Tips for Your Induction
According to data from a 2018 study, nearly 42% of first time mothers were scheduled for an induction. Sometimes those inductions were medically necessary and sometimes the birthing person chose to schedule an elective induction. You may find yourself discussing and scheduling induction with your OB or midwife for a number of reasons. Regardless of the reason, we have some tips to help your induction be a better experience for you and your partner.
Before the Induction Date:
First and foremost, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask your provider to tell you your Bishop Score to see if your body is favorable for induction. Find out what options you have for an induction so you and your care provider can come up with a plan that works for you. Discuss pain medication options if that is something you want to utilize. At home, finish up all those last minute things you need to have ready to bring your baby home. Make sure the baby’s car seat is correctly installed in your car. Pack a bag for you and your partner for the induction. Pack a separate bag for yourselves and the baby for after the baby is born. Make sure you pack something to do like playing cards in case your induction takes a while (inductions for first time moms can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days). Treat yourself by getting a prenatal massage, a chiropractic adjustment, a session with an acupuncturis, and-if it’s your jam-a mani/pedi. Plan a couple of fun dates with your partner or a hangout with your bestie. Get plenty of rest.
The Day of Induction:
Practice patience. While you may have an induction date on the calendar, don’t be surprised if the hospital calls you to reschedule for a few hours later or even for the following day. Sometimes maternity wards have too many people in labor to safely start an induction with a new patient. If this happens, just carry on your day and night as you normally would. Continue to get some rest and do things that you enjoy.
If your induction begins in the evening with a Cooks catheter or a Foley bulb or doses of misoprostol (commonly known as Cytotec) or an application of Cervadil, plan to try to rest throughout the night as much as you can. Some hospitals will offer you a sleep aid such as Ambien or Unisom. Try to make your room as cozy as possible with soft lighting via flameless candles or strands of twinkle lights. Conisder playing some relaxing music. Bring some pictures of your pet or people that you love. Place some drops of your favorite essential oils on some cotton balls and place those around your room. Snuggle up with your favorite blanket from home. Make sure your partner also has something comfy to sleep in and a blanket and pillow that they love. While the hospital will provide linens and pillows, you’ll be happier with having those favorite cozy items from your home.
Once your Foley bulb has come out or your cervix has become more ripe and favorable, your provider will probably want to do a cervical exam and may want to begin a low dose of Pitocin. Before this gets started, be sure to eat a good meal as some providers encourage only clear liquids while Pitocin is being administered. Ask that the Pitocin only be increased by a small amount every 30 minutes. This will help you get a little more rest and get accustomed to new sensations before things get more active.
If Pitocin or Cytotec is being used in your induction, you’ll have continous fetal monitoring. Ask your nurse to use the wireless monitors so you can move around as needed (typically you can still get in water with these monitors but always check with your nurse before getting in the tub or shower). If the bands of fabric holding the monitors in place are irritating you, ask for a wide band of fabric (looks a little like a tube top) to hold the monitors in place.
As contractions begin to intensify, get out of bed and start moving. Most folks find that rhythm and movement not only helps them better able to manage contractions, but it also helps the labor progress. Try a new position at least every 30 minutes. Sway or dance to some of your favorite music.
Have your partner give you counter pressure during contractions. They can also help guide your breathing. Slow deep breaths (good inhales, longer and stronger exhales) during contractions can be helpful. Get in the shower or the tub and let the warm water help relax you. Your doula or partner can take the showerhead and spray it across your belly or against your back during contractions. Make sure you are emptying your bladder at least once an hour. While you are on the toilet, try to stay there for a few contractions as it is known as “the dilation station”.
If you’ve gotten an epidural or are using other pain medications you are likely going to be confined to your bed. Most nurses will move you within your bed every 15-30 minutes after you’ve gotten your epidural. Mimic movement by asking your nurse to use the peanut ball to keep your pelvis open for your baby’s descent. You can also move the bed in different ways to help mimic gravity and this will also help the labor progress.
It is very common for an OB or midwife to want to break your water as part of the induction process. Be aware that the contractions may intensify after your water is broken. If you are planning on an epidural you might consider getting it placed before your doctor breaks your water. If you aren’t planning on an epidural, keep moving and using the ideas in previous paragraph to help you manage your advancing labor.
If you find that your contractions seem to be coming right on top of each other, ask your labor and delivery nurse if they can decrease the amount of Pitocin being administed. Sometimes, your own body may get going on its own with just a small amount of Pitocin and you can ask for it to be turned off to see if your labor will continue to advance on its own.
These tips should help your induction go a little more smoothly and help keep you and your partner a little more calm and comfortable throughout the process.