Induction

[candiland]

I was just curious... I've read a lot of posts recently where women say, "They are going to induce me if I go past ten days...." or, "If I don't go into labor by such-and-such, they're going to induce..."
I was wondering, why don't you question the need for induction? Or simply refuse it altogether? Postmaturity is extremely rare, and there are tests available to insure that the placenta is functioning and the baby is still thriving. Inducing once a woman is a certain number of days past her due date is usually not in the mother and baby's best interest; it's simply the hospital/doctor's policy to help cover their butts from lawsuits. I, for one, would rather do what's in the best interest of my child rather than what's in the best interest of the hospital's routines and procedures.... I'm not saying that induction is NEVER appropriate, and I do not want to offend those of you who will have it or have had it done in the past, I just wanted to know why, in the absence of clear medical reasoning, women will allow themselves to be induced simply for going a certain number of days over their due date.

[Elphaba]

i always said that if my midwives wanted to induce, they would have to come and get me and drag me to the hospital. it never came to that, but seriously, unless there was something wrong, i would probably let them think they were inducing and then not show up. the passive-aggressive approach to medical management. :D

[SoHappy]

Well, my doc had given me a date he didn't want me to go past, claiming he was concerned about the amount of amniotic fluid being adequate. Luckily ds decided to come before then, or we woulda had a battle on our hands. And I had red hair and hormones on my side!

A friend was recently induced with her second because she's very small and her first baby was large and suffered a dislocated shoulder and had some other problems as she was trying to come out. The second baby was looking pretty big too, so they induced shortly after the due date. Who knows, though, she may have been just fine. I was surprised by how casually she accepted their recommendation to induce. I woulda asked WAY more questions.

[truly_sarah]

TMI

17 days was enough for me, my baby and my very conservative team of osteopathic docs.

Sarah

[fourlittlebirds]

Sarah, were there other signs that your baby was postmature? I'm just curious, because induction in itself can cause distress (which may have been the reason that he passed meconium so soon.)

[gabrielsmama]

The concern with meconium is whether or not babe's aspirate it. They are not getting it into their lungs in utero. If they are bulbed or suctioned on the perineum and come out pink, active, good hr and resps, then there is no concern. Meconium is a fairly common thing. And while it can definitely be a signal for a distressed baby, that is not always the case. Inducing a stressed and pooping babe can only make the problem worse.

[kama'aina mama]

I am really concerned about how eager some docs are to induce... some midwives too, I guess. I could swear I read somewhere recently (maybe in Mothering?) that the leading cause of underweight babies is induction, and that it is either the leading cause or second leading cause of sections. That ain't good my friends. I'm with you shoshanna's mom! If they want to induce me the pregnancy police are gonna have to come to my house and chase me around with the drugs! There is one doc in my area who is doing 100% inductions, and using cytotec for most of them. Scary.

[dddD]

I was induced two weeks past my due date when my waters broke and I had no contractions for 24 hours. Even after my water's broke I had plenty of fluid, but dd's heartrate dropped on the monitor, scaring everyone around. Do you think I jumped the gun? Could I have waited and let her come out when she wanted to? I wish I knew more...:(

[hawleyclan]

Hi! :) I must say that after a personal round with pitocin, I can understand how the baby might get stressed- I sure was... :(

The practice of induction is associated with increased incidence of meconium, largely due to the prolonged and intense nature of induced contractions. If you also rupture the membranes you remove the in-built "shock absorber" for the baby, and then the baby's presenting part receives much more of the contraction pressure and strength. :( This stresses the baby out more, and can tire the baby sooner... leading to meconium release...

I would definitely opt to do fetal kick counts, etc. before rushing the baby.

If it became a real issue, I would try more natural methods first. If the baby and your body are ready, labor will respond to natural methods. I have had good success with nipple stimulation after sex- both nipples for a bit over an hour... but it worked... :) Sex for the prostaglandins in semen, and nipple stimulation for the oxytocin- oh yeah, orgasm releases oxytocin as well... :) If that doesn't do it I know many a castor oil baby... if it isn't time for labor it won't force it, but if it is boy you'd better do it after a full nights sleep and a good meal... :) (and do your midwife a favor, warn her the day before, and do it in the morning... :P) More is not better with castor oil, do enough to get it rolling and not enough to keep you on the toilet for 16 hours... :( One source recommends 1tbsp in orange juice (or whatever you can mask it in, one lady I know of fried some eggs in it...) and then another an hour later... followed by one more an hour later... (Personally, I would hold off on the 3rd one if it looked like labor was kicking in, since castor oil births have a reputation for being fast and a bit hard... ) You can discuss Labor "Prep" herbal formulas with your midwife, usually they contain blue cohosh, sometimes evening primrose oil, black cohosh,... and various other ingredients- she probably has a few favorites...

These methods are gentler on the baby, and the mom... and they will not bring a baby out before its time.

If it is a large baby you are concerned about, remember position is everything- that is in two respects... the baby's position... and your pushing position... once it is time to push, there is not much YOU can do about baby's position- but you have total control over your pushing position, you are less likely to have "stuck shoulders" or shoulder dystocia in a Squat position than in the lying flat on the back position with legs in the air... your pushing will be more effective, and the birth canal is shorter and wider... (YAY!!) also you can drop into hands and knees if a dystocia actually were to occur while squatting, and the change in position would likely resolve the problem...

Well, I could go on and on... but this post is long enough...:p

The Lord bless you all!
Zoie :)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Godsbabycatchers

[PAflower]

I didn't notice that anyone talked about the membrane. My midwife told me that she would do something (I can't remember the exact word because I am so deliriously tired right now) to the membrane and then apply primrose oil on it. I know this is still considered inducing but isn't it a little more natural than the drugs?

[lilzmama]

This topic has been on my mind a lot lately, as we're constantly talking about when and how to have the next little bugger. Midwife told us she would induce b/c we were two weeks overdue, so we tried castor oil --nothing-- and then primrose oil on the cervix, which resulted in ruptured membrane. Sooooo, contractions were very slow to come on and labor was 14 hours, roughly, b/f MW counciled that pitocin would be the next step. Tried that for a few and labor definately sped up, but after 36 hours, I was only c. 3cm !!! Finally tried an epidural b/c my mom (after months of telling how easy her labors were) said her babies came always within an hour after the epi. Sure enough, baby was out in 2 hours. Cord was ragged and wrapped around her neck, which meant a week in NICU and various complications after. Of course, she's lovely and fine now. I just WONDER -- was she TOO overdue? Was it the primrose oil that doomed us (the clock seemed to start ticking at the point of rupture, with lots of pressure to get her out b/f infection set in)? Was it the hospital birth and the midwife who was basically a doc in MW clothing? How to decide what's best for the next time around??

[gabrielsmama]

We've always used EPO on stubborn cervices and have never noticed a correlation with ruptured membranes. In fact, all of our first time mamas have used it internally and orally without any trouble. In fact, we've had fantastic success with it helping those cervices quickly move out of the way. I would say with great confidence that a single application of EPO to your cervix before active labor began and before you were significantly dilated would not result in all the things that happened to you. Possibly your midwife poking around in your cervix caused your membranes to rupture? Perhaps they were just going to rupture anyway?

PAFlower, your midwife probably said "strip your membranes," which basically means a nice and long internal where she runs her finger in and around the os of your cervix.

If you are worried about external application of EPO, just take it orally. But, if your options are EPO or Pit, I would suggest EPO all the way. Start oral EPO at 35 weeks for a first baby and you can also insert a capsule vaginally at night. Good luck to you both.

[kama'aina mama]

dddD, I don't think anyone her wants to make you feel bad about how your birth went. There is a great deal of pressure to deliver after the bag of waters breaks. There is a lot of concern about infection. The unfortunate thing is that the primary cause of infection is vaginal exams, but that doesn't stop most docs from wanting plenty of them done. You might have had a gentler and less stressful birth if you hsadn't been induced, but you had a healthy birth and a healthy baby.

[Xenogenesis]

I have had experiences with induction and for myself would never let them do anything of the sort again. Too many problems because of their interventions and I will never agree again.

[hawleyclan]

Hi! :) The membrane procedure you were referring to is "stripping the membranes" which involves pressing upward on the presenting amnion at the cervix and loosening its adherence to the chorion... I'm not a huge fan of this because if it doesn't work, it puts undue strain on the ligaments of the uterus and lower spine, and can be uncomfortable or painful to mom... but a friend of mine had it done with both her babies and it evidently worked for her... I would personally wonder if there weren't an increased risk for infection if labor didn't happen to kick in... (another thing some will try is cervix "stretching" manually during the last weeks of your pregnancy, that'll wake you and send you flying off the table... not advisable for comfort or the health of your cervix...)

Lilzmama, I've honestly never encountered any other incidences of Evening Primrose oil causing ruptured membranes... sometimes it just happens with no apparent cause... I've seen ladies take rather huge quantities of it orally and vaginally in hope of results and get nothing... fortunately it has nutritional value... :D

Just reading what you have written, first thing that I would wonder about would be the position of the baby in utero. This is something seldom mentioned other than head down or bottom down, and sometimes anterior or posterior. Most doctors don't palpate further than just the head down or bottom down issue. The truth is, position of the baby can be wonderfuly "anterior" and head well tucked (flexed), or any other variation which changes speed of the labor and decent of the baby... So in your case I would want to know the postion of the baby and then what position changes you could make to help your uterus move the baby into a more optimal one (hands and knees is a good one, and the boyancy of a bath can help as well...)... the uterus will try to move the baby, and if after many hours it can't turn the baby, it will pick up strength and begin to mold the baby's head to fit through anyway. This process takes much longer than if the uterus didn't have all the extra details to smooth out.

The next, although less likely, detail would be, how wrapped was the cord, and how long was the rest of the cord? A considerably shortened cord can slow things down since the presenting part can't press on the cervix firmly to help dilation. (In fact there was a lady who labored naturally for 3 full days between hospital and home, and nothing happened, Csection delivered a baby wrapped 4 times around neck and body, so the baby couldn't decend... this is hugely rare...)

As for the age, the baby's outward appearance is the real indicator to postdates baby or not. Contrary to popular belief, larger size is not always the deciding factor since it is such a variable. At birth you would see some peeling skin, no vernix/lanugo, rather long finger nails, a "wizened" appearance (older,, a head with less molding (harder skull bones), and deep creases in the soles of the feet. All of these are characteristics of a baby who has developed postdates. The harder skull bones actually take a bit longer to mold down and fit through, so it helps to be patient if you suspect a late baby... :)

There are alternative monitoring techniques and options if you are working against the clock because of early rupture of mebranes. They can monitor your temp. and prescribe antibiotics... like they do for severly preterm rupture of membrane moms to help entend the pregnancy to safer dates... This has proven to be a safe alternative... :)

The Lord bless you,
Zoie :)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Godsbabycatchers

[cosmos]

i held my doctor off of induction for 3 weeks by agreeing to the tests (non-stress and biophysical profile) the non stress was performed 5 times and the bpp once which i would have been due for a2nd had i not agreed to the induction. all those tests are ultrasound exposure which i weighed against the dangers/concerns of induction. when i did consent to induction i made it very clear i was not participating in one method or another until the baby is born. i tried one method, slept, tried another and checked out of the hospital, the following night i went in for a successful induction and had an experience similar (im sure) to natural chilbirth with no meds or iv. for me the tests were more stressful than the induction.

[joyful_mamma]

My opinion of induction is VERY low, but that of course is due to the fact that I had such a bad experience with it.

I definitely think my induction was a classic case of hospital staff thinking 'gee, she's here...we might as well induce'~I showed up at the hospital, two DAYS after my due date, with regular, medium strength contractions, and dilated to 2. I wasn't feeling too awful yet, but I definitely knew something was going on, so I went in to see what was up. My daughter was in good shape-no signs of fetal distress whatsoever, and I was also physically fit with no signs of problems. However, instead of sending me home, or just monitoring me, they admitted me and immediately started me on a Pitocin drip 'to help things along'.

After 10 hours, I was finally completely dilated and effaced, yet I had absolutely no urge to push at all. I went ahead and did so, though, and SIX hours later, my daughter was not yet even halfway down and showing signs of distress. The decision to do a C-section was made, I was prepped, and as they were wheeling me down the hall to surgery, I finally felt the urge to push~almost SEVEN hours after my body was supposedly ready to give birth.

At the time, my experience was chalked up to cephalopelvic disproportion. However, I've recently read (in Mothering, of course:)) that the use of Pitocin can completely stall labor & cause all sorts of complications. Upon reading that, my anger and frustration with the medical staff that put me through what they did was enormous-I just can't believe that they rushed me through my labor simply because they could.

Luckily I don't have to worry about Pitocin this time around~My Dr. & M/W have already told me they will not under any circumstances induce me for fear of uterine rupture. I've also been forwarned that if there are any signs of fetal distress, or if I go too far past my due date, a repeat C-section will be performed. However, they are both incredibly supportive of my desire to perform a V-BAC if at all possible, and realize that another C-section really will be an emergency or last resort proposition only.

Basically I've come to the conclusion through my own experience and through reading that induction really is way over used in this country. In my opinion, it should be used only when absolutely necessary-ie there is fetal distress, the mother has a medical problem, or the baby is seriously overdue. I think the discontinuation of induction merely for conveinience sake would save a lot of mothers a lot of heartache that comes from labor complications.

[kama'aina mama]

That reminds me of a conversation I overheard between two nurses while I was waiting to see my gyn... First nurse, "Why is Mrs Smith going in Thursday to be induced?" Second nurse, "Social"!! The hell?

[Greaseball]

I would never let them induce me. Some people don't understand that just because the doc says it has to be done doesn't mean it really has to be done!

Also, the "due date" is not an exact science anyway. Even ultrasound is not 100% accurate. Some women claim that although the ultrasound showed the baby was postmature, according to the last date of their period, the baby still had a few weeks to go, so the doc induced them only to deliver a premature baby.

I personally would not let the size of the baby bother me either. Babies are made to fit their mothers. A woman can vaginally deliver as much as 12 lbs (perhaps more?) and docs can't always guess the size anyway. I was told mine would be 4 lbs and she was 7.5 (and 2 weeks early!)

Of course, someone else may have a valid reason for induction, but not me.

[hawleyclan]

Hi! :) I have actually read of ladies who after transition, did not get an urge to push, and with all vitals for mom and baby being fine, they took a nap- only to wake and find that they were ready to push!! Both mom and baby were fine!

Sometimes the body just takes a break, and as long as mom and baby are okay, then there is not reason to worry. Baby's head may need a little more moulding, and moms uterus may need a little break. :)

It is when mom is pushing, and baby is making zero progress, not a budge, and baby begins to show signs of not liking the way things are going... heart rates, etc... mom needs to change position and try again, midwife needs to check baby's position and look for hands at face/neck... things like that. If it doesn't resolve with simple changes then it may truely be time for more assertive action...

It is not that the pushing urge is late, it is that adults are impatient... :D If a small test push doesn't jumpstart the urge, and applying a bit of downward pressure to the inside of the vaginal canal doesn't do it either, mom just needs a rest, a popscicle, and a pep rally... :)

The Lord bless you,
Zoie :)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Godsbabycatchers

[lilzmama]

Wow. Haven't checked the boards in a few days. What great replies. I have to preface this by saying WHO KNOWS what may have caused it all, but I appreciate you ladies sharing your knowledge and experiences. I wasn't sure that it was the EPO that caused the membranes to rupture, but I did use something like 8 capsules. As far as position, you're right: all we heard was that she was head down and ready to come out. I didn't want any internal exams after the first b/c of the chance of infection and we were on antibiotics. Could we have gone on w/o inducing? We really felt pressured to get the labor going, even though induction was NOT what we wanted. I don't know how wrapped the cord was, but dd was a big baby (9lbs), wizened but not skinny, and pics taken as she was born do not seem to show any vernix/languna (is that the right term?).

Thank you, gabrielsmama and hawleyclan, for your replies. Aside from hospital protocols, what is the limit on how long a labor should go after the membranes have ruptured? If labor were not to start, when should one consider induction? It seems like starting induction once signs of infection or fever show would be too late.

TIA:)

[RainCityMama]

I agree with those that feel induction is highly OVER-used.
I too had a very bad induction experience where I was pressured into it and it ultimately led to a c-section because I believe my son simply wasn't ready to come out.

I don't view medical technology as bad, I think it's absolutely necessary in certian situations, but I do feel that it is used far too frequently in our society and we as women need to do more questioning and research before we blindly follow our 'Dr's orders' as It's our bodies they affect.

[bachlva]

My doc better have a GOOD reason for wanting to induce be before I'll consider it...

Being "concerned about the baby's size" is not good enough.

They CANNOT tell the baby's size, plain & simple. They do not have that technology. I read a long article about this.

Or if they say it's late [no other reason] - well - I heard a doctor say once, "Babies are never late - doctors are off on their estimates."

Now, if there was a real health concern - meconium, or ? That might be different....

:)

[Plaid]

Hi Everyone!

I am one week past my due date and my dr is insisting that I have a non-stress test done twice a week now (which I told her stresses me out, but she dosn't seem to find that important). I think I can chill out about the testing, but now I'm worried that she will push me to be induced. I've prepared for a natural birth (Bradley classes, regular exercise, high-protein diet...), and unless the baby is in danger, I will not consent to labor induction.

I'm wondering, though, can she drop me as a patient? I don't look forward to arguing with her, and I want to maintain a positive relationship so there is less stress when I finally do go into labor.

Any suggestions? She is a very sure-of-herself, strong-willed, standard medical establishment type of doctor. I'd love to hear from anyone who has had similar experiences, or anyone who has gone this far past their due date and not had to be induced. My next appointment is tomorrow morning (after my "non-stress" test!) and I need encouragement!!

TIA

[Elismama]

I've not been in your situation, but thought I'd suggest some natural jump starts. Have you tried:
-having sex
-nipple stimulation
-a good long walk?

They can hurt, and they may just encourage your baby to make an appearance.

Best wishes to you,
Jeanie

[Super Pickle]

Hi Gardenmama, hope you've already gone into labor by the time you read this :p but if not, good luck! Let us know how Elismama's suggestions worked out for you! I don't know what to tell you about your doctor. They can be so tyrannical sometimes.

The dr. doesn't know what day you actually conceived...what if you ovulated 4 days late the cycle you got pregnant? Then you'd only be 3 days overdue in reality. This is what I find silly about letting the due date determine whether you get induced or not.

But, if the dr. thinks it's ont safe to go on, and you do end up consenting to induction, take this tip: do not let them strap you to a fetal monitor and hook you up to an IV as soon as you get to the hospital. You don't know how long you will wait for the dr. to come in and actially start induction. I went to the hospital for induction and lay strapped to bed for 5 hours before they even softened my cervix! (didn't have to get pitocin, thank goodness). So by the time my contractions even started, my back already hurt. It was so lame. (actual birth was great, though).
You do have the right to refuse these things. Some dr.s wont "deliver" w/out an IV but you certainly don't need it throughout your whole labor! They are tempted to put you on it as soon as you arrive which is just stupid. Just tell the nurse no way and when the dr. gets there (which will probably be when you're ready to push), you can take it up w/ her. When the nurse said she was going to give me a catheter I went ballistic and threatened to go have the baby at home :eek . She backed off.

[mamapixie]

Definitely try sex, and nipple stimulation. I was nearly 2 weeks overdue with DS #1, and while I was induced(to speed things up, according to the doctor), I did start labor on my own, and I believe it started because of sex. About an hour after the deed, my mucous plug fell out. By the next day(a Monday) I was 3cm dialated, and contracting regularly(but not strong). I was induced Tuesday morning.

This time, I do NOT want to be induced, and I will have my breast pump ready, DH on standby ;), and DH and I know of a few roads that would be perfect to take me driving on. Curb walking also helps(one foot on the curb, the other on the street)from what I've heard.

[Plaid]

Thanks so much for the suggestions! We've been having sex and trying to get some nipple stimulation in whenever we can (while driving, watching tv, whenever I have a hand free!), and taking long walks... I've had a few mild contractions, but not with any regularity.

I saw the dr this morning and I was right. She's ADAMANT about inducing. She says at this elevation (5000') , "we don't let babies go past 42 wks". To me, it seems ridiculous as long as the placenta is healthy, the amniotic fluid is okay, and the baby is fine. But then she said that there are sometimes false positives. I just wanted to scream! And I know this stress is going to keep me from going into labor. Why can't drs just leave it alone and let things happen the way nature intends? I know, I know, I should be seeing a midwife. Unfortunately our insurance would not cover it and we are having a very hard time making ends meet. Next time, though, I will save up the money, go with my instincts and have a homebirth!

The doctor did suggest Blue Cohosh tea and sex...

If anyone has any other suggestions, I would be grateful. Also, how to deal with a doctor bent on induction! Or if you've had experience with problems when you've gone post-due, I need your input!

Thanks!

[Elphaba]

i did nipple stimulation, for like 3 solid hours when i went past my due date. i had a non-stress test on monday, which was 2 days past the EDD. went home, walked, got in bed with a book and just twisted my nipple while i read. had baby 24 hours later.
i don't know what to tell you about your induction-happy doctor. other than let her schedule an induction, and then when the day comes, don't show up. tell her you are already in labor, and it's a stop and start deal and you'll come in when things get cooking. i'm not sure what altitude has to do with inducing, i'd really like to hear the why's of that!

[Plaid]

Shoshannas mom,

The dr said something about aspiration levels, I guess the altitude supposedly has to do with blood-oxygen levels, that's all I know. Seems like a minor thing to me.

The dr also said she could induce by putting a cream on my cervix. Has anyone had experience with this? It doesn't sound as bad as pitocin, but I still would rather let the baby decide when to be born.

[Eman'smom]

Just wanted to say Hi, I'm in NM too.
You've gotten some great advice, you can also try evening primrose oil. Take a couple of capsules a day.
There is an aucpunture point on the inside of your foot you can push. You aren't suppose to do it unless you are in labor (because it brings on contractions but that is what you want:) ).
Go about four fingers wide up the inside of you leg from your ankle and press, it really brought on contractions for me.
Also when you are having sex have an orgasm if you can, they cause the uterus to contract.
Did the doctor ever check you, is your cervix ready at all to have this baby? It may not be the best option, but you know they can't drag you to the hospital and force you to induce. You can always give it a few days beyond 42 weeks if all is looking fine.
I know it's too late now but I used a midwife through Lovelace and had a great experience.

[Arduinna]

Butting in.

About the gel. They used that on me too when I was overdue. It didn't do a thing, although I know for some it does. Just remember that once you start the ball rolling by agreeing to the gel, if it doesn't work they will want to try the next step. Like pitocin. So just make an informed choice. I ended up with a c section basically because baby wasn't ready yet. We had no medical need to be induced.

Ultimately it's your choice we all stand behind you no matter what you decide.

[ShellyK.]

I'm curious as to what that cream your doc is suggesting as an alternative to pitocin. Is it possibly cytotec? Ask and do a little research on this drug. Supposidly it's a drug commonly used "off label" to induce labor (in other words, that's not it's FDA approved use, and in fact the label now has to say that it shouldn't be used for inducing labor, but it's commonly accepted in the ob world I guess). I've read some not so good things about this - do some Google research! Anyone else out there know more than I do?

[kama'aina mama]

I really feel for you. Call your Bradley instructor for some support. I liked the suggestion from shoshannas mom... appease the doc but don't go along with anything you don't want. The pregnancy police won't come to your house and force you to be induced.

Keep in mind that going to the hospital and agreeing to any procedures opens the door to other interventions. It is a lot easier to hold your ground when you are standing up, wearing your own clothes than after they have gotten you into a gown and prone on the bed. As has been said, once they start they won't stop. It's not like they will use some progesterone cream and if doesn't work they will shrug and say 'not ready yet, go home and see what happens'. If the cream doesn't work they will up the ante until they get the baby out.

And by all means, ask WHAT the cream is. If it IS cytotec.... run. Do a search for it in this board. That stuff is bad news. This is your decision. Best of luck with your birth.

[rsps]

So how's it going?

[abigailvr]

I thought Cytotec only came in pill form, since it's real use is as an ulcer drug?

From what I've read the creams the use are prostaglandins, which are also in semen. My husband is all ready to help me get started if I go past due. He just wants me to let him know when we need to start having lots of sex and him twiddling my nipples. What a thoughtful guy, huh? ;)

Gardenmama, my childbirth educator also suggested eating something very spicy. She said, eat what usually gives you diarreha.

Good luck! :)

[Arduinna]

me too, from what I understood (not an expert) cytotec comes in pill form only.

I know that the gel they used on me was prostaglandin. at least that's what I was told, it's been almost 13 years....

[mamajuice]

HI...another overdue mom here (11 days and counting!!!). The cream is probably prostaglandin gel, which is usually synthetically made - though one friend thought it is sometimes derived from bull semen (I think she was kidding). It should work pretty well if you r cervix is ripening nicely, dilating, effacing, etc (or starting to). About the cytotec...it can be given orally, vaginally (the tabs are supposited in the vagina near the cervix) or intravenously. Sometimes it is mixed in a happy (I'm being snide) little cocktail (IV). Yes it is an ulcer drug and the FDA has not approved it for use in labor but the ACOG has been promoting it as the induction drug of choice since the late 90's. FYI the manufacturer has officially stated that it doesn't approve of the use of cytotec in labor/miscarriage/abortion based on lack of clinical studies for those purposes and for their findings that it can cause massive uterine hemorrage, unknown effects on the fetus, etc. I'm so bummed cause my MIDWIFE is so into it - but I've told her absolutely under no circumstances is she to administer it to me.
Good luck to you!

[Britishmum]

I went through a very similar ordeal with dd. I refused to be induced, and the ob would not take no for an answer. To cut a long story short, I didn't turn up for five or more appts for induction, I would go home and then call the hospital and ob and say that I wasn't coming. She just kept making those appts for me though!

I had to be incredibly assertive, I went along with the daily tests, (which I now think I should have refused too) but I would not give in.

In the end I talked to variuos midwives, but none would take me on because I was past my due date and it was too difficult for them. But one recommended that I went for acupuncture. I had my first contraction on the acupuncturist's couch!

She told me that I'd be in full labour within 48 hours, which was exactly correct. I went into labour naturally, but even so, when I got to the hospital they wouldnt' believe me and were of the 'induction' mindset. For that reason I had to still be incredibly assertive throughout the labour.

Suffice to say that this time I'm using a midwife. My advice to you is to stand firm, it is YOUR body they are talking about. They will try everything on you to make you give in - including the guilt trip that the baby will be 'too big' (to which my response was 'how much weight do you think she will put on her HEAD??") and that the baby will have problems etc etc. All of that is nonsense. If you were in France, the ob wouldnt start counting the date until 41 weeks anyway! The 40 weeks is an arbitary length of time, and not even accurate.

Dd was born two weeks late - in her own time, and was 9lbs and perfect. I laboured with no problems except those that were caused by the ob.

Stick to your guns and trust your instincts. They are terrified of litigation, and they have a mindset that women don't know their own bodies and don't know how to birth without an ob intervening. If you can find an acupuncturist who does this sort of work, I'd recommend using her - we had to pay but it was the best $80 we spent!

Hope this helps!

[Britishmum]

Just to add, don't trust that they will just use the prostaglandin gel and stop if you dont go into labour. You'd have a battle to walk out of there and would have to be a very strong woman.

Even though I was IN LABOUR when I arrived at the hospital, they had on my notes that I needed inducing, and somehow I ended up with the prostogladin gel - don't ask me why, but it's so hard to argue once you're there and they've 'got' you. I did stand up for myself after that initial shock, and eventually got moved to a normal delivery room and didnt let them go onto the next step of pitocin. But oh my goodness, they wanted to. I was viewed as a very difficult and stupid woman who was putting my baby at risk.

When you get to the hospital, I would wear your own clothes, and make sure your attendants know your wishes and are prepared to be very assertive. You need them to advocate for you so that you can get on with labour. My labour was severely effected and slowed down by the fact that I didnt dare let my guard down - I was even arguing with the ob as I pushed the baby out because I refused an episiotomy!

[hydrangea]

I know what you mean about non-stress tests causing stress. I had a terrible hospital birth with my first and with my second had a midwife. Her backup doctor's protocol was that after 42 weeks one had to go in for non-stress tests, and a few days after that they would induce. For the non-stress tests I would have had to go into the hospital where I had had my previous horrible birth and the whole idea set me into such panic that I was determined to have the baby by 42 weeks.

I tried everything I heard about, sex (with hips raised afterwards), spicy foods, cumin, walking, evening primrose oil inserted into my vagina (again with hips raised), black and blue cohosh, had my midwife strip my membranes, etc. etc. and nothing happened. On the very last day before I would have had to go into the hospital, I took castor oil (I scrambled eggs in it), and it worked. I fell asleep, woke up an hour later, and three hours later, I had a baby! I would personally only do castor oil as a last resort as it *can* cause terrible runs (it didn't for me), but if you are at that point it can work well.

If you want more information on things to try to go into labor and about castor oil or about the things your doctor is trying to do, I recommend checking out The Midwife Archives at http://gentlebirth.org/archives/

Good luck!

[mom at home]

I hope you are in labour , but if not, these are things I tried. Something among them must have been the key as I went into labour that night.

castor oil
fast walking uphill
sex
nipple stimulation
clary sage essential oil in warm water and applied to my belly with a washcloth
the acupressure point on foot already mentioned

You might also try the chiropractor. Also, I 'd be careful about the blue cohosh tea. The cohoshes are controversial in terms of their safety and MD's usually know next to nothing about herbal remedies. I'd also be wary of letting them put anything on your cervix unless you know exactly what it is and feel comfortable with it and be prepared to have them go the next step to pitocin.

I think it's best to let that babe come when he/she is ready without all these seemly benign things I mentioned, but I think they are better than pitocin.

I don't know why those OB's are so impatient.

Alison

edited to add that after reading hydrangea's post I recall that castor oil can cause a fast labor. She had one and I did too, 3 hours from start to finish for me as well. I would also only take it as a last resort, but better than pitocin.

[Plaid]

You all have been a big help! It is very reassuring to have so much support and to know that others have been in my shoes (sandals, feet are to swollen for shoes! lol).

Kama'aina mama, I took your advice & called my Bradley instructor. She was very supportive, and just suggested asking LOTS of questions. I wish I was better at keeping my head on when I'm at the dr's, but my mind seems to go blank. I am taking my dh w/me from now on! (He attended a lot of the earlier appts, but when it got to be weekly it was too much missed work).

I have read about cytotec (thanks to Mothering!) and there's no way I'd consent to that! I was also concerned about pitocin, because, besides the traumatic labor it can cause, there's a theory that links it to autism, and my dh has asperger's syndrome (an autism spectrum disorder), so I feel our kid is already predisposed and I won't take any chances!

Britishmum, so interesting that you suggest acupuncture. After my appt yesterday I started looking into inducing that way! If labor doesn't start in the next couple days I probably will get it done, provided we can find an acupuncturist experienced in labor induction here.

I will check out the Midwife archives now, and maybe go buy some Evening Primrose Oil and Clary Sage. I'm walking over to the library so I've got something to read while I twiddle my nipple! (maybe I can keep it up longer that way!) I would like to know more about that acupressure point -- is it on the leg or the foot?

I've had some spotting since my internal exam yesterday, and my mucous plug has started to come out, so I feel hopeful. Maybe tonight?

Thanks again, everyone. And good luck to you too, Mamajuice! Let me know how things go for you.

[Piglet68]

Can I ask you guys something?

I'm reading this thread with interest. I have learned alot about induction and have to admit I hate the idea of it. How silly to think all babies come at the same time, or that the EDD is always accurate! And no wonder it leads to all sorts of other interventions - the body isn't ready yet and you are trying to force it!

But...with that in mind, I have to wonder why in the same breath, those who oppose induction in the hospital then list off a whole bunch of things you can try to "get things started". I have heard many reports of castor oil causing severe diarrhea and I would never take it. I suppose at least having sex and an orgasm is fun but...I would not take any teas or anything else.

I guess I'm confused because on the one hand I think we are all saying that it is best to let labour begin when the body is ready in order to have a smoother labour and delivery, and yet then everybody is always suggesting things you can eat, drink, or do at home to "get things going". Isn't this contradictory??

None of this applies to me since I'm having a scheduled c-section but I do enjoy learning about this stuff so sorry if this question sounds a bit ignorant!

Gardenmama I hope you can avoid the induction.

[fourlittlebirds]

Castor oil and blue cohosh both carry risks. Some people have good experiences with them, but I would proceed with extreme caution (actually I personally wouldn't use either.)

Piglet, I hear where you're coming from. ACOG themselves caution against inducing unless it's medically indicated -- in other words, if the mother or baby is in some sort of danger, e.g., pre-eclampsia or low fluids. Look, why interfere with the natural process unless it's necessary, especially when induction in itself carries risks of all kinds?

I don't know about the risks of elevation -- there may be some validity to blood oxygen levels making a difference of some kind, but I fail to see why a term or post-term baby would be affected more adversely than a premature baby.

Remember, just because you are at 41 weeks, even if you are quite sure about date of conception, does not mean that the baby is post-term. If the baby is doing fine, the baby is still in there for a REASON.

[abigailvr]

Piglet, I don't know much about teas, and I probably won't try those when I start getting desperate to go into labor, but I do know that a lot of the other suggestions won't actually start your labor unless your body is ready. Evening primrose oil and semen both soften the cervix, which should make things move along more quickly once they start, and orgasm will cause contractions, but I don't think the contractions will continue unless your body wants them to.

I think part of the reason that even some of the more extreme home remedies are preferable to pitocin is that with pitocin you are strapped to an IV (and a monitor, I believe) under the hospital's control, as opposed to at home able to move around and be in control yourself.

At least that's my point of view. :)

[Piglet68]

How timely! On today's episode of A Baby Story there was a fascinating story of a surrogate mother giving birth for a couple who had already lost four babies. It was amazing...it was their fertilized embryo and she carried it. Wow, don't think I could ever do that....amazing...

anyways...the surrogate asked her doctor to induce her so the biological parents could attend the birth (apparently they lived rather far away). she was started on pitocin with steadily increasing doses, cervical gel etc and for 23 hours she sat at 2 cm dilated. everybody was stressed out, the surrogate was in tears, the bio. parents were in tears....and I thought to myself

why is nobody suprised about this??????????? I mean, honestly, why would anybody think that giving a drug or two is going to mimic the amazing process that leads to labour beginning and continuing. i felt so bad for them b/c they all went through this ordeal for nothing and they should have realised this could happen! they sent the surrogate home.

10 days later she was back with the pitocin and this time they ruptured her membranes and she did end up giving birth. she had horrible pain until they gave her the "wonder drug" epidural. i have nothing against them but it just confirmed what i've already heard about pitocin causing very painful contractions.

well, thanks to those of you who addressed my question about inducing. i guess a little sex or nipple stimulation won't get anything started that isn't meant to get started, and it's sure to be a darn sight more fun than pitocin, lol. but I still think i'd be afraid to start taking things like castor oil or herbal teas, etc.

[tea olive]

i'm pg with third and very cautious of due date. my second was three weeks late, 22 days. i would attribute it to him being posterior and that i have 35-40 day cycles. he was due the week before christmas so i felt pretty weird when the year ended and i felt i had a whole year ahead of me to hold this baby in! on top of that my midwife was legally in trouble (after two weeks post date)while we waited. she let me know it was cool and i felt good about the baby. everything went fine.

we tried the usual things including primrose oil and a conservative try at senna (cassia) tea which does cause diarrhea but not so rough as castoroil. i believe the eliminating effect is why it sometimes helps labor along. i was willing to try these less invasive methods over induction. and none of them worked at the time my baby simply was not ready.

your ob can't make you come to the hospital. you are paying them after all. there are few laws about this issue so if i were you i'd just stay home. even if they want to check heart tones they can't make you stay to induce legally. don't let them threaten welfare of the beby unless you feel that may be valid.

i think you should decide your position, and then live with it, get someone to advocate for you or remind you and Quit Fighting. keep your energy for labor, for yourself and the baby - don't give it away to the ob. enjoy that the baby's kickcounts inside you and let the process be. if you haven't already, have a long talk with yourself and the baby about how you are ready and what a wondrous experience this will be for both of you.

health and joy to you
search your feelings and do what feels right

casina

[valeria_vi]

i don't wanna scare anyone here, but i've heard things about docs doing stuff to a patient without their consent (like stripping the membranes during a dialation check at the office visit and not letting a woman know, or only letting her know afterwards). so i would be very cautious of going to the hospital or even your doc's office and let them anywhere near vagina. they know your attitude, don't they? and they still want to induce, don't they? they might "accidentally" break your water, and then there will be no way back for you.

[Plaid]

Well, I'm getting some acupressure done tonight, and maybe the baby will be born on his father's birthday (Friday, also the summer solstice)!

Before it happened to me, I thought mothers who freaked out when they went past their due dates were silly. I always had the mindset of "the baby will come when it's ready and why hurry it?", and I still do, but it's a different ballgame when you have a doctor acting like you are endangering the welfare of your child. You have not only your own anxieties to deal with, and all the doubts put in your head by every well-meaning person who asks "when are you ever going to have that baby?", but also you start questioning your own judgement when the doctor says you are not doing what's best. Of course, I know better. And casina, you are right, I should not be wasting my energy on the dr!

I had a bunch of mild contractions last night, so maybe the acupressure will just nudge things along. And if not, then it's not meant to happen that way, and I will wait and get the monitoring done and stick to my guns as long as there is no sign of problems.

Thanks again everyone!

[Ravenmoon]

Hey mama,i went over 2 weeks late and my midwives were getting ready to send me to the hospital when i started the accupuncture.I had it done on a thursday night and she gave me some chinese herbs to make a tea with also(horrible tasting!),then again on friday evening and i started having some mild contrax.On saturday i took 4oz of castor oil in a big chocolate milkshake(i didn't even drink it all)and then called to make another accupuncture appt.i went for a walk and needed to pee so we headed home.I sat on the potty and ended up pooping a whole bunch and then i got up and felt a contrax.They were three minutes apart for two hours and weren't bothering me too much but all of the sudden i felt like pushing.Called the midwife and she rushed over and i was only 5cm!45 minutes later out came my lil girl!9 lbs of big healthy but way overdue baby(she was peeling and had super dry skin).I think the acupuncture really helped,it was so relaxing and wonderful but i still needed a push.My accupuncturist told me to take the castor oil if i still hadn't gone into labor and she would give me another treatment in addition to it but i never made it for that last meeting.I was a little nauseous upon taking the oil but it really wasn't bad at all and i finally had my babe without having to go the hospital.It was necessary for me to do it and i don't regret it.I tried EPO,black and blue cohosh,homeopathics all before the acupuncture and nothing worked.I hope this helps!

[Plaid]

Ravenmoon,

Yes, it helps a lot to hear from moms who had success with acupuncture. And, since your dd was for sure overdue, your body must have needed the coaxing. Maybe that's what's going on w/me. I am really looking forward to getting down to the business of childbirth!

[breathingmom]

Garden Mama, I recently saw this list of questions for labor and birth but that I thought that they might be applicable to your situation as well.

"Informed consent: Questions for Labor & Birth"

What is the procedure?
Why is it being suggested?
What are my other options?
How could this affect my labor, my baby, and me?
Do we have time to think it over?
What would happen if we did nothing?
Is this an emergency?

While it sounds like you have many of these questions already answered, I hope that this may be helpful to other families in your same situation.

In my opionion it is never too late to change who is attending your birth. You need to feel safe with whoever is with you especially if you are choosing to be in a hospital. If your dr is not listening to you now, how might he/she be when you are in labor?

While it may be frustrating to be in this situation I also think that it can be a tremendous opportunity for growth and empowerment! Please keep us informed what you decide, we will be here! Blessings, Jill

[Britishmum]

If you haven't already gone into labour, stick to your guns. It's not easy but it can be done! Most women give in, the ob will make you feel that you are ignorant and risking your baby etc etc etc. Mine was extremely rude to me, and I just walked out. And dd was born at 9lbs, perfectly healthy and beautiful!

Once you do go into labour, though, you need to be able to trust your birth helpers and feel able to 'let go' and stop fighting the establishment. Make sure that they are well informed about your wishes and then trust them to protect you - your job is to birth your baby.

I say this because I can now look back on my first labour and realise that I never really relaxed into it because I was so tense from the fight with the ob and felt defensive throughout. Stand firm, go into labour naturally, then let your dh be your advocate.

If you can change your ob, I would even at this stage, but I found that nobody would agree to take me on because of the situation.

Good luck - I'm thinking of you! Hope the accupuncture works for you.

[BusyMommy]

Are you still waiting?
I had your situation and found a sneaky little solution. I let my dr. schedule me for 2 inductions and called in sick for both of them. NOT kind or ethical, but it worked. She didn't "drop" me and understood my paranoia and I got to hold out for the real thing.:p

PS: I agree w/all the other home methods, but maybe a breast pump would help?

Piglet-once you induce at a hospital, you're there for the duration. If the cervadel (or whatever) fails, on to the pitocin. That fails? On to the C/S.

yes, the gel is animal semen. They insert it like a tampon and you lay there for ???12 hours before they try another dose. Cervidel (sp?) is pig semen.

[mom at home]

animal semen???? That's rather disgusting.

piglet, to respond to your question... if it comes down to the doc inducing with pitocin or doing milder things at home, I'd rather do these other things. Especially if one is planning a homebirth, having a midwife say that you will have to go to the hospital to be induced if you don't go into labor soon is a terrifying thought for those who REALLY don't want a hospital birth, esp. being induced. Of course it is much better for the wee one to come when they are ready, but docs and even most midwives are not going to let you go too long.

There are things I wouldn't try, like the cohoshes as I don't think they are safe, and I would only take a small amt of castor oil. It didn't give me the runs, but I didn't take much.

Gardenmama, any progress?

[Plaid]

STILL pregnant.

Walking every day.

Sex every day.

Accupuncture 2 days ago.

I've started having mild, irregular contractions. But nothing to get excited about. The good news is my bpp (ultrasound & efm) on Thurs scored a perfect 10 again, so there shouldn't be anything to worry about, except the pressure from the dr at our appt this Monday. breathingmom, I will use those questions. Thanks!

I agree, the thought of pig semen is very disgusting!

Thanks for your thoughts everyone, and I will post a birth story when I have one, hopefully very soon.

[Britishmum]

Bump for Abigailvr, who is askign a similar question

Gardenmama - How are things? Presuming that you have had the baby?

[Plaid]

Baby Clare was born via c-section June 26, 2002 after 29 hrs of drug-free back labor! She was unfortunately sunny-side-up and the dr could not turn her & in that position she couldn't get past my pubic bone... There's been some health problems -- baby had seizures, not related to the birth, long story that I will post when time permits... though it looks like everything is going to be okay. We just got home from hospital yesterday.

Enjoying breastfeeding my beautiful, 8lb, 12 oz gift from heaven.

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts & prayers.


Edited to add: I did manage to go into labor "spontaneously" (if you don't count the acupuncture, nipple stim, etc!). I walked 2 miles (in an hour) the night before labor began.

[Corriander]

Congratulations!

I know that she is beautiful!

[lunasmum]

how wonderful that your little bebe is here!

many many blessings to you and your family

[Eman'smom]

Horray!!!:)
You know the 26th is the best day for birthday's, Dh turned 31 the same day.

[lorijds]

Another note of caution---

Be very wary of going to the hospital if you are not sure you are going to stay to have your baby. Of course you can leave at any time...but if your doctor does not officially dismiss you, you are leaving Against Medical Advice, and your insurance company does not have to pay for anything during that hospital visit.

I like the idea of scheduling the induction, and then simply not showing up. That's a good one!

[DeEtte]

I'm approaching my due date and the doctor is discussing inducing me again (this is my third pregnancy). Although induction with the gel really wasn't that bad, I'd really like to go on my own. She suggested black and blue cohosh (one dropperful, three times/day) and tea brewed with squaw vine and red raspberry leaf three times/day. Has anyone used this successfully. In my previous pregnancies, I've tried all the other things -- sex, walking, nipple stimulation -- to no avail. Any other suggestions?

Also, what about castor oil? If I'm facing induction on the next day, I may just get brave enough to try it. Anyone know anything about it -- I've heard a tablespoon, but the nurse mid-wife at the doc's office says 4 ounces straight.

Appreciate anyone's thoughts or suggestions!

[glad2bemama]

Oh, PLEASE do not use castor oil!!! Terrible, terrible, terrible stuff-- I used it with my second and well, let's just say that a water birth was out of the question for awhile...yuck! Plus, they have now come out with a study in regards to the castor oil crossing the placenta. Apparently the baby is far more likely to have meconium in the waters if the mother has used castor oil. Not worth it.

As for the black and blue cohosh. Yes, I used it successfully with my second son. I was having trouble with pre-eclampsia and had to have an herbal induction( he was a homebirth ). However, I can tell you that it takes a great deal of knowledge of herbs and time. Find a midwife or someone who knows about the effects to monitor the dosage and you. For one thing, I had to alternate between the two remedies every fifteen minutes and use nipple stimulation in the between. It was work, but labor did kick in. My midwives were there the whole time with dh and I.

Oh, another thing...it can also cause nausea. So, be prepared with some ginger or whatever works for you.

All the hardships aside... these things definitely do work. But, I would still have patience with good ol' Mother Nature, if you can. Babies usually come when they are supposed to. But, if you can't-- give the cohoshes a shot-- NOT the castor oil.

Good luck to you and have a wonderful birth!!!:love

[DanishMom]

I agree with glad2bemamma, DO NOT use castor oil. It can make you sooooo sick which is the last thing you want just before labor.

A good friend of mine used black and blue cohosh with great success at both her deliveries. Acupuncture might also be helpful.

The best thing would be to wait and let labor start in its own time. I don't know the policies in the US but here in Denmark you wont get induced unless you are 2½ weeks past your due date.

Good luck, good luck, good luck....... :thumb

Love,

Anne

[jayasun]

hmmm- your last two babes were induced? at what week? do you think your gestation is just a bit longer than 40 weeks? how long will your doc let you go? how much say do you have in extending the waiting time?

as far as castor oil- i agree, it is not pleasant. however, it seems to be effective in starting labor. i know many people who have had little luck in other methods of inducing, and castor oil has worked. i took it two times attempting to induce. my midwives thought for sure it wasn't pleasant, but they were confidant that it does not cross the placenta (and when you see how it comes out you will be sure it couldn't have too :)). is it possible that the study someone refered to showed meconium staining because the baby was so mature, not because of the oil? i had absolutely no meconium.

i think it's the lesser of evils that you will have to choose between. hospital inducement or castor oil? certainly cervidil or pitocin is much more dangerous than castor oil. no one would dispute that.

if you do do castor oil: i researched it quite a bit, talking with different docs, midwives and birthing center staff. they said to take 4 oz. i mixed it with orange juice to make it more palateable. if this does nothing in 2 hours, you can take 2 oz. more. plan to stay near the potty.

it was recommended by all to take it in the morning, so that by night i might be in labor, and so i wasn't up all night pooping. if you take it, i wouldn't recommend doing it right before inducement. you don't want to be on the pot at the hospital. do it a couple days before. drink plenty of water, and take acidopholous to replenish all that good bacteria you are washing away.

would't it be great to go into labor without intervention? i hope you can find what works, and maybe it will happen spontaneously. but good to think about all your options and research what your doc is willing to do.

many bright blessings

[glad2bemama]

No, the study showed that the castor oil absolutely crossed the placenta regardless of age and actually, my son did have meconium in the waters post castor oil. He was born 4 days early-- he still had a heavy amount of vernix on him. Sorry, not to be contradictory, but I would hate for others out there to read this and believe that castor oil is perfectly safe.

Search "Mothering" articles and "Midwifery Today" for the studies that have been done proving the connection between the castor oil/meconium link. You might want to venture over to the midwives forum to ask this question. Also, most midwives that I have spoken with ( I am friends with quite a few ) do not believe that castor oil is successful in inducing labor. In my cases ( I tried it twice ) it absolutely did not induce.

I agree with jayasun in that you may very well carry your babies longer. Is this possible?

At any rate, good luck to you and happy birthing!

[Rozilla]

Have you tried Evening Primrose Oil? # capsules daily for up to a week to soften the cervix. A wonderful wonderful book that all pregnant moms should have is, "Wise Woman Herbal Childbearing Year" by Susun S. Weed.

It covers everything and then some. Mine is well thumbed!

Rose

EDD: 9/10/02
:p

[clewal]

I did castor oil three times trying to induce labor. Actually on the third try, I poured most of it down the sink, I just couldn't do it again. My son had no meconium staining what so ever.
The midwives I'm using recommend it as a last resort. The dr that oversees my midwife doesn't really believe it works, she thinks it was just coincidence.
You don't actually have to drink the stuff, I've read somewhere that you could rub it on your stomach and cover it with warm towels. At least that way, you won't be sick to your stomach for hours on end.

[jayasun]

i'm glad for the clarification on the studies linking meconium and castor oil- its always good to know what you're getting into with remedies. i haven't yet looked up the studies...

but- castor oil taken internally and externally are two different things. internally, it stimulates the bowels and can therefore stimulate labor. used externally- as edgar cayce recommends in his writings- it is good for the liver, etc. it is soothing to the skin and supposedly helps circulation, etc. i use castor oil packs myself, and as you say, they are applied with towels and heat. this does not serve the same purpose as taking it internally to induce the bowels/ labor as far as i understand. i'm not certain if there are any containdications of packs while pregnant- whether or not applied topically it can cross the placenta.

[glad2bemama]

Well, I am not very good at posting links, but there were some discussions regarding the studies in the November archives here.

My apologies to everyone for just throwing this out there without any links. I have GOT to learn how to do that...

Oh, I had forgotten... evening primrose oil taken after 36 weeks is helpful in softening the cervix and some midwives ( I believe ) will actually put it directly on the cervix. Ask about this-- not certain.

Isn't this great to be able to all share our ideas and experiences with labor and birth in regards to natural induction? I wish that I had had this when I was pregnant with my two. Well, maybe next year I will be coming over here to ask my own questions for baby #3...:love

[organicmama]

I am 13 days overdue now & my midwife is telling me to do castor oil. I have heard horror stories & I have a very sensitive bowel. I got a reprieve this morning. The midwife called & she's been up all night at another birth so asked me to hold off taking it today.

I don't know what to do! They "stripped my membranes" Wed. & then sent me home for sex. I contracted all night then they stopped the next morning. Then they stripped & stretched me yesterday & I did a fleets enema. I had a few ctx last night but nothing interesting. I started ctx around 4:20 but they are 5-10 minutes apart. They are mild-strong & around 30-60 sec.

I REALLY don't want to take castor oil but don't want to start non-stress tests in the hospital Monday. What do I do!?! HELP!!!

[3boysmom]

A good long walk up plenty of steep hills did it for me the last two times!

[Rozilla]

Rides on bumpy roads, black/blue cohosh, visualization, nipple stimulation, sex.