What else happens with Pitosin inductions?

Sorry to post again (as I'm scheduled for induction with Pitison tomorrow and am very anxious mostly b/c first baby and baby is big since 2 weeks overdue so risk for complications and c section). Anyway, I know with epidural you get an IV and urinary catheterization so have to stay in bed, but is this true for Pitosin alone? If I find out I'll be catheterized with Pitosin, then I'll get epidural immediately but if not then I might want to wait for epidural. I don't like idea of catheterization. Does anyone know from experience of what they've heard is typical?

[dbestone]

The Pitocin is given through an IV. Your only going to be allowed to be detached to go to the bathroom, then your hooked right back up. When the labor progressed enough where I needed an epidural, thats when they gave the catherter. I was so numb that I wasnt aware how full my bladder was and I was unable to go on my own. The full bladder was interferring with the labor. So, again, until the pain starts to kick in unbareably, I say hold off on the epidural. With me it took 27 hours before I delivered. The epidural to me seemed to be wearing off, and because I had it in for so long, I was kind of restricted from getting more doses. Hope this helps a little. I hope you have a safe delivery! Good Luck

[mb2006]

Thank you! That does help.

[mgi]

three deliveries
all three pitocin - easy as pie - (course I would KILL my doctor if he waited till I was 41 weeks to induce me - that wouldn't happen!)
that aside -
last two were epidurals - NEVER catheter - was offered catheter and bed pan - politely refused both - no thank you!!!!!

I was given pitocin because my contractions were sooooooooo far apart but I was dilated to 8 - and boom I delivered within the hour

[pixijal]

I would relax.  Your baby is more than ready to come out.  Pitocin induced labor can get painful, and planning on the epidural sounds like a good birth plan.  IF you do need catherization, just get it after the epidural is in place, and you'll never feel it.  I promise.  It only takes a few seconds to put in, and mine were always removed when it was time to push.  

Good luck to you!

[peekawho]

Labor is different for everyone, but they'll start the pitocin first, and then when you feel you need the epidural, ask for it.  Our hospital has no 4cm limit...you can have it whenever you want, as long as you're contracting well and need it.  

[mami2karina]

They won't give you an epidural right away, you have to be 4cm dilated first.  Otherwise if they give it to you and your labor hasn't begun to really progress, you may not progress.  I was given pitocin because my water broke and I was contracting at all.  Once it kicks in it's not going to stop, there's usally no time in between contractions, like if you went into labor normally.  I'm not trying to scare you but an induced labor is harder than a natural labor and you should no that going in, I wish I had.  I hope this time I go naturally and don't need meds to assit me in my labor.  Good luck.  You'll have your little one in your arms in no time!

[mgi]

I think you need to experience it - because it seems we have very different opinions

I had natural labor till the end and then pitocin with my first
completely induced with my second
and this last one was a sort of combination

let me tell you FOR ME (that is)  natural labor is a zillion times worse than induction
induction was a piece of cake

[Crritter]

I had pitocin with both and ended up with an epidural well into them.  My first one it took 2 days, I made it the first day without, but when my water broke I was done.  You don't get a catheter with just the pitocin, you just have to take the IV stand with you to the bathroom.  For me it was a pain to get in and out of bed and with my second baby my pelvis hurt so bad and I had back labor so I was not really into getting up and down and hooking myself back up to the monitor.  As for the epidural, they usually make you wait till you are into an active pattern and at a 4 or at least have your water broken before they give it to you.  I wish I could have gotten mine ASAP, I reacted to the pitocin both times and just never came down form the peak of my contraction, so placing the epidural was tough.  It was so worth it though, and it's nice knowing when you go intothe hospital and knowing what to expect.  Good luck tomorrow.  I hope you get in right away.  

[cutiemama]

I had 2 inductions with pitocin. The catheter comes into play after you've received the epidural; but even then, you don't have to be catheterized. I refused w/ both my kids.

[billnjess]

I am being induced tomorrow morning at 4:30 am. I have never been induced before, this is my 4th child. I have heard horror stories about pitocin! I've never had an epideral either, the anxiety is getting high because of all of this. Is getting pitocin really that bad? How long does pitocin take to make you dialate, and am I really going to need an epideral? I am about 1 1/2 centimeters and 20% efaced and 41 weeks. Im just really nervous about this, and the risk of a c-section.