How to mentally cope at 40 weeks

[Glowz]

Ok so it's officially the longest I've been pregnant. 1st was born at 39 weeks. I've lost my plug, had back ache for about 10 days, keep having period cramps but no pattern to them. I'm getting really anxious now about going over. I really want a water birth as couldn't with my first and definitely want to avoid a c section if possible and the thought of going over is making me so anxious. I don't have a midwife appointment until 40+5 which will be 2 weeks after my last one and it just feels a long time to go without seeing anyone. I just want to cry all the time.

I've tried all sorts to try speed things up, pumping with the stimulate setting, hot (39°c) bath everyday, spicy foods, cleaning and walking. Even made myself have sex with my husband (really really did not feel like it and poor husb was talked into it) and she just doesn't want to come out.

I lost my plug 3 days ago and also had 1 random contraction (over my bump, very tight for over a minute) but nothing since. Is it worth maybe asking to see my midwife?

Ah I feel for you, the last weeks of being pregnant feel like months! I was like this with my second, with my first labour started at 40+3, gave birth 40+5. My second didn't come until 41+2 and I was so ready to murder anyone who messaged me asking if I'd had the baby yet.

It sounds like your body is gearing up to labour, I too tried everything to get myself into labour but nothing worked, it was only when I gave up and surrendered to the idea of being induced at 41+5 that I went into labour myself which lasted 2.5 hours from start to finish. I was allowed a water birth at 41+2 although I didn't make it into the pool as it was too quick and the pool wasn't full enough to get in.

I would keep active but don't go mad trying to get baby out. It's oxytocin that starts labour so the more relaxed you are, the better. I know it's easy for me to say but you have to hold onto the thought that it really won't be long now until you meet your baby. Try and think of it as enjoying your last few days as a family of 3.

There is no reason why you can't have a water birth if you are overdue, but obviously if you need the drip to be induced then you can't.

By all means speak to your midwife about bringing your appointment forward if you are anxious and would like a chat. She may offer you a membrane stretch and sweep which is up to you whether you go for it, little evidence to say they work but if you are on the cusp of being ready for labour it may just tip you over the edge.

All the best with your upcoming birth x

Really feel for you OP, my DC1 and DC2 were born at 41+1 and 41+0 and that last week was soooo long both times! I did have natural births in the end though. You've still got a couple of weeks for things to start naturally, hopefully you won't end up with a C section. I don't think the old wives tales work - I tried all of them too! Fingers crossed for you.

Hello OP i can only imagine the frustration. I am now 30 weeks in and am beginning to have dreams of baby being out.... I miss my body and feel quite large so youre likely feeling 10x what I am.
Baby will come when baby is ready unfortunately. If you have an uncomplicated pregnancy then it is better to just wait and not entertain conversations about induction which have a higher chance of leading to a csection. Also you will not be overdue until you are over the 42 week mark so it is very possible, with all the signs youve had, that baby will be here well before then. Youve got this mama!
If youd like some support at this time i highly recommend the ten month mamas group on facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1582903528590264/

I don't really have a lot of advice but I am with you through all of this! 41 weeks today with my first and the past week has been an emotional rollercoaster. My midwife couldn't give me a sweep at the 40 week appointment because baby's head wasn't engaged enough, so I have my fingers crossed for my appointment this afternoon. Unlike you I've not lost my plug or been having any cramps! Tried sex, spicy food, cleaning and I've been hand expressing colostrum for a good few weeks now. NOTHING seems to be working.

A few days ago I was extremely emotional, crying uncontrollably several times throughout the day. Tested my blood pressure and it was through the roof, after being normal for the whole pregnancy. So I phoned triage and they asked me to go in - thankfully everything was fine and blood pressure went down.

I think the main problem has been mental rather than physical as I have been feeling really alone in all this recently! It helped so much to speak to the midwife, and my mum who doesn't live anywhere near flew over for a day to give me some support. Support is everything right now.

I think if you're really starting to struggle mentally it's worth phoning the midwife for a chat. It's so normal right now to be feeling like crap but if it's getting too much, you need to speak to someone.

Hope you get through this last little bit ok, I've got my fingers crossed that your baby comes very soon!!

So I went to my midwife as my anxiety was through the roof. Sweep done and induction booked. This time next week I'll have a baby!

Op you shouldn't be having hot baths as your baby can't regulate it's own temperature, but good luck and hope your baby arrives soon 👍🏻

Good luck OP! Hope the baby comes soon.

You still have plenty of time to have your water birth. I’d say your biggest issue here is your own mind. Your body needs oxytocin to get labour moving and all your stress and anxiety will be blocking it. It sounds like your body is ready to go, mucus plug and cramps are a great sign. Try and really get yourself relaxed and those happy hormones flowing.