I'm not sure what to think...

[Noah's mommy]

my bp has stayed consistently high for the last 3-4 weeks. Usually around 144/94 or so. At the midwives on Wednesday they decided that since I am swelling, getting headaches, etc...it was probably a good idea to induce at this point (actually at 39 weeks 1 day-next Tuesday the 31st). I'm very excited to meet my baby and I don't doubt that they are making an educated decision, but I'm nervous too. I wanted a natural birth and now I feel like I'm chickening out-the thought of pitocin just makes me want an epidural now. I feel like I'm going to take the epidural more readily because I can blame it on pitocin. Not sure if that makes sense but I'm having trouble keeping my focus on a natural birht now.

[krizty]

I'm sure that if you go in there thinking natural birth... Set your mind straight to think "this is going to be quick and easy" Then your body will be ready for it too. If you go in there thinking of the pain, its going to make it harder for your body and mind to ignore the pain. That's when you'll want the epidural. You can always tough it out as long as possible and change your mind. Nobody would judge you if you got an epidural. It's not like giving birth is painless.

[Boobiemama]

I'm in the same boat. My bp is up and my dr is ready to induce too.

[EllasMama]

Can you talk to your midwives about how you'd like the Pitocin to be managed? Like when you get into a regular pattern they'll shut it off, for example? I'd also recommend (if it's okay with your health situation) to immediately start taking some evening primrose oil to hopefully help get your cervix "riper" and to do some herbal uterine tonics that work with high BP. Basically, get yourself "primed" so the induction is as smooth and quick as possible.

Do you have the book Birthing From Within? If so, or if you have a Bradley manual or something similar, you can spend the next few days reviewing the pain-coping techniques with your partner so they're very fresh in your mind. Remember that the more afraid and stressed you are, the worse your perception of pain will be, so relaxation practice would be really useful, too.

Also you might try some affirmations, like: "I have all the help I need to safely birth this baby...My body knows just what to do to...I am a strong woman...Each labor pain opens me and brings my baby that much closer to being born."

Think about all the ways in which you are so STRONG - because you really are!! And remember that a strong person can still need pain medication sometimes, and that is not a failure. If you put all the pieces into place to be ready and best supported all any of us can do.

Best wishes,
Carol

[Jlcampbellkidz]

Garlic, Garlic, Garlic. Take 2 suplements every 5 hours daily and then add garlic to any and every meal that you can. It's a little late but it has helped many of my clients regain a normal BP and avoid induction. If natural is what you really want you always have the option of saying NO to the induction and asking for daily monitoring instead. Good luck honey!

[5xmom]

Carol had some great advice - hang in there - you may go quickly and be able to get through without the epidural.

[Noah's mommy]

Thanks everyone for the good information. I hadn't thought of asking them to shut off the pitocin if I get into a regular pattern. I have an appt. tomorrow so I can reveiw their procedures-plus DH and I have been attempting the natural induction techniques and I've been drinking tons of raspberry leaf tea. I have birth affirmations to practice and Birthing From Within. All excellent suggestions.
Thanks so much and I'll keep everyone posted!