Induction & Natural Childbirth Questions

I read yesterday about a woman that lost her child at 40 weeks and 4 days. There was nothing wrong with the baby and the baby was still born. The baby died the day before the birth. The doctors have been doing testing on the baby and have not found one single thing wrong with him. I say better safe than sorry. Don't worry about the pain. I know that's hard to believe when you are coming up on it. But you will get through this and a healthy baby is so much worth any of it!

There is no documented increased risk at 41 weeks. The documented (small) increase of risk is at 42 weeks, which is why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not recommend routine "post dates" induction until that time. An induction does double your chances of having a cesarean. Most women don't give birth at 38 weeks, and those "natural" means of induction have no guarantee of working. I will tell you, as a childbirth educator for 14 years, that chiropractors and acupuncturists have techniques that sometimes help to encourage labor. Keep in mind that 41 weeks is still 2.5 weeks away. I know when induction is hanging over your head, it feels like the baby won't come in that time, but most babies do come by 41 weeks (esp 2nd time moms) and each day makes it more likely that the next day is when the baby will be born.

While other posters may say that it doesn't matter how the baby is born, this is not true and I see that you realize that already - that all interventions come with risks. I'd say that 2/3 of my students who had inductions went on to give birth without using pain medication. If you're having a fullblown medical induction, certain things like the labor tub will not be available to you, but don't take your labor lying down in bed - use your effective unmedicated birthing techniques - walking, massage, compresses, birth ball, squatting, relaxation techniques, etc.

Good luck!

That's ridiculous to even bring up induction at 38 weeks. You are perfectly fine and so is your baby. He/she will come when he or she is ready. DO NOT get induced because your OB wants to. Chances are, she wants to to be convenient for her, not you. I think the risk of stillborn goes from like 1 to 1.5 after 42 weeks out of 1000 or something like that. Very minimal increase. And you are nowhere near 41 weeks yet anyway. Have a normal birth just like your first and you will be much happier all around.

Since you're not 40 weeks, I don't know why they're already mentioning induction! I didn't dilate or anything when I was at 39 weeks, and I was so sick of being pregnant, I asked my doctor if she could "get things going" by rupturing my membranes or inducing, and she wouldn't even consider it until after a full 40 weeks had transpired. I wound up with my water breaking, but still no dilation, 3 days later and had to be induced. I didn't want an epidural (was fine with IV drugs), but the back labor was such a nightmare I wound up getting one, but it didn't truly "take." I've heard that pitocin-induced labors are more intense.

After the experience w/ my first, I had no issues with an epidural for #2, and I had to be induced again -this time because of PIH in my 39th week. I had an epidural as soon as I started feeling anything, and this one really worked, so it was all super-easy.

I have two close friends who just recently had natural home births -and they were both 42 weeks. Both are late 30s/early 40s and everything went very well for them. Unless you have a special circumstance, I don't think they need to induce you until you hit 41 weeks -if nothing is happening. Do some more research, ask some midwives and some other doctors. However, if you have any special circumstances -PIH, issues w/ the baby, etc. you should go ahead and let them induce you!

I didn't have a chance to read the other posts, so if I am repeating anything I apologize.

WOW! I am shocked that your dr mentioned induction already! Do you have high blood pressure, or any other complications that would make it medically necessary to get the baby out before you start to go into labor on your own? Is this your first baby?

The reason for my questions is that my dr told me that he would NEVER induce a first time mom unless it was absolutely medically necessary. His reasoning for this is he has no idea how mom will do with labor and delivery. He said if you had a baby before and all went well with that labor and delivery, then he would consider induction if and ONLY if the following were true: mom is at least 3 cms dialated and soft. He said to do an induction where mom is not at least 3cm and not soft is setting that mom up for a c-section...as you body is not ready for labor yet. He said that 3cms and soft means that your body is at least preparing for labor.

My advice - stand your ground. If it is not medically necessary to get that baby out wait for your body to do its thing. If by 41 weeks you are not going into labor on your own, then you can start talking about other options.

If you want to get things moving naturally - walk, walk, walk!!!

Good luck mama, and you do what is best for you and baby!

Both of my children were late. I would have pretty much done whatever they said to get that kid out of there.
The whole point of delivery is to get that baby out. It doesn't really matter how that baby gets out of there as long as the baby is healthy and safe.
Focus on the prize - your sweet baby - and don't worry about the delivery.
YMMV
LBC

just mho, i would rather have a c-section than an induction any day. every woman i have know who has been induced, it has taken FOREVER for baby to get here, compared to those who went naturally. i wouldn't want that for my baby. many times (i can think of a few, of the women i've known who have given birth recently) the induced labor goes on so long they end up doing a c-section anyway. ridiculous! i honestly believe it's because the baby ISN'T READY.

i guess it's easy for me to say because my son was breech and i had an emergency c-section after having only a handful of minor contractions. i had zero issues with it. it was a breeze! and when i think of the labor these other women went through being induced i just feel awful. and THEN some still had to have c-sections! their poor bodies! i just don't agree with induction at all unless it is absolutely necessary. and it seems like it's "all the rage" these days. get 'em delivered and on to the next one. babies come when they're ready. dr's seem to just be too eager to pop them out to clear up their schedule for the next expectant mother.

I didn't read all of the previous responses, so I apologize if I am repeating information. I have had two natural childbirths. The first was 11 days late and the second was 10 days late, and neither were induced. I don't know from personal experience what Pitocin feels like, but a few friends have told me the contractions get almost unbearable very quickly. That is why so many people who are induced (with Pitocin) tend to get epidurals.

I almost certainly would have had a C-section with my first if I hadn't had a doula. My water broke and I wasn't going into labor, and the doctor was telling me that he didn't think I was going to be able to birth my son vaginally. He backed off a lot when my doula arrived. She realized that my son was not ready to be born - he was not in the correct position (his head was back). The forced contractions begun by Pitocin probably would have aggravated the situation, resulting in a C-section.

With my daughter (my second), at the advice of my doula I tried a castor oil root beer float to try to start labor. She said that is the only thing that really works besides nipple stimulation. I tried that because my parents were leaving the country for three weeks, and I wanted them to see her before they left. I tried it for two consecutive days and labor didn't start. It caused some cramping and I had to sit on the toilet for a while, but it was nothing like having diarrhea cramping.

It may be too late to find a doula for your birth, but I strongly recommend it for a natural childbirth. There is no way I would have succeeded the first time without my doula. So many doctors are concerned with their own schedules - most C-sections happen at 4pm and 9pm.

It angers me a bit that your doctor is already mentioning induction. There is research that suggests the average gestation period for a first-time mother is more like 42 weeks, and not 40 weeks. It is difficult for a baby to be born if they aren't ready yet. My kids tend to swim around in non-birth positions until they are really ready to come out, so forced contractions would not be beneficial.

If you have some free time you might want to watch "The Business of Being Born." It is a very interesting documentary that will reinforce your beliefs about natural childbirth. Feel free to send me a message if you have more questions.

J.,
First of all congrats on your upcoming bundle of joy. I have two kids, both were induced. The oldest was induced at 41 and a half weeks. The other at 39 weeks. I had pain medication and ultimately an epidural with the oldest and went completely natural with the youngest. In my experience it was considerably easier to experience labor without pain medication. When I had the medication it made me loopy so the only thing I was aware of was the pain and it was horrible. Without the medications I was able to better focus on breathing and relaxion techniques. It also made it so much easier to push when it came time. I definately recommend you stick to your original plan of natural childbirth regardless of whether or not they need to induce. You can do it, especially with a good support system. Good luck!

I just want to encourage you to sit down with your doctor and talk about your preferences. I went with a Certified Nurse Midwife with my second child because I wanted someone to listen to what I wanted-- not dictate to me a schedule that would be convenient for them. My second child was 11 days "late" but when she came out, my CNM thought I must not have been as far along as we thought because she still had so much lanugo. Your baby knows when he/she is done "cooking" ;-) and that's why they say delivery can be 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after the due date. I strongly encourage you to talk to your doctor and flat out tell her that you want to go up to 2 weeks after your "due date" unless there is a danger to you or the baby. I really think that if you spell it out for your Dr, she will listen. Please try not to stress out about this (easier said than done, I know). And don't try to force anything to happen- a little communication will clear this up for you, I'm sure.

hi J., i think i might be able to help. my first two came pretty quick, not enough time for anything. my first one came within 4 hours, my second came within half an hour and my third was induced due to high blood pressure. she came in ten hours. as far as pain goes i think it all depends on the person in labor but with me it was pretty much the same with all of them. i dont remember if i had pain meds with my daughter as i was a little out of it but i do remember the pain i had. i only say that my 3rd was worse because of all the problems i had afterwards. it wasnt from the pregnancy or baby just problems in general. anyway, i hope this helps a little. the only difference i can tell you between the two is the waiting time for the medicine to kick in and then for baby to come. but like i said it all depends on the person. good luck, R.

You've gotten a lot of good responses. One issue is this: stories are great, but they are not your story; statistics are helpful, but whatever happens to you happened 100% of the time.

For a little perspective, I looked up some stats for you. Generally, what I've found is that a first-time low-risk mom has a 50% chance of C-section with induction. The US rate is now 32%. So, you can (statistically) put your chances between 32-50%. As far as stillbirth, what I found is this: at 40 weeks your risk is around 0.00087%; at 41 weeks 0.00127%; at 42 weeks 0.00155%. So while the risk may double from 40-42 weeks, it's still very, very low.

BTW, I'm a doula and childbirth educator (as well as a chiropractor who works with a lot of pregnant women). In my 6 years of experience as a doula, the mom's who were induced have been 50% c-section, 50% vaginal birth. The difference is this: mom's who go on to deliver vaginally (I once saw an induction without epidural, as well) had doctors who ordered low-dose pitocin with slow increase in dosing, and once mom had a stable labor pattern, the pit was left at that level or turned off. When standard pit protocols were used (start high and increase the dose every 15-30 min), then you got the story that you typically hear--- very painful contractions that often led mom to ask for pain meds.

Many women are not aware of the Bishop Score, so I encourage you to look up info about that. Actually, talking induction when you are NOT showing signs of labor is illogical. The best induction stories happen when mama is already showing some signs that she and baby are ready. And while you can go from 1 cm and 50% effaced to having a baby in a matter of hours, this is not typical for a first-timer.

I highly encourage hiring doulas (can't imagine my birth without mine, and hired her again about 24 hours after the stick turned pink this time). You can go to www.dona.org to find a certified doula near you. It's not too late to hire one, and if you are feeling pressured, it is helpful to have someone else with you to help ask the right questions so you can make an informed decision.

I hope that helps (know you've had a LOT to read). Good luck, and please feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Yours in health,
Dr. Alyssa

I have not had an induction so cannot comment on the pain factor , what I do know is that this country seems to be so quick to intervene with the labour/delivery process , do some research on line , & I bet you find facts that contracdict what your OB is saying. Because you pay for your health care , I get the impression that the doctors main concern is making sure they are the ones to deliver so they get "paid" and not someone else , so they book inductions/c sections to suit their schedule. I am from the UK and the c section & epidural rates are much lower than here , we are also allowed to go 14 days past our due dates as opposed to the 7 days here. 14 days is when they placenta becomes less efficient so baby does need to be delivered by that point. I had a baby here and 2 in the UK , with my OB here I told him that my previous 2 were a week late , and that I would not be induced on or before that time , we actually met half way and agreed on 10 days past the due date. You do have rights , and if you do not want an induction then don't have one , most babies are at least a week late , and if you actually sat down and worked out the dates that 7 day point is the "actual" due date , it is all guesses made on a 28 day cycle , I say put your foot down and hang in there for a little longer , and don't let them push you into a c section or epi if you do not want that , they just want what is easier for them.

Good luck

The Key here is to relax. Are you absolutely certain of your duedate would be my first question. Regardless of u/s, do you know when you conceived. Make sure that coincides with your duedate. Drs. are pushing the 41 weeks to much these days. I have known many women to go to the 42 week point with no complications at all. My sil was one of them and I went past the 41 week point by several days in a couple of my pregnancies.

It's complicated with inductions as you really need to know what the hospital rules are. If you have your water broken many hospitals now will only allow you to labor for about 12 hrs afterwards, before it was 24hrs. But they feel there is added risk of infection. Which I think you are at more risk for that in a hospital than at home.

It's hard to tell how your body will react to the pit. Some do well, others don't. Yes, it does raise the rate of c/s and I think that is the main reason why they do it so often now. It means more money for them!

Remember you don't have to be induced if you don't want to be. But most importantly try to stay relaxed and focused. Make sure you and your dh are on the same page so he can stick up for you if need be when you are in the throws of labor and can't think straight!
Don't let the nurses boss you around either, especially if you're planning to Breastfeed, Stick to your guns and don't let them put you down!

I have had 8 children back in the 'old days'. Back then it was almost unheard of to induce someone and there were no common epidurals. My first baby was 6 wks. early and breech, I had him vaginally due to no sonograms to know he was breech until too late, etc. I'm so glad and he was fine. The others were all fairly much on the due date, give or take 3 days except for my last who was a week over due. My doctor was going to induce if she wasn't born by that next week but he did tell me to drink castor oil and if you're ready you will go into labor and if not nothing happens. Now days they don't drink castor oil due to many reasons, one being it's made from castor beans I guess. I did work though. I went into labor about two hours or so after drinking it. It was not uncommon for babies to be a week overdue in the 'old' days. I know the USA has a very high death rate in births and I believe this inducing has a lot to do with it as most of it is for the doctor's schedule. Maybe I'm wrong but I do believe that God takes care of the timing. I remember the doctors, several of them, standing over me deciding if my first baby was too small or bigger and none of them had it right. I realize we have sonograms now but even then my daughter and so many others, have been told something is wrong with a baby and not a thing in the world was wrong. I'd let this baby come when it's ready, of course too much over you should consider something I guess. But that would be after full term. Yes, I'm from the 'old school' but I'm glad because in our 'ignorance' we enjoyed our pregnancies and just gave birth when contractions started.

As for trying to "induce" yourself, try prunes, prune juice... whatever gets your bowels going. That can help start a baby who is ready. If baby isn't ready it won't hurt a thing, just give you a good cleaning out!

There is danger in letting a baby go too long. One is still birth and the other is a baby so big they have to do a C-section to get them out.

I would suggest trying to go natural if that's your choice, but keep your options open. If it does get to be too much, then you can go for some medication. Just know that if you wait too long, you will go natural whether you want to or not. I have 3 kids, and every time by the time I asked for something, they said it was too late.

I had an induction with my second, one week prior to due date. We were worried about him being too big, and I didn't want to get down to the end and not be able to push him out. I went into natural labor with my first, almost exactly on date. I had epidurals with both, so I would say pain wise they were about the same. With the induction you can get the epidural as soon as they will let you get it, so there was really a lot less pain for me because I didn't have to labor at home and go through all of that pain. They started me on pit at around 8a, broke my water a few hours later, and he was out by about 2pm. Obviously induction isn't for everyone, but I had a very good experience with mine, and was glad he came out early at 9lbs.

Hi J., I went into labor naturally at home with my first. My water broke and a few hours later I went to the hospital. My contractions were pretty strong and I was in quite a bit of pain. Well, ok, alot of pain! I did get an epi, but it wore off when it came time to push and it hurt so bad! With my second, I was induced and my nurse asked me what level of pain I would like to experience and I told her none. So, none, it was! My second delivery was a breeze, I pushed for about 15 minutes and felt no pain whatsoever! I could have easily delivered another one right after this one. I was in labor for about 7 hours total. My second delivery was the best by far, and with my next delivery I am definately getting induced again! I don't understand why so many women on here are telling you the horrors of getting induced and why THEY think it is wrong...it's not their pregnancy, nor are they a Dr., do what you want! I had a very pleasant experience with my induction and I will do it again. Congratulations on your baby!! :)

Sorry, Ladybug. But, for some people it does matter how you get there. Yes, the "prize" is worth anything we may go through, but there are women who do consider childbirth itself precious.

I am really sorry that I can't do any of the comparison for you. I was induced with both of mine due to high blood pressure. For me, both births were relatively quick, about 8 hours start to finish. My daughter (2nd) actually came quicker & I tore more. I didn't have an epidural. All of my contractions were only slightly worse than cramps. I do understand that the risks go up with induction, but not for everyone. I wish you all the best & hope that you get the delivery that you are looking for. Sorry that I don't have any more suggestions.

I have not read all the other posts, i just wanted to share my experience with you. I went into labor naturally with my first (a boy) and he was born on his due date. He was 7lb 11oz and labor was only 9 hours. It was tough, but i had an epidural and pushed for 3 hours! Not fun. So i had your basic normal delivery, no complications.
With my 2nd (a girl) i was having a lot of problems with my hips hurting during most of the pregnancy. My dr wouldnt induce me before my due date, but i did not want to go over and since the baby was fine and healthy (passed the non stress tests with flying colors) she schedualed me to be induced on my due date. I got to the hospital at 7 and they broke my water. I walked around and nothing was happening. The doc did an exam to see if i was dialating any more and after that i started having contractions right on top of eachother. Labor was only 6 hours, and i pushed for 1 and did have an epidural. She would've came out within 20 min but she was face up so she had a harder time. I think both labors were comparable and its up to you. I think the induced one was a bit more painful, but shorter and i had no complications. You have to do what is right for you. They never had to give me pitocin to get things going. Good luck in whatever you decide. It is going to hurt no matter what as you know so if your ok being induced why not.

A few years back I saw a show on something like 60 minutes that showed moms who wanted to start labor and they would go and have a spicy meal, like a Thai or Chinese meal. It was a particular restaurant (that I can't remember where or the name) that had claimed a few pregnant women had started labor shortly after eating at their establishment when they were all overdue.

I don't know what it does, but who knows; maybe it'll work. : )

I think it's odd for your doctor to be discussing induction when you're not even due yet. Unless she was just prepping you for after you reach 40 weeks. I am due on Tues and I have no dialation or anything. I'm barely thinning but they do not have another doctors appointment for me til Wed (day after she's due) and then he said he would discuss what to do next.

I have the same concerns you do as I went natural no medication with my first and intend to do that as well. I would wait at least until you've reached the 40 mark to schedule an induction. I cannot compare with being induced but I don't think it's necessarily that the pain is worse...you just don't have as much slow build up to the stronger contractions since it goes quicker.

Anyhow---I literally went from nothing the day before my first child was born to being in labor the next day...so you not being effacted or dilated at all is no indication that you will not progress over the next week and half.

I can't answer most of your questions, but I can answer a few. I was induced with my 1st (my water broke at 37 weeks, but I didn't go into labor, so they put me on pitocin). I did was able to deliver vaginally. My sister has been induced with all 3 of hers (they always think her baby is getting too big), and she's never had a c-section. I think if you wait to 40 or 41 weeks, your risk of a c-section is higher because the baby might be too big to come out.

Good Luck!

I know I'm late in answering but, I was actually induced with my first son at 37 weeks. They induced & broke my water around 9 am & he was out in 3 pushes at 4:27 pm. My 2nd son came on his own at 37 weeks. My water broke at 5 am & he was born at 12:16 pm. I had less pain with the induction & WAY MORE pain with the natural. ...and yes, I had epi's with both. Don't know if that helps but, I actually preferred being induced for many many reasons. Any which way, I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine!

My plan was natural as well. My water broke at 9am and then.....NOTHING. No contractions nada. I was induced (pitocin) at 9pm that night and it is true the contractions came on like gangbusters. No gradual pain just bam there it is. But I still wasn't dialating fast enough and even though I was ready for an epidural becasue of the pain I didn't want to slow down the birth. At 6am I couldn't take the pain anymore and I have a HUGE threshold and still I gave birth to a gorgeous boy at 1:49 pm that day. Point is pain natural or induced is pain. Take it all a step at a time. When my cousin was at 41 weeks she decided to scrub the kitchen floor and she went into labor. Keep moving I know you are tired but activity will make your little one come sooner. When my mom was 39 weeks with my sis she insisted my dad take her on a bumpy car ride and she took a spoon full of castoroil. Everybody has a remedy. Just relax that baby is coming even if she/he might be a little late to the dance. As a PS- 6 people I knew who were induced non needed a c-section.

I had a very positive experience with inductions. My first was born "naturally" - he came on his own at about 40 weeks. Labor was 13 hours and I needed an epidural. My next 2 were induced at 38 and 39 weeks. The doctor just gave me pitocin via IV (I was a couple of centimeters dialated on my own) and I had no epidurals. I had no pain relief with #2, and had demerol (sp?) with #3. Both labors, including pushing, lasted less than 4 hours. Very, very easy. I am planning on being induced next week with my 4th (at 37 weeks). All my inductions are for a medical reason - I don't think most doctors will induce early (before 39 or 40 weeks) without a medical reason. Anyway, just some positive experiences in case you need to be induced!

Hey J.!
I have 2 healthy girls (8 years and 1 year) the older one I had naturally (no pain killers whatsoever) the little one I was induced (I wanted it, Hubby was home on R&R = 2 weeks leave from Iraq, and I needed to have her while he was home to take care of the older one!)
YES, it does hurt more, with the big one I was in labor for about10 hours total, 4.5 of them in the hospital then about 3 pushed and I had this beautiful babygirl on my chest! Also had a 3rd degree rip and a tear inside my uterus. Number 2 i started getting the pills to induce at 6 am (then 9 am, 12pm) was supposed to get another one at 3 pm, but the l&d were super busy so I had to wait another hour, the midwife checked me, decided to get me an enema, and at 6,20 she manually broke my water. Baby was there at 6.50... I had a 2nd degree tear right next to the scar from the first birth.

Main thing is though, to stay relaxed, baby will let you know when s/he is ready for the big entrance. yes there is a risk of the c-section that's why it is important to do the induction at the hospital. Massage the birth channel with some oil to get it more elastic, this way you might not tear (as much) Important also is that they will check your baby with ultrasound regularly once you are past your due date.
Best of luck, you will do great!!
M.
(don't worry about the sex drive, it'll come back - one of these days...)

I had to be induced with both of my children and because I dilated to fast was not given an epidural. If I had to do it again I would say hook me up to the epidural and then hook me up to the pitocin. It doesn't matter natural or with help you get the same result. A beautiful healthy baby. I don't see the point of putting ourselves through so much pain when there is help out there. Don't stress, getting an epidural is not going to make you less of a woman or less of a mom. Hey if the help out there why not enjoy your birth, and be as pain free as you can. We have all lived through natural child birth but like I said if I had to do it again I would insist on an epidural first. Good luck and try to relax, I'm not sure the old wives tales really work, when the baby is ready to come he will come. Good luck and Congratulations you will soon know a love different from any love you have ever felt before!!!!

I was induced with my son at 42 wks (I fought my doctor, he wanted to induce at 40wks, I think 38 is too early, but ask him if he has a reason or if he's just bringing it up so it's not a shock), big mistake, he had gotten too big, got stuck, wasn't breathing when the pulled him out and on top of that he had ingested muconium (1st bowel movement, which goes up after 40 wks) and had an infection. Most of these thing may not have happened if I went earlier like my doctor wanted to. He had gained over a pound (me 10lbs) in that time. I know natural is preferred, but do you want to risk more, a natural birth or a healthy baby?

Also, they can't break your water until your diliated some. For me, they had to give me pitocin and something else to get me far enough along to break my water, which they did and then 7 hrs later I still hadn't dilated so they dilated me themselves (you have to have an epidural for this since they use something sharp and it hurts and if you flinch at all they can hurt the baby). Then about 10 hrs later, he was forcibly pulled out. I also ended up with nerve damage in my leg (permanent) from him getting stuck and pinching off the nerve for too long.

All of this risk to avoid drugs and a c-section. I say go for the induction when your doctor wants and hope for the best, but remember the goal is a healthy baby and mother, not a preplanned birth program, although that would be great.

I don't mean to scare you, but I think if I had known the risk I was going into from another mom and not just my doctor (for whatever dumb reason, since he did go to school forever and has delivered every baby in the area I lived in that I knew) I would have made a different decision. Not to say any of this would happen to you, but if you know it's possible, are you willing to risk it.

Also, because of the complications of my last delivery, I have to have a c-section with this baby, so I really messed up my chances.

Good luck and I hope and pray you go into natural labor just after reading this and congrats on the new baby!!