I am currently term plus 5, midwife was unable to do a sweep at my last appointment and has booked me in for an induction, however I am feeling very nervous about this as I have heard it can make labour longer, more painful and distress the baby which can result in needing an assisted delivery. Obviously every labour is different but I just wondered if anyone else had been induced and had any advice for me?

Thanks
Lucy x

hi lucy i was induced with my 3rd, you are right every labour is diffrent, but i have to say my 3rd was my best! all over and baby born in just under 3 hours, its just best to stay calm really ..and try and go with the flow, they usually start you off with the prostin gel first wel they did when i had my lo 9 yrs ago might have changed, then they broke my waters and low and behold off we went!! i did have a drip to speed up the contractions if it was needed, but they soon stopped it as i didnt need it, i hope you have a good delivery and a happy new baby!!! xxx good luck x

hi. try not to worry too much, i was induced with my 2nd, 3rd and 5th pregnancies. the longest bit is waiting for the induction to take effect but this is normal for most. but once you are in labour things will move along nicely. i was only a few hours with all my inducements. try to relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and just think that very soon you will be holding your beautiful baby. good luck. xxxx

Hiya well as you're already aware - LO tends to turn up when he feels like it! I went 2 weeks overdue with Max. The mw did 2 sweeps but they didn't work, and I was booked in for an induction.

All through my pregnancy, I was determined to have a natural birth. I hired a TENS machine and wanted only gas and air. I had my birth plan all written out and kept playing over in my head how I thought the birth would go. So when I went in for the induction I had to really let go of all the plans and expectations I had and really just go with the flow. They started me off with a gel thing at 9am, and another at 3pm. In that time nothing happened! That was definitely the worst thing. Because I was in hospital, in a room, it was quite boring. If you're going to be induced, I'd recommend taking something to do. Or, better still, somebody to talk to who will make you laugh and take your mind off everything. (My OH sat watching TV in the labour room, while I was going mad with boredom. )
The second gel thing worked, it started off contractions which came thick and fast. But, he was my first so I don't know if thats how they're supposed to be!
So I'd say just relax. I know its hard to do.

Induction may well lead to an assisted delivery because the baby is so big! But, I'm afraid, if you go over 42 weeks you don't have any choice about induction, it could harm LO so induction really is the only option. You're only term +5 days so you may well go into labour naturally.

Whatever happens I'm sure you and LO will be just fine. And remember, too that whatever happens, this time in 2 weeks you'll HAVE YOUR BABY!!!! Good luck with everything xxxxxxxx

I was induced and didn't find it made the labour longer or more painful than it would have been. It's the boredom that gets you! Take the chance to finish your book or watch some TV and have some company. Didn't have sweeps to start with as head not engaged and MW said it wouldn't work. Had pessery after pessery which meant lying down a lot - more boredom - but got me to 3cms without noticing any pain. Broke my waters after that and that got things going. Used tens and water as planned and had drip at end to speed things up. The good thing about being induced is no mad race to the hospitol while in labour! One tip though. As you might be there few mealtimes, take some snacks or send hubbie to the chippie/takeaway! The food was OK but not enough of it considering you're about to do a massive endurance event!

Thank you all for your replies and advice, feeling a little more comfortable about it now and fingers crossed there is still time to do it naturally.

Thanks again x

hey i was induced 12 weeks ago with josh and with your first they can take up to 4-6 attempts however i was lucky i only took one go but SERIOULSY TAKE A BOOK OR SOMETHING they will do each go about 6 hours ago and 6 hours is a bloody long time when your bored!!! i did need vontouse but by that time you just want it over with so you wont care get som rest now and good luck x x