At my 36 week appointment the midwife was concerned that my bump was measuring slightly smaller than expected, so we were referred for a growth scan. The sonographer assessed that the baby’s growth had slowed slightly, and it was recommended that we have an induction at 37 weeks.
Prostaglandin
We arrived at the maternity ward at Croydon University Hospital at 10.30am on Friday, and after waiting for a consultant to give the all clear I had a sweep and a prostaglandin pessary inserted late afternoon. Not much was likely to happen so after spending the evening watching a film together Jon went home and I tried to get some sleep.
The next day was all about oxytocin boosting - Jon had downloaded more films, he kept me topped up with Costa Christmas-inspired hot chocolates, and in between having the baby’s heart rate monitored we walked MILES around the hospital.I had occasional cramping but it was mild and I breathed my way through it.
I was examined on Saturday afternoon, and I was 1cm dilated. I felt a bit deflated but focussed on the fact that it was progress. The next step was a prostaglandin gel on Saturday evening, with another application at 2am on Sunday. A check at 7am showed I was 2cm and so was able to progress to the next stage.
After a bit of a wait we moved to a delivery room, setting it up how we wanted, and at 5pm our lovely midwife broke my waters (I was offered gas and air, which I accepted, but am not sure I really needed it). I had a shower while waiting to see if anything would start.
Syntocinon
An hour later and nothing much had happened, so I was recommended the syntocinon drip. Although my contractions, or surges, had been mild throughout, I was exhausted by this point from not having had much sleep on the ward, and after discussing options I decided to have an epidural so I could rest.
Over the next few hours Jon and I rested while I gradually dilated. At one point the baby’s heart rate dipped (which prompted about 12 people to suddenly rush into the room) and the drip was paused, but after the heart rate appeared normal again it recovered. Other than that the night was relatively uneventful, and Jon and I both got some rest.
I was offered vaginal examinations every two hours, and at 4am had reached 10cm! Due to the earlier heart rate dip, the recommendation was to stop the drip for a while before starting to push, to give both me and the baby a chance to rest. At around 6am the syntocinon drip was started again and I was coached as to when to push. However, after a while not much was happening and the doctor suggested an episiotomy and ventouse delivery.
Although it was not what I had wanted, we decided that this was the best plan for us and agreed to go ahead.
At 6.57am on Monday we became parents!
Although it wasn’t my plan A, I look back on my experience with positive memories. I used my hypnobirthing techniques, Jon knew how to be a fab birth partner, and I was calm and relaxed throughout.
BUT. I wish I’d asked more questions about WHY I was being induced. It was recommended as the best thing for my baby, and it may well have been, but if I’d understood better I might have made different decisions, OR would’ve felt more confident that we were doing the right thing.
That’s why I’m passionate about helping pregnant women feel confident and empowered to question what’s being recommended, and make sure that they’re doing exactly what’s right for them and their babies!
I talk about induction methods, and how you can use hypnobirthing techniques during an induction, in more detail in my hypnobirthing courses. Click here to have a look at what I can offer.
Katie x
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