41 weeks... Inducing labour!

[yelyahyoung]

I lost a big bit of my plug over the weekend, and then again today. Had lots of period-like cramps with lower back pain last night that either kept me awake or woke me up. And again this morning. Lots of pressure over the weekend and still now, as well as lots of twinges. Today I’ve been for a long walk with the dog, spent around an hour on the birthing ball listening to hypnobirthing tapes, then got the breast pump out for 15 mins on each breast whilst listening to some more relaxing music, and I will probs have a hot bath shortly.

RECKON THIS LITTLE LADY IS GONNA MAKE AN APPEARANCE ANY TIME SOON? OR AM I GONNA HAVE TO ACCEPT BEING PREGNANT FOREVER?! 😂

I’m dreading having a sweep, which has been offered this coming Friday if nothing, where I will be 41+3. It was offered last Friday but I wanted to wait longer as I was only just 3 days over 40 weeks. And then if nothing from the sweep, they want to induce me on the Sunday (my birthday!!). I absolutely do not want to be induced so I am prayinggggg she will make an appearance!

I had several sweeps........none worked......none of them were sore x

You dont have to accept any of these interventions. You dont have to have a sweep or an induction if you dont want to. Do some research into the different options, for example you could have a planned c section instead of an induction.

@dietcoker exactly why I don’t want a sweep. I don’t really feel comfortable with prodding about at things... lol

@RhymingRabbit3 I understand... but I feel there is a lot of pressure, would you agree? From the midwife especially. She is nice but I feel as though if I were to mention to her I do not want to be induced or would rather wait a bit longer she wouldn’t be having any of it... I don’t know... and then there’s DP and maybe some other family members who think that as soon as the 12 late days have passed that the baby will pass away straight away... and then what if she did, all because I was a little scared...
I just think baby is ready when baby is ready. Particularly because the due date is so unreliable (I fell pregnant within 2 weeks of miscarriage so never had my period to date from)

Gosh, I do hope I go into labour naturally lol. Brings me to tears!

Check out the book Why Induction Matters and also the Positive Birth Book by Millie Hill. Induction is often very much not necessary. You an safely go to 42 weeks if baby's heartrate is fine and no other complications.
I can empathise because I imagine the pressure is real but I am planning to hold out for as long as poss because induction sounds difficult and more likely to result in interventions.
Good luck! xx

Bless you, hope you meet little one soon!

I had two sweeps, one at 39 weeks and one at 40 weeks on due date, neither could even be done because my cervix wasn't open or thin. I was absolutely devastated and demoralised, particularly as I'd tried everything to get him here! I get what you mean about feeling its expected, it was more of a 'it's happening' than a would you like.

I got booked for an induction for last Thursday and was absolutely horrified at the thought. I lost my plug on the Monday and went into labour naturally on the Thursday morning of the induction, 11 hours, 23 minutes pushing and just some stitching for 2nd degree tearing so please don't give up that baby will come when they're ready to or feel forced into anything you don't want to. Good luck x

Totally empathise op!! I’m 38 weeks tomorrow but dc1 arrived at 37+4 so I think I’ve had in my head this one would be the same. At my 3£ week appointment midwife said he is engaged and since Friday I’ve had immense amounts of pressure and 2 nights where I’ve been awake for 4 hours with tightenings thinking things were getting going plus had loose bowels for last few days which were an imminent sign with first one. I’m living on my ball and walking loads- I don’t understand how I can have so much much pressure and baby not fall out! Haha this one is back to back though and midwife did say that caN make things stop start. Keeping my fingers crossed things s happen for you soon- like you I would very much want to avoid induction!

If you don't want it you just refuse.....

When I say they didn't do anything for me, I did go in to be induced and was 9cm without knowing it!

I also agree with reading The Positive Birth Book. There probably will be pressure from midwives but they can't force you to do anything you dont want to. You can ask for daily monitoring to check on baby from 40+12 and use that to make an informed decision about your choices. Or opt for a c section.