I’ve talked ALL about what to do before an induction, today I want to talk about 5 things to NOT do before your induction!
Before we start, let me introduce myself, and why I am a great resource for things like this.
Hi, I’m Hilary — The Pregnancy Nurse 👩⚕️. I have been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of OB nursing experience, I am also the curly head behind Pulling Curls and The Online Prenatal Class for Couples. 🩺 I’ve helped thousands of couples start their induction (and had one of my own) so I am well aware of what helps and does NOT help with an induction.
What to NOT Do Before Your Induction:
Pack a Ton of Luggage
Yes, DO PACK YOUR BAG. That’s one of the great things about an induction, that you can pack for it. BUT, over-packing will end up with you having a TON to put away when you get home. So, ask the hospital if they have a list of what they recommend you bring (some hospitals have different things they do or don’t supply) and then add a few things you think will help, and then stop.
Here’s my hospital packing list just for your info:
Watch All the Tiktoks
Yup, I’m on Tiktok and yes I have a LOT of information on there.
But don’t go to your For You Page and just ingest all the information from there. I can’t even begin to tell you how much of that information is wrong, or just was the case for that person. I am a fan of getting those snippets of information from someone you can trust.
BUT, just take a prenatal class, so you make sure to hit all the good parts, and then move on with your quiet confidence that you’re ready. 🙂 That looks good on everyone!
People love that this class has key point videos you can quickly watch the night before for a refresher. 🙂
Eat a Ginormous Meal
Eat. Yes, please eat (unless your provider said not to, but in that case I’d find out why and make sure you agree with their reasoning) but just a regular-sized meal.
Being SUPER full when you come in to start contracting isn’t great.
Just a regular meal, full of things you love. That’s what I recommend. And just eat to “full” not “bursting” 🙂
Try to Go Into Labor
If you and your provider have decided that an induction is best, don’t try the “natural” methods (like castor oil) the night before your induction. Many of those methods aren’t safe (or fun — looking at you castor oil).
Sure, you could try to ripen your cervix with some sexy time with your partner, but there’s no reason to stress yourself trying to induce yourself when the hospital is just going to do it for you tomorrow.
Stay Up and Worry All Night
SO common to have a hard time getting to sleep before an induction, but laying in bed with worry or concern isn’t a great plan.
You may even want to ask your provider if there is something you can take to sleep the night before (or, to take to sleep if you’re going into the hospital for a night induction where they hope you can get some rest). Sometimes they recommend just a Benadryl or might offer something stronger.
Maybe you’ll just go into labor while you’re sleeping!
Either way, this is an EXCITING time. Make sure you’ve taken a prenatal class, so you know what to expect. Inductions can have a few more twists and turns in the process — so those families find them extra helpful with an induction.
This one can be done in just a few hours (seriously, even if your induction is tomorrow you could 100% do it tonight) and couples absolutely love it (in fact, I guarantee you will). Check out the reviews here.
And, if you’re not quite sure you’re ready for that whole thing, check out my free prenatal class. It’s your first step toward getting in the driver’s seat of your birth.
- About the Author
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A nurse since 1997, she has worked in various fields including pediatrics, geriatrics & hospice. She has 20 years of labor and delivery experience in the San Jose, CA and Phoenix, AZ areas.
As an evidence-based prenatal educator Hilary has delivered thousands of babies and has educated hundreds of thousands of parents from a diverse patient population to help them have a confident birth.
Pitocin to Induce Labor
