Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

Hi girls. I am 40+ weeks (DD yesterday) and at my OB appointment yesterday, OB says I am completely sealed up- not softened nor dilated nor shortened nor effaced nor ANYTHING. She said my "cervix isn't ready". They're scheduling me for an induction this Sunday since my body isn't cooperating. Ugh. Obviously, I would prefer to go naturally and avoid induction/ pitocin. I have been patiently waiting and giving baby his time to grow, allowing my body to work, etc- but at this point, its looking like MEDICAL induction is my only option. I really wanted to go naturally as induction and pitocin seem like a nightmare to me and carry all those medical risks and heightened chance of c-section, etc etc. I'm trying to have them postpone their induction as long as possible to give him/my body a chance to make it happen on its own. But I don't really have too much say in the matter, the latest they'll wait is till Sunday night, when they are admitting me to the hospital for induction. In the meantime, I'm not trying all those wives tales, I feel like maybe I am still to early to turn to castor oil or the like. The ONLY thing I am trying is acupressure/ accupuncture/ massage if there's STILL no progress when I go back to the doc on Friday (they want to run a whole slew of new tests). Allegedly, I could naturally go into labor in the interim- but it seems unlikely. The OBVIOUS and most RATIONAL bottom line is that whatever gets him out is what has to be done- I get that- but I just want the absolute safest and most natural path to get him to progress, to give us both the best odds possible, you know? I'm technically overdue only by a freaking day- which is nothing- but I'm just concerned because if I was a cm dilated or a tiny effaced or SOMETHING, there would at least be some signs that my body is gearing up for labor. It goes without saying that I understand everyone thinks I should just be patient and wait it out- but if I do just 'wait it out', it looks like medical induction.

I read about acupressure/ acupuncture/ massage, and after researching it, its the only 'natural induction method' I really feel confident with.

Has anyone had a success story, of being completely closed up and then labor just starting naturally? Or has anyone done acupressure/ massage/ acupuncture to try and help things along? Or an induction that turned out just peachy? THANKS SO MUCH!

Sorry, this kinda turned into a vent! I'm just concerned and looking for some sort of direction with this situation.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

How old are you? Are there any factors that are making your OB want to induce you after one week?

I was 12 days late with DS - my own choice. My cervix was 1cm for 5 weeks and no effacing at all. I tried massage therapy, acupuncture, sex, lots and lots of walking, more sex, and evening primrose oil... nothing worked. I didn't want to do castor oil as I was afraid of becoming a sh!tty mess (haha) - though BFF took castor oil after two sessions of acupuncture and she went into labor. And had a SUPER FAST delivery.

By the time I was induced I was ready to get the baby out as he had no desire to come on his own.

I was given cytotek to soften my cervix and after two doses I went into labor on my own - but it was slow moving so they gave me pitocin. I was reluctant, but didn't want to sit in labor for 24hrs either...

Overall the induction was easy - pitocin wasn't nice, but I got an epidural to deal with that... though there are plenty of women who have gone through and induction without pain meds... I don't know how, but they did.

I would see if there is any way your OB would let you go longer (if you want)... as long as you and baby are OK there really isn't any "need" to induce.

HTH!

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

I agree with the above poster. Is there any medical reason for you to be induced after only one week? If not I would talk to your OB about waiting it out. Prostaglandins (sp?) in semen is supposed to ripen your cervix so my midwife recommended to help move things along.

It is possible to be induced and have a drug free vaginal birth. It's not ideal but I did it. Everyone is different and everyone reacts different to being induced. My SIL only needed cervadil to get things going and she had a vaginal delivery.
Good luck!

Message edited 11/29/2011 3:56:55 PM.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

Thanks so much for your input!

As far as age, I'm 31 and don't have any complications like GD. They say they only let women go to 1 week past their due date, regardless of circumstances, thats the latest they are comfortable with.

Appreciate the advice. Its reassuring to hear that the cytotek and pitocin worked out for you. I'm going to try and see how long they will let me hold off for and take it day by day. I'm looking into acupressure and acupuncture in the interim...

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

I was 11 days late with DS#1....my midwives scheduled the induction for Day 13 but I opted for castor oil after we stripped the membranes TWICE and nothing changed with my cervix....

I've also been told that the average first baby is born 41w3d if that helps you feel better......he/she will come when they're ready and don't feel pressured to be induced. It's YOUR body.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

Have you asked about having your membranes scraped?

DD was 4 days overdue. My doc scrapped my membranes. I went into early labor that night and DD arrived 2 days later.

I too was sealed shut!

Message edited 11/29/2011 5:41:15 PM.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

If you really want to wait-- many docs will allow you to go 2 weeks past your EDD.

Definitely see what other options you have to stir things up-- and research what is safe and within reason to wait to induce, if that's what you want.

With DD, my water broke (just a trickle), wasn't even sure it was my water. I was not contracting, not dilated, not effaced-- NADA. I was 5 days past my due date and they started me on pitocin and gave birth the same day. Water broke at about 7 30am, started pitocin at 11am, had Sasha at 11:05pm.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

My OB warned me highly AGAINST castor oil. He said that it causes many people to have vomiting & diarrhea which leads to dehydration.

The only 2 ways that I heard were worthwhile were sex & some alcohol.

There are risks of induction medically, but also risks of waiting (sounds like your group thinks the risk of waiting is more: my OB does too).

You can't really control everything about your childbirthing process & the surprises are only starting here.

That being said: god luck & I hope you are at the hospital right now, pushing.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

For what its worth my OB has been telling me the last few weeks that he wont let me go more than 1 week past my due date - and will induce me at 41 weeks. he said the old way of thinking is 42 weeks but that studies have shown that after 41 the risks outweigh the benefits. Goes to show you that every OB is different and so is every patient. I trust my doctor (which I cant say about every doctor that I have had) and so far havent questioned his advice- so I would probably just go along with his advice to have an induction at 41 w... if he had dsaid to have the induction at 42 weeks, I would listen to him just the same!

Message edited 11/30/2011 10:25:48 AM.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

First off, you DO have a say. It's your body. If there is NO MEDICAL reason for induction, I would hold off until 41-42 weeks.

Second, I was in the same exact position. I had to be induced because I was on blood thinners. I was closed shut, not effaced, high up, etc. I also was sad and wanted to go naturally.

Well, the morning of my induction I woke up having CONTRACTIONS!!! So it's possible! I was 2cm when I went to get induced and 70% effaced. So they said I could get induced still or go home for a few hours and walk and come back. Well I left and after an hour had to come right back because it was so intense and 5 minutes apart. I was 5-6 cm when I came back!! It went fast from there. Totally possible. Good luck!!!

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

I have no advice, just hope your DS comes on his own real soon!

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

I have a pretty conservative OB and she let me go 10 days over my due date without intervening. I started to go into labor on my own the day I was due back to see her, so they let me labor naturally for over 12 hours, then gave me pitocin and the epi.

Inducing you just one week after your due date seems too early to me. Especially if you are young and healthy.

I would push back and let your body do its thing!

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

You do not need to get induced on Sunday.

I was induced 10 days past my due date. Ended up with a csection but that was because he was 10lbs.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

Here's some actual medical literature (from a reputable journal) for you:

In a large study with over 6,500 patients, women induced at 41 weeks (versus those who were let to continue their pregnancy) had significantly LOWER cesarean rates & LOWER infant mortality rates (but not significant).

Sanchez-Ramos L, Olivier F, Delke I, Kaunitz AM. Labor induction versus expectant management for postterm pregnancies: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol. 2003;101:1312–8.

OBs make decisions with evidence backing them.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

oh, and what I did the day before labor started was got an hour foot massge (there are pressure points in your feet that can induce labor), pedicure with massage, cleaned my house up and down,walked a lot.

It might have helped or it just might have been time. Anyway, I woke up on the day of induction, in labor! Hope that happens to you!

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

Crashing. I was also a week late with a scheduled induction for a Tues morning, which would make me 41w and a few days. My water broke spontaneously while I was sleeping Friday morning, and I had DD that night just after midnight. I WALKED so much on Thursday, and I really do believe that helped.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

I was scheduled on overdue day #9 with DS, he came on his own on day#8, you have the right to tell your doctor to wait it out a little longer then a week if there are of course no pending problems.

Even going naturally, I still needed pitocin. . .if it makes you feel any better.

I walked I swear for 4 hours that day, I think that is the only thing that helped. Although, that night before I had my 1st contraction, I asked DH to tell him to get out, that I was tired & really wanted to meet him. . .which he did and a half hour later I had my first contraction!!!! Tell DH to give a stern talking too

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

Same thing happened to me! I was late, had a scheduled induction and the day before the induction, i went into labor on my own. I walked a lot and got a massage. Dont stress. It all works out.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

I have had long conversations with my Drs about my delivery due to the fact I had 2 clots in my leg recently.

My Dr will not let me go past 40 weeks. They will induce me but will not let the process go hours so unless I am showing progress I will end up having a c section.

I have personal feelings in induction. I think if you are completely closed then chances are you are looking at a long induction process and personally I do not think its good for the body. Most people I know who went through very long inductions ended up having a csection anyway and I dont see the point of putting the body through the trauma of the induction.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

I was just like you. I was overdue, cervix was completely closed, baby was high and maybe 50% effaced. I went in for a sono two days after my due date and they found that I had slightly less amniotic fluid than they'd like, maybe a 2 cm or so.

Any way, I had a choice to be induced or go through C, my dr. wanted me to try naturally because a C is a C no matter what. I got induced around 5:45PM, and DD was born 36 hours later naturally.

I never wanted to be induced, I always wanted my body to figure out when it would be time for DD to come but honestly if I would have let it go, then DD would have probably still been there.. no joke.

They gave me two rounds of cervadil and then I got pitocin. Now when my water broke, 11 hours after, they found meconium which is common for "overdue" babies. We did have a brief NICU stay, but all is well.

I labored long and hard, I took morphine towards the end (the l&d nurses couldn't believe I went 11 hours without anything) and at one point begged for C but my dr. assured me baby is doing well and I was progressing better than expected. I pushed long and hard as well.. I had no energy and had not eaten in about 2 days except for ice chips but it all went well.

You can take all our opinions and experiences with a grain of salt, because honestly whatever your dr. is what I think you should consider to do.

Good luck!!

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

Thank you girls all so very much! I honestly appreciate all your input and personal experiences. I sat hubby down last night and made him read through it all to give him a better understanding of what our options are.

ALL of our family and most friends have been encouraging us to just do what the doctors tell us to do, and not to question them. Just get induced on Sunday and deal with it. Literally, I was told "Just be happy you're even still pregnant and whatever or however the baby comes, tough luck, get over yourself". =) No one seems to get that it is my choice to be induced- and the risks that come with it. And that I am all about making informed decisions based on available information. I totally respect the doctor's opinions and all- but I don't want to be so rushed into/pushed into induction.

Thank you for the suggestions- I am going to ask about having my membranes scraped at my appt tomorrow. I am also going to advocate for myself and ask that the induction be pushed back if baby is healthy and there are no issues.

As far as the differing opinions about going along with doctors regarding induction vs. waiting, I hear you on the fact that they are the pro's and all that. And its not that I want to 'control' the situation or that I am worried about having a good experience. Its just that I want to give baby and myself the best odds- and so much that I have read basically boils down to induction = way higher incidence of c/s, lower apgar scores, etc.

I think about sitting around the table with a few girlfriends over the summer- all six were mommies- and all six had c-sections. Four were induced. I just feel like doctors have no patience and are in such a freaking rush.

I looked into some natural induction methods and did a bunch of research. Like I said previously, the only methods I am comfortable with are acupressure/ acupuncture/ massage/ reflexology/ moxibustion. The other methods and wives tales just are not for me. Nothing against all the girls trying castor oil, sex, raspberry leaf tea, enema, evening primrose oil, pineapple, etc- but I feel like those can maybe push you further or get help you progress if you are already a few cm dilated or having contractions. And thats a big MAYBE. I do understand that there is actual science behind the sex, exercise, nipple stimulation, and primrose oil, and even in disrupting the bowels. But like I said, I feel like its a possible small push- and won't really start the process if you are completely closed up like me. (The exercise is a no-brainer- obviously can't hurt- and is already a part of my daily life as I am pretty active as is).

I couldn't find any LOCAL info & resources online about practitioners on Long Island that do either acupressure, reflexology, acupuncture, massage and moxibustion specifically for pregnancy- so I had to call around a bunch. Found only a small handful of practitioners that are willing to do maternity/induction methods. Just cutting and pasting some of the info below in case anyone is in a similar situation or is curious about these methods.

(Google 'maternity acupressure' or 'maternity acupuncture'... or 'induce labor' or 'natural induction' ALONG with one of the following 'acupressure/ acupuncture/ massage/ reflexology/ moxibustion'. There's a ton of info.)

Incidentally, I went for moxibustion (which is essentially just applying heat to pressure points, its a chinese method) last night at a chinese herbalist in Wantagh. I might not have gone if I was simply overdue- like I said, I am willing to wait it out- but I am overdue with no dilation, softening, effacement, etc- and I just want to get the ball rolling a little bit, you know?

It was interesting and I feel like it might have jump started things but no contractions or anything like that. More importantly, the time that she was doing the pressure points, I was meditating and regulating my breathing and doing visualization and such. I suppose I could have just done that at home- but I feel like the combined effort definitely relaxed me and released some oxytocin. I'm due to go for 'induction' acupuncture tomorrow or Monday- I don't know if I am keeping that appointment. If my doc will let me push the induction, then I will similarly push the acupuncture back.

Thanks again for everyone's super helpful info and especially for the support and well wishes!

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LOCAL practitioners that specialize in natural induction via acupuncture/ acupressure/ etc (please feel free to add any that I don't know of!)

South Shore Acupuncture
Lynbook, Roberta
Specializes in induction via acupuncture
$100 1st appt, $50 each one after
Might be covered by ins.
In the office M,W,F. To schedule an appointment, call 596-1011.
http://southshoreacupuncture.com/

Wantagh Chinese Herbalist and Medicine
Induction via reflexology, acupuncture, moxibustion
$60 reflexology feet, 1 hr
$30 moxibustion, 30 min
http://www.acupi.com/

South Shore Spa
Babylon
Won't purposely provoke labor- but relaxes muscles and cervical area through pregnancy massage which can lead to oxytocin release, contractions, etc
$80
http://babylonwellnesscenter.com/
(They are obviously one of many places that do maternity/pregnancy massage. Other places with pregnancy tables- with cutouts for the belly- include
simplymassage.us Wantagh
healingwithmassage.com Smithtown)

Message edited 12/1/2011 5:24:19 PM.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

Heading to the OB now for them to check up on things- cross your fingers for me!

=)

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

fingers crossed! Keep us posted.

Re: Overdue & Induction? WWYD/ thoughts?

i was just like you, and opted to have a c-section.....it was great...
i was sore for a few days, but was so glad i did it, it was the safest for the baby....i don't trust drugs that induce labor, a lot of the time they don't work