Labour tips

[Catdogmouse1]

So had a sweep today at 39 weeks, and im 3cm. Anybody go into labour with similar stats? Also this is my second baby so im so much more terrified than the 1st time- any tips 4 being calm? 1st labour was ok until the end when i needed forceps and cut- the healing was rough with infection that took a while 2 get under control, so would love 2 b able 2 have this one without forceps if possible

My first baby was also born by forceps with an episiotomy after a very lengthly labour. Had my 2nd baby a week ago and was also very anxious beforehand - read the Birth Skills book, bought special calming room spray (haha), and hired a Tens machine.

In the end baby came in a v speedy 2ish hour labour, no time for any kind of drugs (Im glad I did have the tens machine for the interesting car ride over there) and she was born within 8 mins of getting to the hospital. No guarantee, but you’re much less likely to need forceps the second time.

So i had a show this morning, no real pains yet, but is labour likely 2 start soon?????

How are you now @Catdogmouse1? Anymore signs yet?

Still no baby yet. Wee bit of cramping 2night but think that is just the position of baby more than anything.

LO must obviously be very comfy. I think it's quite natural to be a bit nervous of the second birth, I can remember that feeling of "oh no, what have I done!"

My top tips are:

Send DC1 out today with someone else and go to bed, it might be the last time you get a good nap in a while!

Drink plenty of Raspberry Leaf Tea, it won't bring labour on but might make things easier once it starts

Do some breathing exercises when you're feeling worried

And try to remember why you're doing this, it's so that you can have that lovely new LO at the end

Thanks @SiouxsieSiouxStiletto just impatient 2 get it all over and on 2 the next chapter. This is an ivf pregnancy so between having hormone injections and treatment, i feel like ive been pregnant lomger than an elephant

Still no baby yet, due date tomorrow and induction scheduled for thursday but would rather avoid that. Totally.praying things get going before thursday. Babies like 2 keep us on r toes

With DC2 I went into labour at 11pm on my due date and my DF turned up for the induction with her DD abc didn't get the induction because she was already in labour, so there's time yet!

So my lovely boy finally came after induction at a big 10lbs3onz!!! Totally unexpected size but proud 2 have birthed him all naturally after a forceps delivery 1st time. Midwives r such a godsend when u get a good one

Congratulations, @Catdogmouse1🤗I had a harrowing experience giving birth to my first baby, which is why I don't want to get pregnant again.