Help - sense of perspective needed on being 40+6 with first baby!

[Sariska]

Despite trying just about everything to encourage this baby to make an appearance, nothing has worked so far. Have had two sweeps (cervix posterior but soft, accessible and effaced to 1cm), both of which resulted in a show. The second sweep (yesterday) also seemed to kick off stop-what-I'm-doing-and-breathe contractions that came every 10 mins and lasted 20-30 seconds. They continued throughout the night but have now died away and left me with the period-type feeling I've had for about a month now. Rationally, I know this baby will come when it's ready but, after an easy pregnancy, I'm getting desperate, teary, foul to my dh and afraid that my body really doesn't know what it's doing. Largely, I think this is because I'm very scared of going beyond 42 weeks and not being able to use my lovely local birth centre but instead having to go for induction to the hospital (which is too hot, too busy, too impersonal and made me want to run out in a panic everytime I went there for a scan, blood tests or tour of the labour and post-natal wards). I assume induction would result in at least a drip - because I can't imagine that pessaries would work alone, given that nothing else has - and thus continuous fetal monitoring and little chance of an active birth - and all in a labour room with no attached bathroom (don't ask me why but this last really gets me) and with midwives I don't know and haven't met. Am I being ridiculous for thinking like this??? How can I make myself more phlegmatic and rational?? I should say that the birthing centre have suggested another sweep tomorrow and are optimistic that I will go into labour before 42 weeks but have also suggested that I think about my options should that not happen.

[2HappyEaster]

Poor you - I remember the feeling well.
Your body does know what it's doing, and it is doing it very well, it's just that it's doing it so well the baby is quite comfy thank you very much. Did you know that in other countries, you aren't even term until 42 weeks?
Now, number one, you do not have to be induced. You can insist on close monitoring and being allowed to keep going so long as everything appears ok. Number two, there are lots of people on here for whom induction went very smoothly. The pessary on its own can work without needing a drip - it did for me, despite them telling me I was totally unfavourable. But as far as thinking rationally is concerned - you're 40+6, how can you have got through the last 40 weeks without realising pg women don't do rational thought

[Sariska]

LOL at rational thought point. Am now hanging on to the hope that reason and rationality will return one day. Maybe.
Anyway, as that day is not yet, it was good to see in black and white sensible info that I'm no longer capable of telling myself - so thank you!

[NorthernLurker]

I went into labour twice at 41 weeks and the first time it was 42 weeks and I was induced. Didn't need the drip - pessaries did the trick. If - and that's a huge if - you get to that point that could very well be the case for you too. Have lots of lovely baths and try to think calm. Lots of sex is also a good idea - and please tell your dh that you absolutely must go out for dinner at least twice this week

[Sam100]

Know exactly how you are feeling - went to 40 + 10 with dd2 and 40 + 12 with last one!

I went into labour naturally with dd 2 but ds1 just was not making any sign of an appearance, despite sweeps etc and all the tricks I could find on the net! So I went for an induction - as 2HappyEaster says this is not something you have to have - so weigh up your options - it was what I wanted for a variety of reasons (mainly that hubbie had to be somewhere for work the following week that was unavoidabe and i did not want to be on my own in labour with him up in London!). I dreaded the thought of induction for all the same reasons you list - but actually it was ok. I just had a gel pessary at about 8 am - nothing happened for hours - but contractions finally started about 1 pm (was due a review and more gel at 2-3pm) - then all went steady from there. Our ds1 was born in the birth pool at 4:30 pm - no other pain relief needed, no drip, no monitoring (other than 20 mins on monitor at 2:30 to confirm to midwife I was in labour!). So I hope this can be a positive induction story for you.

[EiWishFor3MoreEasterEggs]

hi i went to 40+11 with DD and my waters broke before i started to labour and all this happened the day before my induction was booked for i think it was down to me actually 'knowing' when i was going to have my baby and i relaxed with that knowledge as 2happyeaster says you are not actually considered overdue until 42 weeks so dont worry it WILL happen soon and within the next week or so so book yourself some spa treatments (facial, massage and the like) or organise some activities which you couldnt possibly do with a newborn and tempt fate good luck
xx ei xx

[peasoup]

I was induced at 40 weeks + 17 days. They wanted to induce me at 40 + 14 but I insisted on waiting and them monitoring me. Only when they said that he in no way looked ready to be born, and as he wasn't engaged, etc. a pessary probably wouldn't work, etc. and so I'd probably be in for a hard time of it and meanwhile he was getting bigger and bigger- they estimated at least 10 lbs (he was 7 lb, 14!) they kind of scared me into agreeing to an induction at two and a half weeks overdue.
Having been told the pessary was very unlikely to work I settled in after having it at 8am in hospital with a load of Hello magazines and sent DH off to work. By midday I started labour and had him at midnight (by c section - his head was too big!!) It was quick and I wasn't on a drip. I kept my eyes clamped shut most of the day so don't know that I noticed my surroundings!

[KerryMidwife]

Just so you know - You really don't have to accept induction at 42 weeks.

The docs will scare you with "research" that says that a baby is more likely to be stillborn after 42 weeks. This research was not sufficiently high-level to make this a recommendation that every woman be induced at 41+ weeks.

MOST vital is that you know your baby's movements - that they are present and regular. That you are well, eating a balanced, healthy diet.

That your baby is in a good position to be born i.e. not back-to-back. If that is the case, try the 20mins, 2x per day on your hands and knees, sitting on a birthball, basically upright and leaning forward with your knees below your hips.

Ask about scans and other forms of monitoring (eg Doppler to check placental function).

When did your mum give birth? Did she go "overdue".

Its difficult to avoid being swept up by "the system", I wish you and your partner all the best.

[ILikeToMoveItMoveIt]

Breathe and relax.

Are you ready mentally and physically?
Is the nursery ready?
Are the baby's clothes washed and ready to go?
Is your hospital bag packed?

I believe that you both need to be ready for things to get going. Make you sure you have nothing holding you back.

Have you tried Clary Sage oil? Either burn it in an oil burner, or put it with a carrier oil and rub it on your stomach.

Nipple stimulation and sex can get things going.

Eat something that gives you the trots. The bowel movement can stimulate the uterus into action.

Bounce and circle your hips on a birthing ball.

Have you thought about alternative therapies? Reflexology, osteopathy and acupuncture can help.

Make sure you have things to do everyday between now and when the baby is born.

It will happen!