Can my doctor induce me?

Question

I was wondering if my cervix would have to be dilated in order for my doctor to induce my labor? My cervix is soft but not dilated.... isnt there something they can give me to make my cervix dilate before they give me the induction meds?!

Answer 1

I was induced at 40 weeks because my blood pressure was elevated. I was soft, but not dilated. I was sent to the hospital where they put a pill in my v****a. I began dilating (felt no pain or contractions). After a few hours I was at 2 cm. They gave me another pill and then did a membrane sweep. My water broke after that and then I was 4 cms. About 8 hours after the first step of the induction, they gave me pitocin, which induces contractions. I was told that being induced when you haven't begun to dilate can be a long process- even 2 or 3 days! I had my baby about 18 hours after the induction, but I had a c-section in the end. Good luck- hope this helped.

Answer 2

You probably won't be induced unless your cervix is beginning to dilate - otherwise you won't be able to push the baby out.  There is a medication they can give you to speed up dilation (forget what it's called), but your doctor won't give it to you unless there's a compelling reason.  

Answer 3

yes there is something that can make you start dilating, it's called cervidel, but they usually will only do that when they HAVE to. To answer your first question you do have to be dilated to be induced.

Answer 4

You fail to mention many things here, such as how far along you are.  

Starting at around 38 weeks, depending on your doctor, they can do something called a membrane sweep so long as you are beta strep negative.  The procedure can cause discomfort, so be forewarned.  Most of the time this procedure causes a hormonal reaction which causes your body to release oxytocin (not oxycotin) to move the birthing process forward.  A large percent of women who have their membranes swept go into labor within 48 hours.

If that doesn't work for you, there are several options for induction ranging from suppositories to IV drugs given by your doctor.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Your doctor will only induce you if you are past your due date. You can't be induced simply because you are tired of being pregnant. If your cervix is soft it can be this way for another month.  Yes, there is something but you have to wait it out..sorry.

Answer 6

You don't have to start dilating before being induced.  That's the whole purpose of being induced.

Answer 7

Ask your doctor about it.  

Answer 8

No the only thing the doctor can do to hope to bring on labor is a cervical sweep. Where they take away the plug. The other methods that would induce would be done in hospital during an induction after your due date or for medical reasons.

Answer 9

i think so or not

Answer 10

I am pretty sure you have to be at least 3 centimeters along, or 2 weeks past your due date. thats my doctors rules anyway :)

Answer 11

Unless there is a medical reason for the induction then a doctor probably won't induce unless your cervix is "ripe"--meaning softened with the beginnings of dilation. Even if you're cervix seems right, most won't induce contractions without a medical indication.

If you need to be induced and your cervix isn't ripe then they can use Cytotec or Cervadil suppositories. They will keep those in overnight. When your cervix has ripened then they can use Pitocin to begin contractions and dilation.