Ok. First child was uncomplicated, natural childbirth, spontaneous (though slow starting). So far pregnancy with second child has been uncomplicated and very normal. It more than likely still is. I have had varying due dates -- the last one was pegged at June 20/21, but in going over old scans and notes, I have had a date of today (the 23rd) and the latest one was pegged for the 27th. So I am pretty much end of term but how far exactly, who knows.
Around 37 weeks, going by the 20th D/D, baby started to drop, which felt like cramping and backache and the usual sort of 'is this, isn't it' turns out it was just him settling down. This happened in stages. As of last week he was head to nose engaged but not fully. I was also 2cm prior to a sweep. Anyway, from 37wks, a lot of signs of impending labour were there, loose bowels, cramping, aches and pains, surges nothing building to a regular pattern though, and no bloody show or waters breaking. But it seemed like, any day now. And after the sweep, it seemed to be building but it went nowhere, other than a day or so of what I assume from the amount muscus plug discharge (no spotting).
But now, nothing. Really low-level twinges on occasion, tightening of belly here and there, a little backache, but that's it. Did I peak and the build-up is over, not to come back? Is that a ridiculous question?
With my first by the time she finally came out after hours, the contractions were gone, it was just sheer will on my part that pushed her. I started very slow, then peaked quickly and then tired out. So I am wondering if maybe, shoot, this is happening on a prolonged scale with this baby. Only obviously since labour hasn't engaged I can't just sqaut and push this one out on my own!! (trying to laugh here).
I am worried because I really, really do not want to have to be induced and am starting to worry about the possibility of having a C/S, which I am dreading even contemplating.
I was hoping for a drug free water birth. I am ok with not having a water birth but really do not want to have to use any drugs that I don't need.
I guess I am just really worried that my time has passed, which is probably irrational, but reading all this stuff about all these women having to be induced when they pass their due date has me thinking, oh no. Nothing is happening with me and that will probably be what has to happen to get this going.
I have an appt with the MW tomorrow and will probably have another sweep then (and will discuss this with her, too), which should hopefully, hopefully do the trick -- I am feeling like given the movement that did occur I must be more than 2cm and given the amount of pineapple I have consumed something must be ripe.
But in the meantime I am just panicked. Can you start labour and just stop? Is this silly?