Induction without Epidural? Experiences Wanted

Question

I've been discussing the option of induction with this baby, due to the fact that I had extreme pre-eclampsia with my son, and it was an absolutely miserable delivery. Because I already had it with my son, and I'm already presenting small symptoms, there's a chance I might end up with it again. However, I already decided that I will be doing this without an epidural.

My question to those of you who have already had your child/one in the past..... Have you given birth, from being induced, and managed to make it through the labor and delivery without pain medication? If you have, can you please share your experience? I'm curious about the added pain, if you're confined to your bed, etc. Thanks in advance!

Answer

My first daughter, I was induced. I got an epidural and I enjoyed the whole labor and delivery with no pain and knew what was going on. This time around I had preeclampsia, diabetes, anemia and low platelets. Due to the low platelets, they told me I couldn't have an epidural. Then when I was in labor, it happened so fast that I wasn't able to get pain meds. It was horrible. My blood pressure went through the roof and they were afraid of me having a stroke or seizures. Then my heart rate shot up and they thought I was going to have a heart attack. I hemorrhaged because I didn't have control over the pushing. Thankfully she was out in 10 minutes. But now 5 days post partum, I'm still drained, anemic, and on blood pressure meds. Not saying this to scare anyone out of a non medicated birth by any means, this just happened to be what happened to me. It was completely opposite of my first time around.

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I was induced so labored purely in bed. I only used gas and one 10 mg dose of morphine and that's it (which I think is pretty damn good) and it was painful but bareable 😊

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Following - I'm going to be induced at 39 weeks because our baby has a serious heart defect and the closest hospital she can go to is far away. They don't want to risk her being born at a hospital that is not prepared for her condition. I was originally planning on a natural birth and now I have the added motivation to do it natural because she will be taken right to the nicu. If I get an epidural I won't be able to move for a long time so I won't get to see her. However, I'm nervous about how much added pain there will be with the induction and whether I will be able to do it. I am no stranger to pain, I have stage 4 endometriosis and last year spent a week in the hospital in immense pain with a failed gallbladder while they tried to figure out what was wrong, so I'm hoping that I have sort of been conditioned to withstand pain. I also made sure that the people who will be in the room with me will encourage me to do it naturally, remind me of why I'm doing it, and not try to convince me to get the epidural. Good luck!

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I work L&D so I thought I was prepared. I was induced with my first at 41+3. She was sunny side up so labor was very difficult. I labored for 72 hours. I tried for the epidural but due to my history of back surgery, it was unsuccessful. I will say that it is possible. Many women do it. Strong and motivated women. Me? I wanted that epidural so bad. I have PTSD from my labor. I don't remember much at all for the first hours after my baby girl was born. Just pain and stress. I would say if you can get it and you aren't against it, it's a lovely thing.

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I was induced with 2 babies. Had GD with both. With my 1st I was only 19 and developed extreme anxiety while pregnant. I read everything I could about every procedure. I didn't want an epidural I was too scared. When the contractions started they came on strong. I was only in labor for 6 hours. I'm not sure when my mom basically convinced me to try the epidural. But I gave it a go. I had sharp pain. I asked the guy to stop that I changed my mind. He kept poking around on my back. I had to scream to make him stop. I thought surely I was going to die from the pain of the contractions after that but I knew that my body was doing what it needed to be doing. I made it thru and was up and walking around with in 15 mins. My most recent labor was only 6 weeks ago. I had a really rough pregnancy with HG and was sick all day every day up until birth. I hadn't slept in 2 weeks. I had every intention of not getting an epidural this time around but after 4 hours of the contractions I couldn't do it anymore my body wasn't progressing because I was so tired. The nurse, my SO, and mom all were pressuring me to just get it. The same thing happened the intense pain with them trying to place it. My back is just messed up. They stuck me over 10 times. I was sobbing but didn't move at all. I was more afraid of ending up with a c-section vs the epidural. I wish I had been able to go without it. I hurt so bad for 3 weeks even with the narcotics. I could hardly get around or take care of my daughter.  I would suggest just try if you can to go without it if that is what your wanting to do. You will feel like your going to die from the pain that you won't make it but you can and will make it thru if that's how you choose to do it. Just make sure you have someone with you who will be a good support to keep you calm and focused. If you end up changing your mind during labor that is fine too. You gotta do what you gotta do to get your baby here safely. But you can make it. Just know it is rough

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Following

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I was induced on 9/16 at about 7 in the morning. When I started I was about 2 cm dilated and 80% effaced. The contractions were easy for me and every time the nurse asked I told her I was hardly in pain, barely crampy. At 11, the doctor came in and broke my water. I was dilated to 5-6 cm. The first contraction after it was broke hurt much worse than the ones before that. He told me that they generally see women dilate 1 cm an hour after water is broke. Fast forward an hour... I was in an insane amount of pain, yelling and squeezing my husbands hand as hard as I could, and drenched in sweat. I hadn't opened my eyes since the first couple contractions. Breathing exercises and visualization were hardly helpful. I told the nurse that it felt like the baby was coming, to which she told me she wasn't but she checked me anyways. I was 9 cm and she started getting ready for delivery. About 3 contractions later I told her again that the baby was coming. She checked again and the head was right there so she went to get my doctor and as soon as he came in, he said it was time to push. I pushed through about 4 contractions. I had to have oxygen between because I couldn't catch my breath. They thought they might have to use suction because baby's heart rate was dropping with pushes but we got her out without at 12:37 pm. I tore and had to get stitches too. I also hemmoraged badly and can say that the mushing on my stomach hurt nearly as bad as the contractions. All of this pain med free. It was very hard and fast. I was wishing I had some sort of relief but I made it through. Although it hurt really bad, I was glad it was over quickly. That was the most exhausted I've ever been and I couldn't imagine having to go through it for longer
Before they broke my water, I got up whenever I wanted. They let me stand, bounce on the ball, anything. Couldn't walk around though because they had to monitor baby's heart rate and my contractions

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With my first son I went into labor naturally and did not get an epidural. With my second son I was induced and still did not get an epidural but labor is definitely much more intense. I would say it is doable but more painful.

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I was induced with my first, got the epidural and it was amazing. Finally got a break and built up strength to push later. I really don't remember much to be honest lol. I just trusted the doctors.

Induction without Epidural? Experiences Wanted

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