Best Induction method?

[ILoveMyBabyBird]

I really don't want to have to get induced, but I am preparing for the fact that I may have to. I am 40+4 today and I am 2 1/2-3cm dilated/60% effaced as of thursday. Tuesday at 41 weeks I have an appt for NST and to have my membranes stripped, but my CNMW says that if it doesn't work I will have to get induced next thursday or friday. I am hoping that dd decides to come on her own before then, and I will go get some EPO to start tonight to help things along, but I am just wondering which route to go as far as induction is concerned if I have to go that route.

[EchoSoul]

A LONG walk that you haven't done in a while and sex seemed to work the best for us. On the note of sex though, you achieving an orgasm would be the best of all, because orgasms release oxytocin.

[MrsSmithA2]

I'm right there with you! 40+3 today, have been 80% effaced and 2cm for at least two weeks, have had my membranes stripped twice now at 39 and 40 weeks, and still no luck. I had a NST last Thursday (because they start at 40 weeks for diet controlled Gestational Diabetes) and baby was doing great, but NO contractions happening at all!  I have some BH every day, but nothing serious. 

I talked to my CNM about induction methods at our hospital, and these are my options:

- Cervidil inserted by the cervix to ripen for 12 hours, which may kick start labor on its own. If not, then start Pitocin at a low dose and go up every 30 min or so until labor takes on its own. 

- Cytotec every 4 hrs over a 24 hr. period.  I have read lots of conflicting info online about this drug, but I trust my MW and she said if you want to avoid Pitocin, this is the way she would recommend.  At our hospital, you can dissolve the med in your cheek, or vaginally, and she said both are likely to stimulate ctx especially if your cervix is already ripe. 

I'd recommend the EPO - I've been using it vaginally since 38 weeks, and I think it helped get me to from 50% to 80% in just a week.

Having not been through labor before, I really hope that she comes on her own anyway, and I'm not able to recommend the "best" kind of induction because I'm facing the same thing, but at least thought I'd share the info my MW gave me on Thurs.  Good luck and hope your labor kicks in ASAP!!!

[Lily's_Mom]

Cervidil works really well for me.  It just takes time.  12 hours would not have been enough time at all.

WIth my daughter, they administered the first cervidil on a Sunday night.  Monday afternoon they put in a fresh one.  Tuesday evening they put in another fresh one.  My daughter was born Wednesday evening at 42 weeks.

With my son, the first cervidil went in about 3am on a Wednesday.  The second cervidil went in Wednesday evening.  My son was born Thursday morning (9 am) at 39 weeks.

I was induced for PIH both times.  If I have a third child, I'll probably be going for a cervidil induction again!  And it would probably work after the first one.  

[ILoveMyBabyBird]

Originally Posted by Lily's_Mom 

Cervidil works really well for me.  It just takes time.  12 hours would not have been enough time at all.

WIth my daughter, they administered the first cervidil on a Sunday night.  Monday afternoon they put in a fresh one.  Tuesday evening they put in another fresh one.  My daughter was born Wednesday evening at 42 weeks.

With my son, the first cervidil went in about 3am on a Wednesday.  The second cervidil went in Wednesday evening.  My son was born Thursday morning (9 am) at 39 weeks.

I was induced for PIH both times.  If I have a third child, I'll probably be going for a cervidil induction again!  And it would probably work after the first one.  

must you stay in the hospital/on best rest etc when you use cervidil? I have no clue...

Baby girl still isn't wanting to come out, I am going to try to do some walking today, but I have been walking most everyother day for weeks, it gets the ctx going, but they die down once i stop walking.

[Lily's_Mom]

In Canada, they monitor you for 2 hours after the cervidil is first inserted.  Then they send you home with instructions to return in 12 hours (usually, depending how busy they are).  When you return, they monitor contractions and fetal heartrate, check for progress, and probably insert a fresh cervidil.  Then they send you home 2 hours after that one is in...repeat til baby is born.

They wouldn't have enough beds if they kept all the moms on cervidil at the hospital til the babies were born.

And if you have no other reason to be on bedrest, it is not necessary to restrict activities just because you have been administered cervidil.  But, being awake all night at the hospital being monitored, and then sent home at 6am with instructions to return at 3pm, you try to rest as much as you can!