Royal berks induction

I have nothing more to add other than, congratulations, and I'm really excited for you. Hope it all goes smoothly and you get all the care you deserve xx

I don’t know if this is at all helpful, but I went in for induction on my baby’s due date (as advised by my consultant) and the process took about 3 days. I arrived at 5:30pm, and wasn’t seen or assessed until 10:30pm. I was given a pessary which worked overnight, but didn’t bring anything on. They then fitted a balloon, which worked overnight the next night. I would have been ready to go for delivery in the morning if they’d had space, but they didn’t. I had a day and night of sweet naff-all before there was space on delivery for me to be taken down for my waters to be broken. I had the oxytocin drip for the maximum time they were able to run it for but active labour never started for me and I crash landed into an ‘emergency’ c-section. I wish I’d just ignored the consultant and let things take their course naturally. I’d say do your research on rates of induction failure and decide how you feel about the likelihood of a c-section before you commit yourself.

Thank you, I’m currently 41 + 5 so have waited and pushed it off long enough, unfortunately if it ends in a c section then it may have to be the case 😔

Just to add, emergency c section rates after induction at way higher for first time mums than second (info from the leaflet they sent me at RbH), so hopefully you will be okay. If they induce you, your 3 year old is allowed to visit you on the ward during the day. Also, before they give you the balloon they will check you, as sometimes you are already a bit dilated and ready for your waters to be broken (which was my case).

Oh that’s good to know!! I think I’m more upset about leaving my daughter for a while then anything

Last time I was checked I was 2 cm last week 🤞

Very different circumstances then, and Maria is exactly right - you’re so much less likely to have a similar experience to mine! Fingers crossed all goes smoothly and that you have the birth you want. :)

@María how long where you in for, if you don’t mind me asking

I went in at about 11pm on a Wednesday and baby was born 3am on the Friday. Hope it all goes well! The one thing I wish I did was mention my birth preferences as I don't think they check and I wish I'd spoke tk my midwife about it!

I had an induction booked for the Sunday, however I went in around 1am on the Thursday morning with reduced movements and they decided there and then to induce as they had the space. Pessary didn’t work for me unfortunately and baby wasn’t as far down as we had hoped so balloon wasn’t viable. My son was born via emergency C section on Friday morning. All staff were amazing. The midwife who started my induction was so lovely and all other staff I was involved with were great too, including the theatre staff who kept a very nervous me calm! I genuinely believe all staff do the best they possibly can at RBH. Yes, there’s a higher rate of sections with an induction, but not always! Plus, once you’re in the hospital you just want your baby to arrive safely by whatever means necessary. That’s how I felt anyway. Just go in with an open mind. Congratulations and hope all goes well 🩷❤️

I was induced by the drip at RBH on my third day of labouring when they realised it wasn't braxton hicks and was in fact my waters broken. I went from 2-10cm in half an hour on the drip, pushed for an hour and then was holding him. Can't say the drip working that quickly was a pleasant experience but at least it was short lived once they got it going! I know there are usually steps before the drip so hopefully you will have those and baby will get going! Congratulations, you're so close! 🎊❤️