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2 Apr 2024

Preparing for Induced Labor: What to Expect

Childbirth
Delivery method
Preparing for Induced Labor: What to Expect
Induction of labor is typically recommended in situations where continuing the pregnancy poses risks to the mother or baby.
Common reasons include overdue pregnancy, maternal health conditions like hypertension, or signs of distress in the baby.
Specifics of the Induction Process
Types of Induction Methods
  • Medications: Prostaglandins (like Cervidil) to ripen the cervix, and Oxytocin (Pitocin) to stimulate contractions.
  • Mechanical Methods: Foley bulb or membrane sweeping to physically encourage cervical dilation.
Timeline Expectations
  • Initial Response: The body's response to induction methods can vary. Some women may start labor within hours, while others might take a day or more.
  • Progress Monitoring: Regular checks will monitor cervical dilation and effacement, as well as the baby's heart rate.
Preparing Mentally and Physically
Mental Preparation
  • Educational Resources: Read up on induction procedures or watch informational videos for a clearer understanding.
  • Emotional Readiness: Prepare mentally for the possibility of a long and potentially challenging labor process.
Physical Preparation
  • Hospital Bag Checklist: Pack essentials like comfortable clothing, toiletries, a birth plan, snacks, a phone charger, and items for relaxation such as music or books.
  • Physical Comfort Strategies: Plan for items that might provide comfort, such as a maternity pillow or a massage roller.
Support System
  • Choose Your Birth Partner Wisely: Whether it’s your partner, a family member, or a doula, ensure they are someone who can provide the emotional and physical support you need.
  • Communication with Healthcare Providers: Keep an open line of communication with your medical team. Feel free to ask questions about any part of the process.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Pain Relief Options
  • Medicated Options: Discuss with your doctor the use of epidurals or other pain relief medications.
  • Natural Methods: Consider breathing exercises, meditation, or labor positions to manage discomfort.
During the Wait
  • Activities to Pass Time: Bring along activities to help pass the time, such as books, puzzles, or a tablet for movies.
  • Mobility: If permitted, walking or light movement can help with comfort and potentially progress labor.
Post-Induction Considerations
  • Recovery Planning: Understand the postpartum recovery process, including potential physical and emotional changes.
  • Breastfeeding Support: If you intend to breastfeed, inquire about lactation support services at your hospital.
Q&As
  1. How long does induced labor typically take? The duration varies. It can range from a few hours to over a day, especially for first-time mothers.
  2. Can I eat during induced labor? This depends on hospital policy and how your labor progresses. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
  3. Is induced labor more painful than natural labor? The experience of pain varies. Some women report more intense contractions with induced labor.
  4. What are the signs that induction is working? Regular, progressive contractions and cervical dilation are signs that labor is progressing.
  5. Can I walk around during induction? Depending on your medical condition and hospital policy, you may be allowed to walk or move around.
Understanding what to expect during induced labor and preparing accordingly can help ensure a more positive and less stressful birthing experience.
All I Need to Know
Induced Labor
1 min read
J
Jaiden
6 Dec 2023

I’m getting induced on Friday does anybody have any labor tips for me? 😩 I’m soo excited but scared at the same time 😭🥹 idk what to expect this is my first pregnancy

Childbirth Delivery method
13 comments
S
Shenae
Don’t tense up during contractions but breathe deep as if blowing out candles and pace yourself.
27 Mar 2024

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C
Charlie
Ask any and all questions that you have. Deep breaths through contractions, you're going to do great! Good luck 💜
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
18 Sep 2023

Well it was not in my plans but I go in wed night to be induced. What I should I bring and expect to happen? Pretty nervous because everyone says it hurts worse than natural labor.

Childbirth Delivery method
9 comments
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Loodie27💜😘
Definitely hurts worse I was in the hospital crying when the contractions was coming 😩
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
anything that can help? I am really aiming for no epidural
27 Mar 2024

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Courtney
22 Jul 2023

I had my last doctor's appt. Monday and my cervix is still completely closed (He's just in there livin his best life!) I'm getting induced on Monday. Is the process of being induced miserable and longer if there's no signs of labor coming soon? When I was pregnant with my daughter my entire labor was about 6 hours long so I don't know what to expect! #induction

Childbirth Delivery method
5 comments
M
Megan
My induction was easy, I was at about 2 cm when they started. But start to finish was about 11.5 hours and that was my first birth lol
27 Mar 2024

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Courtney
thank you! I'm so nervous but I'm also so miserable at this point that I'm ready!
27 Mar 2024

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Tiara
28 Jun 2023

How many mom have been induced?? I’m getting induced in 1 week&4 days. What should I expect?? Did you get induced by the iv, gel or the pill in you vagina. I’m kind of scared. Idk what to expect. First time getting induced. My first baby came natural at 36 weeks&4 days weighing 5 lbs 10 oz. They say this baby is around 6 lbs.

Childbirth Delivery method
2 comments
B
Brittany
I was induced at 39 weeks and 37 weeks with my boys. Both were iv pitocin. To me the worst part was when the Dr came in and broke my water without warning me!! Other than that I had no issues. You just get to relax and try to sleep!
27 Mar 2024

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Destiny
IV pitocin. Contractions seemed stronger with pitocin and rushed. Dilation came quick. Water breaking was a relief feeling. Everyone is different but I hated my induction versus my natural births I hated my epidural birth worst of all so I only had one baby with epidural this will be my 6th.
27 Mar 2024

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Angela
15 Jun 2023

Hello, I am 32 weeks and planning on getting induced on July 31st. Any advice on things I should or shouldn't eat the day before induction? Or exercises to do to help with labor? I was induced with my first so I somewhat know what to expect. But I remember having horrible back labor so anything I can do to prevent that? I plan on laboring in the tub. And maybe getting a heating pad for my back if they allow that at the hospital.

Childbirth Delivery method
2 comments
🍹
🍹Jenni
I would say use pregnancy ball if you have one! Those pelvic exercises really help with delivery. I had back contractions my first pregnancy. Heating pad really helps so that’s a good idea. Also since you are planning a water birth, I feel like that’s going to help your pain tremendously.
27 Mar 2024

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A
Angela
I just plan on laboring in the tub but will be delivering at the hospital so I can only use it for during labor
27 Mar 2024

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Erica
8 Jun 2023

Getting induced on friday next week😵😳... what can i expect/prepare myself for?

Childbirth Delivery method
2 comments
C
Catherine
I was induced twice, the first time went so great, I was on labor 12 hours, I pushed twice and kh baby was out. I literally had very minimal pain. The second time was 13 hours, I pretty much screamed my whole labor because the epidural did not work at all, and I pushed about 5-10 minutes which still wasn't bad. Overall, pretty good experiences
27 Mar 2024

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Cassie
8 Jun 2023

Also I keep having a gut feeling he won't make it till the 13th. With the way I've been feeling the past few days. But I'm also so scared to go into labor on my own since I have always been induced I don't really know exactly what to expect and it's scary

Childbirth Delivery method
1 comments
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Bren 🤰🏻🩵BOY MOM🩵🤰🏻
I was told getting induced is way worse than going naturally. I hope this gives you less anxiety about letting nature take its course 🩵
27 Mar 2024

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Blocked user
22 Nov 2022

Question ladies that have been induced before. Does it hurt worse then going into labor on your own? I’m suppose to get induced 12/10 if baby doesn’t come before then. Idk what to expect.

Childbirth Delivery method
3 comments
J
Janautica buckhannon
Umm more likely but I never got induce
27 Mar 2024

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Brinaja
Yea it does and to me I think you are in labor much longer .
27 Mar 2024

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Anna
2 Nov 2022

Hey mamas , i am 32 weeks pregnant with my third baby . I was induced with my first two and honestly have no idea what contractions feel like or any signs of labor . my boy is measuring big and also ahead and i live an hour away from the closest hospital to deliver at so i want to know what to expect .. what is the best way you can describe labor and contractions ?

Childbirth Delivery method
4 comments
M
Majiah
It’s like the feeling of having diarrhea but not being able to go
27 Mar 2024

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Jordan
Contractions hurt like hell !!!
27 Mar 2024

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West
15 May 2022

Hopefully today is my last day pregnant 😂💕 scheduled to be induced today!!! Can anybody give me any tips or what to expect? Or a prayer I’m ready for whatever but also a little curious and anxious lol

Childbirth Delivery method
8 comments
e
erykah
Praying everything goes well for you!
27 Mar 2024

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Tessa
prayers for you 🙏💞
27 Mar 2024

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