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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

41 weeks pregnant - what helped you get your labour started?

19 replies

magentak8 · 15/02/2023 11:29

Hi all,

Been patiently waiting for little one to arrive but he seems super happy to just stay in my belly 😂

Had my second sweep yesterday and I'm so anxious about the idea of being induced.

Was there anything in particular that you found helped you get your labour started?

OP posts:
ToadstoolFairy · 15/02/2023 12:14

Hi OP! I’m 40+3 today so hopping on this thread in desperation. 😂

How did you find the sweep if you don’t mind me asking? I’m having one tomorrow and don’t know what to expect!

My first arrived at 38 weeks - spontaneous labour with no real signs beforehand (so the fact DC2 is STILL hanging around is getting on my tits!) but I had a reflexology appointment two days prior, followed by a small glass of wine whilst I bounced on my ball. Convinced that is what triggered labour.

febbabies2023 · 15/02/2023 12:46

Following along also!
39+3 with DC2

Had a sweep last Thursday so it's not done anything clearly! My first I was 41 weeks exactly when I gave birth but hoping this one won't keep me waiting as long

No signs with my first either, so if anyone has any sure fire way to get this baby moving I'm all ears!

Thumberline · 15/02/2023 13:43

I had reflexology the day I went into labour at 41 weeks with a practitioner who specialises in reproductive health, it was magic!
I had spent weeks bouncing, and walking up hills and had a stretch and sweep at 40 weeks to no avail. Best of luck to all you mamas waiting.

JamToasties · 15/02/2023 14:21

With my last pregnancy I was a week overdue and everything just happened suddenly one morning. I was also worried I would never naturally go into labour but baby was ready in their own time. I didn’t opt for the sweeps but they are meant to really help x

ToadstoolFairy · 15/02/2023 15:12

@JamToasties that’s my thought process at the minute. Worried that I’ll just never go into labour, which logically, I know is impossible.

Did you have any signs you’d go into labour?

JamToasties · 15/02/2023 15:29

@ToadstoolFairy I did have light contractions for 4/5 days the week prior but they never amounted to anything. I was only 1cm dilated. Then one morning I had consistent contractions that resulted in active labour, was 9cm dilated when I reached the hospital and was rushed to delivery. I was not expecting it, sit tight and don’t rule yourself out x

UnicornRainbowSky · 15/02/2023 15:44

I was 41+3 by the time I went into labour with DC1. No warning signs whatsoever, just woke up at 3am with mild contractions that were fairly regular. I didn't do anything to help labour along because I trusted my body and child would know when they're ready. This was for a low-risk, very straightforward pregnancy.
I was scheduled for an induction at 41+5 so was glad DC came before then. You can always choose to wait it out though and be monitored instead if you really want to avoid induction. It's your choice.

JamToasties · 15/02/2023 18:59

@UnicornRainbowSky Very good point because a lot of people aren’t well informed about their rights. I flat out declined an induction and opted for a c-section if I wasn’t going to give birth naturally by a certain date (they told me the date it became risky to continue to be pregnant). I only declined the induction due to witnessing a family member go through a failed induction which ended in a c-section x

DragonbornMum · 15/02/2023 19:15

It was the second sweep that did it for me! I had contractions all the next day, and finally popped in the early hours of the next morning

DragonbornMum · 15/02/2023 19:16

Preemptively posted! Meant to say keep walking outside as much as you can - it does help things move along

mamaofmimiande · 15/02/2023 19:33

Jumping in too - I'm 40+2 and had a sweep this morning. I was told midwife could touch babies head (eeek) so cervix was low and thin - I've had some tightenings since that have been rhythmic but in the last hour everything has dulled to a period type ache and it seems to have stopped again 🙄🙄. With my first I went into labour at 40+1 and gave birth 40+4 early hours. There was no doubt I was in labour when it started but I was back to back that time so am wondering if the pain I have this time will be completely different?!

For those asking about the sweep - I went into it this morning fairly terrified after making the mistake of asking my WhatsApp mum group how they were - I told her I was nervous before she started and she reassured me it shouldn't hurt and she certainly wasn't in the business of making it hurt - and she was true to her word - not something I'd choose to have every day 😂😂 but not painful!

I'm hoping for some progress but it just feels nothing is happening at the mo!

ToadstoolFairy · 16/02/2023 08:01

Any updates anyone? I’ll be having my S+S later on so will post if there’s any updates.

Can confirm that cramming crisps in your face whilst watching Clarkson’s Farm does not induce labour. It was a long shot.

mamaofmimiande · 16/02/2023 09:56

ToadstoolFairy · 16/02/2023 08:01

Any updates anyone? I’ll be having my S+S later on so will post if there’s any updates.

Can confirm that cramming crisps in your face whilst watching Clarkson’s Farm does not induce labour. It was a long shot.

This made me mega chuckle as its so similar to me - lemon drizzle doesn't seem to inspire them either 😂😂😂😂

At this point I feel like screaming "why aren't you bloody coming?!?!"

And I'm only 40+3

2nd sweep to look forward to tomorrow if nothing more 🙄🙄🙄

bluebellaa · 16/02/2023 10:50

ToadstoolFairy · 15/02/2023 12:14

Hi OP! I’m 40+3 today so hopping on this thread in desperation. 😂

How did you find the sweep if you don’t mind me asking? I’m having one tomorrow and don’t know what to expect!

My first arrived at 38 weeks - spontaneous labour with no real signs beforehand (so the fact DC2 is STILL hanging around is getting on my tits!) but I had a reflexology appointment two days prior, followed by a small glass of wine whilst I bounced on my ball. Convinced that is what triggered labour.

I second reflexology followed, several days later, by a small amount of alcohol (a glass of champagne at a wedding) and 'bouncing' (dancing more energetically than all of the non pregnant people on the dance floor).

Original poster
magentak8 · 16/02/2023 10:56

Hey guys :)

I've still got no updates on my end :(

With my first sweep, I had my bloody show and then nothing and with the second sweep, I also had my bloody show/mucus plug come out again and baby still doesn't want to come out. I find the sweeps fine, they can be uncomfortable but nothing unbearable :)

Spent the day on my feet yesterday - walking, dancing with my DD and trying to keep active but still no sign of baby wanting to come out.

Feeling very deflated and overwhelmed at the idea of being induced but I guess I have to try stay positive as he could still pop out before then.

I've been tempted to opt for a C-section but with my first it was a vaginal labour so not sure if it's even worth asking. What do you guys think?

OP posts:
JamToasties · 16/02/2023 11:10

@magentak8 It is your choice, you can opt for c section and decline induction if you like, they can’t force you. If you do go for a c section I suggest letting them know sooner rather than later x

ToadstoolFairy · 16/02/2023 17:31

So my midwife refused to give me a sweep in the end (despite agreeing over the phone just over a week ago that she would do it today), stating that we needed to wait until 41 weeks according to NICE guidelines. Baby’s head isn’t engaged either. So I reacted like the levelheaded, intelligent adult that I am … cried and went and got a McDonalds.

Had to book in my induction for next weekend and I just feel so bloody defeated. :(

Original poster
magentak8 · 16/02/2023 18:11

ToadstoolFairy · 16/02/2023 17:31

So my midwife refused to give me a sweep in the end (despite agreeing over the phone just over a week ago that she would do it today), stating that we needed to wait until 41 weeks according to NICE guidelines. Baby’s head isn’t engaged either. So I reacted like the levelheaded, intelligent adult that I am … cried and went and got a McDonalds.

Had to book in my induction for next weekend and I just feel so bloody defeated. :(

O noo! Can't believe they refused to give you a sweep :( I guess it's because baby isn't engaged but I completely understand your frustration.

My induction day is nearing and I've been so emotional since yesterday. The thought of it is too much to deal with right now but I called up the hospital and spoke to a lovely midwife who made me feel loads better,

Im sending you all the positive vibes your way! Also, maccies is always a good shout :)

Keep us updated xx

OP posts:
febbabies2023 · 16/02/2023 19:32

@magentak8 you can definitely ask for a c section if you want too. I would definitely think about the reasons why you want one instead of an induction though.
My previous was an emergency c section and I'm trying for a VBAC this time, purely because the recovery is meant to be better and I have a toddler this time

I have heard positive induction stories (although like all of you I don't want to be induced either) and also positives about planned c sections. I would request sooner rather than later though if it's the route you want to go down :)

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