Ask for pain relief (Birth Induction)

Member Name: jfm_uk

Product:	Birth Induction
Date:	28/09/04 (438 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Can be best for baby's health, Can be best for mother's health, You know when it will happen

Disadvantages: Painful, More intervention

I had to be induced with my first baby due to warning signs for pre-eclampsia. Luckily she was already full term, and I had started to dilate.

I was admitted to hospital after protein was found in my urine, and my blood pressure was high. As I had already dilated 2cm the induction began with my waters being broken. This was a painless procedure, if a little wet! After that I was left for a while to see if contractions would begin - I could walk around during this time.

The contractions at this stage were only weak. I was then hooked up to a monitor, and it was decided to administer syntocinon by drip to get things moving. This meant that I was now being continuously monitored, so had to stay on the bed. I was offered an epidural, but refused sticking to gas and air. What I will say is that the contractions were very painful, and at the time I didn't realise that they can be more intense when induced this way. By the time I finally decided on an epidural it was too late! The pain was certainly worse than with my 2nd labour - which was spontaneous. I think also because the induction was fast that I didn't have time to adjust to the pain. Anyway if you are being induced, consider your pain relief options carefully.

I also felt a little out of control, but realised that mine and my baby's health were being put first. I found it useful to have a birthplan, even if the midwife could not follow it all at least she did refer to it, and I think that helps you to feel a bit in control of the situation.

Thankfully my baby girl was born ok, despite there being meconium in the water. And the whole process only took 4 hours start to finish.

Summary: