How long can I go?

[zimmee]

I am 42 weeks and one day, today. I am worried that I will not go into labor before it is too risky to continue. I am wondering: what is the latest that one can/should go with out having to intervene at a hospital? What are the ways of monitoring the baby with out going to the hospital? (non-stress tests but at home, is there such a thing?)

I am just so afraid of losing my homebirth. Please help! :

[HomeBirthMommy]

Are you using a midwife? I know there are a few here in ATL that have back-up docs that will schedule a non-stress test for you at the hospital. I don't think you can just go in and ask for one, though. Dr. Dot at Northside seems to be particularly open to helping homebirthing mamas.
Hang in there mama.

[chumani]

Hi Mama,

I went to 42 weeks with my 4th pregnancy, it is so hard and uncomfortable! Have you been doing kick counts? Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Do you have access to a stethoscope? This far along you would be able to listen to heart tones pretty easily. You can get a student model stethoscope at most medical supply stores for around $15-20.

Sending lots of labor vibes to you! Best wishes!
Sarah

[LionTigerBear]

Are you even certain of your conception date? What if it was two weeks off and your really only 40 weeks? Are you measuring right along for 42 weeks?

Also, some babies just take longer to bake, in which case, it's totally safe. This tends to run in families so you could ask your mom/grandma and see if there's a pattern there . . .

Try doing a belly lift. You can read about this technique in the book "Back Labor No More." You might be able to find info on it on the 'net too, I don;t know. Also, actively relax, when you are stressed it tends to pull baby up and off of your cervix which will delay labor. The purpose of the belly lift is to align the baby so that it is more directly pressing on the cervix. The belly lift is great for precipitating labor if the cervix is ready.

Talk to your baby often, tell him/her that it is time to come out and tell him about all of the fun things that await him or her.

And know that if you have to go to the hospital, you can still have an AWESOME experience, I promise! You just need a good advocate (like your hubby, a doula, or your midwife acting as a doula) so that you can just relax and focus on your work.

[Sahmami]

Zimmee - looks like we are in the same boat. I am 42 weeks and one day as well. I do wonder if the timing is off because I was bf exclusively for a four month old infant when I became preggo. Does that mean it (conception) could be delayed up to three weeks right?? Hmm.

Please post here when you go into labour!! I think you'll have your baby before I'll have mine, LoL. Hope to hear from you real soon!

[Bay Area Babe]

I was 42 weeks and 2 days before I gave birth last week (that said, I had a labor of over 48 hours ending in an emergency c-section). How long depends on how long you're comfortable with waiting and if everything looks good with the baby.

My doula sent me this link when we were waiting. It has lots of stories (though you have to pay for most re: post dates babies). http://www.birthlove.com/free/poppy.html

Personally, towards the end I started feeling really desperate and tried lots of crazy things I wish I hadn't (black/blue cohash, nipple stim, accupuncture, etc.). While they may or may not have started the prodromal labor, I wish I had trusted my body more. Sadly, my mother had her membranes striped with both my brother and I so I couldn't ask her to get a feel if this was normal for our family.

Go with your heart.

[zimmee]

I am feeling better about it all now. I lost most of my mucous plug last night and this morning, so I feel like something is happening in my body. I just need to trust the baby to come when he/she is ready!

Thank you for the info and encouragement everyone!