misoprostol? any experiences?

[queendom lady]

I'm just 40w now so I'm trying to not even think induction but the mw.s I see have me scheduled for a 41w non-stress test and u/s just in case I make it there. They said as long as everything's fine they'd go almost another week and then they generally use misoprostol. They told me it wasn't a big deal, not very invasive, just used to soften cervix, blah blah. I do trust these ladies but of course I want to do my own research as well. I just wiki'd it and it totally freaked me out! The article basically said pitocin was safer b/c you could stop administering it whereas misoprostol is irreversible.

Any experiences? Again, this is kind of jumping the gun as I'm [I]only[I] 40w but I just like to know, kwim?

[ashleep]

misoprostol is cytotec as far as I know. Personally I wouldn't do either pit or cytotec unless baby or mama started showing signs of distress, even if 42+ weeks. I've read scary stuff about both when they're used before the body is ready for labor. If you have a public library close by I would check out Born in the USA. Very informative.

[momuveight2B]

I agree with the pp, it is scary stuff. I did agree to use it last time because I was 41w3d and developing pre-e. Looking back I wished I had waited a few more days. My cervix was high and closed, no signs at all of going into labor. We spent an entire day going from one intervention to the next, checked in at 0530 and finally had my baby at 2236. I did get a vaginal birth without pain meds but at a very high cost.

If you do agree to be induced make sure you have good support and fight to stay off the bed. If this is your first baby wait till the last possible moment or some medical proof before you agree to be induced. It is the worst for first time moms who have never experienced natural childbirth.

[ani'smommy]

I had a similar experience. I remember asking my doctor about cytotec and she told me it was completely safe. I'm going with a midwife this time.

I would ask for cervidil or just go right for the pit if you must. Pitocen isn't fun, but I think it's a lot safer than cytotec.

[Jster]

just google cytotec and you'll find all the answers you need...it's an ulcer drug that has NOT been approved for use in labor but is used anyway, despite the fact that the manufacturer has sent out oodles of letters saying please don't use it for labor. It causes maternal and fetal death, uterine hemmorage, and is irreversible if the baby shows signs of distress.

I'm planning a UC and not stepping near a hospital, but for me, I'd go for an elective c-section rather than cytotec. It's truly terrifying how it is abused, and for such silly reasons.

[lyttlewon]

Are they talking Cytotec or Cervadil? Cytotec has been linked with uterine rupture from what I understand. Here is a really good thread on cytotec. I had cervadil and it was all I needed to start labor. I don't really know the risks of cervadil though.

[zofranland]

cytotec and cervidil have the same method of action. i had a cervadil induction with my last and i will be having a cytotec induction on sunday (long story that i dont want to talk about) with this pregnancy... an induction is an induction no matter what the method used... both are placed on the cervix to soften and efface the cervix. neither cytotec of cervadil should be placed on the cervix if a mama is contracting regularly b/c it could cause hyperstimulation. also sometime all a mama needs is cytotec or cervadil and that alone will place you into labor (if an induction is deemed necessary) and you might be able to avoid pit... **cytotec is much cheaper than cervadil and that is why a hospital might use it vs cervadil. i hope that helps

[lyttlewon]

Originally Posted by zofranland

cytotec and cervidil have the same method of action. i had a cervadil induction with my last and i will be having a cytotec induction on sunday (long story that i dont want to talk about) with this pregnancy... an induction is an induction no matter what the method used... both are placed on the cervix to soften and efface the cervix. neither cytotec of cervadil should be placed on the cervix if a mama is contracting regularly b/c it could cause hyperstimulation. also sometime all a mama needs is cytotec or cervadil and that alone will place you into labor (if an induction is deemed necessary) and you might be able to avoid pit... **cytotec is much cheaper than cervadil and that is why a hospital might use it vs cervadil. i hope that helps

Cytotec can be given orally which I hear happens more often than vaginally.

[queendom lady]

thank you all soo much! it's kind of what i found just doing a quick internet search also but i'm glad to have gotten some advice from all of you as well. i certainly won't be letting them touch me w/ the stuff.

anyhow, hoping i won't need to even think about it again. just had some bloody show right after i typed out the op! maybe nothing, maybe something!

thanks again!

[AugustLia23]

pitocin, Cytotec and cervidil are both pretty dangerous when misused.

Much of the research about cytotec is old and outdated. The most dangerous thing about cytotec(and other induction drugs) is that there is no standardized use, no regulation, every practice has a different protocol.

[zofranland]

Originally Posted by lyttlewon

Cytotec can be given orally which I hear happens more often than vaginally.

they have never given cytotec at any of the institutions in my area by mouth.. that is scary!

[mamamoo]

Originally Posted by zofranland

they have never given cytotec at any of the institutions in my area by mouth.. that is scary!

Vaginally is super scary too. Uterine ruptures, hysterectomies, still births....the list goes on.

[kristen1978]

Ack! Just my 2 cents, but I definitely agree with the OP who said she's HAVE A C-SECTION BEFORE CYTOTEC!! It IS contraindicated for pregnancy, and does cause rupture, fetal death, etc. It is known for being used to induce women with babies who have already died! There is a very good reason why most midwives won't touch that stuff. Scary! There are so many other ways to induce . . . . . if an induction is indeed needed.

[ani'smommy]

Originally Posted by AugustLia23

Much of the research about cytotec is old and outdated. The most dangerous thing about cytotec(and other induction drugs) is that there is no standardized use, no regulation, every practice has a different protocol.

I think the biggest problem with cytotec is that there hardly IS any research on it. Doctors just hear about other doctors using it and go for it. That's why it's so cheap.

[superfastreader]

I ended up in the emergency room after being prescribed cytotec vaginally to "expedite" my miscarriage at 8.5 weeks. I felt like I was being wrung in half like a wet towel. I had uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea and passed out from the pain. My blood pressure dropped to 80/40, and I ended up with a uterine infection, either from sitting on the toilet or I got it in the emergency room.

They wanted to give me more at the hospital instead of a D&C b/c of my infection, but I was so terrified that I couldn't do it. I think my legs would've locked closed if they'd tried to give it to me. I ended up having a D&E.

I am so scared of this stuff.

[AugustLia23]

The dose for a miscarriage is substantially higher than what they give for induction, generally around 200-400mg, versus 25-50mg.

There is a large problem with cytotec and it's possible side effects and the fact that there isn't nearly enough research done on it, but when given judiciously, I believe it is a much better option than c-section, especially scheduled.