Overdue and fed up

[bleachblondemom]

I’m 4 days overdue which I known isn’t a lot but I’m desperate to go into labour naturally as I really really don’t want to be induced. I’ve tried everything- walks, birthing ball, sex, curry, raspberry tea, clary sage oil in the bath! I’ve got no signs at all- no mucus plug loss, no loose stools, no regular cramps at all. I do feel some mild cramps in my lower abdomen but maybe one or twice a day, and that’s it. Don’t know what else to do! Due at the midwife tomorrow so will accept a sweep if offered but part of me thinks that won’t bloody work either.
I’ve also been trying to collect colostrum all week as I won’t be breastfeeding, and nothings happening there either. My body has just decided to be completely uncooperative and it’s getting me down.

@bleachblondemom I'm so sorry you're feeling so out of control over it all like pp said there is definitely still time to go naturally, and to speak with your MW and tell her how you feel. It's her job to inform you so you can make the best choice for yourself and baby.
I was like you up until the last few days - we have absolutely no MW care here at all, we don't even get to meet one until in the delivery room. No birth plan, no point of contact with anyone. If it wasn't for my aunt, I'm honestly not sure I'd be coping at all. In a way I suppose it's made it slightly easier - I knew from the beginning a lot of the decisions will be out of my hands as is 'just the way here' as so many people keep telling me.
In your case to know you should have had this information and haven't been given it all makes you feel like you haven't had time to make decisions, but you still have a few days.
It's definitely awful feeling like our bodies aren't doing the right thing-my Dsis had her first baby 6 weeks ago, one day overdue and textbook labour. She's in another country and had her husband with her from start to finish. I definitely have spent the last 9 days wondering why my body doesn't work the same. Like you I've had no leaks, no mucous plug lost and nothing I could call close to a cramp/contraction.... so please don't feel alone or like your body is failing you - our babies are obviously just far too comfortable in there sorry that's so long and rambling, just don't want you to feel like you're the only one

@Chanel05 @Scotabroad24 thank you both for your kind comments. I think I do need to ring my midwife later, maybe when I’ve calmed down a bit as I hate getting upset with people I don’t know very well. Just don’t understand why nothing is happening 😔 a week overdue and literally still at stage 0.

My birth experience. Like I've said 9 days over. hours of contractions 4-5 minutes apart. In that time 2 trips to the hospital to be told I was 1cm (I was 1 cm when I had my first sweep at 40 weeks ). Honestly just wanted to cry and give up (clearly too late for that). 15 hours in, still only 1cm was told to go for a long walk. 17 hours in examination said I was 3cm. Stood up waters broke. They wanted to briefly monitor baby's heart rate. Started running the birth pool/bath. By the time the bath was ready, it was too late baby was on her way out. Wasn't what I'd wanted or planned but it was incredible and I wouldn't change a thing. Pregnant with no.2 and hoping for a water birth this time. But at the same time I'd be happy for the same again.

Wishing you all the best OP as it is so frustrating. I was given a sweep at 40+6 but did not do anything. Induced at 42 weeks and she finally arrived. Second child was born naturally at 41+5. It’s such a waiting game but will be worth it. X

So I just spoke to my midwife and she is coming to my house on Friday for another go at a sweep (obviously I hope I don’t need it by then!). I figured if she still can’t do it on Friday, I’ll be a bit more accepting that induction is the way to go. Or if she can do it but nothing gets going between then and Sunday, again I’ll know that the induction is the best way forward. She did say she could cancel the induction but then she’d have to refer me to a consultant, but I said I was ok to leave it scheduled for Monday for now, as I am starting to feel slightly better about it.

@bleachblondemom that’s a sensible way of looking at it !

I’ve had my scan today and baby ‘measuring’ around 10lb 2. I then had a meeting with the obstetrician who has said I will no longer be able to birth on the MLU due to the higher risk which means I’m no longer worried about induction as the reason I was wanting to avoid this was to try and ensure I could birth in the MLU ! He did suggest they I could have a c-section if I wanted to due to the increased risk however when they just sit and tell you the risks of natural birth and the risks of c-section and then say it’s my decision it’s not exactly helpful ! I’d prefer to be guided, given they are the professionals, by what they would recommend however apparently it’s down to me ! My mind is officially blown and I have no idea what to do. Fortunately I have a midwife appointment tomorrow so can have another chat with her about this tomorrow !

@SEP880 thanks, I’m glad I feel a bit better now, a bit more relaxed :)
Oh gosh that’s a big ‘un! I get what you mean, now the MLU isn’t an option for toy anymore it’s kinda like induction is the way it’s meant to be, and for a good reason. It’s good that it is ultimately your decision but it would be helpful to know what the professionals ‘really’ think. Hopefully your midwife will help you come to a decision tomorrow. Have they said natural birth is risky now due to the size?

@bleachblondemom so glad you're feeling a bit better about things! Fingers crossed for something happening before Friday but if not you can look forward (hahah) to a sweep!

@SEP880 what's the increased risk? Is it because baby is measuring big? Good that you have midwife tomorrow to help guide you!

I had my sweep today, she said my cervix was posterior so she managed to hook it forward which wasn't pleasant at all but at least it means she managed it! I'm 1cm dilated and cervix is soft so definitely feeling a bit more positive and like something might happen before Sunday! Had a bit of spotting after and feel quite uncomfortable now but still no other signs 😬 maybe tomorrow!!

@Scotabroad24 oooh that’s good! I really hope I can get at least that on Friday lol

Whoever thought we'd be so happy to have someone sticking their fingers up there and checking our bits that was one of my first worries when I found out I was pregnant.. FTM and worried about everyone looking there 🤣🤣

I was meant to have a sweep today but cervix is too far back and has no indications at all that I'm near birth feel so dejected! Another booked for a few days time so here's hoping something will have happened by then. But not what I wanted to hear at all

@Scotabroad24 I know right 😂 and I never thought I’d be wishing pain on my body but right now id love nothing more than a big ol’ contraction 😆

@Cookalia ah sorry to hear that, it is disappointing to hear isn’t it, I felt exactly the same :( but things can change fast so hopefully in a few days some progress will have been made, fingers crossed for both of us 🤞

Just been for a walk with DH, the pain in my back and my crotch is so bad 😩 am getting some aches & pains in my stomach muscles but don’t think they are contractions yet. Ordered pizza, gonna spend the evening stuffing my face in front of the telly and NOT worrying, get the happy hormones flowing!

Thank you all for your lovely messages today. DS was born this afternoon weighing in at 4kg! It was a textbook operation and we're both doing great, and even though it wasn't the homebirth we planned it was a really lovely experience and all the HCPs were wonderful. We're so in love with our little chunk

@addler congratulations he is absolutely gorgeous 😍 well done you’ve done amazing 👏

That's a cutie!

Awww @addler he is a cutie 😍 so pleased all went well! Enjoy your first night with him 😍

@Cookalia ugh it's such a disappointment to hear isn't it - fingers crossed for the next one in a couple of days! It can all change so fast.

@bleachblondemom woooo crotch pain can be positive surely 🤣 hope you enjoyed your pizza!

I think I've maybe just lost a little bit of mucus plug.. can't be sure though it was such a tiny amount! Again.. never thought I'd be so overjoyed and shouting to OH out of the bathroom about these things

@bleachblondemom just been reading your posts and as others have said you do not have to have an induction when they’ve booked it for you. I was booked one at 40+11 and I phoned up on the day and told them I wanted to decline it. They asked me to come in and see the consultant and be monitored which I did, the consultant really laid it on thick trying to encourage me to be induced but I just kept saying I wanted to wait until I was 2 weeks overdue. They booked me in for monitoring and gave me another sweep. Went home and baby was born naturally at home the next day. If you want to give your body a few more days to go into labour naturally then stick to your guns and set a cut off point in your own mind.

Anyone else feeling like this is an emotional rollercoaster?? Yesterday I was feeling accepting and almost positive about my induction on Monday and today I'm just feeling so emotional and panicky by it...😭

@Stargazer87 I know hun I am all over the place too, but I was actually feeling quite upbeat last night, like I’d made peace with the idea of an induction. We’ll see how long that lasts!

I had a really painful ache in my lower back all yesterday evening and night, and a stomach ache, with the occasional sharp cramp thrown in. I was really hoping it would ramp up a bit over night and I’d wake up with some proper contractions but this morning I feel ok! Still a bit of pain but its mild. What is my body doing? Why is it taking so long?! Looks like another walk and bath for me this afternoon.

@Scotabroad24 Damn I’m so jealous of your mucus plug 😂😂

@Sunshine1235 thank you, I did speak to my midwife yesterday and she said I could decline it (didn’t tell me that when she actually booked it for me though!) but I said I’d keep the appointment and think about it for now. I’ll see how I feel on the day. I’m booked in at 40+12 so I wouldn’t want to go more than another day or two as I understand there are risks.

@bleachblondemom It's a real challenge emotionally isn't it? I had a big cry this morning and feeling a little better for it.

I agree that it's so frustrating not knowing what your body is up to, I've lost count of the amount of times over the past couple of weeks where I've had pains and cramps etc and have been convinced something is starting and then nothing! 😩

@Stargazer87 yeah just let it all out when you need to, you’re feelings are totally justified!

Just don’t get why it’s being so slooow 😩

Just hopped onto say this was me 2 weeks ago with my second baby. Utterly fed up but wanted to avoid an induction which I managed to escape a couple of times. Sadly though my own health let me down after an assessment at the hospital and I had to be induced. Sent dh home for my bag and I was started off.
It was my second induction and such a positive experience, I can’t rave about it enough. I’d happily do it again.
Birth doesn’t always go how we plan, but once you’re holding your baby, it really won’t matter how they came into the world.
Good luck!