Almost 41 weeks and seeing my hopes for a lovely natural birth vanish...

[StealthPolarBear]

Sweep on Saturday (hopefully Sooty and Soo as well but they can't commit). Another sweep on Tuesday. If nothing happens then, induction plans. By those dates I will want those things, so it isn't a case of refusing iyswim, I just want to go into spontaneous labour and have a natural birth. Don't we all - sorry, know I'm wingeing about nothing but please bear with me.
DS was born the equivalent of 5.30pm today so I think I'm finding it hard - by now I was in pain and calling DH at work to order him back

oh no and we're on a busy time anyway as we are the Christmas/New Year party babies!

Make sure you wash your hands very thorughly if you are going to rummage around in there!

There's no way I could have got close enough with fat tum.

pace around, up the stairs etc.

in a weird way I'm a bit jealous of your predicament as ds2 came early and I expected him to be as late as ds1.

maybe the little flump is enjoying all the chocolate. try crisps instead?!!

I can almost guarantee that something will happen if not after Sat, then after Tues. So chill.

If not, sue me!

OK WowOoo, thanks. Send me your name, address and full bank details!
I know logically that the baby is on its way down as we speak, but it just doesn't feel like it.
Oh, and I had hiccups in my fanjo last night - is that a good sign? They were literally right between my legs Almost woke DH up to tell him!

I had 3 sweeps with my DS and nothing happened although as people have said the MW could tell me there was some progress which was great. DS eventually arrived in his own sweet time at 42+5!!

I was pleased I wasn't induced (if there's no medical imperative, they can't make you) but recommend checking with your hospital / birth centre re their 'rules' on delivering very overdue babies. We had to go to the hospital every day after 42 weeks for monitoring which was fine but I was only told when in labour that I wasn't 'allowed' a water birth (but think if I'd have shouted they might have given in?) and would have to be monitored continuously throughout labour.

Waiting was absolutely the right decision for me, can't speak for anyone else though.

To all those of you overdue, I have every sympathy. That was me a few months ago and I remember it being so, so frustrating especially as all your antenatal chums proudly make their birth announcements. Good luck, ladies.

Hiccups in fanjo def a good sign.

Remember that saying 'the best things are worth waiting for'.....(unless you're an impatient cow like me)

Good vibes for whenever the flumpette decides to come.

at self sweep. Not sure I could reach!

Perhaps I could get dh to have a go? "Hello darling, have you had a good day at work? Lovely. Now, please stick your hand up my fanjo and have a good rootle around. I might smell a bit garlicky, that'll be all the curry. Sorry about that. Now, shall we attempt sex again?"

pmsl!

I didn't so a self sweep but the MW showed me a diagram so I could feel what was going on with my cervix. I was quite proud that my arms were long enough to go around my bump and up my vag!

Oh and when you go for sweeps don't be disheartened if the MW says your cervix isn't favourable. With ds2 my waters went and the MW examined me and said my cervix wasn't looking favourable so it might be some time. 4 hours later ds was in my arms Things can change very quickly.

Good luck

Oh, and I've heard (so you may want to research this further) that 3 sweeps on 3 consecutive days is the most effective method if you are ripe and ready to go.

Induction isn't necessarily a bad experience... I was induced 2 days before my due date. Had the pessary, then they broke my waters and DD2 was born a couple of hours later after a genuinely quick and easy labour

I was really worried about it in advance, but found some great threads about positive induction experiences. - e.g. here

DD1 on the other hand was 10 days overdue - I had a sweep after 8 days and contractions started later the same day, although took a long time to get going properly...

Good luck!

thanks titfer
are you not continually monitored with an induction?

well a few hours closer to my baby although still have no idea when that will be

there is something that you can get in lush that smelly bath shop.

The woman behind the counter told me that it had worked for 'lots' of women.

waddle along and ask for suggestions....i can't remember the name now.

Good luck

Sweep might just do it, Stealth. Stay positive. It worked for me and a friend.

Could you try dancing? Or swimming - really powering it up and down the pool (well, within reason!). I've heard of two women who went into labour that way.

Good luck!

Thanks
Nearest Lush is at least a 40 minute drive away, don't fancy that! Swimming and dancing sound like a lot of effort...maybe this baby's just lazy like its mum!

Stay positive Stealth! I was in the same position as you with DS1, except the MWs were worried that he was a little on the small size and as a precaution did not want me to go over 41w.

At 40+5 the Obs booked me in for an induction at 41w, did a sweep and nothing happened. I was gutted. I went in to be induced and clearly told them that I did not want the oxytocin drip (or whatever it is!). The MWs listened to me, broke my waters and gave me some time. I was pretty close to getting the drip, but in the end had a beautiful water birth!

Good luck and don't give up on your natural birthing experience yet!

any news yet?

If you're still waiting, then in answer to your question: yes I was on continuous monitoring during the induction, but was still on my feet and relatively mobile, it's just I was attached to a machine by some wires.

You do get wireless versions too which allow you to be completely mobile, but there wasn't one available for me.