10 Things Nobody Told You About Inductions

Today's video goes over 10 things nobody told you about induction! Whether you're considering an elective induction or your provider is recommending a medical induction, I've got some tips and strategies for you to consider with the induction process to help you have the smoothest labor and deliver process!
Did you have an induction? What things helped you through the process. Is there anything else you wish someone had told you? Let us know in the comments.
If you're interested in more content on inductions and the specifics of medications, please check out my two part series on inductions!
Check out my instagram for other tips and information about birth and beyond: / nursezabe

[@yourdoulaandrea]

I'm a doula and have been searching and searching for a video resource on inductions that doesn't show a clear bias for or against and simply presents the information realistically and unbiasedly. This video is it! Beautiful! Thank you!

[@Halo13913]

You make induction sound so peachy. I'm in pregnancy #5 with 2 inductions. Both inductions occurred at different hospitals with different OBs. With my first induction, it was elective (my Ob forced me into it...long story), and my second induction was medical. Both were beyond painful and miserable: this is coming from someone who walked 2 miles to the hospital, with baby number 1, while having been almost fully dialated. For both inductions they started the induction with potocin and breaking my water. They also put me on a 12 hr timer and told me I have 12 hrs to give birth or they would require me to have a c section (no medical reason was given for the timer or the need for a c section but they also didnt disclose any of this until after they had induced).

[@dizzlecookie]

Had an elective induction at 39 weeks. Pros: •My labor was fast. I went in at 5pm Monday, had my baby at 1:45pm Tuesday. •Access to pain meds whenever I wanted it. Cons: •It was SO uncomfortable spending the entire time in labor in bed. My body was telling me to move but I was hooked up to an IV and fetal monitor the whole time, and any little move would cause the fetal monitor to need to be readjusted. •My baby was facing sunny side up so my back labor was terrible. •Pitocin made my labor so much more intense and painful. All in all, it wasn't terrible, but I'd rather go into labor naturally next time. Also of note, my doctor said she was afraid my baby was getting too big but she was born pretty average size on the small side. I'm just not going to worry about that next time.

[@Lily-uv9uu]

Thank you. Mine is also sunny side up and measuring big and is a first pregnancy so I’m finally worrying about a 3rd or 4th degree year when before I wasn’t worried about the measurement but my providers were and were talking about inducing me at 39 weeks early on and I said no both times

[@Lily-uv9uu]

Did your baby rotate in labor? Mine is facing my left hip so I’ve been having low back cramps throughout the night especially

[@rachealborders]

I was induced at 41 weeks with my first. I had been having strong, consistent contractions for a couple days with no effacement/dilation. My little guy was born via c-section 3 days later due to failure to progress (he was turned at a funky angle and couldn't descend). While it was not what I was hoping for as an experience, all the info you've been sharing really helped me to roll with it and mentally adapt to necessary changes. I'm now 20 weeks pregnant after an early miscarriage. Thank you for sharing all this helpful information!

[@fighttheevilrobots3417]

I was induced one week ago on 11/22/22 at 37 weeks and 3 days. This was my first birth. It was a medical induction due to high blood pressure. Even though my blood pressure meds were increased my blood pressure was still going up. Went in at 3pm with 1cm dilated, 50% effaced. Foley balloon put in at 8pm. Unpleasant. Fell out by 5am. 4 cm dilated. Then I was told that there were too many people in labor and that my induction would be put on hold indefinitely but I had to stay in the hospital. I waited for about 2 days with no indication of when I would be given pitocin. I was given pitocin on Thanksgiving evening. They put a monitor on baby's head because I could not do the regular monitors. In the process of doing that they put a hole in my bag of water. I was shocked to find that with each contraction there was huge gushes of amniotic fluid coming out. I had planned not to have an epidural. The pitocin was BEYOND INTENSE AND I HAVE A VERY HIGH PAIN TOLERANCE. It got to a point where there was no space between contractions, it was just constant continual pain. I endured for 3 hours. Then got an epidural. I used every breathing technique. I had a doula who applied pressure. I had massage. Ice cubes on my back. It just got more and more intense with pain. Baby was born 4:33 am on 11/25. I will update this post with my postpartum experience when I have time.

[@TaraLyz]

YIKES!!!!! That had to be so TERRIFYING! 😮 Glad that you and baby are out of that nightmare. Praying that postpartum treats you kindly from here, Mama! *Hugs*

[@YvaineFra]

I kind of had a similar experience... induction for medical reasons, put on hold due too many other births happening and had to wait 9 hours of excruciating pain before getting an epidural which did not fade quickly enough so I ended up pushing for 4 hours 😵

[@llopez6017]

Wow poor you!!! 😮 I'm being medically induced tonight 😫

[@impalamama7302]

The labor pains that Pitocin produces are much more intense and painful than natural and they actually (and quite often) can cause fetal distress before cervix becomes fully dilated. Rupturing the bag of water also increases pain of labor substantially but it is routinely performed "to move labor along" and also to put internal fetal monitor to get better readout on fetal heartbeat. Plus laboring in the bed on your back attached to monitors is the worst and most ineffective position. You shouldn't feel badly you needed an epidural and if not for all the interventions you very well might not had needed it. BUT if you had pre eclampsia that is only way to treat it is by getting baby delivered. However, good news is that it is uncommon to have pre eclampsia after first pregnancy as long as the subsequent babies have same father. They know that to be true but can't explain why it is so. But then again they really don't understand just why pre eclampsia happens in first place though they do know what factors put a mother at higher risk.

[@fighttheevilrobots3417]

Hi all, my amazing daughter is now 15 months old and I had pre-eclampsia twice after giving birth to her. While I was on the magnesium drip for the pre-eclampsia I had a kidney stone. I was in the hospital for 6 days. It was interesting to read my comment 15 months later. My daughter was born severely hypoglycemic and jaundiced. I will never, ever be induced again. I read so much, watched so many videos, had a doula,and nothing and no one prepared me for the level of torturous pain. All my birth plans went out the window because I did not know the severity of pitocin, and how unlike natural labor it was. And only to get pre-eclampsia twice anyway!!!! I was minutes away from having a stroke or seizure during the second one. The nurses seemed to constantly be asking me if "the bleeding felt normal" how the hell am I supposed to know? Not for me. It was more blood than I've ever seen in my life. Ugh. I love my daughter.

[@madelinejohnstone9950]

Thank you so much for your attitude towards induction! I plan on going the natural route with labor but my due date is Christmas Day and my labor/delivery will be COMPLETELY covered by insurance if baby arrives before the new year, so my midwives and I are considering inducing a few days after my due date. I recognize that induction may not work and baby will just comes when she comes but, given how expensive and stressful medical costs can be, I would like to at least try to get her here before the new year. I’ve seen so many videos with good info about induction BUT the presenter uses language like “if you UNFORTUNATELY have to get an induction”, etc., and the attitude around it makes it feel like a non-medically necessary induction is a horrible thing and no good mom would choose it. It’s refreshing to hear someone address that elective inductions are perfectly valid and do not make you a bad or irresponsible person.

[@The-Davis-Diaries]

We’d love an update! Did baby come before the new year? Hope you’re both doing great!

[@jaclyn4098]

What no one tells you is that induction hurts like fucking hell! They kept turning my pitocin up every half hour and refused to shut it off or even stop turning it up even when I was contracting every 30 seconds for one minute long.. 😒 I had a really traumatic labor.

[@jljerzyk]

Thanks for the video! I am 38 and a half weeks pregnant and, as impatient and uncomfortable as I am, I'm determined to wait for labor to start on its own. But your videos have helped me reach this decision confidently and empowered with information! Love you, mama!

[@hayaatsk]

I am a doula, and LOVE to send your videos to my clients, thank-you!! (coming at you from Vancouver BC)

[@austinmerrifield9836]

This video came at the perfect time ♥ Currently 24+5 with my quadruple rainbow baby after a diagnosis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome. I've been on blood thinners my whole pregnancy and the recommendation is an induction at 37 weeks because APS moms are at very high risk for blood clots in the placenta and stillbirth. I've been struggling so much with what to do because pre-APS diagnosis I wanted (and still want) a midwife assisted water birth at our local birth center versus a hospital birth. I know I have to choose what is best and safest for my baby despite my desires--thank you for easing some of my fears ♥

[@stacykhernandez]

My husband and I were going to try again for baby number 2 for us, baby number 6 for both 😅, in sept I had a bilateral pulmonary embolism. I’m on blood thinners now, but I’m scared to try again once I’m “in the clear”. How did you determine you were ready to have a baby being on blood thinners?

[@austinmerrifield9836]

@@stacykhernandez I never had a stroke or any clotting problems personally. My blood clotting disorder only affects me in pregnancy and causes miscarriage. My only way to have a baby is to be on blood thinners during my entire pregnancy so there was really no hesitation once I got my diagnosis to start the blood thinners and try to get pregnant again. I hope you and your husband find the right time for you guys to have a baby once you're healed ♥

[@sarahnickmilbratz]

I had three inductions! First one was a medical induction, second was elective, third one was medical. I’m so lucky I had a patient team. They never made me feel rushed or worried about time or progress. And I have three beautiful kiddos!

[@chocolatereigns]

I had to be induced with my son and had 2 doses of cytotec (sp?) overnight before labor started on its own and he was born in 3 hours of labor! My water burst all over the midwife 😅 Inductions can go well!!

[@Jenndalynn]

Glad to hear a positive story with induction ❤

[@lp8598]

Thank you for saying that bc I'm mostly seeing negative experiences!!

[@Countrylady]

I needed to know this! I go in tonight

[@kristina282k]

My mother in law wanted an elective induction with her last baby (no 4) at 37 weeks (that was 28 years ago). Her best friend lost her baby intra uterine at 36weeks without any obvious medical reason, so my mother in law got scared and asked to be induced. She was in the hospital for 3 days and no progress. They send her home and she came back 2 days later almost fully dilated and had the baby. Never get discouraged!

[@Digitallyfuzzy]

I wish I had had a video like this before I had my daughter. (We’ll really I wish I had seen all of your videos) I just felt so clueless I didn’t even know where to start when researching. I didn’t even get the hospital class because it was 2 months into the Covid lock down.

[@erinlawson2551]

I had an elective induction at 39 weeks and had an excellent experience. I wanted to schedule it so 1) my mom (a labor and delivery nurse herself) could plan travel to be with me and my husband in the labor room 2) that I could more easily plan my work schedule around my hospital stay and 3) to feel a sense of control over something that I mostly had no control over. I was given cervadil to ripen the cervix when I went in at 5pm, they broke my water at 7:15am the next day, and then started pitocin + gave me an epidural. I gave birth at around 8:30pm vaginally and everything went off without a hitch! I'm glad I took that route, and I would likely do it again with a second pregnancy.

[@carmenfiduk9716]

Thank you for sharing your positive experience. I am going in next week and I am nearly having a panic attack reading all of the negative experiences in the comments. It's good to see they can also be positive

[@BillieSeven]

Thank you so much for your videos! You actually provide more information on labor/birth/inductions.. than my provider did! I had a medical induction at 37+5 weeks because of pre-eclampsia. They ruptured my membranes very early in the induction process only to discover hours later that my daughter was facing forward. It eventually ended in an emergency c-section after placental disruption and hemorrhaging. I really wish my provider had told me about all of this, I probably would have made different choices. Hope you keep giving mamas good information so they can have a positive birth experience!

[@martinaslivova6339]

Love this video! Never said this, my induction was planned for 20th april 2022, because baby was supposed to be a big chunk 🥰and because of my pregnancy diabetes. So I prepared everything to go to hospital on the 19th evening to be inducted on the 20the morning…. Funny how nature can change everything because my baby girl was born on the 19th in the early morning in another hospital by unmedicated birth. Everything we prepared was changed by this little actor called Milena and we love her so much 😍

[@pigpjs]

Going to be induced soon due to gestational diabetes. If baby doesn't decide to come earlier. Thank you for this video. My OB has given me a solid run down of the procedure and what to expect. But it is always helpful to hear from someone else in the medical community.

[@jenniferyambor1760]

At what week were you induced?

[@tracyelizabeth2178]

I had one in 2021… I still don’t even know. I’m excited to watch this video and learn! My obgyn was awful with communication and I regret sticking with that office to this day! 😢

[@jessicacampbell2027]

Had an induction in July as my water broke without labor having started and only 1 cm dilated 🙃 little man was 4 weeks early but happy and healthy

[@carolines3953]

I had a medical induction at 37 weeks. I was 0cm/0% on cervadil from 8am til 6pm. Since it was 2020 and we had childcare concerns (husband couldn’t come and go) and my blood pressure had been behaving all day, so I was allowed to go home. Next day, I had some contractions at 12 noon so got in the bath, my water broke and baby was out by 3:15pm. Best induction ever! 😂 Definitely felt weird going home from an induction with no baby earth-side, but in hindsight, it was great.

[@stacyyi419]

I had an induction this past September. Received pitocin at noon (1cm) and was fully dilated at 4pm. I pushed my baby daughter out at 4:50pm. It was a very fast and smooth process and I received an epidural about 30 minutes before I realized I was already fully dilated 😅 (but it did help with guided pushing that I received from my amazing OBGYN- resulted in no tears!). Overall the induction process was amazing and I would do it again no question.

[@ellenmclean7984]

I had an elective induction for my second baby because my first baby came so quickly. My doctor, my husband, and I felt it would be safer for me to be induced rather than to go into spontaneous labour. This was the best decision for us as it meant that our first child was calm and well taken care of with grandparents, we were calm, and we knew our doctor was going to be the one delivering the baby. Good thing too as once my waters were broken, baby number two arrived within an hour 😮

[@meskeremanteneh8303]

It's really helpful imformation. Thank you

[@MorganEileen]

My medical induction was terribly long. We had no idea babe was sunny side up and stuck, we just thought it was slow. I was at 3.5-4cm for 5 days, induction started on Friday evening, and baby was born on Sunday😅 getting her unstuck and flipped with the assistance of a light epidural to relax enough and move her through her rotation finally worked!

[@speakbookstome4648]

My water broke at 34 weeks and I had to be induced (Pitocin) while on magnesium sulfate for my preeclampsia. I never progressed past 2.5 cm and had to have a c-section after 51 hours. (He was an IVF baby.) I would love to see you do a video on pre-term births. I watched so many of your videos during my pregnancy and wish I had seen something about early births and/or the NICU. ❤️

[@ceralith942]

This makes so much more sense now. I was a 41w induction that stalled at 4cm after 24h on pitocin. Because baby's HR was dropping slightly more than the midwife liked, we opted to rupture the membrane. Went directly into transition (which was a WHOLE TRIP at that point, lol) and pushed him out after an epidural and 3 hours later.

[@erikasmith8522]

I was supposed to have my baby 11/29/21 by induction at 39 weeks. I went into labor on my own after two membranes sweeps that same day. Had my baby 11/22/2021 at 38 weeks and 5 days.

[@christinenyanchama5700]

Wow so educative new friend from Kenya ❤️❤❤

[@samcobb1353]

I am currently 37+3 weeks and having to look at induction due to high fluid levels and one thing that has been on the discussion table is doing an ECV procedure. I would love to see a video discussing the procedure and what can result from having it done (risks, pros, cons, etc). There’s so much information out on the internet and it’s hard to tell what’s true and not true about the procedure.

[@chickensoupfordinner]

Thank you for this video. I just found out I need a medical induction and I am a little nervous.

[@Lauren-yq3ds]

I read 40% of labors are induced now. Why is this so high? I was induced after my water broke and contractions didn’t start. Luckily it was a quick and overall good labor :)

[@ThatsWhat-She.]

I would assume Impatient "professionals" or health scares for mother and or baby

[@staceyhunt6769]

I hemorrhage with my 1st and had a fast labour. So with my 2nd and 3rd I was induced at 37 weeks so I didn't have the baby on the floor at home with toddlers running around, by myself otherwise, and then bleed out. 🙃 I am absolutely terrified of spontaneous labour. I hemorrhage with my 2nd as well (Both needed transfusion) and with 3 it took 48 minutes from 3cm-baby born. That's just downright dangerous. 🤷‍♀️

[@lady8ugch3f]

I had a emergency induction at 41weeks because of little to no fluid in my uterus at my fetal assessment. (2 years ago in 2020) eventually I pushed but ended in an emergency cesarean. In the end it was a good experience for me (maybe not everyone)

[@rossicastellanos1333]

Similar situation with me at 41 and 2 days..as a first time birth.i was scared.in the end baby was healthy

[@krystalpadilla2500]

I had a medical induction. I went to the hospital at 36 weeks and 5 days. I was told that I had placenta previa and my blood pressure was starting to spike. I didn’t know about anything the doctor said I was supposed to stay for observation then came in 2 hours later telling me that I was getting induced within 30 minutes. I freaked out but now I have a happy and healthy 2 year old.

[@catinabox3048]

Placenta previa? You shouldn't have gotten an induction with that. You should have gotten a C-section. Contractions are dangerous for placenta previa. Even if it's an incomplete previa, it can still be dangerous to deliver vaginally. With complete previas, the baby literally can't come out the vagina without rupturing the placenta.

[@menomeno69]

Love the hair

[@amandaknoner6114]

Recommended you to all my pregnant friends!

[@briannabelliconish2828]

Same!

[@TaraLyz]

My mom was induced at first when she was pregnant with me. I can imagine she would be the kind of woman to ask to check my position due to a long induction with slow progression. Especially when one realizes I was breech. It became automatic emergency c-section at that point. 🙃

[@tracyelizabeth2178]

Would I be able to ask you a question on regards to my induction and being positive for strep b?

[@hayaatsk]

Please do a video about the ARRIVE study!!

[@Daymickey]

Yesssss!

[@im_a_muffin7510]

I had an elective induction with my first but with my second it was an emergency induction because I had no more fluid. With this baby idk what I'm going to do yet.

[@cathyd.9597]

Did you dye your hair? It looks great! Anyway I am 13 weeks with my second baby and honestly terrified of induction lol I went into labor on my own with my first and it was so smooth I would love that again

[@stephybobo1991]

My first 2 were inductions one elective the other because of complications. I want to go into labour on my own this time

[@elliechurchville5616]

I had an elective induction at 41 weeks. Was supposed to originally come in the night before for cervidil but L&D was full. Came in the next morning and the provider decided to start with cytotec because I was about 40% effaced even though I was dilated to zero and cervix was high. Got four doses of cytotec before starting pitocin. They then broke my water and inserted a cook catheter. Not much change after three days and all of those interventions. Contraction pattern was good but I had been maxed out on pitocin for a long time and baby was not descending at all. Not much cervical change either. The most I dilated to was a four. So we called it and she was born via c-section. The doctor seemed perplexed about why she wouldn’t descend into the pelvis. She was in the best position but wouldn’t come down despite using the peanut ball and other positions with the help of my nurses. I’m grateful she was born healthy and all went well but I always wonder what I could have done differently to have her come vaginally.

[@rossicastellanos1333]

Same situation..I am still confused

[@Nurse_zabe]

It’s so hard and sometimes we never get a “why.” Frustrating for me as a labor nurse too. I want you to know you did everything right to get your baby safely earthside. Sometimes that does include a cesarean birth. 💗

[@The-Davis-Diaries]

I’ve mainly only watched birth videos based in the US (since that’s where I’m located). Just watched one in the UK and she kept talking about a “pessary” during induction. I had never heard of this and of course had to Google it! I’d be interested in seeing a video about practices that are “normal” in the US versus other countries. Do we ever use pessaries here? Is it similar to the foley balloon or cytotec?

[@jules_1980]

Bit late to respond but I’m pretty sure the pessary is a way to give the cytotec or whichever synthetic prostaglandin is used. Used here in South Africa and had one in 2020. Friends here have also had it applied as a gel.

[@elizabethselby6687]

Which is better? Birthing center/ woman’s hospital or a regular hospital?

[@Daymickey]

I was surprised to hear that inductions are sometimes recommended for IVF pregnancies. Why would that be? Isn’t it just like any other pregnancy aside from conception? Love your channel!

[@Nurse_zabe]

It definitely depends on your provider, but IVF can be a risk factor for some issues in pregnancy (like preeclampsia, for example), but simply having an IVF pregnancy in the absence of any issues would just be an elective induction. So shared decision making with your provider would be beneficial to weigh the risks and benefits for your specific case. Does that make sense?

[@ashleybellerose7104]

They told me since everything is going well they won't talk about induction until I'm 41 weeks. I'm like... okay. Here is to hoping I go into labor before 41 weeks lol. 35 weeks right now

[@enab5513]

Hi nurse Zabe! I'm currently 34 weeks with baby #6. Our last baby. We now have 3 girls and 3 boys! 😊 Anyways I have a question for you... I know they (providers) say Braxton Hicks don't cause cervical change or bring on a baby. Then what causes your cervix to efface and have little dilation when the Doctor checks your cervix when they do your Strep B test? My OB always checks me then and will tell me if there's any progress to my cervix.. but if the practice contractions don't do that what causes that change? I am just curious since I've had so many babies and never really asked that before lol. Thanks in advance!

[@menomeno69]

Good question..

[@rachellemunn6121]

So what can you say if you do NOT want them to stop pitocin? I had 5 babies, and with the last two the nurses stopped the pit for hours because they “knew” my body would take over. But I know my body - my body will NOT have regular contractions without pitocin. It was so maddening having nurses not listen to us! I’m about to have #6 and I’m afraid this will happen again.

[@oursoulakrou5373]

Nice video just in time ...im 33 weeks and my doctor recommended to have an induction at 39 week because the baby is a little big and they dont want to gain more weight...i dont feel comfortable with this i would prefer natural labor pain but if say no to induction maybe the c cection is the only choice for me .this is my first baby and i dont know what to do ...i don't have diabetes or anything else all is normal just a big baby ...

[@TaraLyz]

How tall are you? The encouragement could also be height related. Smaller Mama, but bigger baby could mean that other risks that aren't medical history related could make for a more difficult delivery even before planning for an induction or c-section. I would raise your concerns with your doctor just to be sure you're both on the same page. Praying for you, Mama! ❤

[@oursoulakrou5373]

@@TaraLyz i m1.70 cm not small but first baby and they dont know if a big baby boy can make it through the birth canal ....

[@Amy-Frederickson]

Drs are most often wrong about size. It's extremely hard to measure exact size. Tiny women give birth to 10 lb babies all the time without intervention. Find a good support person or doula with experience. Calm mama's have easier births with big babies.

[@jessicabosch518]

My Dr. Is worried because my baby's tummy is getting too big. He's inducing me at 38 weeks this Thursday

[@Ragingbull123]

Why would ivf be more likely to elective induction

[@Nurse_zabe]

IVF can be a risk factor for some issues in pregnancy (like preeclampsia, for example), but simply having an IVF pregnancy in the absence of any issues would just be an elective induction. So shared decision making with your provider would be beneficial to weigh the risks and benefits for your specific case. Does that make sense?

[@LaceLace90]

Hey! Can you please do a nicu video, I had my baby at 25 weeks and 1 day. The nicu staff has been great but my husband and I can not find many helpful youtube videos.

[@Nurse_zabe]

I have one with an actual NICU nurse!

[@Nurse_zabe]

Q&A with a NICU Nurse Featuring The NICU Translator kzbin.info/www/bejne/onasZYp8jNmsjqs

[@LaceLace90]

@@Nurse_zabe thank you!!

[@catherinenava4777]

I’m debating on having another induction because my first was a horrible experience. I probably will have one because of my diabetes (first was done because of preeclampsia). However, I am hoping I start labor on my own because I really want a VBAC.

[@Noblmine24]

I just want a dr who is invested in my babies safety and is not so gung ho woth just wanting a csection

[@helenamos2621]

Or they don’t send you home and keep you on the compound for three days

[@peg516]

First off, thank you Elizabeth for always providing INFORMATION. I feel like there’s so much fear-mongering on social media surrounding inductions and pregnancy and labor in general! I watched your channel when I was TTC and through my pregnancy. Ended up with an elective induction at 40w2d, went in and was dilated to a 3 and a -1 station so no cytotec/balloon for me. Just pitocin and she was born 6 hours later 🤍