms have natural and an induced? Is induced really more painful? Got the news they want to induce me at 39 weeks and I’m so nervous! #induce #inducedlabor #39weeks
Holly
Yes induction is a bit more painful .... because it is forcing your body into labor instead of it doing it naturally
27 Mar 2024
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Autumn
Ugh thank you. I was already terrified about labor in general now reading it’s more painful I’m like 😭😭😭 why’d i have to get gestational diabetes lol
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Kiarra
15 Jul 2023
I’m getting induced labor at 39 weeks and 1 day! I’m scared it’s literally in 1 week and 5 more days!! Is there anything I should be afraid of?
Renata
Nope, i love being induced to be honest 😩 my doctor be having that epidural on standby for when them contractions start coming. I got induced with my last three kids and i giggle pushing all them out, didn’t feel a thing. And I’m getting induced with this baby in 12days. Getting induced to me is kinda laid back 🥰
27 Mar 2024
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Kiarra
Omg that sounds so relieving compared to what ppl was telling me 😅
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Sarah
12 Jul 2023
I'm on the fence about whether I should ask my Dr if I can be induced when it's time my fiance is a fisherman and on trips a lot and I don't want him to miss it and he would love it if I was induced so he knows exactly when to take a few weeks off but I really wanna be surprised when I go into labor I don't know why lol guese I just want the experience of going into labor naturally since this is my first baby but I also don't want him to miss it and if things go fast he would miss everything and I don't want anyone else in the room but him even if he's not here what does everything think should I be induced? Or take the risk? Also afraid of going into labor early before an induction date and him not being around I don't know why I feel this way but I think I'll be mad if he misses the birth even though I know it wouldn't be his fault think it's the hormones
Sarah
my baby has a 2 vessel cord and I have a high risk pregnancy because I have high risk asthma and I'm in my 3rd trimester and recently had COVID so I think they'll probably induce me if I wanted especially because of my asthma
27 Mar 2024
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Brittany
12 Mar 2023
Update: my labor is starting and stopping… this is why I’m getting induced. Baby girl In wrong postiton so all my contractions and all this pain does Nothing to my cervix 😩 I can’t dilate… they are trying to induce me but I’m sheduled for a c-section in case it fails 🥹😢
Charlie
Are they trying to induce you today? 😊
27 Mar 2024
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Brittany
No so far it stopped
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Mariah
2 Nov 2022
Has anyone got induce labor before ? Like what can I expect because I’m so nervous only reason why I’m getting induced at 39 weeks because of fetal growth restriction and they it’s better if give birth early
Krys
There’s quite a few moms on here that got inductions due to fetal growth restriction. I don’t remember all of their names but hopefully they will see your post and comment. Many had successful inductions, while some had inductions that led to a c section.
27 Mar 2024
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Mariah
I don’t want a c section at all I hope all goes well
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Jessica
15 Oct 2022
Getting induced on the 25th and I’m freaking out I’m so scared lol. I’m hoping I go into labor before then.
Rachael
Don’t be scared! I was induced with my son 9 years ago and everything went fine! You got this
27 Mar 2024
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shy
I was induced 8 days ago. Best experience . I had the epidural but everything was literally under control thank God. Just think, your getting closer to seeing your beautiful baby
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