Cytotec induction story

[chinesebones]

My cytotec induction story: due to gestational diabetes, my midwives wanted to induce me before term.  I was 39w3d when they did the first cytotec “ripening” treatment.  At the start, my cervix was still long and tight (in spite of all the walking, evening primrose, cohoshes, bromelain and sex of the previous week.)  They inserted 25 mcg and left me on the monitor for an hour to make sure the baby was responding well; then I walked the halls for an hour and they sent me home effaced to 80% but not dilated.  I had some cramping but nothing overwhelming.  We went home and walked and walked but to no avail.  The next day they repeated the same treatment, and I dilated to 1 ½ cm.  I also had good cramps during the treatment, but they went away afterwards.  Walking brought them back but only temporarily.  The third day they admitted me into the hospital and gave me 3 doses of 25 mcg at four hour intervals, again with the same protocols.  I walked the halls and spent some time in the Jacuzzi tub, which felt like it stopped my contractions but actually just made them more comfortable, but after the three treatments I had only dilated to 2 cm.  The contractions were strong but not painful; in fact they felt good, like stretching your legs after a long car ride.  The midwife gave me the option of trying again that evening or going to sleep.  I was exhausted from getting up so early every day that week, so I opted to go to sleep and try again the next day.  Of course I started having painful contractions during the night so didn’t get much sleep.  The fourth day they gave me 50 mcg of cytotec, and that caused me to lose my mucous plug… unfortunately the pill came out with the plug, so I had to wait another four hours while the midwives discussed with the doctor whether to put me on a pitocin drip or not.  I was very upset because I didn’t want to be constantly attached to an iv and the fetal monitor, but a wonderful nurse came to my assistance and convinced them to try another 50 mcg dose of cytotec first.  That was enough to get labor started in earnest, and six intense hours later I was fully dilated and starting to push.  The midwife broke my water, and Eliza Byrd was born after 30 minutes of pushing (using a birthing bar, which was great.)  She was a very healthy 9lb 5oz.  I had a good bit of bleeding after the birth and required oxytocin and another drug whose name I’ve forgotten.  I don’t know whether this was due to the cytotec or not; the midwife did say that the placenta was “huge” so that may have had something to do with it.  However, after reading all the horror stories on the web about cytotec induction, my experience was not bad at all; I’m convinced that if it weren’t for the ripening sessions, pitocin induction would not have worked, and I would have had a c-section.  I am very grateful to the midwives for their patience and the hospital staff for their support and assistance.  Since this was my first delivery, I can’t say whether the labor was more intense than usual; I did have back labor which was brutal, but at least it was quick for a first delivery (not counting the three days leading up to it!)

[snagglepuss1]

wow what a long drawn out process! congrats on your new arrival, she is quite big considering you are a first timer! my 2nd baby was only 9lbs so you got me beat!
again congrats and enjoy those first few special weeks bonding.

[Crritter]

Glad they got baby out, really not beofre term, as they consider you term around 37 weeks.  Surprised htey let a GD baby go so long you were almost at due date when you had your little one.  I did cytotec the first time, had it every 4 hours for 24 hours, then my water broke on it's own.  I contracted well, but needed pitocin as I would slow down as the 4 hrs were ending.  I had a big one too, 10 lbs. 3 oz.  I don't think the bleeding is from the cytotec, I had no problems.  I htink labor is no fun no matter what, but glad to hear you had a good experience, mine was nice too.