Jump Starting Labor??

babycasalins · August 2012

Does anyone have any SAFE suggestions how I can jump start labor? I'll be 36 weeks on Thursday, my twins are at 5.5 and 5.15 and I'm so ready to have them here with us. My midwife said that if nothing jumps starts naturally we'll be ready to go and get them at 37 weeks (Aug 30 or 31). But my pelvic ligaments have stretched to the max and I just don't think I can do it anymore. I barely sleep, sitting and standing are a mission...

Help please!

leviandlandensmom · August 2012

I wouldn't do anything to jump start labor until you are past 37 weeks. It'd be irresponsible to try anything now and you'd be risking NICU time just so you can be more comfortable.

Fancy3Face · August 2012

MrsLee04:
leviandlandensmom:
I wouldn't do anything to jump start labor until you are past 37 weeks. It'd be irresponsible to try anything now and you'd be risking NICU time just so you can be more comfortable.
This. Your babies' health comes before your comfort. I have preemie MOM friends who would've done anything to go far enough to be uncomfortable.

This. I have 36 weekers that spent 12 and 19 days in the NICU. Pretty unexpected. Please don't try to jump start things until you're past 37w. I know its super uncomfortable, but they need a little more time.

Mrs. Alice · August 2012

leviandlandensmom:
I wouldn't do anything to jump start labor until you are past 37 weeks. It'd be irresponsible to try anything now and you'd be risking NICU time just so you can be more comfortable.

Yes

36 weekers are preemies. Sorry you are uncomfortable but try to hang tight for at least another week for the sake of your babies. I would definitely had done anything to avoid leaving my babies in the hospital when I was discharged.

Missa_g · August 2012

MrsLee04:
leviandlandensmom:
I wouldn't do anything to jump start labor until you are past 37 weeks. It'd be irresponsible to try anything now and you'd be risking NICU time just so you can be more comfortable.

This. Your babies' health comes before your comfort. I have preemie MOM friends who would've done anything to go far enough to be uncomfortable.

Definitely. I'm one of those preemie MoMs. I obviously can only imagine how uncomfortable you are physically. But I promise you it's nothing compared to the emotional pain of leaving your babies in the NICU. 36w is still preemie territory. Barring a true medical emergency those babies need to stay put until they're ready.

Venus04d · August 2012

Everyone is right. I know it's so hard at the end because it is absolutely miserable and you're so excited to me your little ones, but it's just not a good decision for them. Yes, most likely it would be okay, but there's also a greater chance that it won't be the sooner they come. I would hate for your first few days with your children to be tainted with the stress of the NICU and the guilt of wondering if you got them here too soon. You're almost there, hold tight!

Jen0204 · August 2012

I delivered at 36w1d and had my last u/s a few days prior to that. They were both estimated to be close to 6 pounds and when I delivered DD1 was 5lbs 1oz and DD2 was 4lbs 9oz. Due to size DD2 went to the NICU immediately - H got to hold her for a few seconds but I couldn't hold her until really late that night (I gave birth at 10:30am). DD1 was allowed to go to the room with us but on the second night ended up joining her sister in the NICU. They both spend 9 days in there.

I can't begin to tell you the amount of guilt that I felt. I had to give birth early because my BP was sky high, but I felt like I failed them and should have sucked it up. I felt like I didn't do my job of keeping them in long enough and they had to spend their first 9 days hooked up to machines because of me. My OB and MFM had agreed that I should deliver early because they thought the girls were bigger and were more concerned about my health at that point. I was super uncomfortable and had been on bed rest for 10 weeks so when they said deliver I said "yes please!". My biggest regret is that I didn't push for hospital bed rest so they could monitor me instead of letting them deliver. 9 days isn't very long and the girls are perfect now, but I wish I had done my job better. I would have rather had an extra week of bed rest then spend the time shuttling back and forth to the hospital while recovering from a c-section.

SPerry0376 · August 2012

leviandlandensmom:
I wouldn't do anything to jump start labor until you are past 37 weeks. It'd be irresponsible to try anything now and you'd be risking NICU time just so you can be more comfortable.

Yes

angelfire02 · August 2012

Those estimates can be pretty far off. Ours were measured two days before I delivered and they said they were 6.12 and 6.15. They came out and were 5.7 and 5.9. They just barely stayed out of the NICU. I was incredibly uncomfortable at the end and was even hospitalized for high blood pressure but the doctors didn't induce me until we got to 35.6 because it's just not about you. I'm sorry to say that but welcome to the rest of your life!

It's all about the babies. They will be here before you know it!

keg · August 2012

Ditto everyone else. My DDs were born at 35w6d because B had stopped growing. They were both in the NICU for almost a week. Also, if you are planning on breastfeeding, the earlier they are, the harder it is. My DDs didn't "get" BFing until they were 39ish weeks. I know you're miserable, but hang in there for your babies sake.

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