To need a bit of positivity around my impending labour?

[5longdaystogo]

Im being totally ridiculous and Unreasonable but im 39+3 and feel like im never going to give birth.

My first DC arrived at 37+4 and i didn't really have much time to think about it.

This time im so stressed and overwhelmed. Im worried about a sweep and possible induction.

Ive had pains on and off for weeks, and i think ive lost a little bit of my mucus plug.

Give me some positivity please!!

Didn't want to read and run although I can't give especially specific positivity about a late labour as I was like you with DC1. Only that you are not being either ridiculous or unreasonable. I am not surprised that you are feeling stressed and off and on pains are probably not helpful as they make you wonder all sorts.

If you do have a sweep or induction it will probably be worse anticipating it than actually working through that, but they will try to do what will help and lead to you having this baby! Hopefully within 2 weeks he or she will be here, and home. Can you have a few conversations with the baby in your mind, as if they were here? Tell them how much you are looking forward to seeing them, who they will get to meet, and gently encouraging them that it's time to come out (think as if you were waking them up when they weren't keen, like in 2-3 weeks)?! It sounds a bit mad I know but it can't do any harm.

All sounds promising.

Don’t agree to a sweep unless you want one. Some HCP seem to think it’s a given, like, we’ll book you in for a sweep on Wednesday. Erm, no you won’t!

Lots of walking, bounce on your birthing ball if you have one.

I'd recommend the positive birth company if you haven't already discovered them.

My first came at 37+4 too. I'm currently 36+6 and trying to not get too impatient.

As above though, you always have the option to refuse induction or sweeps if you'd rather. Hope baby arrives soon for you!

I think i will trying talking to the baby, even if just to settle myself. Im really excited too and just want to meet her. I had a great first birth, gas and air and waterbirth, i think im just worried about intervention.

Im so undecided about the sweep, i was swaying towards not getting and now im not sure

My first pregnancy I was induced at 36 weeks, so had everything going on.

My second I had a natural birth at 39+6 and like you, I felt like I’d been pregnant forever!

Don’t worry, baby will be here soon.

The other 'conversation moment' I remember, which was very close to arrival, was hearing some of my favourite music performed live unexpectedly and thinking "Listen to this baby, it's good, I like this." So could listen to music you like too, maybe. Naturally now the child is upright and has opinions, this type of music is one of the most embarrassing features about her parents she can imagine, but you stand a chance of irritating the baby out at least!

I think it's because the first birth went so well ive too much time now to think about anything that can go wrong. Although its all good signs so far, even when i get pains i keep thinking please get worse!
I will sit down tonight and try to relax and have a little chat with her, DH put on our wedding dance song last night and we had a curry so will try and be relaxed again tonight

Both mine were overdue (41+1 and 41+2). My second one was so stubborn that they couldn’t even do a sweep at 41 weeks because his head wasn’t even 1/5th engaged! I had 2 sweeps with my first. They’re ok. No more uncomfortable than any other internal examination.

What I focused on was the latest possible delivery date: keep reminding yourself that your baby will be born before the end of September.

Good luck! Keep bouncing on the ball, eating pineapple and curry and all the other old wives tales..!

OP, I’m also 39+3 with DC2 and feeling incredibly impatient. DD1 was born at 40+5 after I naturally went into labour but I’m hoping DD2 is a bit earlier than that.

Even if it does end up as an induction, given it is DC2, you may well be OK.

My 3rd was a planned induction. Had a propess, 22h of niggles then labour proper and baby within the hour. Was grand.

For my first I was induced at almost 42 weeks. Really reluctant to be induced but actually it went really well and was a very positive experience and shouldn’t mean you can’t use the pool etc. The midwife told me the further along you are the more likely they are to work well so try to focus on that if you look like you might be going that way.

You will be fine and it will happen

My eldest was born at 38+6 and the second at 41+1 - so I do get where you are coming from that 2 weeks when I'd expected the second to come at the same gestation seemed to last forever (when I had my third and fourth I wasn't as bothered as I accepted they'd arrive when they wanted to - and both came inbetween those gestations)

I was similar to you. Had my first 37+5 and hadn't even started maternity leave. Expected my second to be the same but she came at 39+2

I could have written this post. I’m also 39+3 today and have been having pains for the last 3 day’s with nothing else happening.
They won’t sweep until I’m 40+4 and I really don’t want a induction. This is my 3rd baby both of which arrived before now.
No advise but you’re not alone!

Its so frustrating! If baby isnt here by my next appointment next Monday i will get some info re inductions and also whether im still allowed a waterbirth. I feel my bump has definitely dropped and the signs are good but its hard knowing it could drag on for weeks

Don't feel you have to, but it would be lovely if you could update eventually when all is well.

You can refuse any intervention if you don't want it.

For what's it worth, a sweep really isn't that bad. Feels a bit weird but not painful. If you make a fist with your hands under the small of your back it tilts your cervix up and make sit less uncomfortable

@5longdaystogo

I think i will trying talking to the baby, even if just to settle myself. Im really excited too and just want to meet her. I had a great first birth, gas and air and waterbirth, i think im just worried about intervention.

Im so undecided about the sweep, i was swaying towards not getting and now im not sure

I had a sweep as an absolute last ditch pre induction intervention. It’s the only way I’d accept one.

I was already 2-3 cm apparently and 41+6 due for induction the next day. Yes it worked but only because I was just about to go anyway.

Ask them to check your bishops score before agreeing to any intervention.

@Sexnotgender

Ive just googled Bishops score, that's interesting, if i havent went by monday i will speak to my midwife about it.

I think i will make up my mind on the day whether or not i have a sweep, but will definitely update what happens 😁

Hi OP, I am completely with you.

39+4 today with my second DD.

DD1 came at 39+4 and I know it's silly but I can't tell you how disappointed I am that she's not here yet. I had really built it up in my head that she would be here last week/this week. I had a sweep yesterday and really thought things were starting to move along last night, but today, I just feel normal again. Really hoping for another spontaneous labour!

How was your sweep? Was it quick, uncomfortable/painful? We could still go early but its the anticipation that's annoying me!

I’m in the same boat as you. First baby born at 36 weeks (no complications just early). Consultant told me most likely 37-38 weeks. I’m 39+5 today and fed up.
Just back from midwife and we did a sweep. It was absolutely fine. Only slightly uncomfortable on the same level as a smear. Hoping it starts something.

When I had a sweep with DD1, in all honesty I found it really sore, so was dreading having one yesterday and had really worked myself up about it.

Yesterday's sweep was a little uncomfortable but it was nothing like what I had with DD1, and I'd be happy to have another next week again. They took less than a minute I'd say.

Thats good to know, I get myself worked up about smears then when i get them done im fine, hopefully i dont make it until monday but im just going to try and not think about it too much in the mean time

Well i had my acupuncture today which was quite relaxing. Ive had a couple of mild contractions since and alot of movement from the baby so fingers crossed!