Moms to be Part 4

[Temair]

i was induced with my DD. I was 42 weeks and only fingertip dialated. I guess that was enough because they just started me on pitocin at 6am. At about 8 or 9 I was dialated enough that they broke my waters. I think I was at a 2 cm. Every hour they would increase the pitocin. By noon I was in pain and only 3 cm. My doula told me to call when I got to 4 cm. I lied and said I was at 4 cm. She helped me try different positions to see if it would help ease the pain. Nothing seemed to help so I finally gave in and got a dose of new morphine. I drugged me out, but also made me very sick. Turns out I'm sensitive to Any morphine product. Anyway my day dragged on. My Dr's switched off about 5 pm and the new Dr thought I wasn't contracting properly and so we switched to the internal monitor. Annoying, but not painful. Turns out I was contracting very hard and just not dialating. Baby's head was also not dropping down like it should. At about 7 pm my Dr gave me 2 choices, 1 have an epidural and wait and see if I would dialate and then have a c-section in the morning, or 2 just go have a c-section. I asked my doula for advice as I really wanted to deliver ******lly and she felt that given the circumstances a c-section might be the best choice. So I was taken to the OR and they gave me a spinal. It didn't work properly and I ended up having to have a general. DD was born just before 10 pm and weighed a whopping 9 lbs 10 oz. All in all everything I had on my birth plan ended being changed. But I ended up with a healthy baby and my recover wasn't that bad. As of right now I'm scheduled for a repeat c-section on Sept 16th.

 

[LaurenLC]

Coming out of lurkdom to give me induction story... Please know that I was induced 3 weeks before my due date because of pre eclampsia...

I went in Sunday night around 5:30 pm and they started me on cervadil about 2 hours later... I wasn't dilated at all when the process began.

I woke up Monday morning around 6, had breakfast, took a shower and was moved to a labor and delivery room. Once there they checked me and I had not progressed AT ALL... They started the pitocin and came back to check me about 2 hours later, again, nothing. They left me for about another hour and still nothing (maybe I was at 1) so they told me that they would be doing something they called 'a balloon'. They told me that it was incredibly painful and they suggested the epidural. The anesthesiologist came about 45 minutes later and took care of that. About 45 minutes after the epidural they came in and tried to do 'the balloon'. I was so closed that they couldn't even manage that.... So they upped my pitocin and told me they would try again in about an hour.... They came back about an hour later and I was at 3... FINALLY... PROGRESS! I ended up not needing 'the balloon', and they manually broke my water shortly after.

Well, that was premature because I never progressed past three. My doctor and nurses did everything they could to move me along, but nothing worked.... I am pretty sure that my nurse Monday night was breaking some kind of law regarding how much pitiocin I was getting
My doctor kept coming in about every hour to check me, hoping that I had progresses, but by about 4:30 Tuesday morning she felt a c-section was going to be necessary. My doctor actually checked me on the operating table, hoping that I had progressed, but I hadn't..... At 5:25 Tuesday morning, about 33 hours after the whole process began; I had a beautiful, healthy baby girl.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Well my water broke but I wasn't having contractions to speak of so they started me on pitocin, but I didn't go in for an induction and didn't have the cervadil (is that right?). But even though the process started for me all on it's own I never got past a 4 and ended up with a c-section. Sorry I'm not much help....but I don't remember the pitocin being too terrible.

 

[TarzansKat]

I'm going to give you all my birth story with my first son, in the interest of sharing and so you know what I've gone through.

I was scheduled to be induced on a Wednesday, but had a checkup at the doctor's office that Monday. I'd been having lower back pain all day Sunday, but nothing that could be called a contraction, so to speak.

When I went to the doctor's office, I was 4 cm and 100% effaced. They made the decision to send me to the hospital. I remember not really feeling the contractions until after I had the internal exam, that seemed to stir things up.

We got there about 1230pm, and I was attempting to give it a go naturally. They offered pitocin to speed things up a bit, and I said sure. When I hit 5-6 cm, my water still hadn't broken and they offered to do that. They were very consistent about explaining what might feel painful and offering the epidural. I decline at that time, and they broke my water. I hit about 7 cm, and then asked for an epidural, at that point, it was too much for me.

Well, that worked like a charm, because as soon as I got it, my contractions increased much more rapidly, and before I knew it, it was time to push. Essentially, I've had an experience that's similar to an induction, minus the cervidil so I was just curious about that part of the process, having no experience with it.

All told, I was in labor for about 8 - 8.5 hours, I think he was born around 830-845 that evening.

I consider myself very lucky. I hope that this birth goes just as smoothly and my body responds to these medications as it has in the past.

I didn't have to get cervadil ( I was 3cm and 100% effaced) so I just went in that morning at about 5:30...

I didn't think it was a bad experience though.

Thank you for sharing your story. How terrible to be having the gall bladder attacks and other issues while pregnant and in labor.

All in all everything I had on my birth plan ended being changed. But I ended up with a healthy baby and my recover wasn't that bad. As of right now I'm scheduled for a repeat c-section on Sept 16th.

The best laid plans of mice and men, eh? I like having an idea in my head of how I'd like the birth to go, but I think we're sort of slaves to mother nature. I'm glad it all worked out for you, but sorry that you didn't get to have what you'd planned for.

Coming out of lurkdom to give me induction story... Please know that I was induced 3 weeks before my due date because of pre eclampsia...

I went in Sunday night around 5:30 pm and they started me on cervadil about 2 hours later... I wasn't dilated at all when the process began.

I woke up Monday morning around 6, had breakfast, took a shower and was moved to a labor and delivery room.

So, in your experience the actual cervadil wasn't painful? I read online that it's a gel / suppository.

At 5:25 Tuesday morning, about 33 hours after the whole process began; I had a beautiful, healthy baby girl.

Again, thanks for sharing your experience.

Well my water broke but I wasn't having contractions to speak of so they started me on pitocin, but I didn't go in for an induction and didn't have the cervadil (is that right?). But even though the process started for me all on it's own I never got past a 4 and ended up with a c-section. Sorry I'm not much help....but I don't remember the pitocin being too terrible.

Thank you for sharing!

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Thank you all for sharing your experiences with me. This is such a great thread, and I really appreciate all your helpfulness and willing to talk about something so personal.

 

[skuttle]

TarzansKat: Good luck on Monday!! I hope everything goes smoothly!

I was supposed to be induced two weeks early with DS due to PIH, but I never made it that far. I went to the Dr on a Monday for my first internal exam and I was dialated 2cm. That Wednesday, 7:00am, at 35w6d my water broke. I was lucky. Things progressed pretty quickly. I started really pushing around 11am, then around noon they brought me into the fancy delivery room since DS was considered premature because he wasn't 36w (we were ONE day short, my Dr tried to get the hospital to let me deliver in the room but they wouldn't budge). DS was delivered at 12:42pm with a little help from forceps because he was sideways and wouldn't fit through. I waited a while for the epidural also because I wasn't feeling too bad.

 

[LaurenLC]

TarznasKat: No, the cervadil was not painful at all... The inserting was a little annoying, but nothing painful about it, I was able to sleep the whole night... I just wish it had done something for me.

 

[sunlover13]

What's the difference between cervadil & laminaries?

I was induced w/ DD. I had 4 laminaries inserted to get things rolling. This was done in the hospital the morning before I was scheduled to go in. I remember going home afterwards and just feeling blah all day and laying around. I was in labor, but didn't really know it. Around 11:00 that night I was about to go to bed and felt terrible. I got up to go to the bathroom and my water broke. So, we went to the hospital around midnight. They had to take the laminaries out which was very painful. They put me on pitocin and I had her around 5:30am. I was scheduled to go in that morning at 8am so the morning nurses were pleasantly surprised I had already given birth.

Just curious what the difference is between cervadil & laminaries if anyone knows? I tried googling and didn't find anything comparing the two. I'm going to assume they are not the same thing????

 

[TarzansKat]

TarzansKat: Good luck on Monday!! I hope everything goes smoothly!

Thank you very much!

I was supposed to be induced two weeks early with DS due to PIH, but I never made it that far. I went to the Dr on a Monday for my first internal exam and I was dialated 2cm. That Wednesday, 7:00am, at 35w6d my water broke. I was lucky. Things progressed pretty quickly. I started really pushing around 11am, then around noon they brought me into the fancy delivery room since DS was considered premature because he wasn't 36w (we were ONE day short, my Dr tried to get the hospital to let me deliver in the room but they wouldn't budge). DS was delivered at 12:42pm with a little help from forceps because he was sideways and wouldn't fit through. I waited a while for the epidural also because I wasn't feeling too bad.

Wow, seems like it went pretty quickly for you, very nice!

TarznasKat: No, the cervadil was not painful at all... The inserting was a little annoying, but nothing painful about it, I was able to sleep the whole night... I just wish it had done something for me.

Thanks for sharing that with me. That's been my only unknown in this whole process, so it's nice to get someone's opinion.

What's the difference between cervadil & laminaries?

I was induced w/ DD. I had 4 laminaries inserted to get things rolling. This was done in the hospital the morning before I was scheduled to go in. I remember going home afterwards and just feeling blah all day and laying around. I was in labor, but didn't really know it. Around 11:00 that night I was about to go to bed and felt terrible. I got up to go to the bathroom and my water broke. So, we went to the hospital around midnight. They had to take the laminaries out which was very painful. They put me on pitocin and I had her around 5:30am. I was scheduled to go in that morning at 8am so the morning nurses were pleasantly surprised I had already given birth.

Just curious what the difference is between cervadil & laminaries if anyone knows? I tried googling and didn't find anything comparing the two. I'm going to assume they are not the same thing????

I have no idea what that is, I've never heard of it.

 

[Pollito916]

Can't believe I'm so close either! Three weeks from today. WOWOWOW!

Has anyone dropped yet? I'm pretty sure G has made the descent. I have a lot more pressure in my lower belly and bottom area. Her kicks and hiccups seem lower too. DD3 never dropped (she was breech til the end) so I'm not familiar with the sensation. But I think this is it! Anyone else?

I'm getting jealous of those of you that are so close! I wish I at least had a date to focus on, but my doc said he doesn't schedule c-sections until 34 weeks.

My DS never dropped either, so I don't know what it feels like. I've seem pictures of some women who you can actually see the difference physically. I think dropping also sometimes causes "waddling."

Have any of you been induced before? As it turns out, my cervix is not ripe enough, and I will have to go in and have the cervidil put on. I've never been through this process, and was just wondering if anyone else has, and was willing to share.

I was also induced with DS. My water broke at 40w3days in the middle of the night, but I wasn't even slightly dilated, so I was induced. I don't remember the cervadil being uncomfortable. I don't think I was uncomfortable until a few hours after the pitocin kicked in and contractions really started up. I actually made it to 10 cm after 12 hours, but DS's heart-rate kept dropping, so they inserted the internal monitor, then when I tried pushing, they noticed meconium, so finally decided a c-section would be the best route for us since DS didn't seem remotely interested in coming out. It sounds like a lot of ladies here ended up with a c-s after being induced, but I know that's not always the case.

 

[TarzansKat]

I'm getting jealous of those of you that are so close! I wish I at least had a date to focus on, but my doc said he doesn't schedule c-sections until 34 weeks.

My DS never dropped either, so I don't know what it feels like. I've seem pictures of some women who you can actually see the difference physically. I think dropping also sometimes causes "waddling."

Oh, I have a SERIOUS waddle going on right now. Honestly, it's comical. And hefting myself out of bed with this beach ball attached to me is no picnic.

I was also induced with DS. My water broke at 40w3days in the middle of the night, but I wasn't even slightly dilated, so I was induced. I don't remember the cervadil being uncomfortable. I don't think I was uncomfortable until a few hours after the pitocin kicked in and contractions really started up. I actually made it to 10 cm after 12 hours, but DS's heart-rate kept dropping, so they inserted the internal monitor, then when I tried pushing, they noticed meconium, so finally decided a c-section would be the best route for us since DS didn't seem remotely interested in coming out. It sounds like a lot of ladies here ended up with a c-s after being induced, but I know that's not always the case.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the cervadil. I guess I'm not really worried about the c section prospect. I don't want one, but if that's what's going to result in a health delivery, then I'm not going to fuss over it.

I think after my mom died, I learned that sometimes you just have to let things go. We all have the best plans and intentions, but especially in regard to something like labor, our plans and intentions may not amount to a hill of beans, because we just don't know how that child is going to want to come out.

 

[skuttle]

We all have the best plans and intentions, but especially in regard to something like labor, our plans and intentions may not amount to a hill of beans, because we just don't know how that child is going to want to come out.

LOL! So true! Everyone keeps asking me about my due date. I tell them the date, but also remind them that DS arrived 4 weeks early so due dates don't mean too much to me!

 

[Piecey]

LOL! So true! Everyone keeps asking me about my due date. I tell them the date, but also remind them that DS arrived 4 weeks early so due dates don't mean too much to me!

I never know if I should tell them my actual due date or the date of my scheduled RCS.

Oh, well. It's not like the complete strangers really need to know. Some people do put waaaay too much stock in a due date!

 

[cmskok]

TarzansKat I am so excited for you! I was induced due to preeclampsia with my first, but it didin't really have time to work because he was in distress and I had to have an emergency C section.....sorry that is no help. I wish you nothing but good luck tomorrow!

Onm another front, my mother had surgery on Thursday and I have been her nurse. I have been here 24/7 since Thursday and I am really missing my kids and husband a lot. Of course today is our 12th Anniversary and I am trapped here, feeling completely bored and sorry for myself...Anyway, 2 days til Disney and it cannot come fast enough for me!!!!!

 

[Syrreal]

Hi everyone
I guess it's time for me to be on this thread once again. It's nice to see some of the same people that were on here when I was on here before having DS.

I think I just hit 8 weeks today. I've been having horrible m/s (well...all day sickness) since before I even found out I was pg (way more than with DS, and I had sucky m/s with him too). We were on vacation in MT and weren't near a store so it took a few days to actually get a test. We hadn't quite officially started trying but were no longer avoiding so there you go. I went to the dr last week and my EDD is March 7th. I got put on some phenegran (sp?) but I need to call in today and see if I can get something better called in since it's barely taking the edge off.
We're excited and nervous about having #2!

 

[kpm76]

UGH! I want to cry (actually I have been). Baby boy flipped and is now breech! I had an u/s on Wed and he was head down. Had a Dr appt today, he did an internal and was sure he was breech so I did an u/s right then and sure enough, the Dr was right. I cannot believe it. Good new is my fluid level is good and increased....bad news is my fluid level is good and gave baby boy enough room to flip I have another appt and u/s on Monday and I will be 37w 1d. The Dr was really good about giving my potential options.....I hate the idea of a c-section but it's not the worst thing in the world......

 

[BabyTigger99]

TarzansKat, I was given Cervadil with Elliott back in January. I went to the hospital later on a Monday night, got all registered and settled in my room. Nurse came in with the Cervadil. It was this little white strip on a really long string (kind of like a wacky looking tampon). It gets inserted by your cervix. Mine hurt like heck, because Elliott's head was so low (the nurse said she actually had to move it out of the way!). The Cervadil was to be in no more than 12 hours, and then they would move to Pitocin on Tuesday morning. Well, about an hour after the Cervadil, I started getting uncomfortable. Called the nurse. She confirmed I had started having contractions (which happens in a small percentage of people who get Cervadil). They started getting stronger and stronger, and were only 45 seconds apart!! Totally freaked me out, since my DH had left to go home because the other two kids were at home, and we didn't figure Baby E was coming until sometime on Tuesday afternoon! She removed the Cervadil, and my contractions did subside....until the massive one I had at 4 in the morning!! Called DH, told him to get to the hospital, and by 7:03 am (exactly 6 months ago today!) Elliott was born!

 

[WDWAurora]

UGH! I want to cry (actually I have been). Baby boy flipped and is now breech! I had an u/s on Wed and he was head down. Had a Dr appt today, he did an internal and was sure he was breech so I did an u/s right then and sure enough, the Dr was right. I cannot believe it. Good new is my fluid level is good and increased....bad news is my fluid level is good and gave baby boy enough room to flip I have another appt and u/s on Monday and I will be 37w 1d. The Dr was really good about giving my potential options.....I hate the idea of a c-section but it's not the worst thing in the world......

If your DS is like mine, he'll flip right up until delivery day. Mine was head down when it came time to decide c-section or not, so we didn't (not going to choose surgery unless there's a reason). I go into labor, get in there, he's still head down. Well, apparently he didn't turn enough because his head would NOT come out. I still ended up with the c-section. Honestly, I wish I could have went that route from the beginning. It was so quick. I was eating real food in less than 12 hrs after, walking around less than 12 hours after, etc. While I won't say recovery was perfect, it was absolutely fine. I'm not even considering a VBAC if we have more children. I'll be jumping straight to the RCS. I don't feel like I lost anything from the experience, etc. Of course, I tend to have a pretty laid back approach, and I was not about to let myself feel like I "failed" if I didn't manage a traditional delivery. I considered anything successful that allowed us to both leave the hospital healthy.

Wow. I think I have a soapbox. I didn't know that. I just don't like for people to have to feel bad about things that are beyond their control, I guess!

 

[sunlover13]

Onm another front, my mother had surgery on Thursday and I have been her nurse. I have been here 24/7 since Thursday and I am really missing my kids and husband a lot. Of course today is our 12th Anniversary and I am trapped here, feeling completely bored and sorry for myself...Anyway, 2 days til Disney and it cannot come fast enough for me!!!!!

Awww, sorry you are missing your family, but I'm sure your Mom appreciates you being there. 2 days til Disney! Lucky you! Stay cool!

Hi everyone
I think I just hit 8 weeks today. I've been having horrible m/s (well...all day sickness) since before I even found out I was pg (way more than with DS, and I had sucky m/s with him too). We were on vacation in MT and weren't near a store so it took a few days to actually get a test. We hadn't quite officially started trying but were no longer avoiding so there you go. I went to the dr last week and my EDD is March 7th. I got put on some phenegran (sp?) but I need to call in today and see if I can get something better called in since it's barely taking the edge off.
We're excited and nervous about having #2!

Congrats & welcome! I hope your m/s goes away soon. That's no fun at all. I had it too and it went away at about week 13.

UGH! I want to cry (actually I have been). Baby boy flipped and is now breech! I had an u/s on Wed and he was head down. Had a Dr appt today, he did an internal and was sure he was breech so I did an u/s right then and sure enough, the Dr was right. I cannot believe it. Good new is my fluid level is good and increased....bad news is my fluid level is good and gave baby boy enough room to flip I have another appt and u/s on Monday and I will be 37w 1d. The Dr was really good about giving my potential options.....I hate the idea of a c-section but it's not the worst thing in the world......

Oh no! I hope he flips back. Did your doc talk to you about trying to turn him or is too late to do that? I remember DD was breech and he gave me until a certain week (which I can't remember) for her to turn or he would try to turn her. She ended up turning on her own. This baby is also breech right now, but I'm only 27 weeks so I still have time for him to turn. I hope yours flips for you again.

 

[kpm76]

If your DS is like mine, he'll flip right up until delivery day. Mine was head down when it came time to decide c-section or not, so we didn't (not going to choose surgery unless there's a reason). I go into labor, get in there, he's still head down. Well, apparently he didn't turn enough because his head would NOT come out. I still ended up with the c-section. Honestly, I wish I could have went that route from the beginning. It was so quick. I was eating real food in less than 12 hrs after, walking around less than 12 hours after, etc. While I won't say recovery was perfect, it was absolutely fine. I'm not even considering a VBAC if we have more children. I'll be jumping straight to the RCS. I don't feel like I lost anything from the experience, etc. Of course, I tend to have a pretty laid back approach, and I was not about to let myself feel like I "failed" if I didn't manage a traditional delivery. I considered anything successful that allowed us to both leave the hospital healthy.

Wow. I think I have a soapbox. I didn't know that. I just don't like for people to have to feel bad about things that are beyond their control, I guess!

Thanks, that really helped My L & D with DD was so text book that I guess I was hoping, or unrealistically assuming, the same would be true this time around. DH and I will not do an external version nor will I attempt a breech v delivery.....too much risk. If he doesn't flip by next week, I will schedule the c-section.....

 

[kpm76]

.Oh no! I hope he flips back. Did your doc talk to you about trying to turn him or is too late to do that? I remember DD was breech and he gave me until a certain week (which I can't remember) for her to turn or he would try to turn her. She ended up turning on her own. This baby is also breech right now, but I'm only 27 weeks so I still have time for him to turn. I hope yours flips for you again.

I'm 36 weeks so he's giving me one more week to see what happens. He gave me 4 options today though: External version, attempt breech v delivery, go into labor on my own, see if he's still breech and if so, do c-section right away or schedule c-section. I think if he's still breech on Monday we will schedule the c-section.....why am I so emotional about this?? It's not a big deal and I know that.....I guess it's just because it's not how I pictured things, which is soooo silly.....as long as we both are safe, who cares?