Just finished baby checkup

SherryAE

I just came home from another baby checkup.  I'm a week away from my due date, and still at 1 centimeter dilated and 75% effaced.  No change since a couple weeks.  I keep hearing about how moms have gone into labor just from getting a cervical exam so close to their due date, but I still feel fine.  The Dr. estimated the baby's weight to be around 7 lbs. 14 oz.  Goodness I'm gonna have an 8 pounder for my first baby if she stays in any longer.  I hope I can still do this naturally.  I hope I don't have to get induced.  I was thinking about getting some castor oil?  What are your thoughts on this?

kj07

Someone tried castor oil on another site.  It didn't start her labor but did make her bum burn.  She said she'd never do it again (I have no idea how much she took).

My guy was 8lbs 13oz and I went without an epi.  Remember, it's not just the size of the baby but how they're positioned.  I'm sure you've got this!

SherryAE

kj07 tough woman! I hope I can do this, too!

kj07

Also remember, there's no shame in deviating from your plan if things go differently from what you were hoping.  I didn't have an epi, but at one point I did take some iv narcotics because my mind just couldn't quite catch up to the increase in labor.  After they wore off though, I was fine and was able to get myself through the rest of L&D.

Assuming it's not crazy hot where you are, get out and walk as much you can in these last few days.  Your little one will be here soon!

benoitfan

Forget the castor oil.  Go for a good long walk.  I was 4d overdue and dilated to only 1cm when the doc did an internal and "stretched" me and I went to the mall with my mom and walked for at least an hour and 2.5 hrs later, my water broke.  An hour after that my contractions were 8min apart and 5 min apart an hour after that.  If you have an exercise or birthing ball, try sitting on it and opening up your hips.  GL!

SherryAE

Lol! Labor dust  I never heard of that before ha!  Ok, I won't risk taking castor oil.  I will do lots more walking around... I just hope my swollen feet can take it. 

Adi

Good luck! (I can't give advice, I've never gone into labor on my own)

amandaleigh1

I would not resort to castor oil or other methods to induce unless you are really getting late (post 41 weeks) or if you ob has given you a strict deadline for health reasons. My sister got her labor going with castor oil and acupuncture when she was at 42 weeks. It worked out, but it was a very slow long labor. She liked that her bowl was empty come delivery time though. If you do try castor oil, make sure you ate getting plenty of fluids as its effects can be dehydrating.