41 weeks - birthing ball - Braxton Hicks

[VamonosPest]

I'm 41 weeks and booked in for an induction next week which is rather not get to. I have had two failed sweeps, bishops score of 5 on the second. In an attempt to get things going I have been diligently bouncing away on my birthing ball every evening. Doing so brings on tightenings of the bump and Braxton hicks. I seem to get them for a few hours until the early hours then they ease. This means that I go to bed but can't sleep because it's too painful until they eventually wear off. So my question is: is my ball bouncing doing any good at all? Would I be better off not bouncing and getting decent sleep instead, so that I am more rested for labour whenever and however it does eventually start?

Thanks in advance and good luck to all!

[Topsyloulou]

I had two failed sweeps and was induced. I bounced away on the birthing ball for hours everyday and it made no difference to me but other people swear by it. Personally I'd go for the sleep rather than the ball or alternatively use the ball only in the mornings so the braxton hicks wear off before bed time.

I was dreading being induced but it was actually much better than I thought and not as painful or drawn out as a lot of people had led me to believe.

Hope your baby arrives soon.

[Superworm]

I would go for sleep too. It's the last chance for some rest and I think its more important to have some reserves going into labour and the newborn phase. Good luck

[VamonosPest]

Thanks for advice superworm and topsy. Am going to walk this morning, maybe a bit of a bounce after and then rest for the remainder of the day. You are right - sleep is precious!