Progress Update- opinions?

[GoodNamesGone]

Ugh- trying to keep this short, but it isn't easy.

MW appointment was today.

Ok, NST went fine. Had another Strep-test thingy. Declined a cervix check and a membrane sweep- still not sure how I feel about a membrane sweep- I've heard pretty equal positive and negative experiances with it.

I'm scheduled for an Ultrasound tomorrow in the morning, and MW will be calling me depending on results. It'll be a full work-up, but she assured me that weight is NOT accurate, especially with big babies. (she's calling mine big now ) She said that this is JUST to check fluid levels, they're only measuring because they haven't in a while.

If my fluid level is too low, she wants to induce. If it is fine, then I will have another UltraSound and NST scheduled for Monday, and hope that she shows up over the weekend.

If I make it to Monday without baby, then we determine if we'll be inducing or not depending on results of the US and NST. She said something about Wednesday, I think that's when she wants to start induction. She thinks it will take 2 days of various methods to get me started. She said I'm not allowed to go PAST 42 weeks.

*sigh* I'm not sure how I feel. I kind of feel like giving up and just getting this baby out... but what about letting her ocme when she's ready?

I don't know- I'm looking for opinions. I'm also having pretty regular contractions today, so it might not matter anyway!

What would you do? I know I could fight it by not showing up, or refusing.. but I don't want the baby to get HUGE and set myself up for a C-section.

[Quindin]

The baby actually does not keep getting bigger at this point (they actually begin losing a bit of weight) so that's not a worry.

I would ask for a sweep just because it is the least invasive option you have right now. I had one Tuesday, and it literally felt much less uncmfortable than a PAP, but that's maybe because I have had so many kids. It has not worked for me though as I am still
pregnant ...

As to the US for fluid levels, I was never offered one before 41 weeks, but I guess I would have said yes to it had I been offered because I tend to worry.

I know that due dates are just numbers and I really admire the ladies here who fight and resist induction indefinetely. However, when one has been suffering for weeks already in pain and sees the EDD come and go and NOTHING happen, there just isn't any strength left to fight the whole establishment teling you are "not allowed to go before 42 weeks" Heck, one may even begin to see induction as salvation depending on how terribly they have been doing! So you need to decide for yourself what to do at this point and not feel awful if you don't have strength to fight.

My induction is scheduled for Tuesday, 41 weeks + 2 days for several reasons. I am praying and doing EVERYTHING to get the baby to come before then. But I am just utterly done and come to the end of my rope...

[pinksprklybarefoot]

Is there any medical reason (something more than "big baby" or "low fluid level") that your MW wants to induce? Having an induction is going to do *way* more to set you up for a c-section than having a big baby. And measuring baby size/fluid levels by US isn't even that accurate at this stage in the game. So many "big" babies come out at 8 lbs.

Your baby is going to come eventually, and even though it seems like it is taking forever, you are at the point where if you induce, it could have been for nothing because the baby probably would have come on its own within a few days. I know the waiting stinks - I went over with my first, and despite having been "done" with this pregnancy at around 20 wks, I am mentally prepared to wait this one out. Sure, I'm uncomfortable now, but the recovery from a cesarean birth would probably be much more uncomfortable.

If you want to move things along, I'd get busy DTD and with a breast pump. But try to avoid an induction. I'd be in the "no show" camp - what are they really going to do? Send the cops to your house to escort you in?

[gossamerwindweb]

Originally Posted by pinksprklybarefoot

Is there any medical reason (something more than "big baby" or "low fluid level") that your MW wants to induce? Having an induction is going to do *way* more to set you up for a c-section than having a big baby. And measuring baby size/fluid levels by US isn't even that accurate at this stage in the game. So many "big" babies come out at 8 lbs.

:

[SequoiasMom]

I don't know, i think some inductions can be done safely without the risk of tumbling into intervention city, or a c- section.
Especially of you are working with a midwife. What method of induction will she use?
I would do as Quindlin suggested, and get the membrane sweep. What else are you trying?
Try everything before the "real" induction, whatever that may be.
I would do everything I can to avoid the c-section....but even IF you do have one, it's o.k.
You'll have your beautiful baby!

[gossamerwindweb]

membrane sweeping, nipple stimulation, etc. I don't think need to lead to intervention but pitocin almost certainly does... not ALWAYS, but most of the time.

[BlessedEarthMother]

Have lots of sex!!! That is the best and most fun way to get that baby out Have you talked to your MW about herbal options or castor oil instead of the membrane sweep and other more medical methods?

If it were me I would wait. Your due date can be a couple of weeks off and a "normal pregnancy" can be 38-42 weeks. Between dates that are off and normal variations in gestation length you could be up to 4 weeks off on a due date. I don't want to say that to scare you. I just want to point out that this is not an exact science.

Your baby knows when to be born!! It is so important for your baby to get to send the hormonal messages to start labor when he/she is ready. And it is so highly unlikely that your body would build a baby that is too big for you to give birth to- especially if you will have the freedom to move about and be upright during labor. As long as your baby is doing fine, there is no reason to force him/her out before they're ready.

Just my opinion

[Quindin]

I personally think that membrane sweeping is less invasive and uncomfortable than using castor oil. Having intestinal discomfort and the runs whilst in labor is simply awful. Several women I talked to about it say the same.

Again, maybe sweeps don't hurt me at all because I have had so many babies, but compared to passionately DTD, a sweep feels like NOTHING.

[mysticmomma]

a single low fluid level is not indicative of trouble. It's a pattern to be seen. SO if you don't want an induction, make sure to drink lots and lots of water before hand.

[Emilyjvg]

Induction

First off, Courage mama. You can do it! I am not allowed to go past 42 wks as well. (1st was induction and C at 42 wks, 2nd was VBAC with caster oil at 42 wks and this one I am creeping up on 39 wks. Due July 18th) My MW is licensed and can not take me past 42 wks so that is why we did everything possible to get labor happening. I don't recommend a pit. induction. For me it was the worst. Caster oil was tough but it worked and FAR better than the pit. I will do it again this time if I need to. I would rather have my HB with my MW and caster oil than a Hospital birth.
I would start with sweeping. My MW did gentle sweeping with my second and it always started contractions (they never took, but it started stuff) As my MW says, "you are in control" if it is painful or miserable tell them to stop. I did not think it was too bad and I have extreme issues down in that area. Go slow and relax. I think the best advise that I heard putting all the other home remedies behind is to RELAX: Mentally and physically. Dream about your baby being here and focus on that. The love hormone is the best inducer ever in all forms!!!!

Good Luck you are going to do great!!!

Other Ideas I am trying:
Acupressure
Acupuncture
Walking
Sex
Nipple Stimulation
Raspberry leaf Tea
Black and Blue Cohash
Etc.....

[BlessedEarthMother]

Originally Posted by Emilyjvg

Other Ideas I am trying:
Acupressure
Acupuncture
Walking
Sex
Nipple Stimulation
Raspberry leaf Tea
Black and Blue Cohash
Etc.....

Yeah! I totally forgot to mention Acupressure. It really can work wonders. Also, the essential oil clary sage is great to get things going. Mix the clary sage with a carrier oil like vitamin e oil and massage into any acupressure points that are contraindicated for pregnancy. A really easy point to work is behind the webbing between your thumb and first finger in the more muscly area.Pinch around and you will find it, it is the spot that will feel really sensitive when you squeeze it. Just squeeze it and rub it as much as you want. There are lots of other points that you can work yourself or have someone else rub for you. You can find them if you do a google search for acupressure points contraindicated for pregnancy. HTH

[GoodNamesGone]

The Ultrasound went great- my fluid levels are good, baby is good. The only "hitch" it that the machine said she was 10lbs 4oz. The Doctor (not the tech) said that yes, the machines can be off, and asked to just feel my belly and make a guess- her guess is 9 1/2 lbs.

I KNOW that's not exactly accurate, and DH keeps reminding me of that- but my concern is more with what the MW will do with this information. Is it going to motivate her to get things goign sooner, or is she going to brush it off as inaccurate machines?

She hasn't called me yet, I think I will call her a bit later and ask about that sweep to get me going for the weekend. Oh, and my MW is a CNMW, so I believe that's why she can't let me go past 42 weeks.

I -have- been drinking some raspberry leaf tea (not religiously though- I'm going to up the dosage now) and DTD a little... lately "results" in me are a lot more difficult to get (and one more motivator to get this done with!) so DH isn't so into it. It's funny because DTD is #1 on my MW's list of things to try.

I WANT to try accupressure, but I don't know that I can afford it... or where to go.

I got myself some of my favorite chocolates, and have been talking to the baby today- this has been nice and relaxing, but so far resulted in nothing but a wiggly baby (she seems to love it when I talk) and a calm me. That's great, but not labor .

Any idea where I go to get cohosh? Herbal remedies are totally new to me, I was lucky our grocery store had the raspberry leaf tea.

[plantmama]

You do the acupressure points yourself. If you need visuals maybe look online? Here's what I found with a quick search but there could be a better site: http://pregnancychildbirth.suite101....o_induce_labor
I did the hand one with ds #2 and another one and I believe it had an effect. My labor was very fast and intense though, just a warning. I did it for about 1 week.
The cohashes are at places like whole foods if you have one. Or a health food store/ food co-op?
If you want to try acupuncture it might be faster acting. Where I live there is a community acupuncture center which charges $25 a session I think, so you might be able to find something like that if you're really needing it.

I'm glad your ultrasound looked good! I'm hoping for a weekend baby too

[BlessedEarthMother]

You can do the accupressure yourself or have your DH do it for you. You really don't need training to do it.Here are a couple of websites that you can reference:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Acupressur...rth&id=1663384

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/induc...uce-labor.html

http://www.brighthub.com/health/alte...les/23442.aspx

As far as DH not being into DTD..... I would tell mine TS!! You got the baby in there that way and now you're going to help me get the baby out of there that way!!

Good Luck Mama!

[BoringTales]

I'd try some aggressive membrane sweeping, preferably several days in a row, before I'd agree to a medical induction.

[mysticmomma]

9.5lbs is not that big.

[moonygoony]

Another thing to consider in all this is what position your baby is in. If it is posterior, that makes a baby seem bigger on palpating and also keeps baby from settling down into the pelvis nicely (well, for most moms, some just seem to fit better with a posterior baby but I don't think that is the norm). Just an idea to add onto the pile of excellent ideas above.

[GoodNamesGone]

Thanks for clarifying on the accupressure! I'm going to try that when DH gets home... or at least when he's about to.

As far as baby's position, she's been head-down, posterior the ENTIRE time. Between you lovely ladies, and some old friends on facebook, I'm feeling a lot better about her size. Either she isn't that big, or she is, and I can do it.

I think part of my problem is that depressions been hitting me pretty hard, so all this seems a lot bigger than it needs to be. I'm trying to focus on the happy things.

My baby will be here soon, I'll finally get to hold her, and see her face. Even with all my fears, she's healthy. My mother will be visiting and I'll get some of her good-ol-fashioned TLC. She's promised to make me some of my favorite meals! I'll get to see DH with a baby for the first time, and it will be ours. When Dad and my brother get here, I get to see them with my baby. My step-sons are happy to get a little sister- it'll be fun to let them hold her. All my extended family can't wait for her to get here- this child will be VERY loved. It took a long time to get here, but I did.

Despite the economy, despite all the deaths in the family the last couple years, despite the drama from others, despite all the stress, despite PCOS- things are good, and I have a lot to be happy about.

[gossamerwindweb]

Originally Posted by GoodNamesGone

I think part of my problem is that depressions been hitting me pretty hard, so all this seems a lot bigger than it needs to be. I'm trying to focus on the happy things.

My anxiety has been severe... and my depression kicking up too. It just seems that some of us have enough hormones going in the late third trimester to make us feel nuts. At least I do!

[Ianthe]

We induced me this time with a membrane sweep + black and blue cohosh + accupressure, and it worked There are lots of things you can do before pit.

(my first pg i did castor oil, and would've done it again before pit any day)