40 + 2 - please talk some positivity into me 🥺

[Abs8]

I’m 40+2 with my second pregnancy. First came at 39+6. I was feeling super relaxed and happy until last week when a midwife mentioned that we would need to talk about inductions at my next appointment tomorrow. I’m so suprised that the pressure has been put on so early - I’m only 2 days past my “due date!?” Which I never felt was accurate anyway!

I’ve been having bouts of period pain and lower back ache for around 2 weeks now, could this be a sign that things are moving in the right direction?

I really want to avoid induction and would love a spontaneous labour.

please please help my oxytocin levels by sharing your positive stories of going into labour spontaneously past 40 weeks 🫶🏻

I gave birth just under 3 weeks ago at 40+4. Like you, I'd been having period cramps on and off before that.

I really didn't want an induction so was so relieved when everything happened naturally. The birth ended up going really well, so don't lose hope, you still have plenty of time.

My midwife said their current guidelines are to offer an induction when it gets to 40+5 but that she doesn't agree with that! Like you say, it's only a tiny bit over the due date, which is only a guess to begin with!

Don't let anyone pressure you into anything. Listen to their views, but ultimately know it's your call and you've got this 💪

Thanks so much for your reply, it has made me feel more hopeful! I was so suprised to even be considering induction this “early” and it has negatively impacted my mood more than I thought! If it hadn’t have been mentioned, I think I’d still be in my happy pre-baby bubble. I’m so glad everything went well for you and hopefully I will have a similar positive experience 🤞🏼

Hey lovely, hang in there you’re so close to the finish line!

I also was being pressured to book an induction before and after I was overdue with second baby. I was having none of it as I wanted a home birth which is not possible with induction and had to hold my ground as they kept badgering me. Baby was very comfy in there and nearly 2 weeks overdue when they decided to make their happy debut via spontaneous labour (the happiest pain I’ve ever had! 😂) I think I literally did a waddle dance when labour started!
So I was 41+ 5 (12 days overdue)

I’m so glad I held out for natural home birth as weird as it sounds I loved it and would do it again tomorrow! Baby was big but it was a far far more relaxed and comfortable birth than my first who was smaller (medicalised hospital birth)

The period type pain is a really good sign OP!

Ahhh such an exciting time! They tend to get inductions scedhuled so they can plan resources appropriately if you don't give birth before then. If you want to avoid the back and forth, you can let them schedule and just plan to ask them to push it back if you get that far.

Worth asking at your next midwife appt what position baby is in too. Sustained lower back ache can be a sign baby is OP at the moment, as Braxton Hicks mostly go to the back in that case. Obviously not always, and wouldn't stop a spontaneous delivery.

@KeepOnKeepingOn25thank you so much for your encouragement! Great to hear that you had such a lovely experience despite being almost 2 weeks over!

@Somanymumquestionsthank you! I can’t decide whether to let them book it like you mention with no real intention of attending until I feel like I need to, or to fight it off a bit more. The first option might actual save me from spiralling and give me time to relax. Good point about the position too. I’m doing Excersise Regularly throughout the day to encourage baby into a good position

I wouldn't worry at this stage OP. I went into spontaneous labour 12 days overdue! I was going to leave it till 14 days as I was desperate to avoid intervention. Ended up with a fast but simple birth. Good luck x

My DC1 came at 42 weeks so I think I caused the healthcare professionals a lot of anxiety!! I would t necessarily suggest waiting that long but I’d also remember that just because they talk to you about something, it is completely and utterly your choice how you wish to proceed. I refused an induction with DC1 but agreed to two sweeps, the second one was two days before DC1 arrived and absolutely got things moving. I think they keep lowering the threshold for induction, when I was first pregnant it was 41 weeks and it’s gradually got earlier and earlier.

Booked in for an induction with both babies at 41+3 but went into labour spontaneously the day before induction each time. I had sweeps, which worked for me.

There's still time. It's your choice anyway. Personally I always felt relieved when I'd booked the induction date because I was so sick of being pregnant and the uncertainty of not knowing when labour was going to start killed me. I was happy to have an official end date to the misery of pregnancy!

Thank you both! If I haven’t gone into labour by Friday I’ll be getting a sweep the . I’ll be 41 + 3 by then, so hopefully that will work

Is LO still tucked and comfy inside you?

You don’t have to have an induction, you could have a sweep and if that doesn’t work, a c-section. That was my plan for number 2.

i was induced with my second at 41 weeks. As much as I would have loved to have naturally gone into labour, I had the best experience much better than my first. I had a pessary and within 2 hours and only a couple of pushes she was in my arms. My midwife team were great. I’m currently expecting number 3 and would be more than happy with another induction. Good luck with the birth of your little, hope they arrive soon 😊

Any update OP?

Thinking of you OP. I think you said you were due to have a sweep today, wishing you all the v best x

I was induced with my second At 41+5 I was already 4cm they tried the pessary first which gave me contractions overnight but fizzled out I opted then to wait to have my waters broken had a quiet day snoozing and watching my iPad and was taken to labour ward around 4. Then came to break my waters around 5.30ish and my son was born at 9.15 very easy and much better than I expected from an induction.

Please do look into the risk of stillbirth before you decide to push well beyond dates against medical advice.

Update! I went into spontaneous labour at 41 + 1 😊

Congratulations OP hope you and baby are both doing well 😊

Congratulations op!! X

Wonderful news! Congratulations!

Thank you! It was super quick - as soon as my waters went, contractions were coming thick and fast and baby was born 5 hours after they started x

Ah congratulations OP, that’s wonderful news! 🎉

Congratulations. Hope you’re both snuggled up on the wet and windy day