Is stress making me overdue? Also feeling guilty

[milibear]

Hi.
I'm currently 40+6 and anxious to have baby.
I also have had parents staying with me and OH for the past month in a small one bedroom flat with very thin walls. So I have not been getting much sleep (I normally sleep quite well) due to parents snoring. And generally feeling quite frustrated and a bit stressed at having to look after them and making sure they are ok because they have come all the way from Fiji to see the little one.
It's taking a lot of energy just to put on a happy face when I am miserable and worried that they won't see their grandchild before they leave at the end of the week. I am also feeling extremely guilty at the fact that I'm counting down the days until they leave- I have an inkling that baby will arrive the they night they leave!
Does anyone think that this added stress is causing a delay in labour? Anyone else in a similar situation? Please give me advice because at this moment in time I feel like bursting into tears every half hour. :(

[KenDoddsDadsDog]

Oh I really empathise! I had my DD around Christmas and all I worried about was that I would ruin Christmas if I was in labour (for others not me). Wish I had just relaxed!
It's not the stress - your baby just isn't ready yet. But you do need all your strength to get through labour and the next few weeks. Try to nap and have fun with your parents. Talk to them and tell them you are worried and I'm sure they will tell you off!
Good luck.

[Gincognito]

Hi milibear, that sounds really stressful! I'm not surprised you feel like crying.

Just wanted to say a couple of things:

No, it is very unlikely that stress would delay labour. Please remember that normal pregnancy is between 38-42 weeks long. You are NOT overdue! I went 8 days past my due date and then went into labour spontaneously. He came when he was ready.

Also, early days with your first baby (I'm assuming first?) are really not the ideal time to share your one bed flat with the in laws. Yes it's a shame that they've come so far but really I think your baby is being bloody sensible to not put an appearance yet. My ILs also live a long way away (Japan) and came over when ds was 6 weeks old. As much as I love them it was a lot to deal with!

I hope everyone is running round after you? Could you treat yourself to a nice long massage/haircut/manicure or even a really long sit in a cafe by yourself? These last days of being yourself before the arrival of your first dc should be all about you!

Good luck, let us know how everything goes x

[Merlincat07]

Well I'm also 40+6 today. I have sat around reading and generally pottering about for the last two weeks in the hope that a nice relaxed calm attitude would bring my baby on, if not early, at least on time. No such luck! I don't think stress or no stress has anything to do with it. Babies will come when they're ready. The one thing stressing me at the moment is the fact that I'm seeing my midwife for a stretch and sweep at some point today, which I'm finding the thought of absolutely horrendous. And that hasn't made one jot of difference to this baby's imminent arrival as far as I can tell.

Hang in there - I'm sure it won't be long now!

[Gincognito]

D'oh sorry, don't know where I got in laws from! Still, I stand by my comments no matter whose parents they are!

[milibear]

Thanks for the advice and kind words.
OH thinks baby is smart to not come out now!
I've decided not to think about things too much and just enjoy my last days of 'freedom'.
Come what may, hey?

[Bumpsadaisie]

Gosh, visitors at 40+6 - you must be a saint!

I could barely venture out of the house in late pregnancy as I was so foul to everyone. I reduced poor DH to tears by being so nasty to him. No way could I have tolerated visitors in a small flat, even my lovely and easy going parents! Really you shouldn't feel guilty - I think you are at the extreme virtuous end of the spectrum of heavily pregnant women!

Stop worrying about getting baby here in time for them to see him/her. Baby will come when its ready - your parents will fit in and will be able to come back to visit when s/he arrives.

[milibear]

Thanks, Bumpsadaisie!
Started what I thought was labour early this morning- went to hospital and then got sent home because I wasnt dilated enough. I have an induction booked for tomorrow morning :(
I might suggest nicely to parents to stay in a hotel tonight which i will pay for so I can get some sleep.
Fingers crossed she'll be out before then, though!

[Gincognito]

Ooh good luck Mili. Fingers crossed she's already on her way!

[milibear]

Dd was born 20.08.11 just in time before parents left!
Now i just need help on getting her to latch on!

[KenDoddsDadsDog]

Many congratulations ! Enjoy cuddling your lovely bundle.

[Gincognito]

Congratulations!

Do post in the breast and bottle feeding section for advice if you're struggling.

Also, feel free to PM me if I can help at all - ds and I had a very rocky start with bf'ing (still doing it now ar nearly 10 months and no plans to stop), so I am an expert on all the places to go to for advice!