This drug is contained in a tampon that is placed in your vagina. There is a string attached so that it can be easily removed when necessary. The Cervidil works in a similar way to the prostaglandin gel. It does not work immediately and it may take some hours before you notice any effect. In some cases you will remain in the hospital after the Cervidil has been inserted so that you and your baby can be monitored. However, in most cases you will be sent home an hour after the Cervidil has been inserted. Once at home you can continue with normal activity but you should avoid bathing (showering is fine). Do not pull on the string that is attached to the Cervidil. If the drug falls out of the vagina do not panic but give us a call at 604 875 3070.

Oxytocin is a naturally occurring drug that your body releases when you are in labor and when you breastfeed. This drug is given to you through an intravenous line. The amount of drug given is controlled with a pump, and adjusted until the contractions occur regularly. Once the oxytocin has been started you will be attached to the monitor so that the frequency of contractions as well as your baby’s response to these contractions can be monitored. This will mean that you will be confined to bed during the induction. Oxytocin is used if the cervix is soft and dilating or the other forms of induction of labor are not recommended for medical reasons. Patients who have had a previous caesarean section and who are attempting a trial of labor (VBAC) would usually be given oxytocin if they need to be induced.

If your cervix has begun to open it may be helpful to break the water sac (membrane) that surrounds your baby. A small sterile tool is used to make a small hole in the water sac and the fluid (waters) will leak out. The process may be a bit uncomfortable, but is not painful, and does not harm the baby. If breaking the waters does not start the labor then other methods of induction might need to be used as well in order to get your labor going, such as the gel or oxytocin mentioned above.

The process of induction can take a long time all depending on how ripe the cervix is and the type of medication used to induce you. Once the induction process has been started and you are at home waiting for the contractions to start it is important to keep well hydrated and to keep eating .Eat and drink what ever you like but don’t force yourself to eat if you feel nauseated. Do not drink any alcohol. It is also important to get rest, as once you are in labour you will need a lot of energy and you might not be able to rest once the labour is established. You may bath or shower unless you are told not to.

Before leaving the hospital you will be given instructions on when to return to the hospital.
Come back to the hospital if you experience contractions that are strong enough to stop you form talking or walking .The contractions should also be at least 3 to 5 minutes between the start on one and the next and the contractions should last at least 45 seconds long.
If your waters break and there is a lot of bleeding or if the waters are green in color come back to the hospital. Also if your waters break and you have tested positive for Group B Streptococcus come back to the hospital.
While you are at home please monitor the movements of your baby. A lot of babies move less before the start of labour .However babies should still move from time to time especially after you eat or drink. If you have not felt any movement in 3 hours and the baby has not moved after eating or drinking please come back to the hospital.

If your water breaks before your labor starts do not panic. Look at the color of the water. The water is usually clear but may be pink or yellow. If the water is green make your way to the hospital. A little bit of bleeding is normal but if you notice heavy bleeding please make your way to the hospital. It is also important to know whether you are a carrier of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) in your birth canal. You will usually be tested for this at 36 weeks. If you have GBS then please come to the hospital if your water breaks as you will need to be started on antibiotics to prevent the bacteria getting to the baby which in some cases can cause an infection in the baby.
If you do not have Group B Strep and your water has broken you can wait up to 8 hours before coming to hospital as long as the water is clear and the baby is moving. If you have any concerns please call 604 875 3070 or come to the hospital.