Due DC4 any day- was your fourth labour different?

[eisbaer]

Hi there- I posted on this topic a while back but not in Larger Families. Basically I am due DC4 today and am starting to worry that sth is wrong, because I am not yet in labour and all my other DC came early. I've done all the same "tricks", walking, sex etc and feel like almost started that pressure feeling then it died off. I know it's mostly hormones prob but am starting to worry about baby's position/size/cord as I stupidly read on t'internet about someone whose baby didn't respond to her usual tricks but then had cord round neck 3 times. So if you have 4+ kids, tell me if your fourth was the one who was late(but,ideally,fine!). And expect more postings from me in a few wks as to how the heck you juggle 4 kids!!!

Not really. In some ways it was easier, although my body definitely didn't have as strong muscles as previously. He also didn't respond to the 'usual tricks' but I think that was more because of the baby he was/the pregnancy/the moment than being fourth, iyswim.

My fourth was 12 days late. The only one that was late. I had my waters broken and labour lasted five hours and my contractions didn't get any closer together than 1 minute apart. It was a breeze in comparison to my third.

I'm glad I can share that and hope yours goes just as smoothly.

No. The most enjoyable of the lot actually!

Uncomplicated but long. He was 10lbs 4ozs so it was hard work.

I had to be induced with my first 4dc, so can't compare. If you are worried you could always go to your hospital anti natal clinic. Here they will put the monitors on for 20 mins if you have concerns.

Stress can raise your cortisol levels (I think that's what it is) and that can prevent you going into labour. My midwife also told me weaker muscles, caused by several pregnancy can make it harder for labour to become established.

How far on are you?

Fwiw, DS4 arrived bang on his due date and was a lovely delivery .

I hope all is well - I agree, if you are at all concerned contact your MW or the hospital for reassurance.

Thanks everyone- the baby is moving loads and that is all the midwives ever ask where we live. I have no concerns re movement, more the constant "oh is this labour" level cramps, then nothin but weaker muscles making labour harder to establish makes total sense to me, as I also had that much more with DS3, not atall with previous 2. Due date is today, think am just not used to waiting and the presumption from medical staff seemed to be that I'll go early or go myself as have always in the past. Busy time of yr too and really wanted to be home for Christmas for other DC. Thanks for your stories. They have put my mind at rest that there is no definite pattern, and that later is not necessarily the sign of a problem(unless "bigger" is a problem(winces))

DS4 was my titchiest if that helps (but I was rather geriatric when I had him at 44).
Sending you labour vibes

Dd1 came on her due date, 8lb 15oz
DS1 had his due date moved forward and came before that date too 9lb 13oz
DS2 also had his date moved forward and was born before that 9lb4oz

Roll on 9years for dc4
Her due date was moved and that date came and went (leaving me very upset) when she did come, she was a tiny 7lb 1oz

Good luck with your birth when it finally happens

Mine were all overdue, dc4 (dd) was 13 days late, I went into labour night before I was booked to be induced. Labour v fast, intense but totally fine. I was very in the zone and when I arrived at hospital they didn't realise how far on I was and was left in assessment room for 40 min till I started feeling pushy (literally!) and sent dh for mw.
They whisked me through to delivery room and dd arrived about 20min later. She was my biggest at 9lb 5, bouncing healthy baby.
Good luck, I hope your wee one makes an appearance soon