Support, please...

[shinky]

I know I'm whining, so please ignore if needed, BUT...

I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes by my MW/MD (family med). I have controlled it with diet and exercise. She has, however, gently warned me that she will not let me go much over 40 weeks (risk of stillbirth goes up?). I turned 39 weeks last Wednesday, went to my appt and was dilated to "almost 4" and 70% effaced. I have had very few contractions since then.

My next appt (40 weeks) is in the morning at 10:30. Um, nothing's going on - I've had a few contractions this afternoon, but nothing big or consistent. I really don't want to be induced. I wanted this birth to be spontaneous, natural, everything my first wasn't. As much as I'm trying to focus on the health of the baby I'm carrying, I'm beginning to get down since it's not looking like I'm going to be able to do this on my own.

Her first recommendation is to strip my membranes, then break my water and see if that gets me going. So what exactly is stripping the membranes? And how is it different from breaking the water?

It also doesn't help that my first was 5 days early, so I assumed this one would be, too. My due date is tomorrow, so I've already gone longer. And I'm getting grumpy... mostly because I'm frustrated and scared. I wanted my body to be in control and it's not looking like that's an option.

Anyone else BTDT? Any advice? Thanks in advance!

[debra_lea]

Oh, I hope you go into labor as you wish. I can imagine it would be stressful to have people pressuring you. I don't have much advice, except that there is a ton of information on the web. Just type in "natural ways to induce labor". Here is one site I found: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/pregnanc...bringonlabour/

I used black cohosh with my first. I had a very fast (41/2) hour delivery, and I have no idea how much was attributed to the herb, I never will know.

I wish you the best. Take care of yourself, and don't let anyone bully you!

[Amber_G]

I've been lurking in this thread for a month or so since I discovered these forums, but I thought I'd respond to your post. No real advice, just support. I'm GD too and this sounds tough. I'll be in the same boat too if I go over. So just thought I'd say that I hope you go into labor soon!

[Amber_G]

PS - You might try acupuncture. I know at least one person who it worked for.

Or, acupressure:
http://pregnancychildbirth.suite101....o_induce_labor

This one is a pretty easy point to find:
Spleen 6 - On the inside of the ankle, trace up four of mother's finger widths above the ankle bone. Rub for about 1 minute.
There's a picture on this page:
http://www.lifepassages.net/NaturalInduction.html

[~minnow~]

I just wanted to offer support! I hope labor gets going for you soon. I hope your midwife lets you hold out at least another day or two.

[lactivist]

Stripping the membranes separates the sac from the cervix without breaking the water, this can release prostaglandins and get labor going. Breaking the water is releasing the water from the sac by making a hole. This puts you on the clock so to speak. I would negotiate for starting with stripping the membranes and then waiting for labor to kick in before jumping to anything else. I would also suggest having sex. Semen is full of prostaglandins and can kick in labor when one is as ripe as you are. Maybe a NST will buy you more time with your midwives?
Wendi
ETA: Here's a big for you! I am sorry you are put in this position.

[AbbieB]

How are you feeling? DO you feel like the baby is OK?

You do not have to consent to an induction just "because". If you feel you and the baby are doing well why not wait? Keep an eye on you blood pressure, your blood sugar, kick counts, maybe a non stress test. If things look good you can wait.

You can always change your mind and be induced "tomorrow". Meanwhile "today" you can let things take there course or start some gentle natural induction methods at home (sex, walking, acupressure, hands and knees exercise, evening primrose oil, acupuncture) then progress from there to slightly more aggressive methods (stripping membranes, Castor oil, herbs).

Follow your heart. Take each day as it comes. And remember you have the final say on when/if to induce. You can get through this!

Maybe a good place to start is a nice massage to relax and help you be at peace with the decisions you are facing. Or at least a nice long soak in a hot bath! Take care of yourself.

[allbrightmama]

I don't have anything to add except support. I am so sorry you are in this position. I will be rooting for you. Spontaneous labor vibes coming your way!

[twead]

I don't have any btdt advise but on another forum I read they say 'you can't be induced if you don't show up for the induction'. follow your instincts.

[shinky]

Thanks, everyone, for the positive comments. After reading your posts, I feel much more prepared for my appt this morning. We've not tried the accupressure or acupuncture, but I've been walking, scrubbing, and trying to get in as much sex as possible with a co-sleeping, clingy, two-year-old. My MD suggested that we might try EPO today if no progress. The baby is definitely active, my blood sugars are well within the controlled level, and my blood pressure has been terrific so far. My weight gain has been minimal. I feel fine. Well, except for my impatience getting the best of me.

Thanks so much for the info!!! I'm always amazed at the knowledge of all the mamas on these boards! I think I just needed to surround myself with positive, "you can do it" vibes.

[Plaid Leopard]

Nothing to add, except for hugs and support. I hope you go into labor soon and everything goes well.

[stacyg]

:

[mommajb]

and support. Wishing you a healthy babe soon.