Induction Didnt Take???

Updated on November 20, 2008
A.H. asks from Harrod, OH
29 answers

I was induced on Friday November 14 at 6am and was on pitocin for 11 hours straight and all it did was make me have contractions. I didnt dialate anymore than I already was and didnt thin out anymore either. They didnt break my water because the baby hasnt dropped yet and they said that there was a chance if they broke my water that his cord could come out first. Im still having contractions but nothing regular. I have never heard of the induction not working. Im so frustrated. I really was hoping my little guy would be here this weekend and he still isnt here. I have tried everything to indcue my labor naturally such as sex, nipple stimulation, walking ALOT, going up and down stairs two at a time, letting my little boys bounce me around on the trampoline, and now Im seriously considering using castor oil. I went and bought some tonight Im just scared to take it because I have a very weak stomach and dont want to puke. Has anyone ever heard of the induction not working? I had bloody show later the night I got induced which I hadnt had with my other two boys. Anyone got any advice or have any of you gone through this?

*UPDATE*

Well still no baby. Im now 40 weeks 4cm dialated and still 60% effaced. I go back to the doctor Friday November 21st to have a Non Stress Test and another ultra sound to check and see how my little guy is doing. If he still isnt here by Tuesday November 25th they are wanting to do another induction. Im so worried Im going to be in the hospital during Thanksgiving and my other 2 little boys wont have mommy around for Thanksgiving which I guess is better than Christmas but is still sad to be away from my kids on the holidays. The doctor said if I dont have him by Friday November 28th they want me to reconsider a c section but I dont think I should have to have one since my other two were born vaginally. That seems a little silly to me. But I will keep you all up to date on whats going on please keep telling me your stories and advice. Thank You all.

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J.E.

answers from Indianapolis on

I have never been induced....was scheduled for the doctor to break my water to induce but wasn't needed when the time came. I tried everything like you to go into labor and the thing that ended up working was a nice relaxing belly massage after a relaxing warm bath. Best wishes to you :-)

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C.S.

answers from Fort Wayne on

My suggestion is to take a Blue Cohosh pill before bed. If by morning you're not in labor take another one before bed that night. You can find them easily at a health food store. That should work for you.

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M.P.

answers from Columbus on

i started induction on a friday night at eight and went to sunday morning with nothing but contractions. i hadn't dialated anything. they gave me a choice to take me off of it and let me eat and get rest or to do c section . i was tired of laying there so i gave in for the c section. when he came out he was perfectly fine. The doctor couldn't understand why i wouldn't dialet. so it's happened to me

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S.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I was induced with my daughter and it didn't take. I wound up having to have a c-section, but that's because I was pre-eclamptic. My former sister in law had a failed induction also. They sent her home and let nature take it's course. Is there a medical reason that you want/need to have the baby? It sounds to me like the baby just isn't ready. If you try the castor oil, I wouldn't take it straight. I've heard of people mixing it with other things to help the taste. If you have a weak stomach, it may not be the best idea. Just let nature take it's course. Your little one will be here when he/she's ready.

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C.W.

answers from Columbus on

I was induced with my son four years ago. It didn't work. They finally decided to take him when he went into distress. The doctor said I would probably never have gone into natural labor, she can't explain it. My son was big anyway (9#, 13oz) with a large head so they knew I could probably not have him natural anyway. He is our one and only, no other children planned but I am an older mom (age 41). Good Luck, sounds like you have two prior healthy pregnancies!

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D.I.

answers from South Bend on

I would not recommend the use of castor oil. I have read, and heard a lot of horror stories about the consequences of using castor oil. One of them being the baby could have his or her first bowel movement inside you which can actually cause death to you and, or, your baby. My sister did this, and my niece almost died, and so did my sister. The docs. said it was caused from the castor oil that my niece had the bowel movement inside my sister which could have killed them both. MY oldest son was due in Nov., and my husband and I tried everything to put me into labor naturally and nothing worked. We went swimming in a indoor pool at a hotel with a couple of friends of ours, and I went in labor with my son about 2 hours after my husband and I got home from swimming. The baby will come when he or she is ready.

D.

I am 31 and have been married for 12 years. My husband and I have 3 boys ages 10,7, and 4.

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D.S.

answers from Indianapolis on

have you tried a yoga ball? I was induced with my second child and had never heard of it before then, but they ALMOST sent me home cause I wasn't dialiting or anything. They sat me on a yoga ball and had me rock back and forth for a few hours. IT WORKED! I would have never believed it other wise. With my 3rd child I bought a ball and did it myself before I went to the hospital and was all ready to rock and roll when I got there. It seriously does work! My contractions were all over the place untill I spent a few hours on the ball. I myself could not do the caster oil because I would puke. So I hope this helps and best of luck!!!

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C.D.

answers from Cincinnati on

I did the castor oil with my third child. It is disgusting. My midwife suggested I take it with a strong liquid like orange juice or pop. I took it with Dr. Pepper and haven't been able to drink it since. However, it worked. My baby girl was born 12 hours later. I do have rather fast labors and deliveries but my contraction started about 4 hours post taking the castor oil and were regular within 7 hours. Good luck!!!

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T.P.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi A.,
Hopefully you are holding your little boy now. My friend did what you did with her second. Her husband was in the military so they let her go 3 weeks over her due date. When she was induced nothing happened. They told her to go home and have lots of sex which made her husband happy but didn't bring the baby. 2 days later she was induced again but had to have a c-section because the baby was in distress. He was a healthy 9 lb baby but was born jaundiced due to being 3 weeks late.

Her son is now a senior in high school making plans for college. He is very smart and is receiving a few scholarships. I wish you all the best with your new little bundle.

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T.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

Sorry to hear about all that. I did the same thing actually. I did the castor oil it didnt do anything but make me sick. I had serious stomach cramps, vomitting and the diarrhea. It was horrible and so not worth it. Have you asked your OB if they can strip your membranes or at least a partial strip. Should kick it in within a few days. I did have a question though. Why did they try to induce you if your baby hasn't dropped yet? Never heard of that. Your baby may not be ready. It is possible that the due date is wrong as well. Be patient, he will be here and you have the rest of your life with him. What's a few days of one on one and no sharing him. Enjoy it. Congrats on the baby and good luck with everything.

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M.M.

answers from Cleveland on

I was induced with cervidel first, to help you dilate.They put that on for 12 hrs. then my water broke (on its own) but I was only 1 cm. I was taken forever to dilate and my babies heartrate kept dropping, so they thought a csection was best. I only got up to 4cm. I don't think being induced workks unless your body is ready. I am having another baby in january and hoping he will come on his own so I don't have to do that again. Best of luck.

M.

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K.C.

answers from Evansville on

I feel your pain.. I was also induced and on pitocin for almost 20 hrs (with no epidural/pain meds!!). They had to break my water, but I never did dialate past 3cm. Therefore, after 20+ hours of excruciating labor, they did a c-section.
I wish you the best and talk to your dr about a c-section. I didn't plan one obviously, but everything worked out just fine, no regrets.

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J.W.

answers from Cincinnati on

I was induced on a sunday night with cervidil. They did 2 doses of this which caused contractions but no dialation. Then they put me on patossiun (sp?) which caused major contractions. But no dialation. Finally when my Dr broke my water 28 hours later that is when everything started. It went majorly fast after that. It only took 2 hours after my water was broken. The stinky part was my son had to be born via c-section due to his heart rate. He had gone through way too much by that time. So best of luck but I would talk to your Dr and see what else they can do that just sounds crazy!!!

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A.K.

answers from Indianapolis on

He just isn't ready. That's really what it comes down to. First thing to do is relax. I know that's not the easiest thing in the world to do, but it's what you need to do in order for your body to do what it needs to do in order to birth your baby.

I am a doula and childbirth educator, and I would highly suggest spending an evening trying to relax. Take a nice warm bubble bath. Remember to drink lots of fluids. And, if you are past your due date (and ONLY then), you can consider the caster oil. There are some risks involved with taking it however. It can cause nausea, vomiting, very uncomfortable abdominal cramping, diarrhea and dehydration. It can also increase the risk of your baby having his first bowel movement (mecconeum) in your uterus. If ingested or inhaled by the baby, this can cause health complications. But, if the risks do not outweigh the benefits in your eyes, I would suggest mixing 2 tablespoons of oil with 6-8 ounces of orange juice and 1-2 scoops of plain vanilla ice cream. This is what I did with my son. Don't eat right before you take it and start in the morning. You'll need to take it every two hours until contractions begin and become regular. Remember to keep up your fluids. This is very important especially with the possibility of diarrhea. You don't want to become dehydrated.

I hope this helps. I know it can be frustrating waiting on something when you just don't know when it will arrive. Trust me, I know all too well, lol. I'm sure you could do a quick online search for a doula in your area to call for more advice. I'm sure any of them would be happy to talk to you and give you additional advice.

God bless,
A.

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K.I.

answers from Indianapolis on

Hi A..
Without going into TOO much of a horror story of my own, I just want to tell you please don't use the castor oil. I went through a very similar situation with our 4th and I did use it. They then induced me because my blood pressure was high...and baby hadn't dropped yet. It took a long time, but labor finally got serious and when they broke my water, it was stained green. He inhaled that merconium (babies 1st bowel movement)and almost died because of it. He was in the NICU for a long time. I have always said I think it was the castor oil that caused that to happen but I guess I'll never know for sure. I have read things about castor oil that said it could cause that to happen.Who knows, I just don't think it's worth the risk either way. I may be totally wrong, and I KNOW how hard it is to get through that last part, but that baby is going to be here when he or she is ready. You will be looking at that tiny face in no time. I promise!
Good luck!!

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C.H.

answers from Cleveland on

When are or were you due? Try doing deep knee bends (Squatting down and standing up). I went into labor the morning after being out on our boat and doing the knee bends before going to bed.
As for going to college for Surgical Tech. Just go straight for the R.N. I am an R.N. I started out in for Surgical Tech and there were 3 Surg. Techs in my class. They advised me to go straight for the R.N. because the hospitals were taking the R.N.'s into surgery. The R.N. pays more than the Surg. Tech position. With a R.N. license, you can get into just about any position in the medical field.
Good Luck and let us know when he arrives.
C.

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C.L.

answers from Columbus on

Sorry my advice is late, and hopefully by now you've had your little bundle of joy. If not, DO NOT try casteroil. I tried it, drank more than 1/2 the bottle, and it didn't do a thing but give me the runs. I lost 9 lbs of water weight from doing it and it didn't put me into labor. I was miserable, up all night going to the bathroom....more than normal. Patience- there might be a reason he's holding on just a little longer.

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A.N.

answers from Cleveland on

I'm sorry your induction didn't work. I would just keep doing what you're doing, and the baby will come in his/her own time. Just a warning about castor oil--I heard it can cause diarrhea, and that might not be something you want to contest with while in labor! Good luck.

D.S.

answers from Columbus on

Hi A., although I'm no expert, it was understanding that if the baby hasn't drop, you can't be induced because it wont work.
My son hadn't drop by week 41, so I had a C-section because I couldn't be induced; maybe you should talk to your doctor about this, obviously he/she should know better that me what's appropriate.
Good luck!

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H.Z.

answers from Kokomo on

A.,
I am a OB nurse and we sometimes do induce people and they dont delivver or progress. YOur doctor was smart not to break your water. Alot of times we send them home and try again in 3-4 days. it does generally work the second time. there are times that the baby was not just ready and until it is all the stimulation and meds will not make it come out. if your other babies were big, there is always the chance that this baby is too big for your pelvis, they will find thatout if baby never comes down any lower. well i wish you luck and that you have a healthy baby soon.
H.

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M.S.

answers from Bloomington on

don't worry! your baby and your body know best!!! when it's time, the baby will drop, you will go into labor, and he will be born when everything is ready. what's up with people trying to fight nature? just have patience. focus on your boys today-- take them to a special place and spoil them a little bit. enjoy these last few days before the baby!!

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K.Z.

answers from Chicago on

With my daughter they induced me because my bag broke but that was on Tuesday morning and by Weds. night they decided that the Petocin was not working and took me off it. After that they put cervidil in and my daughter was born at 5am on Thursday morning.

Good luck and just remember that they will come out when they want to. I was 3cm and 75% effaced(?) in early - mid Nov. of '06 and stayed that way until they induced my son on 12-12-06. My doctor told me I would never make it past Thanksgiving that year. I too also tried almost everything to get that little booger out(did not try the oil..YUK). This time with the induction it only took 5 hours after they started for him to be born.

Enjoy they free time now and try to relax because you know once he is out you will be non stop.

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S.F.

answers from Fort Wayne on

I personally tried sex, walked like 10 miles, took a bath, stood up all day long, tried yoga, etc. I was still overdue. They did the Pitocin, and they tried some other drug on a long thin stick. It looked something like a really long tampon. It released some sort of drug that was supposed to thin the wall or something like that. Then they broke my water. I was still on the Pitocin drug for like 12 hours.

However, once my babies started to crown and come out... I only pushed 30min for the first one and twice for the second. I think it's all up to God's timing.

If the baby doesn't come out and the doctor feels the cord is around the neck, isn't getting enough food or oxygen or he's getting "over-cooked" (lol), they will opt for a c-section. I have seen some women try to go natural and the nurse pushes down above the tummy to help the baby get out. Sometimes they use that suction cup or big tongs. I think opting for the c-section might be better. It's completely controlled. The recovery is longer, but you can assure the baby and mother are monitored and safe throughout the labor.

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A.C.

answers from Dayton on

oh beautiful mama, if you are still pregnant, please consider a nap. a good cry....talk to your baby and tell him everything is ok....if the induction didn't work, there is a great chance that he is not ready, or that there may be something emotional that you need to look at....find support!!! be patient....babys come they are born....tell him its ok.....theres a good chance that castor oil may make you puke, or at least serious diareah....non doing....release stress...you cant think your way through....its the nondoing part of the nervous system that causes labor....take a bath a chill out as much as possible with 2 boys at home....blessings on your birth....

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S.K.

answers from South Bend on

I work in child birth unit and failed inductions are more common than you think. The non stress test should tell weather or not your baby is stressed at all and how he/she is doing. They will probably try another induction but if it fails you are likely to get a c-section. I have had 2 (one being emergency) If they think you are probably going to need the c-section, a planned one is much easier than an emergency one and alot faster recovery.

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C.B.

answers from Evansville on

Nope! Never heard of such a thing! It sounds like someone figured your due date wrong. The Dr. figured my due date about 1-2 wks early for baby #2. He thought I was late when i went into labor, but by my calculations, I was right on time. My baby was skinny and not late at all. Good luck! May God bless your new baby and your delivery.

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K.P.

answers from Toledo on

Hi A.,

Be patient!!! I know easier said then done! :-)

Inductions don't always work the first time. I've seen some go through 3 days worth of Pit. Your body is not ready yet. Check out a website on Bishop's score. It will explain some things such as cervical changes your body needs to do in order to respond better to the induction. That is not a for sure induction either.

You didn't give a due date, or reason for induction. Obviously not medically needed, otherwise you would have had him one way or another.

I have heard castor oil works, but I would not recommend it. It may be miserable for you & could be messy!!

If you & baby are doing OK, & you're not way past due, continue to try the natural methods. Trying to force an induction when your body is not ready could be long & miserable. It could also steer you down the c-section route, especially if they break your water & you don't progress, so be careful.

Patience is the best way to go as long as you're both OK.

Good luck & Congratulations!!!

K. :-)

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H.G.

answers from Columbus on

hi A.! hopefully you have already gone into labor, but if not, that's okay too. with my 2nd, my amniotic sac broke at the top of the uterus, so all i did was leak fluid & have very minor contractions (this went on for 6 days!) & i didn't even know i was leaking fluid until i went in for an appointment almost a week later (i remember one little gush of fluid, but i thought it was my plug). when they did realize my sac had ruptured at the top, they immediately sent me to the hospital b/c i was about 2 cm & 80% effaced. i planned a natural delivery (no pain meds or augmentation) & they honored that for about 5 minutes & then started trying to talk me into an epidural & pitocin. anyway, all that to say: i tried all the natural stimulation as well, but my contractions were still barely there & i only dilated 1 more cm in 6 hours. so they decided to start pitocin & i was on that for 4 hours & my contractions actually started to lessen! so then it was decided that they would rupture the rest of the sac from the bottom. (i was barely 37 weeks, so this was a bit early to fully induce, but since i had already ruptured at the top, it was important to get the baby out before infection started...). once my water was fully gone, i delivered by beautiful daughter #2 within 2 hours.
with my first, i was also given pitocin while pushing for 2 hours b/c my contractions were lessening (i actually never fully effaced & only dilated to 9 cm). anyway, the pitocin barely worked for me then also. like i said, it was 2 hours of hard pushing w/ minimal contractions.
so just to let you know that you're not the only one that didn't respond to pitocin. i would just continue to do some nipple stimulation (that's what i found worked the best) & sex (again, that seemed to work a bit).
on a sidenote, i did have a friend who was induced & it took several times to get her into labor...come to find out they had the due date wrong & the baby was premature. sometimes our bodies know what to do more than doctors. so if you're body is 'saying' let's not go into labor yet, maybe take that into consideration, as well. :o)

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S.S.

answers from Cleveland on

I was 38 weeks pregnant with twins, and was to the point where the doctor wanted to induce me for various reasons. I was given cervadil on a Wednesday and stayed in the hospital overnight. The cervadil didn't progress anything. On Friday I was given pitocin and slept overnight, and woke up the next morning to no progress. Third time was the charm - when my water was broken by the doctor on Saturday. So yes, I have experienced an induction (two) that didn't work. I am sure patience is something you have, and will need to have in this case. Good luck.

Tip: my mom said she ate sauerkraut the night before each of me and 5 siblings and I were born. I didn't try it.... but hey, you've already tried various other solutions, why not this one!

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