I had a failed induction too, for my first pg. Personally I don't think
your friend was very to give birth. 40 weeks is not some magical number
there is a wide range of normal gestation lengths some people go way
past the 40 weeks.
In my family according to my grandmother 43 weeks is normal. Hence my
failed induction at 41w2d unfortunately my waters broke, I had strong
contractions while on the pitocin, after 12 hours I demanded they turn
it off the contractions just stopped. After an epidural and 8 hours
later with little dilation I was sectioned.

I am pleased they sent your friend home. Let her go on her own time or
at least give her a bit more time. Healing from a c - section is no fun
and then there is all the fuss with future births since VBACs are not
supported or encouraged everywhere.

Larissa
DD Feb 99
DS Mar 01
EDD early Dec

Usenet Fan wrote:
I got a call from a friend today who had gone in to the hospital for
induction. She was only 3 days past her due date, but was suffering
horribly from indigestion and acid reflux, so when her OB suggested
induction, she set the date.

She went in last night for the cytotec gel, then was to get pitocin
today. They gave it to her all day. Contractions apparently were
visible on the fetal monitor, but she wasn't feeling much.

After an entire night and day in the hospital, they told her that the
pitocin just wasn't working, and they sent her home. Said if she
doesn't go into labor spontaneously by Friday, they'll start induction
again on Saturday.

The conception date was absolutely certain, since it was an IVF baby,
so this isn't a case of induction terribly early.

Has anyone ever heard of pitocin FAILING to induce labor? Is it
possible that some people are just not reactive to pitocin? What
would happen next if she doesn't go into labor spontaneously? I'm
thinking stripping of membranes or something. I'm just nervous for
her that if pitocin doesn't work again they'll cart her right off for
a c-section.

Anyway, it's got me thinking and I wondered what anyone here knows
about this type of reaction from induction?


Thanks,
Robin
#1 EDD early December, 2003