Here's a Tip you may not know that could help you avoid complications and maybe even an epidural!
So, you have decided to schedule an induction. I do hope your care provider has explained that there are risks involved. You've discussed the risks, understand the process, interventions and procedures that are likely to be administered, you've made up your mind, and decided this is what you want to do. I have 1 Tip for you. There are different medications used during a labor induction. Before labor the cervix is usually tight and closed. During labor, the cervix changes. It softens and thins, and opens up. This opening up is called dilation. During normal spontaneous labor, a woman's body will release a hormone called oxytocin that will trigger her uterus to contract and dilate. To create contractions during an induction, the hospital will likely be using a synthetic version of the oxytocin called Pitocin. And here is my tip. Start low and slow. Understand that higher doses of pitocin will not always create faster dilation. What they often do, is cause you higher pain and discomfort (stronger contractions don't equal faster dilation!) which will lead to requesting the epidural. Even if the epidural is part of your birth plan, and you desire to have it, I want you to know something. The synthetic pitocin dose that is equivalent to the body's natural prodcution of oxytocin is about 6 mU/minute. Anything higher may cause very painful contractions that come close together. Personally, I have experienced 3 natural unmediated births, and one induction w/ high doses (above 20 units!) of pitocin w/ an epidural. The natural births were much more comfortable, especially since I was not tied to machines, IV's and monitors. I was able to move freely with my natural births which helped me cope with the contractions because I could change positions, or even take a bath or shower. Higher doses can cause issues for the baby, as well as your uterus when it comes time to deliver the placenta and may contribute to PPH (post partum hemmorhage). So, if my dear friend, you have consented to an induction you CAN also decide what your consent will be when it comes to the dosage for the pitocin. For more information check out mama natural's post here: https://www.mamanatural.com/pitocin/
With love, Gloria