Not ready at nearly 42 weeks - help

[AAR]

MW attempted sweep today (40+11 days)but said my cervix was high and posterior and obstructed by baby's head (3/5 engaged) - not really clear what any of this means. Booked to be induced on Thursday (40+13 days) but am really concerned that if my cervix is high I won't be ready and it will end with a lot of intervention and c-section. This my second baby, first went to 40+6 and was short labour and all good. Very worried that its all so complicated and not straightforward this time - I thought 2nd births were meant to be easier? Has anyone been through this - hoping Drs won't proceed if cervix is not ripe - but do they check? Any thoughts gratefully received...

Are you sure of the dates?

Also I think with second babies things don't prepare as early e.g head does not engage pre Labour (as a rule) so maybe the same is true of the cervix ripening? Not sure - but I know someone else will be along shortly to tell you more.

Good Luck

AAR - you don't have to be induced - you can go for monitoring every three days instead. They will scan the pool depth (how deep your amniotic waters are) and do CTGs every couple of days.

Despite your previous pregnancy, every baby is different and he or she will have a plan as to when to greet the public.

Chances are you will suddenly go into labour and have a very quick delivery. Fingers crossed for you.

Not convinced by dates, but MW said they were confirmed on dating scan. Was a weed at the sweep as it was very painful and she still couldn't reach. Not sure how to resist the induction though - how long can I go on and baby be safe? Dr last week and MW today very insistent that placenta will start to fail after 42 weeks - which sounds very scary.
Thanks for positive thoughts.

Yeah because placentas are like little timebombs with clocks on them which just implode at 42 weeks exactly . Consultants trot these things out routinely but they aren't necessarily true.

First of all dating scans aren't always accurate. Nor do all pregnancies naturally fit into the 37-40 week mould. It's arbitrary anyway - in France the norm is 42 weeks, in the US (where the majority of pregnancies are now induced surprise, surprise), it's 39 weeks.

DD was born at 43+6 by caesarian.

The risk of still birth does increase slightly as the placenta ages, but it is not the case that your baby will suddenly die if you go two days or so past 42 weeks! Particularly as you will be having regular monitoring and its more likely that any deterioration in the baby's condition will be picked up.

So as it turns out, no induction was needed. Went into labour at 4am on Wed morning, the day before the induction was scheduled, and beautiful DD number 2 born at 12.02.

Baby covered in vernix and (lovely) midwife said "there's no way this baby is post-mature, she's probably nearer 38 weeks." Proves that this dating game is a bit like 'guess the weight of the cake'.

BTW this 'small' baby was 8 lb 10 oz.

Thanks for support, going to need it again I should think as we tackle nappies, feeding and the rest.

Best to all

Congrats!

AAR - can I just ask - unless you're otherwise engaged with new baby - congratulations by the way.
Did you do anything between getting the posterior cervix and going into labour at all? Or did it just happen naturally with no ahem help? I got given this news today and thought I would be weeks off - which may still be the case - but you managed to go from where I am now to birth in 2 days which is wonderful given that I am now overdue and planning a home birth and have no intention of getting induced.
Debs

Sorry not to reply sooner & hoping you are on your way or already there! We did attempt a sweep but it was too painful as i said. We also did have errm... full sex as there is apparently prostaglandin(sp?) in semen which is the same stuff they give you to induce you.

Stay in hiding and try it! Good luck!

Well I am 41 weeks tommorrow - so tonight I shall be treating hubby to sex, and tommorrow. MW on Thursday for another attempt at sweep. Am currently resorting to acupressure points as well to see if that helps.......Thanks for coming back to me I wondered if there was male assistance,
thanks debs

Haven't read whole thread, but thought you'd like to know I resisted induction and went to 43+3 with my DD. Had an easy 8 hour labour at home and a healthy happy baby! Go with your instincts and remember it's your body and your baby. Trust both!

Derr! Just had a quick scan up.... Many congrats and ignore me, just popped on to MN while toddler tearing around, so not really concentrating.

Oh and DH just reminded me we went on a very long walk and visited Homebase. Think Dh is being modest tho!

Oh now thats not fair - long walk, Homebase followed by sex - or Sex, Homebase and very long walk - if I don't do it the exact right way - it might not work lol! Now do I need to buy anything at Homebase?

Certainly not going to suggest borrowing modest husband - I have that covered already! lol!

Okay so its walk, Homebase (purchase a number of spider plants to improve home air quality), lunch, sex, oh and a late night argument (which turns out to be a sign of me going to labour).

But you know, sex at Homebase might bring anyone on!