Overdue, 3-4cm dilated, no contractions

[DorothyBastard]

This is baby no. 3, and I’m 40+3. I had a stretch and sweep on Monday where I was already 2cm dilated, and then again today, and I’m now 3 or 4cm dilated. Cervix nice as soft, baby has dropped right down with head firmly on cervix... but no contractions!

Both my other babies were late (DD was 8 days over, DS was 12 days and came spontaneously the morning I was booked in to be induced).

I’m suffering from agonising SPD and I’m totally fed up of being pregnant. I also really feel keen to avoid an induction if at all possible. I’m trying to sit on my birthing ball, or mobilise around, as much as I can but the SPD makes it really painful.

Is there anything I can do to encourage my contractions to start? I know that most of the old wives tales are a load of rubbish but I’m really hoping someone has some miracle suggestion which gets things moving!

Anyone? Still nothing happening!!

Hiya, didn't want to read and run. I irmly believe a long brisk walk helps. Suffering SPD though, I doubt that is an option for you.

*firmly

It sounds like it won't take long once you do start so make sure you are organised.
My 3rd labour consisted of about 12 contractions. It was a bit of a blur tbh.

If you have got someone to help and SPD allows, a soak in the bath can be helpful.

Thanks all. I’m trying to walk as much as possible but the SPD makes it painful and I’m a lazy git at the best of times. Had a lovely long bath last night with a few drops of clary sage oil in it but no dice. Thought I might be getting a bit of back pain earlier today but it went after an hour. I guess it’s just waiting for nature to take its course!

Breast massage seems to work for me to get contractions going! I’m a week past my due date and have been having prodromal labour for a while now. Good luck!

Hi @DorothyBastard just checking in to are how you are doing? 

If you know a herbalist ask if they'll give you golden seal.
And nipple stimulation.

I’m still pregnant!!! 9 days over now and not a single contraction. Latest stretch and sweep showed I’m still 3cm dilated but nothing is getting these contractions going. If nothing happens in the next few days I’m booked for induction on Sunday.

You don't HAVE to go for induction, you know. You could just wait it out. They can't force you, unless it's a medical reason. Being "over" due is not a medical reason.

Chances are you'll go into labour Saturday night or Sunday morning. By the sounds of it you carry longer anyways.
Good luck. Keep us posted

I just wanted to come and empathise. I'm in a pretty similar boat - this is my 3rd and I also have pgp and sciatica which means moving at all is excruciating (as you know), especially when I'm trying to keep up with my currently bored toddler. I am 41+4 today and booked to be induced on Saturday. I am so desperate for a spontaneous labour (my first was spontaneous at 41+3 and my second was induced at 42+1) but equally I really don't want to go past 42 weeks (bad experience after going over last time).

I have been bouncing on my ball as much as I can and drinking loads of raspberry leaf tea. I've eaten vast quantities of pineapple and had a curry or two. We've been having sex every day - which is not so fun at 41+4 especially with pgp and sciatica. I have also been trying to express and had a few drops - it's supposed to help bring on contractions. When I've done it the baby goes mental.

Have you looked up your bishop score based on the info in your notes? I found that quite interesting - as of last Saturday I was 3cm dilated, my cervix was quite high still but was soft and 2cm long (which I believe is good) and 3/5 engaged. So basically my cervix and the baby needed to come down a bit more...hence me spending lots of time on the ball. I've also found out that evening primrose oil is supposed to help - but look it up because it seems there are differing views.