What should I expect from my Induction?

[Whitneylauren]

Hello All!
With my first son I went into labor at 38 weeks, and delivered a healthy baby boy in 45 minutes. So, for this baby, by midwife has decided I need to be induced. Tomorrow I go into the hospital for the induction. What kind of things can I expect to happen? What will they do to start the labor (I am already dialated to a 4)? How long does it take?
Thanks!

[KM604]

I was induced at 39 weeks.  I was only dilated 1cm but when they hooked me up to the monitors they said I was having contractions.  They started the Pitocin at 6am and by 8am I was 3cm, with VERY mild contractions, and they broke my water.  The contractions started immediatly after that and I was 4cm 45 minutes later, thats when I got the epidural.  Then at 11am I was 7cm and by 1:30pm 10cm.  Then I had to push for 2 hours because my little girl was still sitting high, but she came at 3:28pm.  The doctor said I progressed rather quickly, especially for a first time delivery.  But I have heard that inducing can slow labor also, I guess it just depends on your body.

[evthing4reason]

my induction has been postponed until tomorrow since our hospital can only induce 1 person a day, i see the Dr later today, but i started having some more pressure and back pain again today

[JoyRenee]

Since you're already dilated, ask to have your water broken BEFORE you get Pitocin. Ask them if they'll hold off on the Pitocin as long as possible. Sometimes breaking the bag of waters throws you into labor so quickly. Pitocin is not fun.

[gina1978]

If your having contractions now then if you do get induced it should go fairly quickly.How intense are they?I'm so excited for you!

[evthing4reason]

if i don't have my baby tonight (starting to have some contractions now) i will be induced tomorrow...hopefully i will go naturally

[gina1978]

They will give you medicine through an iv and within 2 hours you will start to have contractions(it took about 2 hours for me)Since your 4cm dialated already I would think it should go alot faster then it did for me.Make sure if you are getting an epidoral you don't wait to long because I went from dialated to 6 to 9 really quick and by that time it was to late to get one.Be prepared to go from 0 to 60 with the contractions.It hit me hard and fast.In my opinion you will go fast.