Hit 41 weeks! Tell me about your experiences?

[NewKidOnTheBlock99]

Hello,

I’m now 41+3 and really stressing out - I’m supposed to go for a c section at 41+5 as I really do not want to be induced. Equally I don’t particularly want to have the c section either - I have faith that if I go in to labour it will be ok but it’s just not happening. I’ve had two failed sweeps now and apart from some cramps nothing has really happened. I was 3cm at the first sweep and midwife could feel the babies head etc, with bulging waters but no change at the second sweep which was a week later! I’m feeling very disheartened.

Please can people tell me their experiences of being 41 weeks + and what you did? What happened? If you were induced how did it go?

I refused induction until 42 weeks, when risk actually goes up (for low risk pregnancies) and went into labour naturally hours before it. I think you're generally sensible opting for c section rather than induction as it seems like positive inductions are rare, but if you're 3cm already maybe give it a go with a low threshold for c section? At 3cm I think they'll just burst your waters and see what happens so you won't be in for days of pessaries. If I was you I would maybe give that a go then if nothing progresses get a section. Whatever happens good luck! Not long now either way

I got to 40+6 with all three of mine. First one started after a sweep and the others were spontaneous. I had a few days of cramping beforehand so I suspected they were on the way. Hope it happens soon.

Agree with pp - If you are 3cm already and they can get to your waters to break them I would go for this option. As far as induction - it doesn’t have to turn into a horror story, I’ve been induced 2/3 times and had perfectly normal vaginal births. I’ve never needed the drip - just the pesseries. Yes contractions came pretty quick but then so did they with my natural birth. I think getting waters broken to hopefully start u off would be much better than a c section. Good luck xx

I'm 41+1 today! Having my second sweep later and induction booked for Thursday. I have actually searched Mumsnet and read lots of positive induction stories when overdue so despite having a traumatic first birth (not induced but overdue then too!) I feel ok about an induction. I am hopeful low level interventions would work and if not would consider opting for a c-section at that point. If I did have the drip I would get an epidural first. Maybe have a search through previous threads to help put your mind at ease?

I went to 42 weeks and beyond and still only had a Bishops Score of 1 (0 with my first)

As you are already 3cm dilated I would ask to have your waters broken and then if labour doesn't get going have the C-section.

Your body is truly on the way to going into labour under its own steam.