I've never been so disappointed and so excited at the same time

[swampwitch]

I am one week postdate and had an NST and u/s to check for fluid levels today. The baby is reactive but my fluid levels are low. We're blindsided by this b/c the entire pregnancy he and I have been healthy and completely within normal ranges. I've had no leaking, just lots of peeing. Anyway, this is an indication of a possible complication and I have to go in for an induction tonight. We're starting with cervidil, and in the AM they'll start the pit. Ugh. I'm totally disappointed. We wanted to labor at home, I want to go natural. There is still a good possibility of going no epidural, but of course each medical intervention raises the possibility of another. Fortunately I completely trust my OB. She was a MW prior to getting a medical degree and reiterated her commitment to keeping this as natural as possible. It's just so disappointing to have to go this route. On the bright side, I'll be meeting my baby tomorrow. But right now I'm just grieving the loss of natural onset of labor and dealing with renewed fears of intervention.

[starlein26]

I'm glad that you're able to see a bright side...this is so important! Life is random and unpredictable, we have to do the best with what we're given! Good luck and best wishes...you can create the reality that you want even within these sh!tty circumstances...

[ladybugchild77]

YOU WILL DO GREAT! And I was not induced but I did have to have Pitocin...I did not have an epidural or pain meds so it IS possible! Congrats on meeting your little one and can't wait to read the birth sotry and see pix!!!

[deleria]

I know that feeling oh so well. The anticipation coupled with disappointment is something I'm very familiar with when it comes to my children's births. But you're right to look on the bright side; the important thing is that you're going to birth a healthy, happy baby, even if you get a little help doing so sooner rather than later.

The main thing for me is to remain empowered in my children's births. A disappointing birth experience is one where I feel I've lost control and not necessarily one where I've had more interventions than originally planned. Does that make sense? If I'm calling the shots as the mother and the woman who's body is going through labour, then I feel like I've made the experience the best one for my child and myself. But if I let other people steer the process (as I did with my first son's birth) then I end up mourning what could have been.

Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful birth experience and that your little one is safely in arms within a few short hours. I can't wait to hear about his arrival

[leurMaman]

I heard that the fluid test can be misleading (read: The Thinking Woman's Guide to Birth). You also have to make sure to drink lots and lots of water before you go in for the test. The fluid level can vascillate and get higher and lower depending on your fluid intake and what the baby is doing. If you have a midwife, she might let you drink more water, wait, and then test again to confirm this (you probably wouldn't see two false positives). If it is too late for that, then I will just send you positive birthing vibes. In the end, you'll get to hold your precious baby - and I wish you both a healthy birth.