Over due and want to avoid induction!

[Watson1098]

I'm currently 3 days over due so 40 +3 and absolutely no sign of baby coming at all, I went to have a stretch and sweep done on my due date but couldn't be done as cervix was still completely closed, I've been booked in for an induction for when I'm 41 weeks so in 4 days but obviously would rather things happen naturally before that has to happen! Any tips on how to get things moving in the next few days? I feel like I've tried everything, this is my first baby and all I've heard about being induced is how much more painful it is so it's terrifying me a bit and just want things to happen on their own 😩

You could delay your induction until you’re closer to 42 weeks? You don’t need to go through with someone even if you’ve booked it x

*something

@Sheisfee

You could delay your induction until you’re closer to 42 weeks? You don’t need to go through with someone even if you’ve booked it x

I should've said before, due to medical reasons it's safer for me to not go past 41 weeks which is why that was decided! Which is of course fine whatever is going to be safest for me and the baby, I'd just much prefer for things to happen before the induction naturally! ☺️

You can refuse induction I did with my first ended up going into labour at 41 weeks (40+5 if I went with my ivf dates) I didn't progress waters went ended up on drip which although wasn't my dream labour ended up with no c section and a nice epidural on the bed, if you really don't want it refuse it and wait until you go into labour naturally then if you need some intervention then so be it, sometimes if baby is not ready to come out it can take days for it to work or it may not work at all and you'll end up on the drip whatever you decide don't feel pressured to do something you don't want to.

I think the only thing of all the tips that is likely to help is nipple stimulation.

Once it starts sex to climax helps kick it up a notch too.

Ah just seen your message if they do suggest it for medical reasons I'd do it, but if it was because your overdue I'd refuse try not to worry I didn't get my dream birth with my first but it honestly doesn't matter and gas and air is heaven and if you really can't cope Theres an epidural. I hope baby comes before then for you and don't worry about the cervix they said the same to my friend and her waters went a few hours later.

What things have you tried already?

Things I've heard helps:
Very long walks
Eating pineapple (particularly the core)
Nipple stimulation
Bouncing on a yoga ball
Walking up and down steps

Oh! I see! Have you thought of trying to hand express some colostrum? It can bring on labour and also means you’ll have some stored in the freezer when babe is here.

Also, don’t worry too much about induction - that’s the opposite of what will be helpful! That’s a lot easier said than done I know and I’ve had an induction but also I do plan to avoid this time around although it’s looking likely again.

You can manage an induction, the contractions may come on fast and intense to begin with but I feel that if you know this then you can be prepared and focus on your breathing whilst oxytocin level raise and catch up with your labour. Adrenaline and panic are counter productive so focus on having things with you in hospital that will help calm. Think of the 5 senses sight, sound, taste, touch & smell. I’ll have tasty snacks, calming music and a speaker/headphones, my pillow from home and a T-shirt, room spray from lush that smells of lavender, and some battery tea lights and plug in fairy lights.

You can do this and just think, you’ll have your baby soon!!! Xx

Up and down the stairs

You need to get those happy hormones flowing so cuddle up on the sofa and watch a favourite funny film, lots of cuddles and a relaxed, contented feeling

I tried every single trick in the book, on my due date and nothing, worked!

Day previous I had a sweep done and the midwife said I was very favourable and reckoned I would likely go over the weekend.

Well she was born at 41weeks after induction as my blood pressure kept shooting up. Think she'd have stayed there until she was forcibly removed.

They broke my waters and put me straight on the drip. Maybe u cld ask them to break ur waters if possible and see if anything happens.

She was my first, I didn't know anything about induction actually. To be honest I was so glad when they said I was being induced as I wanted the baby out whatever way that meant.

Clary sage drops in the bath.
Stay relaxed.

Not an answer to your actual question, but I felt the same as you and ended up being induced at 41+0 and it was actually ok (quick, no interventions etc). I think keeping active in the early stages of the induction helped (as well as luck to f course): after they put in the gel I had a shower and then left the hospital to walk to the corner shop and back. By the time they came to check on progress I was 7cm and baby was born about 3hrs after that.

Hi just wanted to say that my induction experience was positive (was induced at 40 + 5) and if I'm offered one again this time I will happily accept. Fingers crossed that you go naturally as you're hoping for but not all induction stories are bad if that helps