Hello,
I'm 40 +4 and am booked in for an induction this time next week. I went to the MW for a sweep on my due date and it was a complete no go, baby isn't engaged, cervix hasn't softened at all, basically nothing is happening. Since then, still nothing, she is still right up under my ribs.
Physically I feel fine, i still have plenty of energy and I can do things but mentally I'm starting to struggle. I've suffer on and off from depression and this is always made worse by not being occupied and being in my own company for too long. I can feel myself starting to become depressed and whilst it's only a week to wait I know that if I plan some days out and other activities I can nip this in the bud and make myself feel better.
Anyway my question is, given that i I have no signs of going into labour, what are the chances of it happening all of a sudden? E.g. if I planned to drive to the seaside for a day trip is an hour away too far to go on my own at this stage? (Or, god forbid I treated myself to the infamous mumsnet spa day 
)
My gut feeling is that I should book things and put together a schedule of things to do to look forward to and keep me occupied this week on the basis that this will end with an induction next week. Obviously if anything does start to happen I can rethink this and I'm not bothered about losing money if I book something and can't go, my issue is whether it's madness to stray too far from the house at present and how likely it is to go from nothing at all to a point where I can't drive myself home in a short space of time.
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Childbirth
Is an induction inevitable now or should I not give up hope of going into labour naturally?
theycallmebabydriver · 17/06/2018 14:24
Hi! I am also 40+4 FTM. Not booked in for an induction yet, but think that will be arranged at my midwife appointment tomorrow. I definitely agree with the idea of planning a few things to look forward to, maybe something nice every day if you can? Like a walk and cuppa with a friend, cinema trip, pedicure, trip to the local library to pick up a new book...literally whatever you can to keep your mind off of the fact you're not in labour. Hopefully this will keep you relaxed and give going into labour spontaneously its best shot. Maybe don't stray too far from home just in case...
It's so easy to feel down about it, I totally understand. Especially if you are being constantly pestered for updates by well meaning friends and family! You're within touching distance of the finishing line though! Stay strong and keep thinking about those first cuddles with your little one 
I think I read somewhere that average number of days overdue for first baby was 40+5...crossing my fingers for us for tomorrow!! X
@theycallmebabydriver don't be downhearted, 85% of babies are born after their "due date" and the most common day for first babies to arrive is 40+10 so you've got loads of time. Baby isn't considered late until 42 weeks but the more anxious or worried the more adrenaline you produce and the less likely things will get going. Do anything and everything that makes you feel good: baths, country walks, massages, baking, watching favourite films, sex, dancing to favourite music. Anything that makes you feel good will increase your oxytocin levels which will get things going 
.
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