Late baby - totally ignorant 2nd timer

[Limelight]

So. I've gone over my due date slightly. Not by much, but it really hadn't dawned on me that it would happen (completely prepared as usual). DS1 was early so I just assumed...

I've got an appointment at the hospital to talk inductions on Friday. I'd quite like to avoid it if possible!

So friendly (and much more on the ball than I) Mumsnetters, any ideas about how to 'encourage' labour? I know about curry, sex, raspberry leaf tea, but any other ideas?

Also I'm hopefully going to give birth in a birthing centre (in pool etc). What's the deal if I'm induced? Is that sort of stuff ruled out?

Just want to do a bit of prep and would be grateful for your help!

Limelight x

How far along are you? You know you're not actually overdue until after 42 weeks don't you . Term is classed as between 37 & 42 weeks. Unless there is any indication of problems for you or the baby then there is no reason to accept induction. You could request monitoring instead if you like.

If you are induced and everything is as it should be there is no reason why you can't use the birthing pool. I had intended to when I was induced but the contractions did come on quite quickly and changed my mind but they would have been happy for me to go in. Did end up with EMCS in the end. They often say induction does lead to a more instrumental birth.

Also what about pineapple - I tried it but still went to 42 weeks!!

I'm only 40+1 at the moment so no rush. Just want to be prepared (or at least more prepared than I am now). Thanks for your help ladies. All very useful.

To be honest, I'm torn between wanting to get on with it, being pleased to have another full night's kip, and a sneaking realisation that I'm going to give birth again and that it bloody hurts!

Off to think positive, empowering thoughts...

Hi i had my first son 3weeks early induced and like you my second one didnt wont to make and apperance and he was 14days over . me and my partner tryed all the old wise tells but nothing worked in the end i was induced because of the pain i was offered a water birth so as long as all going ok you can be induced and have a water birth.
all the best you will soon be holding your little buddle x

You won't be able to go to the birthing centre but if all you need is the pessary(s) and/or you waters broken then the pool may be an option and you could go to the low risk unit ina hospital (if they have one) to do the rest as 'normally' as you like.

However, if you need the next step (which is the oxytocin drip) you will need constant monitoring of the baby and not all hospitals can do this while you are in the pool. Worth asking your midwife next time you see her.

Have you had a sweep?
good luck

hiya,

was late with DC1 (term +12). was inducted and had her in the pool though not in the birthing centre but in the normal delivery suite. but had 1 dose of prostine (or whatever it is called) only.

DC2 was 15 days late. I refused induction and opted for "expectant monitoring" instead. had a scan at term+12 to check placenta/fluid etc and CTG. also had a membrane sweep at term +12 and I am sure this finally triggered my labour. I tried all the other things (curry, long walk, sex, gallons of raspberry leave tea from 36 weeks onwards etc) to bring on labour but didn't help.

ask your MW about the sweep ;-)

my first DD was 5 weeks early (and I was induced) and my second DS was very reluctant to make an appearance. I was booked in for an induction which I was very reluctant to have so I tried EVERYTHING including 2 sweeps. In the end what worked for me was reflexology and a clary sage bath. He came at 11 days overdue. If you can find a reflexologist who specialises in maternity then its worth a shot!!

I was induced 2nd time round and it was absolutely fine. I had worked myself into a panic about it as I'd had a lovely water birth with DD1 and was expecting the same. In the end I only needed one dose of the gel to get me going and from then on it was all pretty straightforward and like a normal labour.

Apparrently induction is much more likely to work 2nd time round so the odds are in your favour! Good luck...