Update on Calcified Placenta and ? on being induced (please use as open forum if needed)

Had another scan on Wednesday and my Placenta is not producing anymore (or not enough liquid).
Went in to the Clinic today just to check the babies heartbeat and measure my contractions and everything is ok there.

However, I may need to be induced next week (hopefully they can induce and not have to perform C-Section).

Will be going for another scan on Monday to access everything.

I am almost 38 weeks and the baby weighs about 7pounds, so if they do induce me the baby is healthy.

Just wanted to know from you ladies is, when being induced what do they do to you? Is it true that the contractions are more painful? After how many attempts do the Doc's give up and go for the C-Section? I will ask my Doctor mext week, but I feel that you ladies are more truthful when it comes to talking about pain.

Thanks and hope you all have a great weekend.

[pixijal]

Induction is typically done with an intraveinous drug called pitocin.  When you get to hospital, they will draw blood, have you sign a bunch of papers, and insert an IV.  Once this process is begun, there is no 'second attempt'...you will have the baby.  If your body does not cooperate, they will do surgery (csection).  

In addition to the pitocin, they may break your water bag to assist in induction...There is also something they put on your cervix to soften it.  I cannot remember the name of it.  

Yes, contractions from induction are more painful.  Because a chemical is causing them, the body does not have it's natural resting state between them, and they can come right on top of each other.  It is painful since you don't get much 'down time' in between them.  

Some women may have a great nurse, and pitocin is controlled very well.  In that case, it will probably not be nearly as painful.

I have been induced twice, and both times had an epidural.  GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!

[peekawho]

There are several methods for induction, and which method is used depends on many factors.  Often, a pill called Cytotec is used, or a tape called Cervidil.  These are placed vaginally for a period of time, generally the night before the induction.  You are usually in the hospital and monitored during this time. Other places use a prostaglandin gel, and it is inserted, monitored for an hour or two, and you are sent home.  

If your cervix is far enough dilated, sometimes the doctor will go ahead and use Pitocin first.  

It is not necessarily true that once the induction is started, you will not be sent home.  I've sent home many a disappointed mom after a failed induction.  It depends on the reason the induction is being done.  If its strictly for convenience and there is no urgent medical reason, often women are sent home if the induction does not work.  However, if there is a pressing medical need to get the baby out (and your situation may well be one), then yes, if the induction fails, usually you will wind up with a C/S.  

[cutiemama]

I was induced with both my kids. As peekawho stated, they will (or should) send you home if you're not ready for the induction. With my 1st I was postdate and they gelled me twice and sent me home each time until my water broke at which point they began the pitocin. With my 2nd, I had low amniotic fluid so they had to get baby out and they just broke my water and then began the pitocin immediately. And yes, the contractions are painful but that's what the epidural's for! Good luck.

[anxiousmomtobe?]

No words about induction, just wanted to say that I am thinking of you and I hope you see that baby soon.

[Elicam]

Thank you all. I will keep you updated on the progress. Due to have a scan on Monday, if the Fluid is low, I think they will keep me in.

I am hoping not to have an Epidural, as out of the whole labour thing, that is the only thing that frightens me, so hopefully I will be able to handle it, after all my mum done it 4 times.

Hope you all have a good weekend.