Hello, hello. I am currently 40 weeks and 1 day pregnant. So far, I
am 2 cm dilated and 70-80% effaced. I have had a membrane sweep twice
already, and the first time, contractions started, lasted about 2 days,
then stopped. The second sweep, which was yesterday, only caused
cramping and spotting. Both times, though, the OBGYN said she could feel
the baby's head. He's dropped and head down, ready to go.
My boyfriend and I decided to try and get things going by being intimate, but so far, it's only caused a little more cramping.
I have had no complications this pregnancy(back around 18 weeks, they
thought there was an issue, but it turned out to be incompetence with
the ultrasound tech), and according to the ultrasounds I've had, baby is
only measuring 2-3 days behind schedule(he's on the small side).
I was just wondering if there was a good way to perhaps get things
moving a little quicker? My OBGYN used to be supportive of a vaginal
birth, but is now insisting I have a C-section. I do NOT want to go
through that pain and suffering again. I had one with my
first(unnecessary) and had complications afterwards. So anything to
avoid having a repeat section would be lovely.
Should I ask to be induced with pitocin? Or perhaps have my water broken
by a doc? I'm kind of at my wit's end, and I'm a bit stressed about the
whole being forced into a C-section thing. Any suggestions would be
greatly appreciated.
Re: Stimulating labor manually?
Mom to Carter (6), and Calianne (1).
Proud VBAC, natural birth, breastfeeding, cloth diapering momma!
I have to visit my OBGYN on Tuesday, and I'm going to tell her a C-section is out of the question no matter what she says. Unless the baby doesn't come by February 12th(42 weeks exactly) and it becomes medically necessary, I'm going to stick to my guns and hope for the best with having a vaginal birth.
Also..the only way to induce labor naturally is nipple stimulation
Please do not spread false information on the boards.
If baby hasn't arrived there is a reason and baby will be perfectly healthy in the womb.
OP do not push for an induction when there is no medical reason to do so.
This! Plus pitocin should be avoided, if possible, if you're trying for a VBAC.
What are the risks associated with postterm pregnancy?
After 42 weeks, the placenta may not work as well as it did earlier in pregnancy. Also, as the baby grows, the amount of amniotic fluid may begin to decrease. Less fluid may cause the umbilical cord to become pinched as the baby moves or as the uterus contracts.
If pregnancy goes past 42 weeks, a baby has an increased risk of certain problems, such as dysmaturity syndrome, macrosomia, or meconium aspiration. There also is an increased chance of cesarean delivery.
https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/What-to-Expect-After-Your-Due-Date
::End Quote::
Notice they are talking about postterm pregnancies meaning 42w, not 40w. They go on to say that most providers will induce when the woman is one to two weeks past their EDD. Now no one is sure when that magic number is, when it becomes safer to induce than to have the pregnancy continue. However, in an uncomplicated pregnancy the vast majority of research seems to indicate that it is safe to wait until 41w and some would say beyond that. My providers will induce on the evening of 41w6d provided everything else is looking good.
Induction is not free from risk either, so be careful when you suggest that people 'push for induction'.
@happilyever
My Ovulation Chart
You want personal experiences? Fine, I know plenty of women including myself who went past that magical EDD and I know not a single woman who had a still birth. Not sure what that proves to you, but since you seem to put more weight to personal experiences than concrete research, there you go.
My Ovulation Chart
Really, just chillaxe & wait. Your doctor cannot force a section on you. You can refuse.
LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
Walking, hip rotations on a yoga ball & squats are great things to encourage your baby's head to engage your pelvis. What you need are active contractions to propel baby, repeatedly against your cervix to progress.
This usually occurs all by itself & can happen quickly. My dear friend just gave birth on Friday. She went from 0- complete in 2 hours.
The best thing you can do is really stop trying so hard. It will happen when baby is ready & your body is ready.
LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
My Ovulation Chart