Ticking Time Bomb

inhishands648 · December 2013

I have never in my life felt like a ticking time bomb, but I do now…Only 4 more days til my due date and between not sleeping well at night and not having much to do now that I'm on winter break from school…I am having a hard time keeping myself busy! No signs of labor starting anytime soon (anyone have any odd or non traditional signs that it's impending?) My dr doesn't even do internals until 40 weeks unless I was having contractions, which I'm not. So Thursday will be a non-stress test, ultrasound, and internal with talk of induction if this little one hasn't come yet. I even started his scrapbook already and re-reorganized his closet. I've never been so up to date on laundry etc. This is worse than being a kid on Christmas - I feel like I'm waiting for the rest of my life to start….

On a real note…for ladies that have had the induction conversation with their drs before - She did say, they won't induce unless I agree to it as they do prefer babies make their own ideas on when they want to be born. From that I've seen - inductions can obviously take longer since its forcing your body to start labor before it may be ready…any suggestions? Medically I'm fine - BP is fine, with not working - my swelling is pretty good etc…While I want to meet him, I also don't want to be pregnant forever! Thoughts?

LabPupLuv · December 2013

I'm a FTM, so no experience here. I've been told that an early induction when your body isn't ready can be longer and more painful, possibly resulting in higher chance of a c section. With that said, I also understand that going too far past 40 can be dangerous for LO too. Definitely bring a bunch of questions for your doctor at your next appointment and ask about the risks/benefits of either option. You never know, he may decide to come anyway and the decision could be taken away from you!

salsamommy · December 2013

If you want to wait for the baby to get bigger in your pelvis instead of being induced. Go for it. It's painful enough birthing a 6-8 pounder through a tiny hole, let alone a 9-10 pounder! Not only size risks, but health risks for LO increase if you wait too long. My doctors' limit is 1 week past due date, unless size or other issues arise. But if you want to wait it out, let me know how that works out for you!

Deblondie1 · December 2013

Cool story bro

peanutmuse · December 2013

ANDYLEAH said:

If you want to wait for the baby to get bigger in your pelvis instead of being induced. Go for it. It's painful enough birthing a 6-8 pounder through a tiny hole, let alone a 9-10 pounder! Not only size risks, but health risks for LO increase if you wait too long. My doctors' limit is 1 week past due date, unless size or other issues arise. But if you want to wait it out, let me know how that works out for you!

@ANDYLEAH, she would still be within your doctor's limit on Thursday, though. If everything is fine and she's been monitored appropriately (which obviously she is, with an NST and u/s next week) there's no reason that she has to be induced. Although I think you'd want to start talking about it the following week for sure, OP.

(edited for clarity)

peanutmuse · December 2013

Deblondie1 said:

Cool story bro

Honestly, I think some of you are going overboard with this stuff. I'm all for snark and brutal honesty, but we also can't shut out every person who is attempting to make a connection here.

growingmybun · December 2013

I'm in the same boat in terms of being really close to my due date (5 days away) and also being done with work. It's a little strange to just be sitting around waiting. Not bad, just different than my usual day to day.

ccip82 · December 2013

It is up to you and your doctor to come to the decision on when to induce.

Personally, I would not induce unless it was medically necessary until I hit 41 weeks. At that point I would opt for an induction. I was charting before my pregnancy and am almost 100% positive when I ovulated. Therefore, I feel comfortable enough to wait until I hit 41 weeks.

bethughknee · December 2013

Personally, if I get to 40 weeks and the induction talks begin, I will also push for as much time as my Dr will allow. I am also very sure about when I ovulated so I'm comfortable with that.

It sounds like you're in good hands with your Dr doing so much screening so I would be inclined to just listen to what he/she thinks is best.

Deblondie1 · December 2013

peanutmuse said:

Deblondie1 said:

Cool story bro

Honestly, I think some of you are going overboard with this stuff. I'm all for snark and brutal honesty, but we also can't shut out every person who is attempting to make a connection here.

True. But are we going to see ticking time bomb and induction posts every day now? We just had a slew of them. I feel like a ticking time bomb too but I don't make a post about it because so does everyone else.

But there could be a case to be made for stepping back, I can own that.

quidditchcapn1120 · December 2013

My inductions have/will be for medical reasons so I'm in a different boat. From being a labor coach for my BFF who went into labor naturally at 41 weeks and also experiencing induced labor myself at 41 weeks, I can say for certain that my pitocin contractions were more frequent/closer together even at the beginning of labor than my friend's. I obviously don't know about the strength of contractions for sure but my friend was able to talk through her labor until she got to transition while I was not able to do the same at even 2 cm. I also know that her labor was 12 hours while mine was pushing 28. This is not a scientific study of course but these were my observations. If I could safely wait till labor started on its own I would, but it doesn't appear that is in the cards for me. However, safety wise I also don't feel really comfortable going too much later than 41 weeks either.

peanutmuse · December 2013

Deblondie1 said:

peanutmuse said:

Deblondie1 said:

Cool story bro

Honestly, I think some of you are going overboard with this stuff. I'm all for snark and brutal honesty, but we also can't shut out every person who is attempting to make a connection here.

True. But are we going to see ticking time bomb and induction posts every day now? We just had a slew of them. I feel like a ticking time bomb too but I don't make a post about it because so does everyone else.

But there could be a case to be made for stepping back, I can own that.

@DeBlondie1, if she only said "I feel like a ticking time bomb, I'm bored, I want this baby to come" -- then I would totally agree with you. However she had several questions that could be on other ladies' minds too, and was describing the method that her doctor uses, which seems quite different from others' experiences. Also, it's rare that we have someone who comes here with hesitation about inducing. Usually we have to talk people out of trying to force an induction at 37 weeks. There are many things about this post that make it different from our typical dear diary, post and run newbies.

ETA: I want to add that I really don't think you are guilty of going overboard in general, to be completely honest. But I think there are some people here who have started to trend in that direction... I think we're all starting to be a little cranky at the ends of our pregnancies.

PreDempsey · December 2013

@bethughknee that's a really good point. If you can almost pinpoint ovulation and conception is that a good reason to try and push back an induction, granted it isn't being persued for other medical reasons?

amt0312 · December 2013

peanutmuse said:

Deblondie1 said:

Cool story bro

Honestly, I think some of you are going overboard with this stuff. I'm all for snark and brutal honesty, but we also can't shut out every person who is attempting to make a connection here.

thank you for saying this!

RedSaffron · December 2013

I feel you about feeling like a ticking time bomb and I still have 3 more weeks to go til my due date. My doctor mentioned she will not induce me before my due date because just like you, my bp has been normal and no serious complications. Hang in there. Who knows, your chances of going into labor from now till Thursday is high.

amt0312 · December 2013

Deblondie1 said:

peanutmuse said:

Deblondie1 said:

Cool story bro

Honestly, I think some of you are going overboard with this stuff. I'm all for snark and brutal honesty, but we also can't shut out every person who is attempting to make a connection here.

True. But are we going to see ticking time bomb and induction posts every day now? We just had a slew of them. I feel like a ticking time bomb too but I don't make a post about it because so does everyone else.

But there could be a case to be made for stepping back, I can own that.

Yes, and that is fine! We are all pregnant and in the same boat. We are here to get support from each other and commiserate together, as well. Don't read the post if you don't want to hear about it. I, for one, enjoy reading about ladies who are anxiously awaiting the impending arrival of their LOs. It's cute and it makes me feel so excited about my own baby coming soon!

peanutmuse · December 2013

amt0312 said:

I, for one, enjoy reading about ladies who are anxiously awaiting the impending arrival of their LOs. It's cute and it makes me feel so excited about my own baby coming soon!

@amt0312 -- let's not go overboard this way either, though. The dear diary posts definitely get annoying.

ccip82 · December 2013

amt0312 said:

Deblondie1 said:

peanutmuse said:

Deblondie1 said:

Cool story bro

Honestly, I think some of you are going overboard with this stuff. I'm all for snark and brutal honesty, but we also can't shut out every person who is attempting to make a connection here.

True. But are we going to see ticking time bomb and induction posts every day now? We just had a slew of them. I feel like a ticking time bomb too but I don't make a post about it because so does everyone else.

But there could be a case to be made for stepping back, I can own that.

Yes, and that is fine! We are all pregnant and in the same boat. We are here to get support from each other and commiserate together, as well. Don't read the post if you don't want to hear about it. I, for one, enjoy reading about ladies who are anxiously awaiting the impending arrival of their LOs. It's cute and it makes me feel so excited about my own baby coming soon!

I am here solely for entertainment purposes and points...

In all honesty, yes the board has been extra snarky lately. I am pretty sure that can be chalked up to everyone reaching the end of their rope. Most of us are over being pregnant at this point. I am not using that as an excuse, just pointing out facts. On the other hand, I do not think this post qualifies as a redundant or blog-like post and deserves snark. The OP had genuine questions.

However in regards to your reply to this thread, @amt0312 I do not think @Deblondie1 or anyone else needs to be chastised or be told what we should read and not read.

bethughknee · December 2013

PreDempsey said:

@bethughknee that's a really good point. If you can almost pinpoint ovulation and conception is that a good reason to try and push back an induction, granted it isn't being persued for other medical reasons?

I'm not really sure how good a reason it would be to "push back" farther than ~41 weeks but I've heard from friends who also go to my OB that it's split about down the middle between Dr's who will "let" you go to 41 weeks or even up to 41 weeks 3 days and those who want to induce ON your due date. (Obviously, I haven't seen my friends' charts so the ones who were induced on their due dates could have had factors I never knew about.) It's just a little piece of info I plan to keep in my arsenal in case I see someone at my 40 week appointment who wants to send me to L&D the next day.

That said, I didn't need my 40 week last time and I hope to repeat that!

PreDempsey · December 2013

@bethughknee Oh yeah I'm not talking about anything past 41ish but if they're talking about inducing before 40 I at least have a good idea of the true fetal age.

inhishands648 · December 2013

Wow...i can honestly say I'm shocked by some responses on here. I've read my share of what I might consider pointless posts and just chose to exit and not respond. Since I've probably only posted a handful of times in the past few months I didn't think I needed the "how dare you have a similar post to 17 other people on here" or a post that may seem pointless to you. I don't scour the board daily to keep up with every conversation! I'll be sure to not bother posting anything else! For those that actually responded, thanks. Just looking to commiserate and get some other thoughts beyond my immediate family and friends. Much appreciated.

Ljessen13 · December 2013

My first one I went into labor on my own on his due date. With this Lo I was induced at 37 weeks for bp. My personal experience with induction was not bad but everyone is different. I wouldn't want to go long past my due date but that is my own personal preference. You have to do what is right for you. Good luck with your decision!

litzo27 · December 2013

OP - how sure are you of the ovulation date? Personally I would go to about 41 weeks if all else was and doctors were on board.

inhishands648 · December 2013

I am absolutely positive on dates...figure well see what things look like on Thursday if he's still inside. If all is good and he's healthy I'll probably see if we can wait a little longer even though I'm anxious to meet him. I'd rather be induced only if necessary. Can't imagine i would want to go past 41 weeks though.

peanutmuse · December 2013

inhishands648 said:

Wow...i can honestly say I'm shocked by some responses on here. I've read my share of what I might consider pointless posts and just chose to exit and not respond. Since I've probably only posted a handful of times in the past few months I didn't think I needed the "how dare you have a similar post to 17 other people on here" or a post that may seem pointless to you. I don't scour the board daily to keep up with every conversation! I'll be sure to not bother posting anything else! For those that actually responded, thanks. Just looking to commiserate and get some other thoughts beyond my immediate family and friends. Much appreciated.

@inhishands648, you need to get a grip and chill out. There was barely any negative feedback and it was addressed appropriately. If you think this thread was bad, this is not the place for you. Because right now you are the one going overboard.

inhishands648 · December 2013

It's amazing how one can read into words. I was not writing with all that it must have been read like. Either way...too much drama. I'll stick to face to face people from now on. Haha

CaliCarly77 · December 2013

Just FYI - About a year ago, I read a study that found that Caucasian women gestate on average to 42 weeks. Not sure if you are Caucasian but if you are, its something to consider. I was trying to find the study but google is failing me and I have to run out to my NST.

Feel free to come over to my place and bring me up to date on cleaning and laundry

I can barely move!!!

Good luck on Thursday!

MrsGraham06 · December 2013

To address your original question of inductions...

My 1st, I was 9 days past my due date when my water broke. My contractions never got closer than 15 minutes apart, things didn't progress, so I was given pitocin. He was born 28 hours after my water broke.

My 2nd, we induced the day before my due date, due to size concerns, and he was born about 18 hours later.

My 3rd, we again induced due to size concerns, at 39 weeks. My labor with her was 8 hours.

As far as harder/more painful/whatever...pitocin is more painful for contractions. If you can go without it, that's awesome. On the other hand, an epidural is amazing! (and I'm terrified of needles) As you can see, we induced at earlier times and I was fortunate enough to have better labors with each one. Shorter and less painful.

bethughknee · December 2013

@Rojovol34 I'm not as scientific about it as some people might be, but I've had friends whose OB's have pushed inductions right at their due dates tell me that one reason the OB gave was fetal/placental age and how women can be off on their ovulation dates by up to a week, meaning that even though someone might think they are 40 weeks pregnant, they could be up to 41 weeks and the placenta could already be deteriorating. Since I know when I ovulated, I know at 40 weeks I am not actually 41 weeks and can keep cooking if need be. (Until there's a medical reason not to, of course.)

@ccip82 might have more substance to add to that. Or I could be using this piece of info completely wrong. That's always entirely possible.

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