Twin Induction, Can Anyone Help?

[bakingtwins]

This is our first pregnancy and would you believe, we are having b/g, di/di (Dichorionic = 2 babies, 2 seperate sacs, 2 placentas = both self sufficient, seperate entity) twins!! lol

Anyhoo... I am scheduled for an Induction on the 21st of next month with the mention of an appointment the day before for a possible 'see what's happening' and 'possibly get me started.....'??? I have also been advised by my consultant that an epidural is the way forward for me to which I have agreed. Truth be told, I'm absolutely petrified!!

Although I have scoured this whole section and have absorbed a lot of your stories and gained a wealth of info already, I'd really like to have some direct replies to ease my anxiety. lol

So if anyone can help, I'd be very greatful x

 

[babymother]

The same rules apply to induction of a twin pregnancy as a single.
The induction is an offer only. It does not mean you have you have to have it done. Same goes with the epidural.

It is your body and your babies. Listen to your instincts, and do what you feel is right.

I don't know but think being induced with twins would need very careful monitoring. But I assume the same would apply as for inducing a single baby.

Please don't feel under pressure.

Some women find discussing their care with the supervisor of midwives helpful. They are very experienced, have advanced training, have indepth medical knowledge BUT keep in mind what a woman wishes, and understand a Nd help you make the right choice for you.

 

[BunnyN]

They can get an idea of how close your body is to being ready for labour by doing an internal exam. As you get close to your due date the cervix usually starts to soften, shorten and open up slightly.

There are different methods of induction. A hormone drip is often used which will give pretty much instant contractions but before they do that they usually want to make sure our cervix is soft, if it isn't already soft from your body being naturally ready for labour they might use a gel before to soften it up so you are ready for the drip. From what I understand sometimes the gel starts things on it's own but it's not so likely if you are inducing early. They might give you a sweep also, which is where the MW/doctor puts a finger into your cervix and stretches it and then gently sweeps the finger round inside to separate the membranes of the sack, it sometimes makes labour start or makes you more favorable for it. They may also be able to tell where the baby's head is when they do this.

How many weeks will you be induced at? Some doctors are a bit induction happy, especially with twins so as babymother said don't feel like you have to just because your doctor says to unless there is an actual medical complication that makes it advisable. There are risks and side effects associated with induction so it is worth thinking about carefully and doing some research to make sure you think it's the best option for you.

 

[mrswoody]

Sammy had twins in December, she was induced also. Maybe worth looking her up and asking xx

 

[babymother]

I really think you should think about how you want your birth to be.
Don't let the medics pressurise you into something you don't want, just because they say so.

I always follow BRAN... Benefits, risks, alternatives and doing nothing.
This is what I want to know when being dealt with, ESP with my babies. I am an individual, and my babies and me deserve to know all the facts before I make a decision.
Sorry for the rant lol

 

[cosmicgirl]

Don't be scared of induction hun, I've just had an induction and it was my best labour out of all 4!
You'll be assessed to see what you cervix is doing, maybe given a pessary and maybe a drip.
I've had twins and I would really consider an epi to be honest. Just in case they need to turn twin 2 after birth of twin 1. It's quite uncomfortable to say the least! x

 

[hellywelly]

As cosmic says, I think they recommend an epi with twins as although twin one might be in a good birthing position, sometimes twin 2 isn't and they may possibly need to end up doing a turn, or worst case a c-sec, so if the epi is already in this makes it quicker to just top up. Not had twins myself but this happened to a friend of a friend and was the explanation she was given.

Congrats by the way - ready made little family all in one go!! How exciting! Our friends had exactly the same thing and little Max and Darcy are 2 now and lovely!!

 

[bakingtwins]

Thanks so much for all your responses ladies.

As a complete novice, I think I'm just gonna follow my consultant's advice and have the induction followed by the epidural. It is reassuring to know that some of you have had a pleasant, as pleasant can be during labour, having undergone these procedures.

I've googled both procedures every which way and have decided that so long as babies are not harmed in any way and pain is at an absolute minimum for me, then I'm perfectly happy! They can do whatever they want! lol

Not long now tho, 3wks and 5 days to go.... as the days go by the theme tune to Jaws gets louder! lol

Cheers x