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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Stuck at 3cms

39 replies

GSD20 · 15/10/2021 15:13

Has anyone any clue how long is normal to be sitting at 3cm without progress?

I had a sweep yesterday and she said I was 3cms and engaged. Lots of cramping last night and lost mucus plug but now nothing at all and I’m loosing the will to live as I want this over before induction date Sad

I’ve tried walking, bouncing, cleaning, up and down stairs and nothing works. This is DC2 and this didn’t happen with DC1.

Has anyone else been stuck in the early stages for a while? How long shall I leave it before contacting someone?!

OP posts:
crabette · 17/10/2021 13:22

@GSD20 Nothing for me yet either.

Sorry to hear about your experience with your last labour! For what it's worth though I've looked this up, and apparently you're not guaranteed to have a bigger baby just because it's late... all babies are different. And your labour will be different this time too. Maybe this little one is taking its time because it's moving into a better position before you start, so less likely to be stuck and therefore less likely for you to tear?

Also worth noting in most of Europe your due date would be at 41 weeks and not 40... that's helped me a lot. So 41 weeks is a pretty normal 'full term' period, and it's the UK who are the odd ones out for saying it's 40!

I get it's really hard at the moment, (I've got the serious impatience too, 40+6 and stalled!) but try not to worry about things which haven't happened? It's pretty well documented than anxiety / stress / worry in the mother can delay labour (- if you think about it from a cavewoman point of view, if mum thinks she's in danger from predators etc the baby stays put for safety!) so I know it's hard, but actually trying to let go of your worries a bit might help you progress?

Oxytocin (happy hormone) induces labour - you want to feel as safe and relaxed as you can. So try think of what you might do to try and release some of that? A feel good movie, bath, chocolate, some time with your DC/DH? Good luck!!

crabette · 17/10/2021 13:28

Also remember in an otherwise healthy pregnancy there are risks to induction as well... so while it seems like the midwife doesn't care about your concerns, like a PP said, your anxiety doesn't reflect the balance of the actual risks?

There are reasons they don't like to induce you before you're past 41 weeks - most places will leave you til 42! Statistically it is better for you and baby to go naturally up until that point x

annlee3817 · 17/10/2021 19:23

On my due date sweep I was 2-3cm dilated and she was able to stretch to 4cm. She could feel the head and waters were bulging, I went into labour at 40+5 after thinking nothing was happening and confused at how I could be that dilated and no contractions, hope things kick off for you soon

Original poster
GSD20 · 17/10/2021 19:26

Thanks all of you!

I’ve tried to keep busy today but totally deflated and miserable now. Ive not replied to any messages or anything as I’ve not got the energy.
I’ve got an appointment with the midwife again tomorrow, not sure there’s anything else I can really say or that can be done!

I need to cheer up but I really don’t know how at this point!

OP posts:
stairgates · 17/10/2021 19:41

With my last I had 3 sweeps and ended up being my easiest delivery :) Get your sweep tomorrow and I would guess you will have baby in your arms on Thursday!

Original poster
GSD20 · 18/10/2021 16:20

@stairgates 3rd wasn’t the trick- apparently I’m less dilated Hmm

I presume the other midwife was wrong and I’m more like 1cm if that. Today’s midwife thought almost no chance of natural Labour soon.

Booked for induction, full shebang including pessary etc now Sad

OP posts:
Glassofshloer · 18/10/2021 17:02

It sounds like the previous midwife was mistaken if I’m being honest.

Don’t worry, induction isn’t the end of the world and can be a good experience - and there’s every chance you’ll go into labour from the gel/pessaries without needing the drip. I would get clued up on your pain relief options though as induced labour is intense.

Mummyme87 · 18/10/2021 17:38

Previous midwife was probably feeling external OS not internal. I will say, a cervix pre labour isn’t an indicator of when labour will start

Original poster
GSD20 · 18/10/2021 17:47

Thanks both of you!
I must admit it was very deflating being told I was 3 and now I’m 1! Today’s midwife was very confident that the cervix was closed to the point she said she wouldn’t bother with a sweep as it wouldn’t do anything.

Think I best settle in for induction and get used to the idea Blush

OP posts:
kt12mum · 18/10/2021 19:58

Just to play devils advocate, you don't have to have an induction if you really don't want one, you still have the option to wait for labour to start naturally.
But if you do, also to say I went through all the stages of induction (2 x pessary, breaking waters and drip on max) and ended up with a section. And every stage of it was calm and fine and all the midwives were lovely.
I was very clear they couldn't start the drip without me having an epidural in first as I'd heard horror stories, turns out the drip had little effect either but it all worked out in the end and had an elective with number 2

Original poster
GSD20 · 18/10/2021 20:50

@kt12mum they are reluctant to let me go over 41 due to having placental insufficiency with DC1, I was really hoping this baby would sort itself out before it became an issue but it seems far too happy in there to bother!

OP posts:
kt12mum · 20/10/2021 18:18

Any luck yet op?

Original poster
GSD20 · 21/10/2021 08:13

@kt12mum baby finally made an appearance yesterday without induction at 41 weeks and is doing well. So pleased it’s all over now!

OP posts:
kt12mum · 21/10/2021 11:56

Great news congratulations!

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