Coping with being overdue

[FHNick]

I am 40+3 today. Just been to midwife for a sweep but it turns out the baby isn't engaged at all and my cervix was too high. Looks like it's not going to happen anytime soon. I could moan all day about how rubbish I feel (but I won't!). The only really unbearable thing is lack of sleep. As soon as I lie down my hips hurt so much I could actually cry. Anyone have any tips?

I was overdue with both my babies, 10 days with DD and 2 weeks with Ds. It sucks, but there is an up side imo. Overdue babies are well and truly ready for the world, usually a very healthy weight and feel more robust.

Aisde from the discomfort, i like having over due babies, and he/she will come out soon enough don't worry!

Something like 4% of babies come on their due date, I’m sure most of the rest are overdue not early. So although that doesn’t help practically, at least you’re not abnormal 😂 I can’t really help - I worked out every day of my first pregnancy pretty much, even when overdue, and was still induced for post dates. So I don’t think exercise will help you. Bounce on a ball and relax I’d say!

Nothing you can do. Assuming this is your first just try and make the most of it, potter about, watch some films, read a book, go to the cinema if you can manage it, do things that require 2 hands! You're likely to spend at least the first few weeks a bit shell shocked so it's nice to have a bit of time to chill.

And nap, if you can't sleep, try and get some naps in!

Thanks @TheDisreputableDog it's actually my second baby. I went into labour with my son the morning I was due for induction so don't know why I thought it would be different this time. It's much less relaxing being pregnant the sending time round! Thanks @Namechangemum100 And @BendydickCuminsnatch just want to find ways to get comfortable really, would love some sleep

I had a sweep at 40+7 and was told the same as you but my labour started the evening of 40+8 and she came the next morning. Good luck

@helloBuddy this is the kind of thing I like to hear!! I'll keep everything crossed. Had your plug gone before this? I sort of assumed it would be quicker this time with everything being looser

The plug started coming away the next day before any pains started. My first baby was 8 days early so I just expected my second to be, she kept me waiting an extra 9 days though. It was the longest most boring 9 days of my life! She's three months now though and was worth the wait 😁

@helloBuddy that's so lovely. I know my little one will be worth the wait! Doesn't time just stand still towards the end though?? I'm so bored and uncomfortable. Just want to snuggle my little lamb and smell her head

@fhnick I had a sweep at 40+8 on dd2 was told nothing at all happening come back at 40+11 to be induced. She was born at 40+9 less than 24 hours after the sweep which showed nothing. Sometimes 2nd babies dont engage before labour. Best of luck

Thank you @twobambinos these stories are cheering me up no end!!

And on my first i a had check up St 40+3 and they didn't do a sweep just come back again next week, I went home and bawled crying for an hour. We went to the cinema that night and I was in labour the next day I think it was sitting so upright on the cinema chair. Just because you feel like it is far away doesn't mean it will be. It's frustrating I know but you arent alone

You'll forget about this part when they are here, just try and keep yourself occupied. They'll be here soon

@helloBuddy @twobambinos thanks guys xxx

I'm 40+5 and feel your pain! Trying to be zen and letting it come when it's ready but easier said than done 🙈

40 + 7 today and it looks like i will be induced at 40+12. Very depressed about it all. I have now had two sweeps and absolutely nothing is progressing. :(

@olicat and @UrgentExitRequired I feel both of your pain! It's so hard to be patient and not be miserable when time is moving at an actual snails pace and everything hurts. I know like everyone says you forget after they come etc etc etc but it really doesn't feel like that right now does it!?! Can't believe I am having a second late baby, really thought it would be different this time xx

@FHNick do you have another sweep booked? I'm starting to think they don't really help if your cervix isn't favourable already.

Trying to stay positive, but i feel like I have nothing else to do now but to stare at the walls and wait. hahaha. I just want to meet my baby!

Fingers crossed labour will catch us all out of the blue and we will not need the inductions.

@UrgentExitRequired second sweep isn't till next Thursday. I had two last time I was pregnant and neither were very effective, she said they worked better second time around though so I was hopefully but she said she couldn't even put tip of her finger in it.

I know what you mean. I'm so bored. There is nothing left to do! Also I am really irritable and keep snapping at my husband and son which just makes me feel even worse.

I hope it happens for us both soon!

40+8 today. Had a sweep last week really ready soft slightly open but cervix but obviously baby just not ready yet.

Have a read of this if you want some science behind our waiting game:

www.drmomma.org/2008/01/fetal-lungs-protein-release-triggers.html?m=1

I swear the days go slower from 38 weeks onwards. Like a week feels like 2! And those days around due date - Im sure they are suddenly 36 hours long!! Then once baby is here time speeds up and suddenly mat leave is over and youre back at work 😓 good luck OP hope baby doesnt keep you waiting too long!

Due date was today absolutely zero sign of him getting a wiggle on don't even think I've had a single Braxton Hick this whole pregnancy. First baby so not sure what they even feel like.
His movements today have been killing me almost violent due to the serious lack of space he now has.
I'm sick of everyone texting/calling/facebooking asking if baby is here yet. I just want him out now

You are so right @venus417 time can properly mess with your head. These last 3 weeks have lasted forever but the 3 my husband has off after she is born will be so quick. @Smurfybubbles the waiting is so hard, this is my second and I have kind of forgotten what it felt like going into labour the first time. I've probably blocked it out 😂 hope it happens for you soon xx

Just thought I would have another rant today...Gosh I am so bored! It's pouring outside as well, so I can't go for a walk. TBH I don't think walking even helps! Only thing keeping me going is the thought that this time next week, my baby will be here and yours too @Loosemoose28

Urgh, I feel your pain ladies. DC1 was 11 days over after multiple sweeps. DC2 not showing any signs of showing up on time either.

Going over your due date is mind numbingly boring, especially if you've already bleached the bathroom, stocked your freezer, watched all of Netflix and read the entire Internet.

I found going down some good Reddit holes passed the time:

www.complex.com/life/the-most-legendary-reddit-threads/

@MyNameIsTotoro haha yep done all of the above. It's also frustrating because there have literally been no signs of it happening and I read a lot about women who has signs before they go in to labour, whereas I feel totally normal - just bored, impatient and tired. How many days over are you with DC2?