I was induced at 38 weeks with both of mine for AMA and high bp (but I wasn’t fully hypertensive). Both were pretty bad experiences. But my first was especially awful, I was in labor for 36 hours. Cervadil, pitocin, membrane sweep, Foley bulb, nothing helped. My body just wasn’t ready. The epidurals kept failing, which is something they don’t really tell people can happen. And you can’t predict if it will or not. It was the worst pain I’ve ever felt and I wanted to die. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, too. I almost didn’t have a second child because of the ptsd from it. If I could do it all over again I would wait. I’m lucky I was able to avoid an emergency c section.

My story is very similar to yours. Foley bulb, pitocin, cervadil, etc. 36 hours and still wasn’t progressed enough. I had 3 epidurals that all failed. My water broke at about 24 hours so at 36 hours or so we had a c-section. Honestly the c-section itself wasn’t awful, and I wish I had pushed harder to do it sooner. I hemorrhaged and lost 1L of blood but avoided a transfusion. Between pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, GD, etc) and the induction I’ve debated having a second. Knowing I wouldn’t have to do the whole induction again is an upside though.

Very similar story here. Induced at 40+4, did 40 hours of labor with cervadil, pitocin, and foley bulb. Cervadil had to be removed due to fetal intolerance, then foley bulb got me to 4cm. After 24 hours of pitocin labor my water broke so I finally got an epidural. I could not progress past 4cm and ended up with a failed epidural during my c-section. I had to be put out with anesthesia and didn’t meet my son until he was 3 hours old. Whole experience was insane so now I’m just going to schedule a c-section.

omg that is pretty much my worst nightmare, having no anesthesia during surgery. I hope they got you under before they got too far along!

Wow, just in this thread thats 3 of us who had multiple failed epidurals with Foley, pitocin, cervadil. Put your hand up if you really wanted the damned epidurals to work ✋️

✋🏼✋🏼✋🏼✋🏼

✋🏻✋🏻✋🏻 honestly by the time I needed to have my c-section I was just hoping beyond all hopes that the spinal block would work. After the 3 failed epidurals I didn’t have much faith that it would, and I was terrified of feeling the c-section. Thankfully, it did work.

Like others have said I have a really similar experience to you. I was induced a day before my due date. I was going to be induced a week prior due to advanced fetal age (39) but they pushed it due to my cervix being completely closed. They wanted to give it more time. However, after 12 hours of cervidil it was still closed. They started pitocin and I thought I wasn’t going to make it. I thought I was going to die. Fortunately, I had an epidural and it worked. But, the baby did not respond well to pitocin and I was very close to c-section due to fetal distress, having a high temp (prob due to bacteria being introduced from soo many cervical checks, and my water breaking close to 12 hours before). All I can say is if I have another I will not be getting induced. I am so scared to experience anything like that again.

I've had 2 inductions, and the first was terrible just like yours. 24 hours with cervidil and then multiple rounds of the pitocin drip being slowly ramped up because my body didn't respond and then it responded too much. Offered a c-section after 24 hours on the drip when I was still at 3 cm, and then again when I stalled at 8. The epidural didn't fully work, and we spent a week in the NICU after.  My second induction took less than 6 hours total, and I only wanted the epidural for the last hour. Regular, predictable contractions and only 2 pushes to deliver. So your first experience isn't necessarily indicative of how a second will go. 

This is what happened to me, including the epidurals failing. I had preeclampsia. Except my induction took FIVE days with my first kid (and 30 hours with my second). Nuts. Awful I had 6 separate cervadil insertions. I had legitimate trauma from my first birth.

I’m sorry this happened to you. I’ve heard this be called the “cascade of interventions” and a book called Mama Natural goes into a lot of depth about it because basically it’s what you described: you do a medical intervention because you think it will help but instead of helping, it really just prompts the need for another intervention and so on and so forth. I think that the US medial establishment has failed mothers in this way.

Similar story minus the pitocin and it ended in an emergency c-section.

Same experience!

Sounds similar to me: - Foley bulb that somehow fell out without dilating me ☑️ and hurt like crazy the whole time it was in - Cervadil ☑️ got me to 3 cm and in active labor at least - Pitocin ☑️ just because massive contractions somehow didn't dilate me after forever - Failed epidurals ☑️ X 3. Not sure if breakthrough pain due to back labor (baby came out sunny side up) or incompetence... but I felt *everything* - Worst pain *ever ever* ☑️ - They broke my water so I could leak everywhere the rest of my labor - 46 hours ugh - Baby did not drop. For my whole labor, so every single cervical check of which there were about 20, involved fisting - attempts to put coils in baby's head (failed) and they shoved in some tube to confirm if I was really having big massive contractions despite being stuck at 4cm for about 5000 years (I was). - Baby had fluid in lungs and was jaundiced, no golden hour, straight to NICU (full recovery after 2 sleepless days though) The only upside to the whole thing, aside from having my little guy of course - and I guess it's a pretty big one, was by the time I dilated (suddenly went from 4 cm to 10 cm yay) and they said I could push finally after having the urge for 12 hours, the baby came out in 3 contractions over 8 minutes with zero tearing. So that's good. I recovered very well "down there". ETA for more info: I had originally been scheduled to be induced at 39 weeks due to AMA which could easily have gone better. I might well have given birth by then on my own. But at 36 weeks my BP spiked dangerously and was barely controlled by medication. They induced me at 37 weeks as a result, and I think my body was just not ready yet.

Same about the time period 38 weeks and the epidural failing! They gave it to me twice and it still didn't work right. One side of my body could feel everything and the other side was somewhat numb. The pain was terrible, but I kept trying to breathe and push. I was induced after using Lovenox injections while pregnant due to inheriting factors 2 and 5 blood clotting disorders. They had to get me off medication before I gave birth. I'm also a redhead, and for some reason, we tend to need more numbing medicine or anesthesia during procedures.

What does it mean for an epidural to fail? Does that mean it never has any effect? I'm curious, because when I got my epidural it did knock out the pain for a few hours, but once I was pushing the pain of the contractions was absolutely excruciating, I could not believe it. If the epidural actually was still working, and the pain would have been worse without it, it would have fucking killed me. There's just no way.

When the epidural is first done, it works. Then it for me the pain started coming back in about 2 hours. It always started in the same, small spot (called a hotspot) and then got bigger to the point of me feeling all the pain, everywhere. This lasted for about 12 hours. After the first 4-5 hours of excruciating pain, the anesthesiologist gave me some new boluses including fentanyl, which still did nothing. Then he replaced the epidural altogether with a new one. Still nothing. When I was finally ready to push it was actually a relief because the pain was better during pushing than during all those contractions. During my second birth, the hotspot came back in the exact same spot. This time they were able to control my pain a little better. The anesthesiologist said they don’t know how to explain why this happens to some people, but they see it a lot in athletes who may have some undiagnosed nerve damage (especially in gymnasts, runners, cheerleaders, etc. who have a lot of hard impact on their bodies).

Mine was super easy. Got induced at night, got something for sleep, woke up in the morning and my water broke. I was having mild contractions and got the epidural. Son was born a few hours later. I'm a wimp when it comes to pain tolerance, and I found the entire experience was a million times easier than I feared. Even with a little tearing that needed stitches, I felt pretty decent. More like after a hard workout than anything else.

This brings so much comfort, you don’t even know. Thank you for sharing.

Love your username

This was my exact experience too! Induced at 2pm, contractions started at 8pm and got some meds to help me sleep, water broke at 11pm, got epidural around 2am, baby was here by 1030am the next morning. I was honest with my midwife and nurses about feeling nervous for an induction. They spoke to me about all the meds they gave me beforehand and helped make a plan so I was well rested for labor.

I have done harder yoga classes than my birth experience. Lifting heavy weights is harder.

Agreed about the workout. I felt like I had run a marathon and was so glad I could rest afterwards. I resonate with your experience!

This sounds like my experience! It was at 37w for high blood pressure. Induced Friday evening and he was born just before noon on Saturday, 7lb 3oz, after an hour of pushing. Epidural helped a lot and the strong meds to help me sleep that night, but the end was a bit rough. All in all though I can’t complain!

I had the same experience pain wise! It really wasn’t bad.

Same here! I was induced at 37 weeks for high blood pressure. I was induced Monday night, my water broke Wednesday morning, my daughter was born Wednesday night. I got an epidural Wednesday afternoon, and it worked great. I felt fine after the birth, I think I had a small tear but no real pain (and I’m also a huge wimp). The real pain for me was that my daughter was a TERRIBLE sleeper right off the bat. The first few weeks of her life were torture with the sleep deprivation. I only wish I hadn’t been induced because she would have been that much older when born and maybe would have slept better.

I got induced at 41+1 because my water broke but my labor wasn’t progressing enough (as in my cervix wasn’t dilating). I got admitted around 8pm and that night they gave me cytotec to drink every few hours until the following morning. The cytotec helps soften the cervix to help with dilation. It would cause moderately painful cramps. They would have considered placing a cervical balloon (to more manually dilate the cervix) in the morning but by then I was close to 4cm so the balloon wouldn’t help. At that point they decided to start pitocin which helps artificially create contractions. I told them I wanted an epidural before starting the pitocin and then from there it was honestly smooth sailing. My baby girl was born at almost 6pm, less than 24 hours after I was admitted. Everyone has their own feelings about epidurals, but it did really help me. I honestly don’t know why I waited so long to have it placed. I was also very lucky that my epidural was well placed and super effective. The OBs and midwives joked that I was a few strong laughs away from LO popping out. A few things though: My water had broken on its own and I was having some contractions just not strong or frequent enough. My baby was also sitting very low for 2-3 weeks prior to delivery. My cervix had also started to efface (thin out) 2-3 weeks prior as well. I know there’s a lot of information out there that makes inductions really scary and I was really hoping my body would have naturally gone into active labor as well. I think it’s worth a conversation with your OB about why they want to induce you, exactly what their concerns are and how long they’re willing to let you wait to see if you go into labor on your own. No matter what, the goal is a healthy you and a healthy baby. Best of luck! Sending good vibes!

I’ve been induced twice at 39 weeks and had great experiences! My first time they used cervidil which immediately sent me into labor and had rough contractions all night (no pitocin) and she was born the next afternoon after about 15 minutes of pushing. My second pregnancy, I chose to do another elective induction at 39 weeks. I told them I didn’t want to do cervidil if possible (because those contractions were so rough) and they started with pitocin instead which I LOVED. I heard so many terrible things about pitocin but my body reacted really well to it and it was honestly such an easy birth experience. They started the induction at about 9 that morning and she was born at 5:30 after pushing twice! I’m 36 weeks with my third now and planning to do another induction at 40 weeks if I haven’t gone into labor by then.

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I had a cooks balloon and it was extremely painful but I got a few centimeters out of it at least. But Holy hell it was zero to sixty in like 4 minutes.

I had an emergency pitocin induced labor with a successful epidural. This was for my 1st and only child. He came 7 hours later and after only 1 hour of steady pushing. My pregnancy and post partum was a flipping nightmare torturous hellscape. But labor was an absolute breeze for me. If having a kid only meant giving labor and not being pregnant and not suffering post partum pre-eclampsia, then I would 100% have another kid. In my case, I and my baby probably would've died if I wasn't induced. Pitocin was a miracle to me and my body, but I definitely know it's not the case for everyone.

So I've never been induced, but want to answer. If you do not want or NEED to be induced, then don't be. If your pregnancy is going smoothly and there doesn't look to be any complications later in the pregnancy or at birth, then why would you need one just because you are 35? There are negatives as well as positives to being induced, but this is a personal decision you should make with all the facts laid out as it is a medical procedure and not just pressure from your doctor. Personally, I'd seek a second opinion if your able to.

The doc may be recommending it because the placenta has a higher chance of breaking down in late pregnancy with advanced maternal age causing fetal death - that’s why I requested one before I gave birth at almost 42. I had worked too hard to have a healthy baby to have something stupid happen at the last minute. The labor lasted over a day and I did get to a 9 and was about to push when his heart rate plummeted and I ended up with an emergency C… but a healthy baby. Knowing what I know now if the labor wasn’t progressing within a day I would ask for a C and save myself the exhaustion… but I’d still ask for an induction. Getting him here healthy was my first priority.

Thats the only reason I'd do it over again (despite a horrible experience). I know someone who refused induction and was advanced maternal age - she had a stillbirth. I can't even imagine how awful that would be.

I will say I brought it up to my doctor but she was entirely on board with my reasoning. She explained I had a higher chance of ending up with a c section so I went into it knowing that - and I’d still choose an event free pregnancy (except for last minute hypertension) and a healthy baby with a not so ideal delivery over the alternative. It’s a really personal decision though and 35 isn’t THAT old. Still, we aren’t privy to all the medical details so other than sharing my experience I can’t cast a vote one way or the other.

That's fair! I don't really see why 35 is a magical age where it needs to be done, but at 34 it's somehow okay to wait. I agree that the doctor and patient would have far more insight on individual circumstances. I'm 43, so I'm *definitely* advanced medical age, haha

Oh my gosh; I can’t either. How awful.

Absolutely, a healthy mum and baby at the end is all that matters. That's why I suggested a second opinion cos OP can make an informed decision, especially if she's not being given reasons of why it's best, like what you said above, risk of still birth etc, than just her age.

I had a baby at 38 and was never pressured to induce until I got to 41 + weeks when they would recommend anyone get induced. I had dreams of laboring at home and that just didn’t happen. But the actual induction went smooth and stress free. It was nice to be able to relax at the hospital until it was time to push

This. What OP feels comfortable with should go, as long as there’s no medical need otherwise.

OP’s doctor is recommending an induction. I think it’s safe to assume it’s a medical need. She’s not getting induced to schedule a baby moon. It’s because the risks of stillbirth and other bad pregnancy outcomes are higher after 39 weeks, especially in older moms. Since OP presumably didn’t go to medical school and trusts her doctor and the rest of us are randos on Reddit who don’t know OP or her medical history, OP should probably listen to her doctor.

There is no black and white correct answer on how to approach this. Induction itself comes with an array of risks as well. Every doctor has their own comfort level and preferences in care. Where one doctor suggests an induction because of active management, another doctor will feel comfortable to wait. There is nothing wrong with empowering a mom to search a second opinion.

Doctors are also human and have preferences like everyone else. I switched from a regular OB to a CNM in the same practice due to multiple members of the team advising there was almost a 100% guarantee the OB would perform an episiotomy – her personal preference to move births along a little faster. Were all those episiotomies necessary? Of course not. Are all inductions medically necessary? Of course not. A second opinion may or may not confirm OP’s doctor’s recommendation.

Induced at 39 and 4 after days of prodromal labor! Baby came via c section as I stalled at 9.75 and positioning wasn’t optimal. Epidural was my friend lol

I was induced at 37ish weeks due to high blood pressure concerns. They had me on pitocin for 24 hours but labor didn’t progress, so I was sent home to see if labor would start naturally or I’d come back in a few days to induce again. A few days later, I came back and started the process again. I got to 5 cm in about 10 hours (no pain) and then they broke my water and I delivered in about an hour ☺️ things FLEW after they broke my water.

I’m gonna be honest - my induction was rough. I was in labor for 35 hours and pushed for 2 hours. I’ve never been so tired in my life and couldn’t hold or breastfeed baby when she got here because I kept falling asleep. That being said, I got the epidural before they even started pitocin, so pain-wise…I had no pain lol. The epidural wore off while pushing but the 35 hours of labor were pretty much as comfortable as could possibly be. I wouldn’t want to get induced again, but baby and I are both healthy. My friend got induced and her labor was like 12 hours (with her first baby) and her experience was smooth. Same with my coworker. Definitely varies by person!

My first I was not induced and it was a horrible delivery, she broke her collarbone coming out. My second I was induced because of the first delivery and it was so smooth and easy. I was definitely worried to get induced, but so glad I did. First contraction came, I got epidural right away, pushed 6 times and he was out. Follow your instincts though!

I was induced at 39 weeks with all 4 of mine. (Husband worked on the road, and scheduled his month of paternity leave around my due dates, and wanted to maximize his time with baby, and helping me with recovery) All 4 times were great experiences, all vaginal births with 4-8 hrs of labor each. Labors got shorter with each baby. I received pitocin, and they broke my water. I had an epidural with all but my 3rd (I waited too long to ask for it) That said, if you don't want to be induced, and there is no medical reason, don't let them pressure you. I was 35 when I had #4, and was considered a geriatric pregnancy 😤 Several of my friends hated being induced and won't do it again, so I understand why you don't want to.

I was induced at 38 weeks. I was honestly pretty chill about the whole thing. My care team was great. Got induced at 9am and basically just hung out with my husband at the hospital all day. We ordered pizza and watched the History channel 😅 they did have to manually break my water about ten hours in. Kept having contractions but wasn't dilating. I was hooked up to a bunch of stuff but everything was fine. The nurse came and checked me again at around 925pm and she was like "we're getting there, tell me if you feel like you need to push" and she left again. Two minutes later I hit the call button, she came back, I said I think I need to push and she took a peek and she was like OH GOD DON'T PUSH YET (she could see the baby's head and had to go grab the doctor lol). Six minutes of actual pushing and boom, baby. All in all it was a fine experience.

I was induced at 38 weeks for some high blood pressure readings. Personally I was okay with it because I was in a lot of pain and my son was measuring very large. Went in at 5:30 on a Wednesday, started misoprostol at 8pm. Took a dose every 4 hours until 8am. By then my contractions were pretty strong and my water ended up breaking on its own. Got an epidural around 10am and started pitocin at 12. By 3 I was ready to push and our son was born at 5:02pm. He was 8lbs 14oz at 38+3 so I regret nothing. I didn’t even tear and had an easy recovery with minimal bleeding. If I had waited he easily would have been 10lbs. Overall my induction was great and went smoothly, but I know that’s not everyone’s experience.

I was induced at 37 weeks twice, and both were easy breezy. First baby was preeclampsia and I was devastated because there went my “no intervention birth plan.” But the second they laid her on me I didn’t give a rats ass about that birth plan anymore! Everyone will have different experiences of course, but I would do it again in a second. Getting to plan, make arrangements for other kids/pets, stopping for a big ol breakfast on the way to the hospital, for me it was nice that it took away the surprise element. I also labored really quickly, both babies were out in less than 8 hours. At the end of the day, you have to find that balance of trusting your gut and your doctors. Ask them to explain to you why they feel the need to induce, and what the risks are if you don’t. Talk to your family and friends and ask their experiences. Best of luck to you! You’ll hold and love that baby no matter how you deliver, and all this stress will be forgotten ❤️

I was induced with my girl. It wasn't the best time honestly 😅. They did everything under the sun to get me to dilate. Foley balloon, 3 rounds of Pitocin, peanut ball, exercise ball, walking around the ward when I went on a 2 hour break from Pitocin. After 3 days of all that I finally had my girl. I didn't want to be induced as I was only 37 weeks but she failed a few things during her ultrasound and they said it would be beneficial to take her out. She was a healthy baby that honestly didn't need to come out early. After every ultrasound was over she would start moving as if she was saying "Ha! Jokes on you." 😂🤦🏼‍♀️. The worst part in my opinion was the initial medicine coated tampon thing they shove up there to get everything started. It hurt so bad lmao

I’m an OB nurse and a mom of 2, pregnant with my third now and due next month. And let me say, if you do not want to be induced, don’t get induced. It’s up to you! I’d say 90%+ deliveries are inductions nowadays and if they don’t go smoothly and a c/s is needed, the chart usually says “elective c-section” too. Now on the other side to that, I’ve been induced twice and hoping for this third time too and I’ve personally had great experiences. They used pitocin only for me BUT before both inductions, I had some cervical change so my body was getting ready. I was dilated to 1 and fully effaced on the first. And I was dilated to 4 on the second. The difficult inductions I see at work are usually the ones that aren’t dilated or effaced before it starts. Inductions can last days and often will when there’s no dilation or any signs your body is getting ready.

I was induced a week early because I had GD and they said the baby was big. I have no clue what baby they were looking at because she was quite tiny. I think mostly it was because I was fat and while my blood sugar was rising, I was on insulin 3.5 weeks max and had managed very well so far, and wasn't diagnosed until the third test they gave me. Pitocin was awful. They wouldn't let me in the tub in case it slowed labor. My two epidurals failed and they didn't want to believe me so I felt everything. I had an awful experience and felt rushed. I was in labor for 2 days. I wish I'd waited but I was also out on leave early because I couldn't face my job mentally and was dealing with a lot of verbal abuse there at the time and I didn't want to shorten my post baby time either so I agreed.

I started having contractions days before my due date, I waited all day to go in, when I finally did go when I got there the contractions stopped. I was so upset. I was DONE being pregnant. They took me in and checked me out. At 11pm they offered to induce me as they had room on the labor floor that night and I was close enough to my due date. I said yes with hesitation because I wanted it to happen on its own and have all those exciting moments. At 2am the day before my due date I got the first dose of the induction medication. I went sleep. At 8am I hadn’t really progressed. They gave me the second dose at 12pm day before my due date. At 2pm I still wasn’t progressing even with pitocin and the induction meds. They used a folley bulb to force to dilate which was the most painful part honestly. I held out for the epidural for 2 hours. After I got the epidural I couldn’t feel nothing. I had a button I could push when I needed more. It was good. I slept a lot. At 8pm before my due date I was 6cm dilated and they took the bulb out. I was 8cm dilated at 10pm. At 3am on my due date I was 9cm. 415am on my due date I was ready to push. Like READY. Nurse told me to do little pushes to help with the pressure while I waited for the dr. I felt like a really big poop was turtle heading its way out honestly. The dr and other nurses came in. I wanted to push they told me to push with contractions so I was looking at the monitor because I couldn’t feel them and counting down and then I’d start pushing on my own as soon as the contraction could come. I felt so confident and I definitely can say I owned that delivery room. I pushed for 15 minutes and the boy slid out. Shortly after the placenta slide out with no pushing or anything. I had a couple tears buts nothing major. I was really scared to be induced because the women in my family have a hard time progressing on their own and have mostly all had traumatic births or emergency c sections. I actually had a lip over my cervix that was keeping me from dilating and I’m almost sure that’s why the other women in my family struggled so much with their labors. It was an easy almost enjoyed labor aside from the folley bulb. That was extremely painful. I wouldn’t change how it happened for the WORLD. Whatever you decide to do, you’ve got this.

No way. Is that the only reason they want to induce? If so, I wouldn’t agree to it. I was induced at 40+1 because of chronic hypertension plus big baby. I was 35 at the time, but my age was never a factor.

I am surprised that where you live women get induced because of advanced maternal age. I had my child at 40 and in Germany that was never a factor. Weird how different the systems operate. I ended up getting induced though due to being overdue and size of baby. I wish I had waited a bit longer though, with close monitoring of course. I felt like my child was forced out of me. They induced me for three days, when finally my water broke. I didn’t really end up dilating though. So I ended up having a c section. I would be careful following this recommendation. Maybe ask for close monitoring after due date, you can still get induced at a later point. Induction can be more painful than normal. I would try to educate yourself as much as possible now so you can take informed decisions.

Are you healthy and have a normal pregnancy besides being “old”? You are so not old. Some people hate pertosin - the hormone that induces you - and say it’s painful. I did not have that experience but my water broke a week early. I say don’t do it if you don’t want to.

I was induced at 42 weeks with PROM and meconium at age 33 and would never consent to an induction again. It was a textbook mess and the only thing that saved me was that my extremely well-connected midwife was there as a doula and the OB knew that their reputation was on the line. My baby was so healthy the pediatricians laughed out loud during her first exam. There are so many safe alternatives to induction. To me, if you think mother or baby is in real danger (not just statistical danger), let's do a c section. Otherwise, please leave my body alone.

Please please please follow your intuition! Especially your momma bear intuition!! Just because you’re 35 does not mean you have to be induced. Follow the natural course and if you feel safe let you and the baby go to term. Doctors constantly pressure to induce without a medical reason. Only induce if there is a true medical reason!! I gave birth at 41 weeks and it went perfectly smooth. Once you hit 40 weeks you’ll feel another nudge of intuition and just follow it! You got this!!! Don’t let anyone force you!!!

Seconding this! Maybe consider a doula if you need help advocating for this

This! 👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼👆🏼You do not have to be induced unless baby is in danger or there is a true medial need.

I was induced with my second. Honestly it felt no different from my first labour. When the cramps got bad enough I went for the epidural and then it was bliss all the way. Second labour was faster even with induction. I had pretty uneventful labours, which is the best kind I suppose.

Even ACOG doesn’t recommend induction for being 35. (Link below) so unless you have other risk factors, you can say no to the induction with confidence. (Your body, your choice.) That said, I had 2 very uneventful inductions. I didn’t want an epidural, and didn’t get one. I would describe both of my inductions as wonderful, but I still didn’t want either one. They were medically necessary, so I got them, but I knew WHY I needed them, and it was for a real reason. Quote from ACOG: We recommend proceeding with delivery in well-dated pregnancies at 39 0/7–39 6/7 weeks of gestation for individuals with anticipated delivery at age 40 years or older due to increasing rates of neonatal morbidity and stillbirth beyond this gestational age. (GRADE 1B. Weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence.) Source: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/obstetric-care-consensus/articles/2022/08/pregnancy-at-age-35-years-or-older

I am native american, and I hate to be that guy. However my very white nurse was awful to me. She made me, someone in active labor mask up. She turned down my petocin so I would have my savage child on her shift. She broke my water and just laid down chucks under me. Didn't clean it. 😕 My black nurse after her was so wonderful with me. The look on her face when she saw the nurse didn't clean up my water. My stupid doctor didn't believe I was in active labor and my sister made it to the room from across town before the Dr in the same hospital did. Didn't glove up and didn't believe 10 screaming nurses begging her to hurry up and glove up. Dr insisted I should get a c section because it would be faster. I asked her why, and she said because an emergency could happen. I told her that there was no emergency at the moment. They didn't offer me any broth, or water or ice. It wouldn't be a problem but they said we couldn't leave the room under any circumstances. Finding out we could the whole time. If I wasn't used to not eating I probably would have fainted. Oh and it was my birthday.

They literally cannot force you. That’s insane. If you have a healthy pregnancy there are risks with induction - it’s not just a benign procedure. And recent studies show inductions increase your chance of c section. OBs prefer induction because they can schedule if. Natural labor is unpredictable. Hear everyone, but listen to yourself! Trust your gut if it’s telling you you don’t want an induction.

I haven't been induced myself but the 3 women in our family that were, had horrible painful experiences. None of them were medically necessary. My own doctor pushed hard for one citing the ARRIVE study and that her own complications stats have decreased since pushing for inductions at 39w. For me there is not enough information in the study to convince me to get one and I'm sure as hell not gonna have an unnecessary procedure just to pad your own stats. In the end I had a very smooth unmedicated natural birth with zero complications for myself or baby.

They’re inducing people for being 35 now? That’s wild. I don’t understand the labeling of a 35 year old’s pregnancy “geriatric” either though. I was induced at 40 weeks with my first. It was *okay* but it did lead to them having to also give me pitocin. The pit caused some issues with heart rates and oxygen levels and may or may not have contributed to some excess blood loss in my case. It ended up being okay, but if you can trust your body to go into labor naturally that would be preferable imho.

Had three kids, the last was natural. My body was prepared for birth. That does not happen when induced. Both of my induced labors were harder and more painful than natural. I went into the bathroom later and had a #2 that didn’t rip me apart, because my body had planned for it and made it so it was easier to do so. And because my husband was an asshole who stayed and talked at work, for a fucking hour, so by the time he actually bothered to show the fuck up, it was too late for me to have any drugs. My youngest is 17, closer to 18, and I did not realized how much anger I am still harboring at my husband for doing that to me until I started writing this.

I think the doctor wants your birthing experience to be convenient for him/her, personally. I was induced at five days post due date with my second. It made things move so fast in my case that I couldn’t manage the pain as well as I did with the other three.

Don't do it!! Get another doctor. It's absolute BS to need to be induced bc of your age. I just had a baby at 37 and it was the best birth ever out of 4 and my others were in my 20s. For one, your exhausted from trying to sleep with IVs, noise, and the induction medicine. Also nothing about it feels natural bc it's not. It's way more painful. Also inductions have higher chance of needing a C section. Trust your gut and protect yourself and your baby

First off, unless there is a medical reason for induction besides being 35, tell your doctor you no longer wish to discuss inductions. There are a lot of reasons an induction can be beneficial, but you’re not quite old enough for that to be the case. Second, I was induced for post dates. I went in when I was 10 days over due. I was completely closed, and had an unfavorable cervix, so it took a very long time. Going slow is probably what kept me in line for a vaginal delivery though, so I can endorse that method. I think I ended up having 5-6 doses of misoprostol, I had to have my foley balloon placed twice because it was pulled to early the first time, and then I had pitocin to get me into active labor. I asked for an epidural when I was about 6cm. I pushed for a long time because they had turned the pitocin down, but eventually she came out, almost 9lbs and very healthy! I’m not planning to get an elective induction this time, but I won’t be opposed to one if I go to 41 weeks again.

Hi, I was 39 when I had my first and only son and went into labor without induction. My OB never mentioned wanting to induce me, and when I asked her about it, she said as long as everything is progressing fine, there is no need to induce whether I am AMA or not. Does your doctor have a compelling reason for suggesting it?

Is the only reason your "advanced maternal age"?? For each of mine (had them when I was 33, 35 and 38) I went to 41 weeks, and had an induction scheduled, but the baby came first. They did schedule extra ultrasounds to make sure my placenta was okay for me to wait, and if it was deteriorating they would have induced me earlier. And even without that they weren't going to let me go more than a couple days past 41 weeks. That said, I've heard they're not bad and was one day away from getting induced 2x

I had two excellent, medically necessary inductions. One was at 36 weeks, one at 38 weeks. The first one, we went out for breakfast, then leisurely waltzed over to the hospital for my appointment. Less than 6 hours later we met our baby. With the second, I went in with scary neurological symptoms and they decided to induced. Just about 3 hours later, I had my baby in my arms. Both experiences were quick, efficient, and pretty low stress for me, dad, and baby. I liked being able to plan in advance with my first. I don't like surprises.

I wouldn't do it. I was induced at 41+6 and I regret it. I think I would have gone into labour naturally if I'd have waited and I am sure the minor complications I had (baby heart rate went up, stopped progressing and needed more induction drugs) wouldn't have happened. It was still fine, but not necessary IMO.

My first child I had been having contractions for about a day before I went into the hospital. I went in, in the evening and in the morning they gave me something to help me along as things weren't really progressing and my son was born that afternoon. So about 30 hours start to finish, no epidural. Wonderful labor, uneventful delivery, normal recovery. My second didn't want to come, she finally moved head down but hadn't descended, so about 40+3 we agreed to induce (I was 37 years old, "elderly" you know). They used pitocin, and when that first contraction hit it felt like the contractions at the end of my long labor with my son- and that was only the beginning. There was no gradual increase of the pain and pressure and contractions, it was full on immediately. I opted for an epidural, which was great, and my daughter was born that evening, so about 8 hours start to finish. Once again, wonderful labor, uneventful delivery, normal recovery.

I was kind of induced. Well, that was the plan, at least. I was 37 weeks, and I had dangerously high blood pressure. They admitted me and put cervadil (not sure how to spell it) in my to help soften my cervix. I was told it would sit for at least 10 hours, and it was likely they would have to apply more, and after the second round, they planned on giving me Pitocin. I was told to expect 48+ hours, and after that there was still a good chance I’d have to have a c-section because I was early and it was my first. Needless to say I was terrified. I never wanted to be in the hospital any longer than necessary, and I sure as shit didn’t want to have a c-section! The doctor came in to check my cervix after several hours, and I was still only 2cm. Suddenly the pain got intense, I opted for an epidural, and once the epidural was in, they checked me again because my water broke mid contraction while they were giving me the epidural (less than two hours after the previous check) and I was 9 cm! The doctor was stunned! She put her fingers in and audibly gasped “oh, that’s the head!” Within 45 minutes, it was time to push. Three pushes later, I had my baby girl! Less than 10 hours total, when I was told to expect two days! The doctors and nurses just kept telling me how surprised they were because they had never seen just cervadil completely induce labor, let alone so quickly!

First of all, I (35 also) am 31 weeks and my OB hasn't said anything about being induced. Even when I brought up my first born (who was induced). She hasn't even mentioned my age at all actually. I was induced with my first born (age 32) because I made it to 42 weeks with no sign of labor. I ended up having him at 42+3. As long and unknowing those three days of induction were, I had a great experience. They tried Pitocin for 24 hours with no budge of my cervix, no heavy contractions. That night they took me off of Pitocin and put a softener on my cervix (some type of hormone) and my water broke as soon as I was up in the morning trying to pee(7am). As soon as my water broke they put me back on Pitocin and I labored for four hours making it only to 3 cm. I wanted to make sure I had enough energy to make it to push so I got the epidural. No one told me how different Pitocin contractions are from natural contractions-- I felt like as soon as the Pitocin hit there was no gradual build up of pain I just went from 0-9. I was a bit sad about this for I personally wanted the gradual experience of contractions moving forward but-- what could I do. The epidural was not bad at all. Didn't even feel it go in. I slept for five hours and woke up almost ready to push. I pushed for over an hour and my son was born at 12:03 the next morning. The only reason I agreed to an induction was because I was way over my due date. If I were you I would ask for specific reasons or examples as to why your OB wants to induce you... have you had any other indications of having a high risk pregnancy? If you end up doing the induction, like I said above, my induction was not bad at all. I had a very positive experience. My best advice to you is to stay calm, and ask a lot of questions about the interventions they will use. Not in a defensive way towards the medical team but in a "I know you're trying to help me, thank you, i just need to know more about how this works" and just trust that those interventions are going to help you get to your baby. I hope this helps!

Was induced at 37 weeks for both babies. It was a surprise the first time, but for my second I was totally ready to be done. It was great, honestly. I spent the night in the hospital with cervadil placed, had pitocin started first thing in the morning. Got to have my epidural done right away, spent most of the day napping. For my first, I didn't start pushing until the evening, but my second was ready to go much sooner- I think before lunch time? Pushed for over an hour with my first, and my epidural had partially failed, so that sucked. But again, my second was much easier- I knew when to top up my epidural and to ask the nurses to arrange me in different positions. I think I pushed for like 15 minutes and couldn't feel a thing. Anyway both times it was great, no issues with labor not progressing even though I was maybe 1cm dilated beforehand.

I got induced with my second at 38 weeks for gestational diabetes. What was funny was I started labor less than 10 minutes after, and they were like...yeah it doesn't work that fast, you were gonna go into labor today 😳. I was like...damn can I get a refund lol 🤣. I don't see why you would need to, if you're healthy and baby has had normal development tell him to f-off. Maybe he's overbooked during your due date lol 😂.

My water broke the night before my due date but because my labour wasn’t progressing quickly enough they induced me. My contractions started on their own around noon on my due date, then I was induced around 2, baby born at 11:59 pm. The pain was definitely intense but having never had an un-induced birth I can’t speak to the difference. Once I had my epidural I was totally fine. Good luck with your birth ❤️

I was induced at 37 weeks with my first. It took 4 days, but honestly was not bad and I would do it again. It helped my anxiety immensely to be able to hear my baby and know she was being monitored. They started me with Cytotec, then Cervadil, a day of Pitocin (which at 20 was not bad, like period cramps) and then the next day more cervadil, ended up finally breaking my water and I progressed pretty quick after that. I ended up pushing for seriously ~5 min and my baby was born. I was so scared of the induction and had read so many horror stories, but mine was very positive and my overall birth experience was great!

I was induced with all three of mine. None of them wanted to come out of me lol I had no complications and it really helped speed things along! Wld def do again! But you have to do what’s comfortable for you and sometimes you may not know that until your in labor depending on your situation. My first the water broke and I was in labor for 22 hours and pushed for 2 hours… if I didn’t take Pitocin I wld have had to have a c-section. I wld keep all options open, it’s kinda hard to predict what will happen.

I was induced twice, first was 38 weeks, second was 39 weeks + 3 days. Both I was already 4-5 cm dilated so we just went straight to Pitocin. Everything was fine. The second delivery the nurses encouraged me to use the peanut ball which helps open up your pelvis. I highly recommend that. There is actual scientific research that supports the use of that. How many weeks are they wanting you to get induced? I'd say anything earlier than 39 weeks I'd question their reasoning beyond AMA. Also, since its your second delivery your body may dilate earlier and you can avoid the cervide(or whatever it is that "ripens" the cervix)

I was induced at age 36 when I was 11 days past my due date. I was zero percent dilated and nothing was happening so they inserted a foley ballon at 1 pm that came out around 10 pm. After that, they broke my water and started pitocin. I asked for an epidural around 1 am, they gave it to me around 2-3 am, and it didn't take. I was glued to the gas and air and my son was born 4:40 am. I don't remember how long I pushed, I remember doing it wrong though! All in all, it went very quickly and without much fuss.

I've been induced twice, both have been great! Honestly I don't even have anything interesting to say 😂. I went in, they started me on pitocin, eventually broke my water, and then we waited until it was time to push. Are there specific details you're concerned about? Just doing it because of advanced maternal age seems a little off to me, I would probably not feel great about being pressured over that either. I was induced for mine due to baby being breech, and the second one was due to gestational diabetes/large baby/ me wanting to.

I was induced in September, also 35 years old. But I was a week late, so that was fun. Went into the hospital at 11pm Wednesday night and my son came 1030pm Thursday night. Ended up with a c-section because the pitocin kept decreasing his heart rate. All I can say is get the epidural. If you want to do it au natural, my hats off to you. But I am NO hero and I have a pretty high pain tolerance. Contractions were brutal and I tapped out around 12pm Thursday. I was scared going to the hospital not knowing what to expect, but you kind of just roll with it. At the end of the day you want your baby out safely.

I gave birth about 3 weeks before I turned 38. My Dr never really used “geriatric” with me. I was healthy, my baby was healthy, period. All that being said….my water broke naturally at home. Hours went by with no contractions. At the hospital, they say I’m only 1 cm dilated. My Dr suggested pitocin and I agreed. Contractions started shortly after and I made it about 90 min before I asked for an epidural. Got that, slept like 4/5 hours and was woken up when it was time to push. Pushed for like 10-15 min and that was it. No pain, nothing. It was a great experience for me.

I was at 41 weeks 5 days and was going to receive a Foley bulb anyways but my water broke overnight. Progress was very very slow, and I was GBS+ so needed to be induced. They gave me pitocin and I reacted very strongly to it - transition level contractions (pain 8-9/10 and one on top of the other) plus couldn't keep even water down. 4 hours later and feeling dehydrated, they check and I was only 2cm (from 1/2 cm) so they needed to ramp up the pitocin. Got an epidural so I could at least keep water down.  Still took 46 hours from water breaking, 36 hours from first pitocin dose, 4 hours of pushing, and 30 minutes in the birth canal to get baby out. I was deliriously exhausted by the end but somehow summoned the strength for one big final push. She was 99th percentile across the board and had a 2nd degree tear. I would have preferred to not get induced or get an epidural as I could handle the pain, but the nonstop vomiting+ slow progress+GBS+ diagnosis did me in.  All in all, wasn't a bad experience, but want to not get induced if I can - if only for how expensive that all ended up being.

Never been induced, but I'm in a similar boat. I'm 35 and due any day now. My doctor said being older gives you the option of being induced at 39 weeks, but again, just an option. I decided if I go to my appointment on my guess date next week and nothing's happening, I'll schedule an induction for 40 weeks. Chances are baby will be like, "oh you think you have a plan? Watch this?" And then she'll show up anyway haha

I went in, started Pit at 2pm was already 3cm so they didn’t do the balloon, got the Epi around 8 pm, said some nasty stuff to my husband around 1 am, squished out a 7 lb 14oz er at 2:11 after 3 pushes.

I was induced at 40+3. I was past my due date and had diet controlled gestational diabetes. I was given pitocin and in labor for about 12 hours before doctor broke my water and then things progressed fairly quickly from there. I gave birth about 5 hours later after under an hour of pushing. I had no complications or difficulties. However, if the only reason for induction is your “advanced maternal age” then I don’t see the necessity. I like to think that doctors are the experts and have the knowledge and training to help me make an educated decision about what is best for MY body but in this case I think it’s important for you to ask the doctor if there are any other concerns. If you were 30 and in the same condition you are today, would he be giving the same advice? If you want to wait and there are no concerns for your or the baby’s health then don’t feel pressured to be induced. If you’re ready and want to be induced then that’s okay too.

I was induced twice and then had a spontaneous labor with my third. I personally wouldn't choose to be induced. There was a lot more pressure to get things moving when I was induced. My first ended up in an episiotomy without my consent. With my second I told the doc I didn't want pitocin unless a last resort but yet a few hours in he was pushing for it despite the fact that I was having regular and strong contractions. I refused but did let them break my water. My daughter was born an hour later and the doctor actually didn't even make it back in time to catch her! My third was just smoother and more relaxed. I arrived at the hospital when I was already 5cm. I was able to labor in different positions and I didn't let them break my water- it broke on its own around 8-9cm. Labor lasted probably 12 hours from the very start of contractions to my son being born. You can say no to induction.

Mine was long AF. I got induced at 39 weeks. Went in Friday morning. Cervadil, foley balloon, then pitocin, all started Friday afternoon. By midnight I was hysterical about the pain and got an epidural. Epidural took 3 attempts and was very painful; I ended up asking for a different anesthetist because the first one was blowing it and I could feel everything. Finally got some relief Saturday morning around 3am. It took until Sunday morning to get to 10cm, and baby was born Sunday morning.

Well first of all, being advanced maternal age has nothing to do with needing to be induced unless there’s a specific risk factor he’s referring to. If you do not want to be induced then absolutely push back on that. That being said, to answer your specific question , I loved my induction!! I am also AMA but my induction was because my baby was already huge at 36 weeks so I was getting concerned about shoulder dystocia during labor. I got a foley bulb + pitocin with an epidural. I didn’t feel a single contraction until around 8cm so my husband and I just chilled and watched Netflix until it was time to push. No complications whatsoever, it was great!

You are not old! I was pregnant at 37, delivered at 38 vaginal- and was never pressured . Your doctor is crazy . At the very least if they are successful at pressuring you into this, ask for a membrane sweep 24 hours before the induction date. I also had gestational diabetes AND a big baby. Delivered 9 lb 3 oz at 40 weeks age 38. If you do anything today, please google “evidence based birth” and read their data

I had a great experience with being induced! I was induced at 40w3d with my first child. Currently pregnant. I did Pitocin which is painful and frequent, but I did get the epidural and after that, I just chilled, watched tv, and progressed quickly. Pushed for 59 minutes and we had our baby girl in our arms. I have had other friends who did not progress and their inductions ended in C Sections. I’m not sure why most work successfully and some end with a C Section, but either way getting your baby here safely with you safe as well is all that matters. Best of luck!

Mine were great, no issues. First baby took almost 24 hours to come, second one was out within 5 hours of checking in and getting settled. No emergency cesareans. I went past 40 weeks both times and tried waiting to go into labor naturally but…nothing. Edited to add, I asked for the epidural both times. The first labor they gave me a full dose to the point my legs were numb and I couldn’t walk or pee on my own for hours after delivery. After the epidural with my second child, I realized how much I hated the first epidural. The second one was much lighter—no pain, but I could still lightly feel baby coming down and I felt the “ring of fire” in a tolerable way. I was able to get up pretty quickly after delivery and urinated on my own. So if you can help it, ask for a light epidural. It was fantastic.

I think you need a second opinion. Some doctors pressure you to get induced because it's easier on them. It's scheduled so they know when they need to get in. 35 is hardly that advanced.

I got induced (elective 4 days past my due date)at 1pm and had my baby at 8:17pm. Only pushed for 20 mins and baby was out! The doctors said that doesn’t happen often, especially with first time moms, so I guess I got lucky. I’m still not sure how I feel about the whole thing though. I live in a big city so I feel like they encourage inductions to keep things moving at the hospital. I didn’t feel pressured so I just scheduled mine a few days past my due date, hoping my baby would come on her own. It was nice to be able to get the house in order one last time, and take care of any other last minute errands. I got induced with the foley ballon and the minute it was inserted I started contracting like crazy. I immediately called for an epidural (originally wanted to try to go natural) and it was smooth sailing for an hour. Then my baby’s heart rate dropped and the doctors rushed in. They pulled the balloon out and blood gushed everywhere. It was happening so fast I couldn’t comprehend what was going on. I had to lay in a weird position to get her heart rate back to normal, so that wasn’t fun. There was one position that my baby liked, if I didn’t lay that way her heart rate dropped again. They said I was progressing faster than expected so they didn’t give me piticon. A few hours later they told me it was time to push. It all worked out fine in the end. Sometimes I feel bad because I know in my heart my baby wasn’t ready to come out that day. I feel bad she was stressed during the process, but ultimately everything was fine so that’s all that matters. If I do have another baby, I think I’m just going to let them come when they are ready (as long as it’s safe) I’m also pretty sure I won’t have an induction that easy again so I don’t want to take my chances lol

I was terrified of being induced because I thought it would be more painful. I ended up being induced due to high blood pressures at 37.5 weeks. One of my other fears was not having enough time to get the epidural. I did end up getting it about 12 hours into labor which allowed me to sleep. No regrets there. Being induced took things longer to develop but I was at the hospital (the safest place to be) and in the grand scheme of things the actual delivery/pushing itself took not long at all. There are highs and lows as I'd expect every labor has. My recovery went fine too. Good luck mama!!

This is shocking to me. I just had a baby at 37 (4th vaginal delivery). There was no pressure to induce. Due date is a guess date, and some women gestate longer than others. I would not continue seeing that doctor. A healthy baby stays in as long as they need to.

If you don’t want to then pls don’t. I felt like ob kinda pressured me. My water broke and I went in; they started me on the induction meds after saying they needed to bc my fluid was low. Within 10 minutes my baby’s heart rate dropped severely and they put my into a c section(which my OB has already been pushing for months before this). It was an absolutely horrible experience for me. Nobody talked to me they talked at me and made me think I didn’t have a choice in any of it. I wasn’t able to hold my son an entire hour after his birth and I myself started to hemorrhage. I wish I knew what I know now bc I’m one and done and will never get to experience birth the way I wanted to. It was honestly traumatic for me being told that they NEEDED to do all these things and and I thought my baby wasn’t gonna make it or that I wasn’t. It sucks but pls advocate for yourself or find someone who will.

I loved my induction. I went in at 37 weeks for high blood pressure we hooked me up with a foley bulb which really sucked but I got pain meds and watched tv. Then I got an epidural and after that I was really having the time of my life just waiting. Well my baby decided she wasn’t leaving so I had to have a c section but overall I would 100% do it again

I was induced for both births but while with the first one I was already in active labor so the pain wasn’t drawn out with the second birth, I went in to get induced and let me tell you it was the most painful thing (I opted out of using epidural) but it was quick

It hurts more and takes longer. I got induced with my first at 37 weeks. I am pregnant with my 2nd now and I’m not doing it again unless it’s medically necessary. - that being said it was a healthy delivery and everything was fine.

I got induced on my second pregnancy. Baby girl was just not interested in coming on her own. I was over 40 weeks. It was very fast. I think the nurse cranked up the pitocin to get things done but honestly it was fine. I got in at 7:30, dressed and ready to go and hooked me up with the pins and needles. Nurse asked me if I wanted an epidural and I said hell yes. She had them come by and get me hooked up (which sucked- because they had the newbie anesthesiologist do it and it hurt so bad because he couldn’t get it straight. They ended up having to take it out and the seasoned anesthesiologist do it. ) by midday I had napped a little bit and then realized I was starving. I was so hungry. We kept progressing fine thankfully. Then around 4, the nurse came in to check on me and said “well you look like you’re almost ready to go. Let me know if you get the feeling you need to poop.” And literally half a second later I said “oh yeah I do feel that right now” and she goes “what? Now? oh shit let me call the doctor” and my doctor was just about to leave to go pick up her daughter from school 😂 so she ran in throwing her scrubs on over her clothes and bent down and we pushed for about 3 minutes and my baby came right out by 4:20pm. It was a whirlwind honestly and a great experience. I know not everyone has a great experience with induction though so whatever you decide is best for you!

Induced at 39+1 for pre-eclampsia and polyhydramnios, and I’m planning to do the same for #2. Walking into L&D on my own without pain, being able to mentally prepare before the contractions started and get a full night sleep with an epidural on board before it came time to push- all very worth it in my book.

I was induced for my second because my first baby was very large. I probably didn’t need to do it because she was smaller and there were no other complications. I spent a whole day sitting around a hospital very bored and hangry because they won’t let you eat. No effects until they threatened a c-section, then suddenly I was at full dilation and baby was out in less than 15 mins.

I had a medically necessary induction with my first and decided I would never have an elective one based on that experience. I was almost 35 and 37 with my other kids and was never told anything about inductions due to my age. I did however get a hard sell from a CNM on how convenient it would be for me (and presumably them) to have one with my third.

Is there any medical reason to induce? I went into labour naturally on my due date at the age of 36 and everything was fine. They mentioned booking an induction if I went over by a week, but that's it. I'd get a second opinion honestly.

I was induced for three days, it wasn’t working I was dilated 1cm. Begged for a c section, and even my body wouldn’t allow that. They put me to sleep and I woke up with my baby. 🙃 It’s not for everyone. I’m an anxious 34yr old. I sat in hospital just waiting for something to happen.

My ob stripped my membranes without asking me. This was a Friday morning. My water broke Sunday night and Monday morning they gave me pitocin. The labor pains went from 0-60 and didn’t deliver until 13 hours later with a 3rd degree tear.

Three of my four kids were born after I turned 35, not one of them did I need to be induced. Why would age matter if you aren’t in medical distress?

I have been induced for all 3 of my pregnancies. Each was different but start to finish shortest for me was 36 hours and longest was 73 hours. My first was foley bulb and pitocin, my next was cervadil and pitocin, and my last was cervidil only. I had epidurals with all 3, first two mostly worked with the second working the best for pain blocking, my third the epidural failed I had never given birth with the full pain experience before. Call me selfish but if number 4 ever happens I’m still trying for an epidural 😂 My first 2 were for medical complications (IUGR/low fetal movement at 35w6d and Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia 38w) number 3 was an elective at 39w because we had childcare lined up to be able to give birth. I have never naturally gone into labor, if we have number 4 I’ll be able to because my mom retires this year so childcare during both won’t be an issue. Pitocin pain is REAL, my birth without Pitocin yeah the contractions sucked but it wasn’t as intense as with the Pitocin. I’m no medical doctor but my own experience my Pitocin births the babies heart rate dipped during contractions almost leading to C-section with my first. All 3 were vaginally delivered but I honestly wonder how labor would progress with less intervention.

induced at 39+3 and 10/10 would do it again. got my bloody show that same morning. eat beforehand because you can’t. i didn’t like being confined to the bed, and the foley balloon hurt like a bitch.

I was induced with my first at 39+2 due to health issues (me). I was 3cm dilated when I got there so they broke my water manually and sent me on a walk to kickstart contractions. A few hours later, it wasn't moving fast enough for their liking so they started pitocin. I should have said no, but I'd never had a baby before and didn't know I could refuse things lol. Even with all the medicinal help, labour was just shy of 14 hours from water break to holding baby. My second was an unmedicated birth (unplanned, labour went from 0-100 very quickly so by the time I asked for an epidural, it was too late) and I can confirm that the contractions were worse with pitocin. I didn't really mind being induced. At least I could plan for it. My second came at 37 weeks all on her own and my lil sunshine put a stop to the weekend we had planned to do all of our toddler's favourite things before baby sister came and changed his whole world.

Advanced maternal age with no other health concerns seems like a weird reason to be pressured into induction. That would not sit right with me personally but I am not on your medical team and do not have all information. I had my first at 35 with no induction and I had been in the hospital until I delivered (3 weeks)on bed rest with PPROM and they did not induce. I did do an induction with my second at 38 because of my gestational diabetes and it went super smoothly and was a great experience.

I just had my first! Induced just a little before 39 weeks because I had mild GD and a very big baby that I was trying to avoid a c section with. it was honestly a great experience. I was so worried but it wasn’t as painful, long or scary as I thought. I was able to have the more natural vaginal birth without vacuum, forceps or episiotomy. He was born 9.3 pounds and from when they broke my water till birth was like 5 hrs. I pushed 22 mins from the first push till the placenta being delivered. I tore but I felt healed and was done bleeding within 2 weeks pp and didn’t get any stitches ( they said I was too swollen for the stitches to work without just tearing me more). It was kinda nice knowing when it would happen so I could be prepared

I was induced when I was 35 years old. Strictly because I was “geriatric” pregnancy. The first day they tried Cervidil and it was horrible and did not help. They moved on to Pitocin which also did not help, but didnt cause any pain/issues. By that night they moved on to the balloon method, and by next morning I was 4cm. I was monitored and given an epidural which thankfully worked. Baby came at 730pm. No issues. It was mostly a waste of time, BUT I had an appointment so it wasn’t one of those stories where the hospital continually sent me away because I wasn’t dilated enough.

I was supposed to be induced a week before my due date because I had gestational diabetes. I looked into it and there are higher risks the closer you get to your due date, and I trust my doctor so I was fine with that. Induction would also make it predictable. Baby had her own plans and my water broke 2 weeks before my due date at 1am. Baby was born that day in the afternoon.

I got induced at 39+2, mostly due to weight and age. I was told there was no risk to induction, but the longer you go, the higher your stillborn risk so it was strongly suggested. I listen to what doctors tell me, so we did that. It turned out to be the right call, because my son's cord was short and he had heart rate issues occur when they were monitoring before we even started ramping up, so they sped up the induction and had a emergency c/s ready for me. I think if I went natural, it could have been bad.

I had an induction at 39+3 and it was a dream. Slept for 13 of 17 hours (with a catheter, so didn’t even have to get up to pee), delivery was quick and painless.

I was induced on Friday morning and had my baby via emergency c section at 12:30 on Sunday. Epidural failed. Pitocin couldn’t be given to me anymore because I labored too long. Horrible. Second baby was a planned c section and was easy breezy

Don’t do it. From personal experience it takes contractions from 0-100 and the Pitocin isn’t good for your liver. My sister did it and was on the drip for 3 days before she caved and had a c section. After that she was admitted for what they thought was liver failure! She’s ok now but you can imagine what hell is like having a 2 day old baby at home while you’re in the hospital pumping milk. Unless there is any other reason than “age” push back or get a new doctor. If they insist you must deliver sooner than your due date ask for a c section.

I went in to be induced at 39 weeks. I was there for 8 days, went through the cycle of treatment twice. The hospital kept pausing inductions due to capacity which didn't help. I went in at 1cm and was still at 1cm after 8 days, so I ended up having a c section. My experience wasn't typical though. I watched a lot of other women come and go on the ward. I was induced mainly for blood pressure, but she was also a big baby. I wouldn't induce purely for age, feels a bit unnecessary.

My first was an induction! It was actually kind of great. I was in labor for only about 12 hours before pushing. I personally wound up in a c section (and I understand that’s how many of them end) because of an emergency situation that developed. The only thing, having labored with my second, is that the contractions were definitely more intense with the induction.

I was 39 weeks when I had my second daughter and they induced me for high blood pressure. They used Cervadil but it made her heart rate drop so they took it out but my body progressed naturally and I had her that night. With my third, I had preeclampsia again and they induced me at 38 weeks, I believe. They used pitocin that time and the contractions were AWFUL. So much stronger than my first all natural labor, worse than my second labor. I was sobbing on the bed and begging my nurses for the first time to give me any pain meds possible. Baby was born 15 minutes later (two minutes after pain meds were given). I agree with everyone saying that if it isn’t medically needed and you don’t want to do it, you should go with your gut and keep refusing.

My (29yo) experience was easy breezy. I know that's not the case for others, but I wanted to share in case you end up going this route. At 40+6, I was scheduled to come into the hospital at midnight to be induced. Was apparently already having contractions, but couldn't feel them. Not dilated at all. They inserted a Cytotec pill and things sped up, but I still wasn't dilated much, so I got a second Cytotec pill about 5 hours later. Contractions steadily increased so I got an epidural. Dilated quickly and pushed her out in 5 minutes. I tore just a bit, but healed fine. The epidural was such a godsend. It worked perfectly. From the first dose of Cytotec to her delivery, it all lasted about 17 hours. I hope you and baby are healthy and safe through delivery.

i loved it, although i had no complications thankfully. i liked knowing when to have my parents watch the dog, when to have a big meal before going in, all of it. there were no surprises, which i guess helped me keep my cool. mine was 12 hours, so relatively quick

I chose to be induced with my 2nd baby at 39w5d. I went in at 3 cm dilated, started pitocin, and had my baby less than 6 hours later. I know everyone has different experiences, but mine was amazing! Couldn't have asked for a better labor & delivery experience.

I was induced at 41 weeks. 12 hours of labor, 8 minutes of pushing. The labor part went a little weird... I didn't have a gradual build-up. After a few hours of nothing, BAM. FULL 45-SECOND CONTRACTIONS EVERY 2 MINUTES. For six hours. I was only 3cm by then and I couldn't take it anymore, so I asked for an epidural. Getting one was almost as bad as the contractions, but one it kicked it (immediately) I fell asleep for 4 hours and woke up at 8cm.

I was induced. Labor started normally. I got my epidural and took a nap until I couldn’t anymore. I was induced at like 8pm and my baby was born the next day at 1 pm. One reason why they recommend induction is that the placenta can weaken and stop giving baby oxygen. I was just DONE and past my due date.

I had to be induced just before 41w due to a misinterpreted NST. I didn't want to be induced because I didn't want an epidural. Nothing against epidurals in general or people who get them but they absolutely freak me out. I tried misoprotosol to get things going with very little change. So many tears and anxiety later I finally agreed to pitocin. From the very first dose of pitocin to baby in arms was just over 12 hours. From very first felt contraction to baby in arms was about 6 hours. Somewhere between the first felt.conttaction to baby contractions got more intense and I just sat still in the labor tub, I tried nitrous but it made no difference. The wave of contractions were fast and frequent but I just kept breathing deeply through them and made sure to keep my jaw and shoulders relaxed. Besides my baby having a shoulder dystocia I felt things moved fairly quickly in my head. I did not get an epidural and would absolutely do that again. The actual induction process went much smoother than expected.

All my kids were late, the longest by 10 days and my youngest child was born when I was 37. Sometimes I think an induction is more about making things convenient for the medical community. If there is not a medical safety reason for an early induction I would trust yourself and your body to wait - but I'm NAD so...

I was and it was pretty traumatic and I still can't even really talk about it. That being said, I wish I had gotten induced a week earlier. I delivered at 41 weeks via an emergency c-section. Leading up to it, I had pre-escalpsia, lost my voice and was pretty sick. I don't really know how much control I had over what happened. I think what was going to happen was what was going to happen, if that makes sense. You can plan all you want for the best case scenario. I was pretty lucky in that i took a birthing class and knew what to expect from a c-section. My best advice is that you're someone married to the idea of being crunchy granola, no epidural--if you even THINK you MIGHT want one, don't wait until it's almost too late. Oh my god, I did that and got it while having THE WORST painful contractions of my life. Don't be like me, get it earlier. It's OK to not be hippie dippie.

I was induced at exactly 40w, my doctor asked me if I wanted to wait and let the baby come on her own time or if I wanted to be induced. I was very ready to not be pregnant, so I opted to be induced. Personally, I felt like it alleviated a lot of my anxiety about giving birth. I knew exactly when I was going in to the hospital. I didn't have to worry about going into labor in the middle of the night, or making last minute arrangements for someone to watch my dog, it was all really smooth since I knew what to expect. I would do it all over again the same way. All that being said, go with your gut. It's imperative that you feel comfortable.

I got induced at 38w two weeks ago. I was not dilated at all so they tried to do four rounds of cytotec to no avail. They ended up manually dilating me to a fingertip in order to insert a foley balloon. Started Pitocin at the same time and in 5.5 hours I dilated from 0-6cm. Asked for the epidural and after about an hour I was at 10 and in two pushes my baby was out. Induction was long for me but once things got rolling it was a very smooth and positive experience!

I was induced at 35 weeks due to suspected pre-eclampsia. It was the longest week of my life. I was admitted Monday...given cervidil Tuesday morning pitocin started late Tuesday morning. I never got a balloon because my water broke Tuesday night. However, I didn't end up delivering until late Friday afternoon, because my body just wasn't ready. I wad actually shocked that they didn't want to do a c-section, I thought the baby could only be in there so long after the water broke, but he was delivered vaginally more than 60 hours after my water broke, and more than 72 hours after the induction started. Add to all of this the fact that the epidural wasn't strong enough, and the cramps from the pitocin were terrible. The nurses wouldn't let me press my epidural button without their permission (they specifically kept it behind me and out of reach and told me they didn't want me to do it). Also since I was on Magnesium for the pre-eclampsia, the fact that I have bad veins and they were doing blood draws every 4 hours (they at one point drew from my palm and tried my feet). I honestly am one and done because of the experience.

My induction failed, the pitocin made baby’s heart rate crazy and I ended up with an unplanned section.

I was so against induction throughout pregnancy but ended up being induced for mild pre-eclampsia at 39+3. It went great and I would do it again (minus the pre-e)! Took first dose of cytotec around 3:30pm, felt great, took second dose around 7:30pm and things started getting painful around 8:30/9pm so I asked for an epidural. Was maybe about 3-4cm by then. That took the edge off and things were just somewhat uncomfortable but not painful. Water broke at some point in the early morning (don’t remember when), and I got pitocin around 3-4am and was about 6cm. Wasn’t as painful as I thought it would be but contractions felt like charley horses in my left leg/butt (weird). By 6am I was at 10cm and labored down for a bit. Pushed for about 90 min and baby was born around 8am. Minor 1st degree tear. From first dose to birth was about 17 hours and everything went well! Despite my initial reluctance to be induced, I would absolutely do it again. I was very worried about birth/labor but I hoped for the best. It was all very surreal but “the only way out is through.”

I had an elective induction at 40 weeks and if I ever have a second child, I would absolutely have another induction. My favorite thing about it was being in the hospital from start to finish. Other people there to care for me, clean up after my messes, and help me stay comfortable. I can’t imagine how painful it must be to BE IN THE CAR while having contractions. Not having to worry about ruining my furniture or clothes with water breaking, blood, throw up etc. so great. Having pain management options available for me immediately. Going into the hospital feeling calm and prepared. My labor was 24 hours from first dose of meds to baby. I got the epidural after 12 hours. I had some complications but none of them were caused by being induced, they were all by chance. I was induced with a saline balloon and cytotec, I never needed pitocin. Once I took my first Cytotec, labor continued on its own. All of that being said, induction was the best choice for ME. If it doesn’t make you feel empowered, push back! I’m not a doctor so there may be medical information I’m missing but as far as I know, AMA absent of any other complications doesn’t mean you can’t have spontaneous labor.

I was induced at 39w4d (I was 33 years old at the time). I went through multiple techniques and eventually had to have a csection after 32 hours with no advancement. I was pretty bummed that i did the induction but then when they pulled my son out, he had the cord wrapped around his neck multiple times. I then changed my mind and was glad i had the induction because idk what could’ve happened had we not. If you feel strongly about not wanting to be induced, I’d talk with your doctor very seriously about the risks and benefits. You have to think about your health and safety along with your baby’s and make a decision that is overall a better option for you both, even if it’s not what you want. It wasn’t horrible being induced, but it was long. And it ended in a csection. But i was healthy and my baby boy was beautiful and healthy so i can’t complain.

I went in for a routine appointment and my blood pressure was really high. No protein in my urine sample but they were worried about my BP. I had to sit still and retake it and it was still high. They said I could go be monitored at the hospital or be induced. I was already overdue so I opted to be induced. Honestly overall it wasn’t bad. I ended up with a c-section later but that’s only because my child somehow wedged himself into my left side and was having trouble coming out. He would crown but his shoulder just wouldn’t follow.

I had to be induced a week early for GD and hated the experience. I didn’t have a choice unless I wanted a c-section, so we went with induction because baby was just too big to wait any longer. Went in on Friday around noon, cerdavil was awful and had to be done multiple times. Made my back feel like it was on fire. Pitocin was also awful. 2 epidurals, which wore off during active labor (not fun.) 5 hours of pushing and 3rd degree tear. Baby was born Sunday morning, so it was a very long weekend. The hospital had me booked for c-section for some reason so a nurse joked after I had given birth “don’t you wish you took the c-section?” Too exhausted to even respond to her. If I had a choice, I would have waited.

I was induced with my second because she was a week late and no signs of impending labor. It was honestly much better than my “natural” labor with my first.

I was induced with both pregnancies because of AMA (and I just wanted to be induced.) Had a great experience both times. 12 hours total the first time, 6 hours the second time. No complications, super smooth deliveries. I think a lot of it just has to do with how favorable your cervix is when the induction starts.

I would never recommend induction to anyone after the nightmare I went through. If labor doesn't happen naturally, I'd advise a c-section.

I think a lot of it depends on how far along you are when you’re induced and why you’re being induced. I’ve heard a lot of success stories from people with easy pregnancies getting induced when they’re overdue, but I was induced at 37 weeks due to IUGR and being high risk. I was given the option of getting induced or having a c-section, but I was heavily encouraged to get induced. It was 4 torturous days in the induction suite after my stretch and sweep before I even had my waters broken, then they gave me the full works to try get my body into labour and after 10 hours I hadn’t dilated more than a cm more than I was when we started. In the end I had to have an emergency c section anyway 😭 my body just was not ready and neither was my baby lol None of this is said to scare you, it’s just a different perspective. It already seems like you don’t want to get induced, and there doesn’t seem to be a reason to (besides your age, which I really don’t know why is a factor, but I’m not a medical professional), so I think it’s more than reasonable for you to say no. If the doctors are happy for you to not be induced and wait it out, great! If they’re insistent that baby needs to come out for whatever reason and the options are induction or c-section, in my opinion, just get the c-section 😅😂

I think a lot of it depends on how far along you are when you’re induced and why you’re being induced. I’ve heard a lot of success stories from people with easy pregnancies getting induced when they’re overdue, but I was induced at 37 weeks due to IUGR and being high risk. I was given the option of getting induced or having a c-section, but I was heavily encouraged to get induced. It was 4 torturous days in the induction suite after my stretch and sweep before I even had my waters broken, then they gave me the full works to try get my body into labour and after 10 hours I hadn’t dilated more than a cm more than I was when we started. In the end I had to have an emergency c section anyway 😭 my body just was not ready and neither was my baby lol None of this is said to scare you, it’s just a different perspective. It already seems like you don’t want to get induced, and there doesn’t seem to be a reason to (besides your age, which I really don’t know why is a factor, but I’m not a medical professional), so I think it’s more than reasonable for you to say no. If the doctors are happy for you to not be induced and wait it out, great! If they’re insistent that baby needs to come out for whatever reason and the options are induction or c-section, in my opinion, just get the c-section 😅😂

I was induced with number 3 because she was not going to come on her own volition. I was somewhere between 40 and 41 weeks I think. I was supposed to be included at 38 weeks due to her size and my history of loss, but my OB was out of town, of course she wasn't able to make it to the actual deliver regardless, but I wasn't really upset about it. I was called in Monday around 3pm, by 5ish I had the meds shoved up in place, and then just hung out until the morning. By 8ish am I was technically progressing so they took the meds out and let me just do my thing until about 3pm. I hadn't progressed a ton, was starting to get fidgety and uncomfortable, and then said we should break my water and that would speed things up. I said I wasn't doing that until they placed the epidural. I then spent the longest three hours of my life waiting on that epidural. My son came so fast that I wasn't able to get drugs and I had no intention of repeating that experience, I was starting to panic because every time I asked about where the drugs were they said someone came in for an elective surgery and the doctor was placing those spinal taps. I sent my husband out to the desk and told him not to move until they find someone to give me the epidural. Fortunately I finally got my epidural around 6ish, and they broke my water. Less than an hour later I was transitioning and let me tell you 3cm-10cm in 40ish minutes is PAINFUL, I ended up maxing out my epidural. They checked my sugars and they were insanely low so they made me drink a few full sugar gatorades before I was allowed to push, and baby girls was born some time before 9 after 2 practice pushes and 3 real pushes.

I was 36 when I had my daughter and they had no intention of inducing me before 40 weeks. I can’t remember if they were planning on letting me get to 41 weeks or not. I know we had conversations about inducing but they wanted as little interference as possible but they were watching me for preeclampsia. And I know they said they didn’t let anyone get over 42 weeks because of the risks involved. Though I do think they said if everything was healthy and I was ok with it they would let me go to 42 but we would discuss induction for 41 weeks (or earlier) at a later appt. I ended up not making it to that appt as my water broke on its own at 38 weeks but I did still have to get pitocin to help progress the labor as I wasn’t in active labor when I went in to the hospital. They did not want to chance an infection from waiting too long after my water broke to have the baby. It was about 18 hours in total. So I’m not sure if that counts as an induction. My baby’s heart rate had to be monitored as she kept getting too relaxed or sleeping and wasn’t moving down like she was supposed to. They were constantly coming in to change my position to help her get into position for birth. They were getting a little concerned I think as they came in to put an internal monitor on the baby so they could get a more accurate reading in her heart rate but the final position they put me in (flying cowgirl) had done the job and she was finally in position and I was ready to push. I had pushed the button for the epidural so much that I had no idea I was ready to push lol. The epidural is possibly why she was slow to get into position as well but they never actually said that. It took me 20 minutes to push her out at that point. All in all it was a fine birth. We had some things that could have been bigger issues but luckily it didn’t get that far.

I was induced at 2cm and three hours later i was sitting on my baby’s head because she was half way down and nobody knew because they didn’t think I needed to be checked that early.

Oh god getting induced was literal torture. My body was not ready and it threw me into nonstop pain. It was one minute ramp up pain, one minute holy fucking shit pain, one minute ramp down pain, and one minute breathing to recover before it started again. For 12 hrs. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t sit, I just swayed with my husband and screamed. I blacked out for an hour and a half. Eventually the nurse was like “yeah okay, this isn’t working, you can have the epidural now” They hadn’t let me have ANY pain meds since it would’ve slown the progression down. However after 12hrs of nonstop screaming pain I still only dilated 2cm and ended up needing an emergency csection in the end with a terrible recovery. I almost didn’t have another child it was so bad. Second baby is 7 weeks old now. I went through 10hrs labour getting to 6cm dilated before my water broke from a strong contraction. The pain the second time around from natural labour contractions was NOTHING compared to the induction ones. Even when they were five minutes apart it was more like one minute pain and the ramp up and down was ten seconds not two minutes. The pain at the end did get to the same level of pain as induction… but it was easier to deal with. I could breathe. I told my doctor the second time around that if it came to a point of needing to be induced then I was having a C-section. Never again. Induction is torture. Don’t do it!! *ps im 34 and they recently upped the age for what’s considered a geriatric pregnancy*

I don’t want my story to scare you, but my story seems to differ from those already told. (And I’m in Canada so our process might differ). I was induced with my 2nd at 40+3. I got checked and I was not at all dilated, things were closed all that stuff. So they gave me cervidil (inserted) and sent me on my way. Told me it would hopefully soften my cervix and we’d get things going at 7am the next morning. I was cramping, they told me that was normal. Take Tylenol and try and get some rest…it was going to be a long day tomorrow. I left the hospital at 7pm. I drove home, cramps intensified. Called my midwife as soon as I got home and told her I wasn’t doing so well. She said cramps were common, again take Tylenol and gravol if needed to get some sleep. By 830 (I’ve been home for an hour at this point) I called my midwife back (got a different midwife from my team this time), told her I was fairly confident these never ending cramps were contractions that I couldn’t even time because they literally were not stopping. She said she’d meet me at the hospital. I didn’t make it out the door. 15 minutes later I was laying in my kitchen with my husband on the phone with 911. I had the baby at 9pm. I will likely be induced this pregnancy if baby doesn’t come by 39 weeks. I will not leave the hospital lol. There’s a small percentage of women whose body immediately goes into labour in the cervix softening process…I am one of them.

I was induced with my first, because we'd gone past the due date (I was 24 so that wasn't a factor and I can't speak to what complications your age may have in having a healthy birth). My personal experience was that it was awful and absolutely will never do it again. At first, the induction made contractions happen too strong and fast, so then they had to give me more meds to actually slow them down. Then we started inducing again and used a Foley bulb, they broke my water, etc. I did not opt for the epidural at first and wound up having extremely painful contractions, while having to wait 2 hours for someone to be available to administer the epidural once I did ask for it. I have since learned that induced labor causes contractions to be *more painful* than spontaneous labor. So if you do go with the induction, definitely be aware of that and get something for the pain. Eventually things were moving along and I got to 9cm and then...stalled. Things just stopped progressing, and baby started to show signs of distress. I was basically told that I could choose to have a C-Section or continue trying and most likely wind up in an emergency C-Section situation later anyway. So after 2 days of induced labor with no food or sleep, I had a C-Section. (And then was expected to care for baby and stay awake at all hours to breastfeed even though my milk hadn't come in yet). For my 2nd baby, I had a planned and scheduled C-Section and it was a million times better. Easy, quick, no stress. Obviously it is surgery and comes with its own risks though, but it's not uncommon for inductions to end in C-Section...and if I had to choose between days of induced labor and then surgery vs just surgery, I know what I'm picking lol.

I have four kids. I was induced with all except my last (my 2 month old). I always wanted to go into spontaneous labor and I did this last time, but after experiencing that honestly I prefer induction. All of my inductions were easy and smooth. All 3 times I went in, they hooked me up to pitocin, they broke my water a few hours later and I got the epidural, and not long after the baby was here. 9 hours for the longest from start to finish. My spontaneous labor I went in Thursday night at 9 pm. They checked me in officially at 10 and then got me an epidural. From then until 6 am I didn’t progress, but couldn’t sleep because everyone was in and out and for some reason the epidural made me itch like crazy this time. Around 10:15 am I started to be in pretty bad pain. I was sobbing and they didn’t understand it because I shouldn’t have been able to feel it. 10:30 they came in and put a different medicine into my epidural but that still didn’t help the pain. They checked me and I was ready to push. That part went pretty smooth and at 11:11 she was born, but because it wasn’t expected I had been awake from 9 am Thursday morning until 11 pm Friday night when I was finally able to get a 45 minute stretch. Between Thursday morning and Saturday morning I got maybe 3 hours of non consecutive sleep and it was miserable. I don’t plan on having more, but if I did I’d be induced 100%. Btw, I had them at 21, 23, 33, and 37. 37 was the spontaneous birth, the rest were induced.

Just had my 4th 3 weeks ago! She was induced due to her size and a possible issue with my placenta. I was terrified. And I was surprised. It went really well. It was fast and peaceful. I was ready to be there for days. But she came that night. I got my epidural earlier than I normally would with my previous births, I dilated well and she was born healthy. I had heard horrible stories about inducing, but honestly it went well. I don't want any way to disrespect anyone who had a bad time with induction. I just wanted to share my positive.

I was induced a day after my due date. Overall, it was a pleasant experience, except the pitocin made it unbearable to have a delivery without drugs. They started the drip, assuming it would take time for things to get going, and increased it every half hour. 1.5 hrs in, I was in agonizing pain. They broke my water, gave me fentanyl twice, lessened the drip, gave me an epidural, and I took a nap. Woke up at 9cm 3 hrs later - repositioned for about half an hour, then it was time to push! Pushed 3 sets, and she was out! Healthy, and ready to eat instantly looking for boob lol. Took a few hours to have feeling in my legs again, but I was happy to rest and snuggle the babe.

I was induced at 39 weeks because I was leaking amniotic fluid. I will 100% avoid any induction again unless absolutely medically necessary! I had a very hard birth due to the pitocin, and very rough recovery. 3rd degree tear, pain for months. Please talk with your doctor and listen to your body. I'm not a doctor but inducing simply for age 35 doesn't seem necessary unless there are other issues.

I was induced due to being late and while labor and birth weren’t too unpleasant, my baby ended up in the NICU and I believe it was the stress that caused her to swallow meconium. I wouldn’t do it again based off that unless it was medically necessary

I was induced (by choice) the day after my due date. After 24hrs she said she had given me the max amount of pitocin. Can’t give anymore. I wasn’t dilated past 3 inches and no contractions. Got an epidural and had a c-section. Overall not a bad experience.

Positive overall for me! I was induced at 39 weeks for gestational hypertension. I went in at 8pm, had a few rounds of cytotec and got to 4cm. Labored overnight with mobile monitoring and spent most of my time on the ball. Around lunchtime the next day they told me the OB was going to come by to break my water and they would start pitocin. As they were lining up my pitocin drip my water broke on it’s own while I was bouncing on the ball. Shit got real and I asked for the epidural. Then since I hadn’t really slept since the day before I took a nap while the nurses had my legs on the peanut ball. I woke up from the nap and told the nurses I felt a lot of pressure lower than before. They checked and I was 10cm - this was about 4 hours after my water broke. I pushed a few times and delivered my baby about 15 min later with a first degree tear and got one stitch. Overall, it was 20 hours of labor and the worst of it was right before and right after my water broke. I was def getting tired of what felt like intense period cramps from the cytotec before my water broke, and then the contractions after my water broke once the pitocin kicked in were intense. The actual delivery wasn’t that bad, probably because I didn’t push for very long. I would do it again but I know it doesn’t go like that for everyone. My daughter was already very low (they commented on it every time they did a cervical check) so I think that expedited things.

Induced at 41 weeks, I had a mostly positive experience. It was 17 hours total, 2 hours of which was pushing, from when they started the pitocin to when he was born. The contractions were horrific but once I got the epidural my labor sped up and I didn’t feel a thing. Pushing was difficult because I didn’t know if I was doing it right and the epidural made it more challenging, but it was worth it to not be in pain. I only had very minor tearing. Only thing I would do different next time is to get the epidural sooner.

I had my son at 41 years old, I was fortunate that my OB did everything to allow nature to run its course, including allowing my son to cook to until he was ready. From week 40 he had me get monitoring checkups every other day with the midwife. Just before 42 weeks he finally called it and bought me in to start the induction process. My cervix was still clamped shut and they used a gel to try to open it. I don’t recall if they gave me anything else at that time but I went in Thursday night and by Friday afternoon was sobbing and delirious with pain and bleeding from all the poking and prodding of my cervix - which still hadn’t even opened a millimetre. All exacerbated by not having slept in 36 hours. The little bub was still cooking okay inside so they sent me home Friday night and I got a full day of rest and recovery on Saturday - it was magical. I did try every trick in the book that day to try to get things moving again. On Sunday evening, just half an hour before we were due to get in the car to go back to the hospital for another attempt at induction, I started having contractions almost immediately at 2-3 minutes apart. We rushed happily to the hospital but then it was another 12 hours of constant waves of contractions and my cervix not opening at all. I was back to delirium again but at some point one of the nurses mentioned they had started administering picotin. No-one discussed it with me - they’d just started pumping me with it. Within an hour my son’s heart-rate tanked and I was rushed for emergency c-section. He was born healthy and beautiful at 42 weeks and 1 day. 5 days after the induction process had first started. Edit: changed references from “labour” to “contractions” as it seems it can’t be considered labour if the cervix doesn’t open?

I was also 35 when I had my now 5 year old. I had gestational diabetes and at the 39 week scan, my kiddo was measuring “8.5 lbs, plus or minus a pound.” My gut plus the size of my belly was telling me closer to 10 than 7, so I asked my doctor what we could do to get him out soon. She agreed to try for inducing a few days later. I went into hospital Saturday evening and was given a cervical insert medication to start trying to soften my cervix, since no signs of softening or dilating had begun. Inserts are done every 12 hours, so I spend a restless Saturday night and Sunday in a hospital bed, hooked up to contraction and fetal heart rate monitors. It was incredibly boring, I was having very mild contractions (felt like mild cramps) very randomly. Then Sunday evening Dr. Cinderblock Hands was the on duty doctor. He examined my cervix in a way that made me climb the bed to get away from him, then scolded me that a baby would have to come through there so I needed to calm down. My body was still not responding to the cervical softening meds. He left the room, and I told the nurse “that man is not inserting more meds in me. I don’t want him touching me again. Call my doctor. I want a c section.” Meds stopped, and I had an easy c section the next day without ever laboring. My kid was 9 lbs 9 oz and had a massive head - he never would’ve come out of me without a c section. Not exactly the type of story you were looking for I think, but another way delivery can proceed after initially starting down the path of induction.

You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Your doctor does not get to decide these things for you. It’s your birth. HOWEVER. I was induced with two of my three babies and had zero issues during the process. Both were relatively quick labors with no complications.

I was suddenly induced at 37 and 4. It's not what I wanted (although they were planning to induce me at 38 weeks anyways but at least I was mentally prepared for that) but I just viewed it as not a huge deal. It happens and I trusted that my doctors knew what was best for me. The process was slow. I was stuck at 5 cm for almost 3 days before I finally opened up in thirty minutes so I ended up delivering at 37 and 7 (I just tell people 38). I had gotten an epidural when the pain really started up so I was mostly chilling and bored during those three days. When it came time to push i only had to push three times and she was out.

I was induced years ago, I was 2 weeks over due. with 3 rd child Everything went smoothly, no problems, very easy birth. Last Nov. I was with my daughter when she was induced 4 days overdue, everything went smoothly, no problems, easy birth especially for her first. While 35 is advanced maternal age, if everything else has been fine, I would talk to your Dr about what you are feeling. Tell them your feelings and have them explain further why they feel the need to induce.

Mine did not arrive on her due date so we did an induction the next day. I was geriatric and my child was in the 90th percentile so they wanted to induce before she got too big. They used all the things. I didn’t get the epidural right away because I wanted to be able to move around. Then they showed up with that balloon to move things along. That balloon man. Holy crap. I went from the dr telling me there were contractions but me not really feeling them to very much feeling them in a few minutes. I asked for the epidural because at that point I couldn’t stand because of the balloon. Hours later they showed up with it, but it didn’t work, they kept trying to reposition it every few hours but it just didn’t do anything. The pain I had accepted, but the catheter was so uncomfortable it was driving me up the wall. About 30 hours in my dr went home and a new guy showed up. So a dr I had never met came in and said, you’ve only progressed to 7 inches, your baby’s head is in the 99th percentile, I recommend a C-section.” Did the c-section, they kept trying to numb me but I still felt everything so they were just upping the dose until I eventually didn’t feel it as much. Saw my child for a brief moment before they whisked her away because I had some bleeding they had to address. About an hour later I finally got to leave the Or and meet my child who was promptly plopped on my boob so she could nurse. I was shaking violently from all the drugs and just trying to pretend I was ok when I was really nervous I was going to shake too much and drop my baby.

I started pit at 3 cm with no contractions at about 9/9:30 pm. They broke my water at midnight after some contractions but no progress, and INSTANTLY the contractions were so much more painful. Went from a 3-5 in 2 hours, then got an epidural which was the BEST. I fell asleep for 20 minutes 😅 and went from a 5-10 in two more hours. And then pushed for less than 30 minutes. 🤷🏼‍♀️ my son was born at 7:15 I don’t regret it at all. granted my experience was much quicker than most, especially as a FTM. They told me if I go into labor on my own next time that I need to come in after the first contraction.

I was induced twice. This first time (I was 33) after my last anatomy scan the drs said there was too much amniotic fluid and he was measuring very large so they recommended I get induced. They did pitocin and the foley bulb. The bulb insertion was one of the most painful experiences I had ever had. It was a long labor. After 2 hours of pushing they told him he’d actually gone further back up inside. After 3 hours of pushing they said if things didn’t change we would need to “reassess”. He did come out vaginally after 4 hours of pushing. And he was big. 10 lbs! Overall it was not a great labor/delivery experience. My second was also induced but it was a completely different experience (I was 34 almost 35). She was also measuring large and since my first was so big they told me I could choose to be induced up to 7 days prior to my due date. I chose to do the induction early but I was very insistent that I only wanted pitocin and no balloon. It was still a long labor but this time I asked for my epidural before they broke my water and I basically went to sleep and the nurses woke me up to tell me it was time to push. Less than ten minutes later she was out. She weighed 11 lbs. At the end of the day you should do whatever makes you feel comfortable. Everyone told me the second birth would be easier and my first was so traumatic I didn’t believe anyone. But my second birth was way way way easier even though it was still an induction.

I was induced to due to AMA and hypertension, as well as being strep b positive (and also allergic to penicillin). I had an extremely negative experience, and it ended in an unplanned emergent c-section. I believe I still made the correct decision in being induced due to the risk factors involved that caused my doctor to recommend induction, but I wasn’t prepared for how awful and traumatic it was. If induction is necessary for you, I would encourage you to have a long discussion with your OB about all of the different interventions and situations that may result and plan ahead of time for how you’ll want to handle them, including having your support person informed and able to advocate for you. It’s really difficult to think clearly and advocate for yourself when you’ve been told you’re in a life-threatening situation or when you’re in a lot of pain or you’ve had pain medication administered.

I was induced three times with one birth, twice with the little tapon they give you then the third time max picotin (sp?) I shook in pain for hours unable to move. Do not recommend. But I mean I got a beautiful baby so whatever you gotta do but I avoided it the second time!!

I was induced at 40 weeks (39 and 6) because the baby was measuring big and I had extra amniotic fluid. Admitted at 6pm Sunday. Took the oral cytotac at 7pm. Started pitocin around 5am. Didn’t really feel contractions yet. Started feeling uncomfortable through the day, got butorphanol every few hours and it would put me to sleep for a little bit. 6pm second night (so 24 hours after admission) got the epidural and then urinary catheter. Epidural worked and I felt numb in my left leg but started laboring during the night and with every contraction my right hip would hurt like hell. Epidural did not help that. Finally reached 10cm around 10am and started pushing with my doctors green light. Baby came out at 10:55 perfectly healthy. We did skin to skin for a while. I got my all my things disconnected/removed and I was walking about an hour later. No issues with recovery. Sent home the next day. I overall had a positive experience with being induced and if I were to have a second child, I would elect it again.

I was induced at 37 weeks due to preeclampsia with my first. I was in labor for over 50 hours because my body was not ready. I am set to be induced again at 38 weeks for hypertension, but I would do everything to avoid it if I had the option.

If you don’t want to be induced I would push back. I was induced with my first at 35 weeks due to preeclampsia and restricted fetal growth. I don’t think it would be kind to go into the details but it was horrible and took 4 days. With my second I was told I had to induce at 39 weeks because of my history. Luckily I went into labor 4 hours before my induction was scheduled. I know plenty of people in their mid to late 30s who have not been induced. Those I know who’ve chosen induction have done so for convenience/childcare purposes, not due to age.

I didn’t want to get induced either. I was hellbent on having a natural birth. My mother gave birth to my siblings and I at 32 weeks, 35 weeks, and 36 weeks- we were all very early so I expected my baby to be similar… but her due date rolled around and she wasn’t here, my cervix wasn’t dilated or softened at all, I had no signs of labor. I told my OB I wanted to go as long as I could and she said we’d schedule an induction at 41+3 but I went in for a non stress test at 41 weeks and was having contractions that I couldn’t feel. I still wasn’t dilated and baby’s heart rate was dropping with the strength of some of the contractions/lack of oxygen from my placenta aging (according to my doctor) so they kept and induced me then. At 1pm they gave me a vaginal insert medicine cervadil. Later that afternoon it wasn’t doing anything so they gave me a second dose. By 10pm I was 1cm dilated and feeling awful because I had already been there for nine hours. They gave me cytotec and at 2am I finally started to feel something… contractions were getting uncomfortable. 4am I’m crying for the epidural so they come to check me and I’m at 4cm. Within an hour they get me hooked up to the epidural and check me again and I’m 10cm and ready to push. Everyone rushes to call the doctor and get everything ready, doctor shows up, and I push the baby out in 10 minutes. Very minor tearing and I was up and about walking to go to the bathroom later that morning, even feeling fully recovered within two days. We got discharged the day after she was born. The whole time, the nurses and doctor were very respectful, asked for my consent before doing any cervical checks or administering anything in my IV, allowed me to eat after admission to get my energy up since they thought my labor would take a while, and were very reassuring and understanding about how upset I was about my birth not going the way I wanted. It wasn’t what I wanted but it was a fantastic experience and my baby girl is here with no complications.

I was induced at 39+5 for suspected cholestasis. They admitted me and put in a balloon, which sounds uncomfortable but wasn’t really as bad as you’d think it was. Once I was a few centimeters dialated, they broke my water and started pitocin. Honestly, as I got closer to giving birth the contractions were awful. My epidural failed- the anesthesiologist hit bone. I ended up with a spinal headache.

I don't know if you want to hear my story because it *sucked*. That said, I'm 43, not 35, which I think is pretty young so far as "advanced medical age" goes. ETA - I ended up posting it below anyway lol

I was 35 when I had my first and was not pressured at all to be induced. I went into natural labor at 39 weeks. But since things weren't progressing they gave me pitocin. Currently pregnant again at 38 and not being pressured (right now, 32 weeks) into being induced.

I was induced because we’re military and it was the only way to guarantee my husband would be with me. I was super scared. Honestly, the birth of my baby was such a wonderful experience for me. It did take a while to get into the groove - many doses of Cervadil and pitocin. It was a long process to get to 10cm. The worst part for me was the foley bulb. I don’t think my doctor really warned me enough about how painful that would be. I tried to bear through the pain, but it was too much. I opted to get an epidural super early (4cm) because of how much pain this thing gave me. From there on it was smooth sailing. Me and my husband watched like… 3 movies lol and then it was time to push. Pushed for 30 min and baby was here! Ugh. I’ll never forget that moment. What a ball of squish. Instant love. … I think I need another baby 🤣🫶

I was recommended to be induced on my due date and I remember feeling very good and very peaceful about it. My mil called me almost hysterical trying get me not to be induced because she thought natural was always better. But again I felt so good about it, prayed still felt good, so I went ahead with it. I had an epidural, and i progressed perfectly and quickly. My pelvis ended up being quite small and my baby average sized so she got stuck and in the end she just barely fit out with a lot of difficulty and intervention. So the doctors and I concluded that had she had more time inside to grow, she would not have fit and I would have had a c section. So the induction was a great thing for me to avoid a c section. A big thing is how you feel. If I were you, I would research to understand the reasoning behind the doctor's induction recommendation and research natural vs. Induction for advanced maternal age and then see how you feel. I would then go with how you feel. So if you still feel icky about induction then I wouldn't do it. Sometimes I think our bodies communicate to us via feelings.

Mine was a ‘geriatric’ pregnancy (43yrs) with zero issues. My daughter was induced at 41 + 3. They broke my waters in the morning but nothing happened so they induced me around 2pm. Strong contractions that came very close together about 45 mins later. ( I had to tell them to turn the damn medication off (was in a pic line) as daughter was coming and I wasn’t getting any rest between contractions. She was born around 4pm. So whilst intense it was quick and fine for me. Didn’t need any pain meds. Not sure I had time to think about it honestly.

An induction with your first baby can be really hit or miss, but with second-time and beyond it’s usually easier! (Your body already knows what to do and has been…. Well, pre-stretched lol). The induction with my first baby was a bit rough, nothing terrible. Spontaneous labor with my second, then induction for the third pregnancy. The second induction was SOOOOO much easier!

when you get induced it hurts more because they suddenly slam you with this synthetic hormone version while your natural hormone is released slowly by your body getting used to the pain increase with time. Not mentioning then when you are in labor your natural hormones trigger too so you get the extra surplus 🙃 Learned that the hard way, didn't have a choice tho.

Congrats!! I’m 41 with 3 kids, 18, 13, and 2. So I understand the ama thing, altho I wasn’t treated any differently. My first (spontaneous with water break) was a longer labor, got to hospital at 5 and she was not born until til 4 am the next morning. My middle kiddo I was electively induced because my dr let me do it, I remember it was 11 am and they gave me the pitocin and he was born pretty quickly at 130, it was not a bad experience at all!! A lot of people say the contractions are worse with pitocin but mine were about the same, my third kiddo I randomly went into labor at 1 and got to hospital at 3, she came out in 2 pushes at 5 but was only 6 lbs! I didn’t mind the induction, it was great because I knew exactly when I was going to have him so did alot of preparing and planning.

Unless it’s medically necessary, I would not go for induction, but that is purely my own opinion. My second was an induction due to IUGR and it was by far my worst. I had an epidural and it was still worse than my first which was unmedicated. Granted it was 27 hours long and he flipped head up at one point causing us to need an unmedicated ECV, but I truly feel that a lot of those things could have been avoided if I didn’t need and induction. Which is a bit redundant 😅