Almost 43 weeks...

[brokensemaphore]

I'll be 43 weeks tomorrow (or if my dates are off, which they could be by about a week, 42 weeks tomorrow). Last Monday, I requested a membrane sweep. The midwife was unable to because I was barely a fingertip dilated. A midwife came by today and I requested another-- no change at all. And my cervix wasn't stretchy enough to allow her to do anything. I think this was my moment of defeat. I've been fighting induction for weeks now. Every day they have some new reason to tell me I need to be induced at that very moment (none of which have been reason enough, really).

I was planning an HBAC, but had sort of resigned myself to go to hospital if I went into labor after 43 weeks (they have a nice midwife-lead unit and will bend the rules and let me use it-- they don't normally let VBAC patients have the option). But now, on top of all my "woe is me, still pregnant" crap, I find out that my cervix isn't even close to being ready, despite over a week of losing my mucous plug and 3 weeks of prodromal labor. I can't even just give up! If I were to consent to being induced, they'd either do Cervidil, which scares the crap out of me as a VBAC, or straight to Pitocin, which also scares the crap out of me. I don't even have the option of induction with AROM because my cervix is basically closed

The baby is happy and healthy thus far, but I just don't understand why my body isn't going into labor. I mean, I guess I do-- I'm incredibly stressed out and obviously it's either that keeping things from happening or the baby just needs to bake longer. But it's just so discouraging.

I was induced with my son at 40 weeks because my doctor was a jerk and I didn't know any better. Cervidil caused instant contractions and fetal distress, so it was removed after an hour. Several hours later, Pitocin was started and it pretty much stopped my contractions, oddly enough. It was declared a failed induction after I was in the hospital for about 15 hours (6 hours on Pitocin) because I never dilated or effaced at all, and I was about to be released when my son's heart rate dropped drastically and they weren't able to get it back up, so I was sectioned.

Is my body broken? How can I be almost 43 weeks and not dilated at all?! I don't think I've ever felt such defeat.

[nummies]

First, clear your mind. You sound so stressed out and honestly a baby doesn't want to be born into a stressful environment.

Second, get yourself to a chiropractor to get that baby in a good position.

Third, if you are at all unsure of dates, then I wouldn't worry. You say that you could be a week less than what you are. It could even be more than that!

Fourth, talk to your midwife. Get some natural induction techniques going. I will be blunt here, if you aren't dilated/ effaced at all, then induction in the hospital is NOT likely to work for you. Sounds like a repeat section waiting to happen. I would really start with acupuncture, sex, castor oil, herbs, anything else before going into the hospital. I would not agree to induction at this point.

Fifth, is there anyway to go in for non-stess testing to set your mind at ease?

Sixth, you can be not dilated at all and then go into labor that night! Or you could be like me and walking around at 4 cms for a week! Dilation at this point tells you nothing.

Hang in there!

[brokensemaphore]

I think stress is just radiating off of me there's so much. Chiropractors and that sort of thing aren't an option-- we can barely afford cab rides to the hospital for NSTs :/ The baby is left occiput anterior and 2/5 engaged (has been for about 2 weeks now). I've been doing just about every natural induction technique on the planet, homeopathic, physical, all of it (save castor oil and the cohoshes). A hospital induction is one of the last things I want-- I just meant that even if I WANTED to give up I'd be set up to fail. I've been going to daily NSTs for a week and had 2 ultrasounds. Going in for those only causes more stress, though, because they're of the belief that I should have had an induction weeks ago.

Thank you for that bit about going into labor straight from being not dilated at all-- that offers a bit of encouragement

[dogmom327]

Originally Posted by nummies

you can be not dilated at all and then go into labor that night! Or you could be like me and walking around at 4 cms for a week! Dilation at this point tells you nothing.

Hang in there!

:

There are several mama's on here (I know for sure Alegna is one) who've gone 43 weeks or longer--hopefully they will see this post shortly and be able to give you more encouragement.

You're doing great though. Try to relax but ultimately this one is up to your baby

[MegBoz]

Originally Posted by brokensemaphore

but I just don't understand why my body isn't going into labor. I mean, I guess I do-- I'm incredibly stressed out and obviously it's either that keeping things from happening or.

Don't beat yourself up!!!! The last thing you need is more stress. I know how that feels - I went to nearly 42 weeks, but I never even had any BH! I was starting to think my uterus just didn't work! : (I know, a little nuts.) I was soooo miserable!

My doula gave me that line of, "Try to relax, stress will inhibit labor." & I could have smacked her! HOW DARE she imply it was MY FAULT I wasn't in labor??

ITA with Nummies - it's proven that if you're 'Bishop's Score" is low, induction is less likely to work. Try natural induction methods & an NST/AFI to reassure you baby is OK.

As for going beyond 43W, one of my MWs herself said she went that long with one of hers & it was fine.

[nummies]

Originally Posted by brokensemaphore

I think stress is just radiating off of me there's so much. Chiropractors and that sort of thing aren't an option-- we can barely afford cab rides to the hospital for NSTs :/ The baby is left occiput anterior and 2/5 engaged (has been for about 2 weeks now). I've been doing just about every natural induction technique on the planet, homeopathic, physical, all of it (save castor oil and the cohoshes). A hospital induction is one of the last things I want-- I just meant that even if I WANTED to give up I'd be set up to fail. I've been going to daily NSTs for a week and had 2 ultrasounds. Going in for those only causes more stress, though, because they're of the belief that I should have had an induction weeks ago.

Thank you for that bit about going into labor straight from being not dilated at all-- that offers a bit of encouragement

Read this thread for inspiration! http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=967250

[erin_brycesmom]

(((hugs))))
I really worried that my body was broken after never dilated or going into labor with my first (on my own). But with my second, I learned that I'm not broken...my body just needs a little more time than the average. I've never gone into labor before 42 weeks.

I wish you peace and clarity with making a decision. My thoughts are with you and sending labor vibes your way.

[brokensemaphore]

Thanks everyone. I've already read just about everything there is to read online. Medical stuff AND birth stories! Some of the birth stories have actually become discouraging because a lot of them are only past their due date by a week or two (gosh, I never thought I'd say "only" in that sense!).

[SublimeBirthGirl]

Originally Posted by MegBoz

Don't beat yourself up!!!! The last thing you need is more stress. I know how that feels - I went to nearly 42 weeks, but I never even had any BH! I was starting to think my uterus just didn't work! : (I know, a little nuts.) I was soooo miserable!

My doula gave me that line of, "Try to relax, stress will inhibit labor." & I could have smacked her! HOW DARE she imply it was MY FAULT I wasn't in labor??

ITA with Nummies - it's proven that if you're 'Bishop's Score" is low, induction is less likely to work. Try natural induction methods & an NST/AFI to reassure you baby is OK.

As for going beyond 43W, one of my MWs herself said she went that long with one of hers & it was fine.

I don't know what your doula's tone was or anything, but I don't think she meant that it's your fault. It's information. Stress CAN inhibit labor. If you can relax, you are more likely to go into labor and/or have labor progress smoothly. I'm guessing she was trying to be helpful.

[AutumnAir]

I SO understand where you're coming from. I went to 43+1 weeks with my DD. I was planning a HB, but in a VERY anti-HB country, and I was SOOOO stressed for the last few weeks that my midwife would refuse to attend me and I'd either have to UC (which I wasn't really prepared for) or I'd have to go to a nasty hospital and be induced and end up with a C-section.

I was not at all dilated until the day I went into labour at 43 weeks exactly. I hadn't had any BH contractions - nothing. Like a PP I was wondering if my uterus just wasn't working. But it did - I went into labour all by myself! Eventually!

But every day seems like a year when you're at that stage of pregnancy - partly due to the physical side of it, but for me, almost all because of outside pressure. I hated people constantly asking me "You STILL pregnant?" "Why are 'they' 'allowing' you to go so long?" and so on.

I know that nothing I say can make it better for you, but please trust that your body and baby know what they're doing. You will go into labour when it's the right time for you and your baby. Your body and baby are working together to create the right birth for both of you.

[brokensemaphore]

Originally Posted by AutumnAir

almost all because of outside pressure. I hated people constantly asking me "You STILL pregnant?" "Why are 'they' 'allowing' you to go so long?" and so on.

Oh gosh, that's definitely the worst for me too! Between the midwives and well meaning friends and family, it's enough to drive a woman insane!

[AutumnAir]

I just noticed you're in the UK. You should be a bit better off there - the protocols as far as I can remember are to 'offer' induction from 41 weeks, but to continue with expectant management after 42 weeks.

And if I were you I would be EVEN MORE wary than I already am of induction - it's contraindicted for VBACs (as you know). Particularly if you're not dilated enough to try AROM or a Foley catheter. The likelihood of you being a 'failed induction' is pretty high. Much better IMO to keep going for the NSTs and wait til your body takes over. As long as you feel that you and baby are well and healthy, of course.

[Full Heart]

Have you cried? Like really cried. Blubbering idiot, crazy hormonal type cry? Let it all go? Like the lady in the viral video who missed her airplane lol. That sent me right into labor once.

How about orgasm? If nothing it would make you feel good for a little while lol.

Have you tried acupressure? You can do that for yourself. I think the spot is 3 finger widths above the inside of your ankle and the roof of your mouth just behind the ridge. I am sure someone has a diagram or something. http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/natinduc.html I think that might have it on there.

Its ok that you aren't dilated. It doesn't mean anything as far as labor is concerned. You can still go into labor tonight.

I am rooting for you.

[brokensemaphore]

Originally Posted by AutumnAir

I just noticed you're in the UK. You should be a bit better off there - the protocols as far as I can remember are to 'offer' induction from 41 weeks, but to continue with expectant management after 42 weeks.

And if I were you I would be EVEN MORE wary than I already am of induction - it's contraindicted for VBACs (as you know). Particularly if you're not dilated enough to try AROM or a Foley catheter. The likelihood of you being a 'failed induction' is pretty high. Much better IMO to keep going for the NSTs and wait til your body takes over. As long as you feel that you and baby are well and healthy, of course.

I wish! I got stuck with an area that's not homebirth friendly in the least. At every visit since term, they've mentioned induction, and I've had to actively advocate against it since 41 weeks. UGH! They know their place, luckily, and bend to my wishes, but it's not been fun.

They won't even do a foley catheter in the first place (my OB consultant claimed that they "don't do that in this country," which I know for a fact is untrue. Everything about going to this hospital to give birth makes my instincts scream!

[brokensemaphore]

Originally Posted by Full Heart

Have you cried? Like really cried. Blubbering idiot, crazy hormonal type cry? Let it all go? Like the lady in the viral video who missed her airplane lol. That sent me right into labor once.

How about orgasm? If nothing it would make you feel good for a little while lol.

Have you tried acupressure? You can do that for yourself. I think the spot is 3 finger widths above the inside of your ankle and the roof of your mouth just behind the ridge. I am sure someone has a diagram or something. http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/natinduc.html I think that might have it on there.

Its ok that you aren't dilated. It doesn't mean anything as far as labor is concerned. You can still go into labor tonight.

I am rooting for you.

Just about every day I have a bout like that with crying. Tried orgasm and both of the acupressure points (took me FOREVER to find the one in my hand!). I did just start having some bright red bloody show a few minutes ago, so while I'm trying not to get too excited, it's reassuring and boosting my spirits

[courtenay_e]

I have a girlfriend who had the lowest Bishop's score possible (cervix hard, high, posterior, long, and closed tight), and 12 hours later with no induction had her baby in her arms. Conversely, I have a friend who walked around at a six for six weeks. Where you are at this second (or yesterday or last week or an hour from now) means absolutely NOTHING in relation to where you will be tomorrow (or an hour from now or a week from now). Know that having had a vaginal exam and getting that information? Means nothing. It doesnt mean that you are not going to go into labor. It doesn't mean that you will go into labor today... you get my point. Relax. When your body is relaxed and the baby and your body are ready, you will go into labor.

[Full Heart]

Yay! I wonder if the mw was able to stir things up in there. Go cry again maybe contractions will start lol.

[TzippityDoulah]

first, if you have insurance they often cover chiropractors. if not, if there is ANY way you can scrape it together, it really is worth it! if you are stressed then you are tight. tight doesn't = baby coming out very fast or easily. (I understand money, trust me... but if it works it will save you a hospital visit/stay)

secondly, I agree that if you may be 42 or 43weeks... that is totally with in normal.

thirdly,if nothing else try hands and knees position... a lot. often as you can without hurting yourself. it gives baby room to move into better position. it really helps a lot of women.

fourthly (and most importantly) just b/c you're not dilated DOES NOT mean your cervix isn't doing anything and that you're not gearing up for labour. some woman don't change noticably until they are in labour. some changes weeks and weeks before. it means nada.

oh and fifthly... there is stick here somewhere on great "remedies ot help bring on labour for late pregnancy" (paraphrasing here, I can't remember the title)

[brokensemaphore]

We live in the UK so we just use the NHS, no private insurance. We can barely scrape the money together to get a cab to the hospital for monitoring, so we definitely can't afford anything else :/ I've been alternating between hands and knees leaning over the birth ball and sitting (bouncing and rotating on it) for days and days. I can't remember the last time I sat on the couch, haha!

[Materfamilias]

I hope you're gonna get some action soon!