cervix ripening

[mom2tatum]

I'm a doula with a 38 wk prime client who is seeming a little pre-ecl. as of last week even though her BP was PERFECT until then. But suddenly very high last week with a headache (but not crazy high BP now - today was 140/80 then retook 5 min later at 145/86) but today still has headache and two different 24 hour urine tests showed protein. And also swelling of feet and ankles severely...but no where else. Her midwife (@ a hospital with high c/s rate just FYI) says she'll have to be induced on Wed. the 18th (she'll be 38w and 6d) with just pitocin due to her asthma...they won't allow any prostagladins to ripen her cervix.

So, she is asking me for suggestions and I just don't know what else to tell her...I've recommended she try to control the problem by using the Brewer diet strictly, acupuncture, chiro, garlic, foot massage, relaxing, etc...but as far as helping the cervix to ripen a bit, before pit, I just don't know what would be helpful to her. help?

[thorn]

lots of sex, and she could consider doing evening primrose oil, both orally and vaginally. also, there is a method for ripening with pit, basically hooking up to the pit the night before the induction and leaving it at 2mu all night long, then turning it up in the morning. she could ask her doc about that.

BUT - how does her doc know that the pre-e will become critical on wed the 18th? either the baby needs to come out immediately or it doesn't, and if it doesn't, they should wait until it does.

[mom2tatum]

that's what I thought...sounded more convenient to me more than anything.

[phathui5]

How did it go with your client? Did she induce today?

[mom2tatum]

yep. And sectioned at 1 am. Her care providers were manipulating, interventive without informed consent, and completely insensitive. I have decided I will never attend a birth at this particular hospital again because I am so depressed over the entire experience.

[JessicaE]

Oh no, I'm so sorry for your client and for you. Those are hard births. Hugs!

[ANewDoula]

I'm so sorry for her and you. I know how hard it can be. I'm sure she was lucky to have your support.

Jes

[karen1968]

I'm sorry her induction ended up that way I was induced at 38w with DS due to pre-e that got a bit worse at each appt (starting around 27 weeks). I never had any physical symptoms (headaches, etc), just high BP and protein, until the last couple of days, when my legs swelled a bit. I had it all - pit, cervadil, cytotec...I didn't know about "alternative" methods at the time. But I was very lucky to be with a CNM group who just let me labor. I had AROM at 60+ hours and gave birth vaginally about 3 hours later.

[onlyboys]

So sorry for both your client and you. Wish you the best.