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Natural Birth
41w2d - pressure to induce - vent & advice needed
Hi ladies,
I'm looking for support from other natural birth mamas. I am now at 41 weeks and 2 days.
With DD, I had an awesome birth experience. As a FTM, I fully expected to go past 40 weeks, so was surprised when my water broke at 39w5d. My labor was fairly quick and only got intense at the very end.
Because of that experience, I somewhat expected a similar experience this time around, so I am quite frustrated at this point, especially because...
The midwife practice that I am going to is talking induction this Friday. I have always read that it is ok to go past 42 weeks if the baby seems to doing fine and now everyone around me is pressuring me. I am extremely afraid of being medically induced and imagine the worst can happen and interfere with my natural birth wishes.
I have been trying many natural induction methods: EPO, nipple stimulation, induction massage, lots of walking. I thought I was in labor yesterday but then it stopped after a few hours.
Should I ask for them to strip my membranes at my next NST appt tomorrow?
I just kind of feel like my baby will come when he is ready and that any kind of manipulation (natural or medical) is going to interfere with my natural body process and turn it into a bad experience.
Anybody have experience/advice to share?
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Re: 41w2d - pressure to induce - vent & advice needed
I had my daughter at 41+2. My midwives didn't have a problem with me going past 42 weeks, but at that point, my care would be transferred to the OBs in the practice. If you are delivering at a hospital, I might ask if having an OB deliver you is an option if you go past 42 weeks.
In all likelihood, you'll go into labor before then anyway. Sending you good labor vibes.
I wouldn't have a problem going past 42 weeks, especially if they're keeping a close eye on things. If you're going to have to transfer care or something then that's something to consider as well.
As PP said, in all likelihood you will go into labor on your own by 42 weeks. The vast majority of women do. Also, how sure of you of your EDD? That could affect things as well. If it's just based on an early dating U/S it could be a little bit off and you're not quite as far along as you think you are.
I would probably attempt a membrane stripping at that point you're at. It might help, it might not, but it's much better IMO than going with a medical induction. I would also start trying other natural techniques just to help my body get ready like evening primrose oil, red raspberry leaf tea, and maybe some exercises on a birth ball. You might want to look into things you can do to encourage baby to get into proper position (spinningbabies.com is a good resource for that) as it's possible that might be holding things up. Also, a chiropractic adjustment could help with that as well. I would be comfortable doing everything I mentioned just because it won't hurt anything, but will help prepare things.
GL!
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I was in a similar boat as you - Callum came at 39 weeks 6 days. Eleanor at 41 weeks 4 days. With Eleanor I was at a birth center with midwives - at 42 weeks they push for medical induction but they will try everything under the sun before that. They offered membrane stripping starting at 41 weeks - after the second stripping, I went into labor within an hour - so I think that it can kick start things if you are close to labor. So I'd do the membrane strip. And keep doing all the other stuff - sex too if you aren't
I also had super mild contractions for two weeks off and on with E that I never had with C - even to the point that they'd get stronger when I'd walk with them...and then promptly fizzle out. I feel your frustration!! I think what happened in my case was that she was acynclitic (and actually stayed that way right until before I pushed) - so it was like my body knew she wasn't quite lined up and ready to go.
If you do get to 42 weeks and they are willing to let you go with monitoring, I'd personally feel comfortable with that. Do keep in mind that an induction at 42 weeks is not going to be like an induction at 39 weeks or even 40 weeks and change - you may not need much of a nudge for things to get going. Good luck!! Oh, and I actually didn't get to this point but I've heard it suggested that sometimes the frustration of feeling overdue can actually stall things - sometimes a nice relaxing evening - massage, glass of wine, etc. - can help
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As PPs have suggested, you can try to relax with a glass of wine and do some stretches to encourage your LO to get into the proper position for birth if he isn't already, which can jumpstart labor.
Also, I haven't gotten to this point myself yet but DS did come early with my water breaking at 37w5d, but I would think I'd be comfortable getting my membranes stripped if I went past 40 weeks when I become pregnant again some day.
Good thoughts are heading your way!
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In addition to what everyone else has said, I've heard acupunture, a glass of beer, talking to someone and figuring out if maybe you are stressed or affraid of something that could be stalling labor (true story), pelvic tilts.
As long as everything is ok and you and baby are healthy there is nothing stopping you from going past 42 weeks....they aren't going to tie you to a bed and rush you to the hospital. You have to walk in there yourself. I asked my dr if I could go past 40 weeks without automatically looking at induction and she said "You can do whatever you wany. We can't force you to do anything. We recommend not going back 42 weeks but that is up to you"
DD#1 December '12
DD#2 New Year's Baby '15
Married 07/09