Experienced mothers! have you ever been induced with pitocin ?

Yes, however, other methods were also used in my induction. For me, I was first given Cervadil which is a prostaglandin drug that helps ripen and soften the cervix. After some time, when it only dilated me to 1 cm, I was given a membrane sweep. Some time later, my OB broke my waters (which was painless) and a couple hours later, I was given the transcervical Foley balloon dilation method (which HURT alot). By then I was dilated to 4 cm. Contractions began, but were far apart and not very strong. I was given Pitocin shortly after and contractions were getting closer together getting progressively and more stronger. At some point contractions were happening every minute and lasted about 10-15 second each time. Pain was getting unbearable and I was 5 cm. I finally requested for an epidural. The epidural was the best thing I did for my labor, as I was in such agonizing pain. I went from 5 cm to 10 cm in the matter of a few hours after I received the epidural. I think it helped speed up the labor process. I originally did not want an epidural as I wanted to be a toughie and stick it out, but I recommend the epidural. Take it if you feel you need it.

That was my first and only baby so I don't know for sure if the contractions were that strong on their own or if it was due to the Pitocin. Hope this helped!

I went natural with my third child. I had no epidural and no pitocin was used. What I didn't know is I had undiagnosed gestational diabetes and she was 9 pounds 14oz at birth. Took 45 minutes to push her out and I ripped. No pain medicine! All natural. With my 4th child I was diagnosed with GD late and had to be induced at 38 weeks. I could not get passed 3cm without needing an epidural. The contractions hurt more because my body was being forced to have her. So in my experience, contractions hurt regardless but I was able to tolerate them better when my body was doing it naturally as opposed to being induced. Just so you know the epidural doesn't hurt at all when you are begging for it because of the contractions. After I got the epidural, my labor went by quickly (my 4th), I felt nothing and she came out in 1 push (8 pounds 4oz). Good luck! If you need pitocin then you need it, but don't feel guilty if you need pain medication because the contractions are more intense.

Yes, I was induced after my water broke and I didn't start having regular contractions on my own after 12 hours. The contractions I was having were few and far between. Quite strong but to me tolerable. Once the pitocin kicked in, they came on hard and fast.,relentless and holy crap did it hurt, like I can't even describe. I was sobbing and crawling up the bed rail....I think labor without pitocin would have been much more manageable pain-wise. I wouldn't be induced unless there is a medical need. If your doctor just wants the baby out before Christmas, I would say hell no.