Natural Birth

40 weeks 2 days...encouragement?

40 weeks 2 days today, though that may/may not be accurate based off of ovulation date of my shorter cycle and a dating ultrasound. Anyway, I was 2 cm and 75% effaced today. I have an ultrasound scheduled for Monday to make sure baby is okay, and as long as he's fine, my MW is content to let me continue the pregnancy until my LO is ready. Last week I was only 1 cm and not effaced at all, and have since lost my MP, so I'm hoping labor is coming soon, but I could certainly use some encouragement. I don't want to induce labor because I want everything to be 100% natural, but I also want baby to be okay. I'm also worried about baby being big if I go much longer. And if I end up having to induce, what is the best way to do that without having too much of an effect on baby? Also, if an induction must happen, do my chances of having a C-sec rise? Any thoughts?!
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Re: 40 weeks 2 days...encouragement?

  • You still have plenty of time to go into labor on your own. I went into labor at exactly 41 weeks. If your midwife is agreeing to let you go as long as your baby needs, then I wouldn't worry!
    Mommy to Emery Vera 5.20.12  Blog
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  • I would really try not to stress. Is your MW willing to wait until 42 weeks? I started labor at 41 weeks and 41.5 weeks with both of my kids, and the last few days/weeks are brutal! My absolute least favorite part of pregnancy.

    Your chance of a c/s goes up to 50% if you induce. Hang in there, it'll happen!!

    DS1 - Feb 2008

    DS2 - Oct 2010 (my VBAC baby!)

  • I went into labor at 42 weeks. The waiting sucked but looking back I'm glad I had that extra time to enjoy being pregnant and have just me and DH time. BTW: I was at 4 cm for over a month... 

     

    You're only 2 days past your EDD. Give it time. 
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  • Have you been doing Evening Primrose Oil?

    You may want to see a chiropractor and get a prenatal massage. A really great adjustment and massage can really help get your body aligned and ready for labor. I would do that ASAP... sounds like you'll be going into labor in the next few days :)

  • I was induced at 40 wks 5 days because the u/s showed low fluid levels and DS heartrate was decelerating.  I wish someone would have told me to drink a TON of water (or watermelon- seriously) before that u/s! 

    Seems like a great sign that you are making some progress with dilation and effacement.  I really wouldn't worry about the baby's size...your body was made for this! :)  

    I was induced with pitocin (they couldn't start with Cervadil due to the heart rate issues) and what I wish I had known about that is you can ask them to take a break from increasing your dose.  I think if I had asked them to slow the process down the contractions would have been more manageable and I wouldn't have gotten the epidural.  The doctor also broke my water just to keep speeding things along, and I would recommend declining even that "natural" intervention because DS ended up malpositioned (with his nose coming out first) which is what caused my c-section.  But, that wasn't the end of the world...I was just glad he arrived safely.  Good luck, and it will all work out the way it's supposed to!     

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  • You want to give birth when you're ready. In my opinion, inductions = long, drawn out, more difficult births. If you can avoid that it will be best. I know that at 40+ weeks every day is an eternity. But it's better to wait if you can at all. Baby will come when ready!!
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  • Just another story to show that progress means nothing- my mom was 2 weeks overdue with me and not effaced or dilated AT ALL. I was born the next day with 4 hours from the start of contractions to delivery. 

    Your baby could be born at any time!  

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  • I went to 42 weeks. Some babies need longer to cook.
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  • My son was born at 41w1d. I lost my MP around 40w4d or 40w5d. Hang in there. I know it sucks. You could schedule the induction for 42w just to get it on the books and know that there is an end to the misery. :) You'll most likely go into labor naturally before that happens, though.

    natural m/c 7.1.10 :|: sticky baby 4.25.11 :|: #2 due 5.18.13 BabyFruit Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
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