How to Prepare for an Induction

Do you have an induction scheduled? Today I want to share some things you can do to prepare for your induction. Inductions require more prep than “regular” birth — so I’m super glad you’re here!

If you’re looking to get prepared for your induction be sure to grab my induction questions checklist:

Also, if you’re short on time, don’t miss my post on what to do the day before your induction.

First off…. I want you to know (and this is 100% a fact):

Induction is always YOUR choice

I hear a lot of people saying “my doctor said I had to be induced” and that isn’t the case at all.

An induction is always YOUR choice. It is YOUR job to weigh the risks and the benefits that your provider is giving you and then make the right choice for you and your family.

I will say that often the doctor is correct — an induction is the right choice. but if they induce everyone at 39 weeks and you’re just not feeling it — it’s ALWAYS up to you.

I talked about that a bit in this podcast with one of my favorite OB’s I’ve worked with — might be helpful:

Ask the Questions

You need to know:

• Why you’re being induced (and knowing you’re making the right choice — like we talked about above)
• How they plan to induce you
• How long it’s likely going to take

Pro tip: don’t let the doctor say they “have no idea” — they have a basic idea when they schedule you for the induction. No, they’re not fortune tellers but they know if it’s likely to be really long — and it’s important you have realistic expectations.

Having a hard time talking with your doctor or midwife — grab my best tips here:

Stretching & Movement

Moving your body is important for a couple of reasons:

• You’re just killing your body by just living this late in pregnancy — it needs some TLC
• It can help open your pelvis and help baby find their best spot

It can feel like you have SO much to get done, but don’t ignore it — get stretching in. Find a good youtube channel and do it every. single. day. It’s nurse’s orders.

If a particular pose is hurting, skip it or modify it to less deep. — you’re looking to do stuff that feels good

Hydrate

This honestly is never not going to be a tip of mine.

BUT I have to say that when you take the time to hydrate like crazy it’s going to pay off so much. You’re going to FEEL better, and just be able to go about your day better.

It’s also going to shove off false labor pains that can come when you’re dehydrated. Some people think “oh, this is labor” — but in reality it’s just pain that isn’t doing anything.

And no one needs that.

Be sure to hydrate EXTRA the day before your induction, it’s going to help your veins be an easy find for your nurse and make the IV an easier part of all of it.

If you’re close to your induction don’t miss these posts too:

• Debunking Induction Myths With My Own Induction Story
• 11 Easy Ways To Prepare For Your Labor Induction
• Can I Get An Epidural Before My Induction Of Labor?

Learn What to Expect

One of the biggest reasons you’ll hear from women that they hated their induction is because they don’t know what to expect. They didn’t know it might be boring, or that it could take a while, or they may just get an epidural because they desperately need to sleep….

This has a whole chapter on inductions that I think should be mandatory watching (I love that whole class).

OR if you just want to learn about inductions there’s this too.

Anticipate Pain

While studies show that the pain of an induction and labor doesn’t vary (from the arrive trial which I talk about in here), I find that it’s just insanely more boring.

When you’re at home you can do things to ignore the pain. Make brownies, sleep in your own bed however you want, or clean…. at the hospital, less so.

You just need to know it’s going to be painful. You need some ways to manage that pain. Is it going to be worse than everyone else’s labor pains? I don’t think so. It’s just more boring, and tiring because of how bored you are.

This has a whole natural pain management bonus video.

Wondering what the hospital can do to help you manage your pain — grab the options here:

Prep Your Partner

A lot of this induction stuff has just talked about you. But, there’s another teammate on this pain and you want to make sure that THEY are prepped as well. Remember, they can:

• Advocate for your wishes when you’re too tired to
• Help you move to make sure that’s a priority (this helps SO much)
• Encourage you and remind you of the plan

But, if they’re overwhelmed by the medical-nature of all of it, that is no help for you.

A great partner can often be THE key to a birth you love. THIS is created to help both of you prepare for labor in just a few hours. It’s so easy and couples love it.