How long will I have to wait?

[LillaC]

Today is my due date with number two! I went into labour one week early first time around so fully expected to have delivered by now. Stupid to have such expectations I guess. I've had a really good pregnancy until the last week, feel very frustrated, tired and uncomfortable. Guess I was completely unprepared for going overdue.

I had a show on Tuesday (followed by more stuff coming out over the next few days) and have period like pains coming and going but no other signs of impending labour!

In my first labour (two years ago), my waters broke and contractions started 24 hours later, with me going into hospital after another 24 hours. Typically, contractions then slowed down and eventually I was induced with drip as baby was in distress and it had been so long since waters broke. Had an epidural which didn't work properly and was topped up late so couldn't feel myself pushing and poor baby had to come out with ventouse.

Really hoping for a more natural birth this time around and feeling more in control but now I'm starting to worry about having to be induced again.

I guess this is partially just me venting some frustration but any advice, thoughts, recommendations would be helpful. Also, at my last MW appointment, the baby's head was still high (which I know is normal second time around). But I've also heard that they can't to a sweep on you if the head isn't engaged. Is that true?

[coastalmum]

sounds to me like your bodies getting ready, the show, the period like pains.

My mw gave me a sweep with #4 even though head not engaged.

[belgo]

if you've had a show and period like pains, they're all very good signs that hopefully it won't be much longer now.

[LillaC]

thanks for your replies - i heard somewhere it could take up to 10 days or even longer before you go into labour after having a show - i really hope it won't take that long!

shall ask my MW on Tuesday if she can do a sweep...