Now overdue, trying VBAC. Had 2 sweeps

[Loz03]

Hi ladies, I'm currently 40+2 with my second boy. My first was born ECS after failed induction as he had dipped heart rate so I was started off and left to try and progress however after 6 hours contracting he became even more distressed. So 8 years on I'm now going for VBAC, I was absolutely fine with it, until now... I am so anxious and cant sleep or relax. I had a very vigorous sweep at 39+6, lost my plug at 40, another sweep at 40+1 & had no signs anything is going to start. I am so emotional today and booked back into the midwife on monday for yet another sweep and to book induction.... part of me wants too just beg them to book me in for a section to get it over with :( bot sure what I am hoping to achieve from this post...

Hi, I know how you are feeling completely. I was induced with first, 3 days later failed ventouse (v similar to what you outlined re fetal distress )and EMCS. With my second I made decision not to be induced despite having GD. I expressed, bounced on ball, had acupuncture, aromatherapy, ate hot curries, had sex and 3x sweeps. Nothing. Until 41+5 when I went into natural labour and had a VBAC. This time round, I’m not doing any of it! I swear it made me so stressed trying to force it that I wonder if it held me back? I can’t say for others, but I did literally everything in my power to bring on labour, with no effect. I’m 37 weeks now and going into labour next week feels like a fantasy dream as I’m prepped for the long haul again. And so I’m hoping relaxing and not stressing about dates will bring it on..... we’ll see x

I'm glad I'm not the only one who is feeling like this. Until today I have felt hopeful something's gonna happen... on wed I was 2cm high cervix but managed a sweep, when I went friday she said my cervix was still 2cm but had come down and it was reachable she could touch babies head... I've bounced on the ball and walked miles, had sex.... woke up this morning feeling like crap, emotional, tired and just had had enough... today I've dont none of the bouncing etc just tried too relax which I'm utterly failing at at the mo lol. So you had a successful vbac? That's nice to hear. I hope this one goes the same for u

Honestly, I could have tried any harder to get labour going- esp. with all the guidance around GD so I felt quite pressurised at times by hospital to be induced. And when I say at times, I mean every time I saw any medical professional . Everyone’s experience is different but for me the diff between induction labour and spontaneous was like the diff between night and day. So I don’t really know what to say to you as it’s such a lonely, head fuck keep waiting and trying. Apart from try to keep busy and if you can relax and hopefully from the sounds of things you’re nearly there. I lost my mucus plug on the fri/sat and went into labour on the tues x

Thank you hun I really hope so. I'm just having a really shit day where I feel anxious n cant switch off.. only so much you can take i suppose. I saw my consultant on wed when I had the sweep and meant to ask how long the planned on leaving me after my due date as I really dont wanna be left too long but after the sweep I totally forgot and couldn't wait to get out of there lol. I am spending my evening trying to relax tonight.. been in the bath for hours, now watching a film with my little man.. do you know what you are having x x

You're almost always going to lose your plug after a sweep so don't think too much about that.

You're only 2 days over so you still have time.

And don't be put off by no signs. You can have a woman with zero signs and go into labour at a click of fingers.
You can also have women who have slow labours that last weeks.

Best of luck with the VBAC!

I had to have my first by ECS and went for VBAC with my second and knew I would be well overdue again (a family trait) and knew going in that the stats are skewed against successful vbacs when overdue and baby is large. And yes, it ended up another ECS, 12 days over and large baby. I was gutted but my mother put it in perspective for me. She said 'love you are missing nothing, there is no difference how they come out, only that they get here safe for everyone and at least you won't have to worry about fecking pelvic floor exercises or stitches in a region you can't see) Once labour is done, it is surprising how quick you can compartmentalise it and forget about it when all the other stuff comes in. Stop thinking about it, stop wishing for one way, just focus on getting that little person out safe to start their life and you will be fine whatever it takes.