Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

I feel like a crazy woman.

Just back from the OB. My BP is still high, and I am going to be induced tomorrrow. This is the procedure:

8am - get Cervidil
8pm - get more Cervidil
??? later - get Pitocin drip started, minimum 12 hours after 1st Cervidil!!!

From experience, I know Cervidil does not work on me!! My last induction was a nightmare.

I need labor to start, and I need it now! This labor seems like it will be sooooo long!!! I am honestly really scared of that!!!

I know it is a frequent question, but any tips?? We BD'd yesterday (frightening for poor DH), I had eggplant for lunch... what else???!!!

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

take a long walk....someone said squats earlier (not sure if that will work)

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

you can try castor oil..........although its not fun!

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

take lots of long walks; jumping jacks i heard as well.
I know how you feel about induction -

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

I've heard squats and climbing stairs... besides BD, physical activity helps...

good luck

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

spicy food? I honestly have no idea but and lots of labor vibes to you!

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

castor oil, lots and lots of walking, exercise (squats, a lot of house work, etc), eat a big meal (I know a few people who ate a really big meal and then went into labor later that night.) Good luck!! Your baby will be in your arms soon!!!

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

Take a long walk and bd again tonight-best of luck to u tomorrow- u r so lucky!!!! share pixs as soon as u can!!

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

From what I've read most midwives recommend 2 ounces mixed with something...........

Be aware that castor oil can cause diahrhea, abdominal carmping, nausea and vomiting. SO make sure you are near a bathroom!

It helps to get your GI system moving and clean you out....which in turn stimulates labor.............

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

I believe the castor oil is 2 oz mixed with oj. If you get no contractions drink it again 1 hour later.

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

Def call your dr before you take the castor oil. It can cause the baby to pass meconium in the amniotic fluid, which can cause aggravated breathing and infection in the baby. Along with terrible diarrhea. You dont want to be giving birth with that sensation and cramping.

Message edited 8/18/2008 9:47:03 PM.

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

I walked alot the day before i went into labor with my dd. I went food shopping then the mall and just kept on going.

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

i would say, in addition to BD'ing....ok, here goes, im gonna say it...
UM do it yourself...ALOT...
the more you "O" the better..

Message edited 8/18/2008 9:53:48 PM.

Re: Must avoid induction! I need labor NOW!!!

From Dr.Spock.com:

Several things can be done that might make you have contractions and start your labor, but they'll only work if your body is ready. If your body isn't prepared to go into labor, you can try as much as your heart desires, but you will only frustrate yourself.

Use caution when trying any of these natural methods to begin your labor, particularly herbs and nipple stimulation. The uterus can become hyperstimulated, meaning that it'll get too little rest between contractions. This can cause the baby to receive less oxygen, resulting in fetal heart rate slowing. Before trying any of these techniques, you should discuss them with your practitioner.

Walk
If you are having contractions but are not yet in labor, walking can help get things going. Walking allows your hips to sway side to side, which will help bring the baby into position to be born. Also, by standing upright, you're using gravity to move the baby down into the pelvis. Another plus: It usually feels good to walk when you are contracting. And of course, even if you don't go into full-blown labor, at least you're getting some exercise.

Sex
Making love can be one of the last things on a woman's mind toward the end of her pregnancy. She feels clumsy and big and may be experiencing a lot of vaginal pressure. But believe it or not, sex is one of the things you can do to get your labor under way. When you and your partner make love, his semen (which contains prostaglandins) can stimulate contractions.

Castor oil
For decades, women have been using castor oil to help induce labor. In fact, many old school physicians and midwives swear by it. It can provide good results if you are already in early labor. It is believed to work by causing spasms in the intestines, which surround the uterus toward the end of pregnancy. These spasms, in turn, cause the uterus to cramp, which might result in labor.

You can take 1 to 4 ounces of castor oil mixed with 6 ounces of orange juice to cut its oiliness. You'll want to drink it quickly because of the unpleasant taste. Some practitioners suggest taking a single dose; others suggest repeated doses depending on your response. Keep in mind that castor oil usually will cause your bowels to empty within about three hours. With luck, soon after that, you will be in true labor.

Spicy food
Some people swear that it was that extra-hot enchilada from their favorite Mexican restaurant that brought them face to face with their new baby. Unfortunately, the statistics are out on this one. You could try it, but if you have a full stomach when you are in labor, you might vomit and see that enchilada again--in less-than-appetizing circumstances.

Blue and black cohosh
These herbs are used often to induce labor. They may be particularly effective if you are having weak or irregular contractions. Blue cohosh is believed to make uterine contractions stronger, while black cohosh may regulate the contractions. Together, they work to make contractions more effective. Unfortunately, no studies have determined that these natural treatments are safe, or whether all versions of the herb available for purchase are of equal potency. Be sure to discuss any herbal treatment with your practitioner before attempting it, to see if it is a good idea in your situation.

Nipple stimulation
Some women massage their nipples as a way to induce labor. This stimulation brings about the release of oxytocin, which is the natural form of pitocin. Oxytocin causes contractions, which sometimes evolve into labor.

Most practitioners are not enthusiastic about this method of inducing labor, because it has been known to lead to excessively long, strong uterine contractions sometimes resulting in fetal heart rate slowing. Unless your practitioner advises it and is monitoring your progress closely, nipple stimulation is not recommended as a means for beginning labor.

Stripping the membranes
Your practitioner may offer to "strip your membranes" to help start your labor. This procedure usually feels like a vaginal examination, although it sometimes can be painful or cause cramping. The practitioner places her gloved finger through the cervix and sweeps the amniotic membranes free of their attachment to the lower part of the uterine cavity. This process is believed to release hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which help to ready your body for labor.

While some experts believe that stripping the membranes causes you to go into labor that day, the only research on this procedure was done by a group of midwives who stripped the membranes of a group of their patients at every visit to the office after 38 weeks gestation. Their findings showed that patients who had this procedure were less likely to go past their due dates. According to the study, the procedure didn't seem to pose any complications and didn't cause the patients' waters to break.

Even though your practitioner would be the one to do the procedure (vs. the other methods that can be done by you at home), we include it here because it is a non-medical intervention.

Factors of success
Many of these natural labor-inducing approaches can be effective if your body is ready to deliver your baby. To be successful, most of these techniques require you to be having contractions or perhaps in early labor.

Don't worry, though--whether one of these measures works or your body still needs more time, your little one will be joining your family soon. Try to be patient; you'll have a lifetime together when he finally does arrive.