labor questions...

Sorry for being long winded, I'm just confused.

Where to start... Well, I'm 38+ weeks with a pregnancy that has had NO problems. I have been blessed with a perfect pregnancy, but now am starting to think maybe it is too good to be true.

My doc said that since the girls are considered "full term" at 36 weeks, we should be looking at no later than 38 weeks for them to come.

I wasn't opposed to the idea of being induced (both of the girls are head down) until my last doctor’s appointment on Thursday. My doc said that I'm not effaced or dilated and that baby A has not dropped yet. So, it would likely be a long induction. Still no problem I could see until she informed me that since my uterus is so big, a long induction would put me at a high risk of hemorrhage with a possibility of not being able to stop the bleeding without removal of the uterus. (I'm not ok with that!)

I figured she was just informing me of all the things to be prepared for "just in case" (like all doctors do before procedures). So, she was on call Monday. I went in for an induction, but was hesitant since hearing of the uterus removal freaked me out. I asked what my options were and asked if the cervidil didn't work, what was the next step. More cervidil (another 12 hours) would be likely or we could start thing about a c-section.

I tried the cervidil for the 12 hours, but nothing happened. I didn't want a prolonged induction that could possibly cause bad hemorrhage, so I asked if I could go home and try again later this week if nothing happened naturally. That was an option from earlier. That’s what I did.

So, she is back on call all weekend and my next step is to call her on Friday to figure something out. If the babies have dropped, then my choice is easy because an induction shouldn't be too long. But if not... what should I do???? 1) wait 2) try cervidil again 3) plan a c-section 4) try a different form of induction

I'm so confused now!!! HELP please

 

I just wanted to say that an induction can be effective. The Cervidil alone probably won't put you into labor although it did with my first DD. You have to commit to the induction - add Pit and break water. I had an induction with my twins due to pre-e and HELLP Syndrome. I was a fingertip dialated and not very effaced. The induction took 12 hours but was successful.

Of course I would trust your OB and her opinion but you may need to just go full tilt to see what happens. Best of luck and I hope you have an easy delivery.

 

That's quite a delicate situation. Your doctor said a long induction could put you at high risk of hemorragy, with the possible consequences you mentionned. If I was in your case, I would schedule a C-section for the latest date your doctor thinks you can wait and hope that things will evolve naturally. Hopefully your babies will decide that they are ready to go out, or at least things will change in your cervix and uterus and you will be ready for a sucessfull shorter induction.

Good luck with any choice you make!

 

1 dr in the my practice said that they would not let me go past 38 weeks-I am trying for a vag delivery since the babies are both head down. My regular ob said that they wouldn't just induce me at 38 weeks-everything has to be progressing and looking like it is going to happen otherwise it might not work...this is just what he told me-every dr has something different to say...good luck

 

I would personally wait. The babies and your body are obviously not ready yet. There are many risks with inductions and it could lead to a less than ideal birth.
Were you planning on a vaginal birth? If so, getting induced may lead you down the road to a c-section for many reasons.
This is all just my opinion and experiences I know of from other moms, but I could provide you more info if you'd like.

 

If the induction has risks I woudn't do it. I woud just schedule for a c section for the latest your doctor will let you do( Only because they may be running out of room)And hope that they just come naturally between now and then. I think I would have went home and waited it out just like you did though. Good luck hang in there your babies are just really comfortable in there

 

Hard call... I recently read a stat that said 47% of inductions wind up as c/s anyway... Personally, I think I'd try for stripping my membranes next... my doctor did it when I was only a fingertip dilated with my first dd...I was 40weeks 3days... and I went into labor that same afternoon. Have you tried any natural induction techniques... ??...like being with your dh (lol!!) ... some women try castor oil...I'm not endorsing it either way...but maybe you could research that idea... I think buying yourself some time is a good idea... it's always better if your body goes into labor on it's own... But I guess if my doctor really pushed me to either schedule a c/s or induction I'd at least give the induction a shot. Honestly, I'm wondering where she is getting her stats for hemmorrage.... I'd ask for stats or particular situations she's actually encountered. Most of the time the body knows what it is doing and does it well... I think the tricky thing is when we start throwing in "help" like pitocin, that's what increases the odds of bad things happening like ruptured uterus, etc. hope your birth experience goes well..and hope it comes quickly!!!

 

QUOTE(MARYLANE @ Sep 19 2007, 08:15 PM) [snapback]414984[/snapback]
That's quite a delicate situation. Your doctor said a long induction could put you at high risk of hemorragy, with the possible consequences you mentionned. If I was in your case, I would schedule a C-section for the latest date your doctor thinks you can wait and hope that things will evolve naturally. Hopefully your babies will decide that they are ready to go out, or at least things will change in your cervix and uterus and you will be ready for a sucessfull shorter induction.

Good luck with any choice you make!



I agree with this! BTW, WOW, I can't believe you've made it this far with no complications, not dilated, etc. That is AWESOME!!! You will meet those babies soon!

 

QUOTE(Susanna+3 @ Sep 20 2007, 01:21 AM) [snapback]415330[/snapback]
Hard call... I recently read a stat that said 47% of inductions wind up as c/s anyway...


I was one of the 47% <_< I was induced at 37 weeks 5 days due to pre-e. When I got to the L&D, both girls head down, tight as a tick & not thinned at all. After 12 hrs of pitocin, Lauren decides to flip and thinks she can come showing her fanny first. Still not even a finger tip dilated and only about 50% effaced. Anyway, when my dr. told me that I could be there 24 hrs later in the same shape, we opted for the C-section and the girls were here less than an hour later. If I had it to do over, i would probably went for the C-section.

GL in whatever you decide!

 

with a risk of hemmoraging (and your obvious desire to avoid a surprise hysterectomy), i would plan the csection. Having had a csection (after a failed induction), I have to say, it wasn't bad at all. Are you really opposed to that option?