Induction epidemic

Posts off ICAN regarding inducing VBAC women: Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 7:04:48 AM Subject: [ICAN-online] Tell me why I should not induce??? I've had two c's in '02 and '03, and then two HBACs in '04 and '06. I'm DUE. I'm exhausted- I'm ready to pop. Because of an unrelated complication, I'm delivering at a hospital this time. My midwife is leaving Thursday to go out of town. My husband needs to be at work Thursday and half a day Friday. I'm getting desperate. Tell me why I shouldn't use cervadil? or cytotec or whatever- maybe even a low dose of pitocin? I know it's terrible and you have a more significant rupture rate- but after two vaginal births do you think it would take less medicine just to get me started? I've been 3 cm for 3 weeks, I just need a kick in the right direction! Talk me into or out of induction. . I have the weekly appt this afternoon, and I'm ready to beg :) I'll probably ask her to strip my membranes, too. I would stay away from cytotec (it’s not even approved for that purpose or even for pregnant women) and cervadil. Do some research on this stuff, please! Have you tried any natural forms of induction? Go for a walk, a romantic evening with your husband, those things seem to help. I think that it is your decision, and I understand that the baby's timing may be inconvenient for everyone, but maybe it’s just not ready to come out, maybe it will stay in until the mw gets back in town! Google this stuff, read, read, read! see it for yourself and make an informed decision on what is best for you! Cytotec is ABSOLUTELY contraindicated for induction in VBACs (or where there is any prior uterine surgery). You can read a basic primer on this, at. Even the induction-happy, knife-happy fellows at ACOG agree with that. Mark Father of Brian - 9/85 (necessary C/S) Father of Mike - 1/89 (repeat C/S at mother's insistence, over father's objection) Graduate of Lamaze training with five different women. I understand how you feel. I would think *very very* hard about inducing for no reason, especially being a VBAC. I can't begin to emphasize to you strongly enough to stay the hell away from the devil cytotec. It blasts open *unscarred* uteri. The company that makes it has sent specific warnings to OBs advising them that it is dangerous for use on pregnant women and is NOT approved for labor induction. I chose induction for my birth last month, due to PIH. I was 3cm as well. I had a pit dose of 6 (this is *extremely* low), very manageable ctx on it, and was only in labor for a few hours before experiencing a complete uterine rupture. I had had one c/s 13 yrs. ago, and 4 vaginal births including 2 homebirths. And it still happened, even on a teeny hint of pit. I would particularly recommend taking into account whether you want to have more children. If you do, I would even *more* strongly advise against inducing for no medical reason. You are the only one who can make the decision, so make sure it's one you'll be able to live with later. Good luck. Misha From Jessica:
The risk with both cervadil and cytotec- even in unscarred uteri (sp?) is hyperstimulation and rupture. The issue too is that they are applied to the cervix directly, there isn't really any going back- whereas pit can always be turned off if the uterus is being hyperstimulated or the baby's not tolerating the pit contractions. Some natural options that you probably know are sex, a looooong walk and castor oil. If your baby and body are ready- that combo should probably kick things off for you. I am "due" in two weeks and can totally relate to how you are feeling- best of luck in whatever you decide! I misspoke- cervadil comes with a little fabric "tail" and can be removed, if needed. It is prepadil (which is the gel form) which cannot be removed once applied.

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