I'm not a doctor, but as a Uterine Rupture survivor, I have to strongly recommend anything other than Cytotec. Can you talk to your doctor about using cervadil instead? Cytotec is a drug for ulcers - it was never intended as a labor-inducing drug and has been linked many many times to Uterine Rupture. You can do a search for cytotec and uterine rupture and see what I'm talking about. I'm just concerned about your vessels in the state they're in... I don't know if that puts you at any higher risk for rupture and if it does, I'd personally be scared about adding in another risk for rupture, kwim? I know cytotec has been used successfully and without incident, but imo, why take the risk when there are other drugs that work just about as well?

boo, I've read about problems with Cytotec--what Redsox said. The biggest concern is that if it's improperly used it has vastly higher uterine rupture statistics. It can also hurt the cervix itself--like a burning feeling--FYI. If that becomes a problem, make SURE the OBs have some topical pain relief ready.

I'd have a clear and open conversation with your OBs before they start--what dosage they'll use, how they'll STOP it if it becomes too much, etc. If there's a protocol for stopping it, you need to make sure they're aware of it and will use it.

OTOH, administered properly, it can help soften you up enough that Pit can then be administered. Pit before 3 cm isn't a good idea--it can cause the tetonic contractions (piggybacking).

Sex with your husband, of course, helps ripen the cervix too.

I was induced with cytotec with my second. They only used tiny amounts at a time to make sure the uterus wasn't over stimulated.
It wasn't something I'd want to do again, but it wasn't unbearable. I didn't get any pain meds, and it was only 8 hours start to finish.

I was supposed to be induced with the gel and pitocin but when I came in for my scheduled induction I was already in labor. They did give me a little pitocin at some point after my BP went high but I don't remember it making the contractions much different.

Best of luck today, Boo!!!!!!!

I don't know whether to or or

Pig Semen? I. had. no. idea.

Cervidil is the pig semen one.

I don't think all the sex in the world is going to ripen a 34 week pg cervix, 47.

The midwives I saw when I was pg with ds said that if I went beyond the 41+ week mark, they would be willing to try cytotec on me. While cytotec's use for labor induction is technically an off market use, it's been used pretty widely for that purpose for many many years. I would use EXTREME caution with using it if you have had a previous C section- as a matter of fact, if you have had a C section I'd say absolutely don't use it and I think you'd be hard pressed to find a doc trying to use it in a prev. c section situation. (it massively increases risk of uterine rupture esp along scar tissue).

Ask your doc the questions mentioned above with regard to the procedures surrounding the use of cytotec, it couldn't hurt to hear his logic behind it. I do think that in your case, the docs are likely being very careful knowing all your pre existing issues and are recommending the form of induction most likely to keep you and your baby safe. Best of luck boo.

One thing I liked better about cytotec than pitocin was that it didn't need an iv. That made me a lot more comfortable.