Scared for the first time

[Amy@STL]

UPDATE-

I am a mother to a beautiful baby boy born via c-section after having 2 days of pro dromal labor, then 1 day of pitocin and epi which led to c-section. My 72 hr labor could not have ended any other way - baby had cord wrapped twice along his body, was posterior, and baby and me reacted to pitocin such badly that the smallest doze of .1 couldn't still be administered successfully. In 20 yrs of experience hospital staff had never seen such sensitivity. Again and again, we let natural contractions carry me, but they never productive enough. My birth went everything I didn't want and yet at EVERY single intervention,the doc,nurses, doula....everyone gave me 100% support to let nature take its course. I chose every step , no one forced me.
Breast feeding is going great - I breast fed him within an hr of surgery, after baby was taken to nursery because he couldn't breath. We are both happy and recovering now and I am proud of his birth






I have not been very regular on this forum, but absolutely enjoyed reading other's birth stories. Yesterday was my official due date. This is my first baby and I have heard they tend to show up late, but I am scared to be honest.
Not to sound too melodramatic, but this baby happened after a period of 5 yrs of overcoming various TTC challenges(we never went to doc though...did lot of research and overcame ourselves. I have issues with negative experience in my life). I became pregnant when we had accepted we won't have a child (we believe in only natural conception- just our personal belief - not to offend anyone here!!).Anyway, I was determined to enjoy every day of this pregnancy and I did. I was a happy, positive pregnant lady - till now. I have prepared a lot for the birth too...a natural hospital birth with doula. But, now that I am 40w 1 d, I am scared
I have no major signs...just some menstrual crampy feelings, a slightly increased vaginal dishcarge(dunno if that's the mucus plug coming out in bits...its not tinged though) and some pressure type BH for some weeks. Yday was my weekly appt, and my OB who is a great guy, scheduled a NST for this Thursday. I don't believe NSTs are interventions - if baby is fine, it's not like the doc's office will lie to me to scare me into an induction. So, I plan to go for the NST. But, I sooooooooooooooooo do not want to end up at 41 weeks with still no sign of labor and heading for induction, which will end up in C-section

[jenfl]

I'm 40w 2d with an intended homebirth, and just starting to think for the first time this pregnancy about the posibility of needing interventions. It is scary, when you've been expecting smooth sailing!

The good news is, you've got a whole week until 41, and another week after that until 42. I don't know what your OB's policy is, but I think usually moms are allowed to go until 42 weeks if things are looking ok. And there's all sorts of things to do to try to kick things into gear before then -- some old wives' tales that will at least make you feel better, but some actually supported by evidence.

The NST sounds like a great idea, and lots of talking with your OB about the options from here on out. Knowing what he's thinking -- and him knowing your concerns -- will put you guys on the same page and at least get rid of the fear of the unknown.

Good luck! I hope we both have a fabulous, speedy labor real soon now!

[october]

I'm with you Amy. I'm due today and there's so indication that she is coming soon. Hey, at least you're having BH! I haven't had ANY that I'm aware of.

My daily mantra has turned into, "I trust my baby to initiate labor when she is ready." And I do. I'd prefer not to wait another 2 weeks, but I trust her if that's what she needs. There is some ancient wisdom at work here in our body's dance with the unborn. I think it is worth trusting. There is something humbling about surrendering to what we can't control. And I'm a true control freak!

[SarahMommy]

I started getting really nervous around my due date also and I swear the birthing affirmations helped me so so much. I would lay on the couch before bed and listen to them until I fell asleep. Here is a free download. http://www.archive.org/details/HypnoBirthing

[Lilcrunchie]

Ditto birth affirmations or looking for some sort of fear release script (or consider working with a hypnosis instructor or similar?).

Is it primarily the thought of intervention scaring you, or just birth in general?

We went through IF issues to conceive my oldest (the last two have been happy surprises ). I found the whole experience of birth to be very, very empowering and really found it restored my faith in my body after dealing w/ IF.

Thinking of you!

[Juvysen]

i was induced w/my first and no c-section. It does raise your risks, but it's no guarantee!! I don't know if it'll help you or not, but Henci Goer's book "the thinking woman's guide to better birth", while it discusses why NOT to induce, it also gives suggestions on how to make sure you're induced "well" so to minimize your risks, if you decide to go for an induction. It definitely helps me to be prepared to ask for what I want, though, kwim? It freaks some people out, though, so it's not for everyone.

Remember, though, they can't force you to induce if you don't consent, so it's something that really is up to you. Maybe try vaginal EPO and lots of sex to get your cervix ripening? At best it may get your body to a place where it can go into labor on its own, and at worst you're more favorable for a "good" induction.

It's so hard not to get antsy in these last few weeks... especially when it starts to feel like doctors are breathing down your neck...

[cocoanib]

If you go until 41 wks will they automatically induce? Even if the NST's are fine?
Try not to stress mama. I know, easier said then done. I went over 41 wks with DD. Our backup did want me to start doing NST's but there was no threat of inducing until after 42 wks.
Are you doing lot's of walking. I walked more in my last week, then my whole pregnancy. Walk, sex, rrl tea and try not to stress.

[Right of Passage]

You have plenty of time to go into labor naturally. For what it's worth I was barely 1cm dialated, and about 10% effaced the day before DS3 arrived and was having no signs of labor. Sending you beautiful birthing vibes, and please know fear is normal and I'm glad you're here talking about it. You can do this!

Be prepared though, some doctors will play the "dead baby card" and crude and cruel as that is. Average gestation for a first time mom is over 41 weeks. Doctors have to protect themselves and their insurance.

[Amy@STL]

Thank you sooooo much everyone!!!

I completely agree with all the suggestions...I believe babies come when they want to. I am in no hurry. I will surely put up resistance if NST is fine and doc still wants to induce before 41 weeks. After 41.5 weeks, will have to play it by ear. I am well read on induction dangers, and have a very supportive hubby who is a physician himself and can back me up. My doc is a great guy actually and I agree that they have insurances and their jobs to protect.

I am glad to know there are others like me (not that I want others to have such troubles...but u know what I mean).

I have been walking, and we live in a townhome, so I climb stairs many times a day...probably time to increase my walking! I am also doing hypnobabies and the scripts are great I agree.

Send all other mamas vibes and hoping we all have the birth we dreamt of!

[Amy@STL]

Originally Posted by cocoanib

If you go until 41 wks will they automatically induce? Even if the NST's are fine?
Try not to stress mama. I know, easier said then done. I went over 41 wks with DD. Our backup did want me to start doing NST's but there was no threat of inducing until after 42 wks.
Are you doing lot's of walking. I walked more in my last week, then my whole pregnancy. Walk, sex, rrl tea and try not to stress.

Midwives are better than docs/OBs. Good for you. My OB will probably get nervous beyond 41 weeks and we will have to weigh the pros and cons.
Did you go over 42 weeks or did DD come on her own?

[Amy@STL]

Originally Posted by october

I'm with you Amy. I'm due today and there's so indication that she is coming soon. Hey, at least you're having BH! I haven't had ANY that I'm aware of.

My daily mantra has turned into, "I trust my baby to initiate labor when she is ready." And I do. I'd prefer not to wait another 2 weeks, but I trust her if that's what she needs. There is some ancient wisdom at work here in our body's dance with the unborn. I think it is worth trusting. There is something humbling about surrendering to what we can't control. And I'm a true control freak!

I am completely with you...BHs are not a big deal...I will be waiting for your birth story!

[Amy@STL]

Originally Posted by Juvysen

i was induced w/my first and no c-section. It does raise your risks, but it's no guarantee!! I don't know if it'll help you or not, but Henci Goer's book "the thinking woman's guide to better birth", while it discusses why NOT to induce, it also gives suggestions on how to make sure you're induced "well" so to minimize your risks, if you decide to go for an induction. It definitely helps me to be prepared to ask for what I want, though, kwim? It freaks some people out, though, so it's not for everyone.

Remember, though, they can't force you to induce if you don't consent, so it's something that really is up to you. Maybe try vaginal EPO and lots of sex to get your cervix ripening? At best it may get your body to a place where it can go into labor on its own, and at worst you're more favorable for a "good" induction.

It's so hard not to get antsy in these last few weeks... especially when it starts to feel like doctors are breathing down your neck...

Thanks!! Let me dig out that book in local lib. I read a lot of books and skipped this one coz I felt I knew enough already

[cocoanib]

Originally Posted by Amy@STL

Midwives are better than docs/OBs. Good for you. My OB will probably get nervous beyond 41 weeks and we will have to weigh the pros and cons.
Did you go over 42 weeks or did DD come on her own?

She wound up coming on her own. I went into labor 41+2. I was supposed to call and schedule an NST for that week, but went into labor before I could do that.

[gcgirl]

You don't have to induce at 41 weeks if you don't want to. My OB told me NSTs are good for three days, so you could have an NST and then schedule another one for three days later until the time comes when you either go into labor or decide it's time to induce.

I was afraid DS2 would never come out on his own - he was 10 days overdue and decided to come out 1.5 hours before his scheduled induction. We were thinking about rescheduling our induction from Thursday to Wednesday, and I'm so glad we didn't!

[Amy@STL]

Originally Posted by cocoanib

She wound up coming on her own. I went into labor 41+2. I was supposed to call and schedule an NST for that week, but went into labor before I could do that.

That's great to know!!!

[Amy@STL]

Originally Posted by gcgirl

You don't have to induce at 41 weeks if you don't want to. My OB told me NSTs are good for three days, so you could have an NST and then schedule another one for three days later until the time comes when you either go into labor or decide it's time to induce.

I was afraid DS2 would never come out on his own - he was 10 days overdue and decided to come out 1.5 hours before his scheduled induction. We were thinking about rescheduling our induction from Thursday to Wednesday, and I'm so glad we didn't!

Thanks..I didn't know that. That helps!

[claddaghmom]

I thought the ACOG said there wasn't reason for concern until after the 42 week mark???

Isn't talking about induction at 41 weeks a bit premature...(in context of no complications)??

[Amy@STL]

Originally Posted by claddaghmom

I thought the ACOG said there wasn't reason for concern until after the 42 week mark???

Isn't talking about induction at 41 weeks a bit premature...(in context of no complications)??

As I understand it,here's the reasoning docs use - "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. For these reasons your doctor may recommend delivery before 42 weeks of pregnancy."

http://www.acog.org/publications/pat...tion/bp069.cfm

I think it varies from doc to doc...how he interprets the 'possible risks' is what will determine his decision making.

[MiaMama]

For what its worth, my baby came at 40+6, and she was my second. She had tons of vernix, the placenta looked fine, and she had NO signs of being postdates. Babies aren't "overdue" until 42 weeks.

Also, my first DD was an induction for IUGR (at 38+4), and my cervix was 0cm, 0% effaced, and she was -2 station. I still didn't have a c-section (they wanted to get me for failure to progress after about 18 hours, but we negotiated).

My point? Hopefully you won't be induced, and if you are, remember that they don't always end in c-section.

The day before I went into labor, I had a very reassuring appt with my providers. I was able to let go of a lot of anxiety that day. That might have helped, or maybe it was hiking up and down and up and down the big hill in the park. Who knows?

[Amy@STL]

Originally Posted by MiaMama

For what its worth, my baby came at 40+6, and she was my second. She had tons of vernix, the placenta looked fine, and she had NO signs of being postdates. Babies aren't "overdue" until 42 weeks.

Also, my first DD was an induction for IUGR (at 38+4), and my cervix was 0cm, 0% effaced, and she was -2 station. I still didn't have a c-section (they wanted to get me for failure to progress after about 18 hours, but we negotiated).

My point? Hopefully you won't be induced, and if you are, remember that they don't always end in c-section.

The day before I went into labor, I had a very reassuring appt with my providers. I was able to let go of a lot of anxiety that day. That might have helped, or maybe it was hiking up and down and up and down the big hill in the park. Who knows?

Thank you!!! Your words mean a lot at this point.