Help me out! Please

[wife&mommy]

I need to RELAX!

I am the biggest worrier in the world. I worry about everything. I really really really think this makes me tense and we all know that is not good for starting labor.

Right now I am worried because I feel like the clock is ticking. My midwife has a 42 week cut off (due to backup OB and state laws) and I am 40w3d.

That wouldn't be so concerning except I went 42 weeks with my son and was induced with cytotec (no pitocin though). He was clearly post dates (I could go on and on but just trust me, he should have been out, he was going downhill fast) but my body never started labor. So I am worried that there is something wrong with my body and it doesn't know how to start labor and that I will have to be induced again.

I worry about having the NST that start next week because I haven't even used the doppler at the midwifes office and now they want to do all the ultrasounds and hook you up to the monitors and all that. Plus I'd have to have my son with me and he is NOT good at things like that.

So I'm just worrying myself to death here. I don't think I would be so nuts except my prior experience with DS. I DESPERATELY want a homebirth. I wanted one with him and it was so disappointing not to have that. I just want it to work out this time.

So I need your help. How can I relax? I need some re-adjusting of my thinking. All I can do is focus on this baby and how to get it out and I know its not helping!

I have tried tea, chamomille, warm baths, massages (professional and DH), swimming, silence, meditating, sleep, lotions, lavender EO, and nothing is helping.

I HAVE to stop stressing but the more I think about not stressing out the more it stresses me out!

Talk me out of this!

[Beppie]

You still have over a week to go, right? Knowing that would help me to relax.

Can't your mw help you with natural methods of induction, starting at 41 weeks? My mw and the birth assistant seem to have lots of tricks up their sleeves that they've alluded to. I'm only 40 weeks today, but dd#1 was born at 42 weeks, so I might have to be induced naturally this time around if I'm still pregnant on December 28 (mw isn't too comfortable with me going beyond 42 weeks, also b/c of state regulations). What about acupressure, castor oil ... I'm sure there are other ways out there too.

[Pastrydemon]

I'm right there with you -- only my OB has set next Thursday (41w2d) as my deadline (I have GD and 42 weeks is Xmas...she won't be there...looong story).

I've heard of sucess w/ acupuncture and I'm getting some tomorrow. I have to keep reminding myself that I had almost no warning w/ DD so I shouldn't get upset that it doesn't feel like much is "going on."

I know how hard it is to relax.....especially w/ "the deadline" looming over our heads. I swear, it adds a day to this pregnancy everytime someone says to me something along the lines of: "you're STILL pregnant...I thought your DUE DATE was Tuesday!"

Here's to all of us waiting going into labor by tonight!

[transformed]

Here are some links about natural methods of induction for you to at least consider. There are so many things you can do on your own.

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/natinduc.html

Here is info about postdates. (Which actually I havent read and am going to now! LOL) http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/postdates.html

I have been really chilled out the last few weeks-despite going through quite a bit of fear a month ago. I think you just have to stay with positive things like my personal one right now "This baby will be born at the right time and in the right place." (And dont even say "I dont want to be scared." I think that just gets u more of the "scared.")

I *know* you are experiencing mass amounts of hormones right now that are making you mentally crazy but you are also experiencing GOOD hormones right now that are set in place just to relax you for the birth. Don't fight those.

Check this out:

In my studies of the hormones of birth, I've learned that the stress of labor causes a woman's body to release endorphines to ease the pain and to facilitate a primal bonding with her baby.

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/...s.html#Relaxin

[blue_salsify]

yeah, stressing isn't so helpful, i'm trying to relax right now too, i keep worrying my membranes have ruptured slightly but labor hasn't started. i don't remember these little gushes, 2-4 throughout the day, w/ DD #1 and when my water broke, it wasn't a ton. (i think i'll post a thread asking this...)

anyway about your problem, FWIW my water broke at 41w the day i got acupuncture (for the first time ever) and also ate a ton of pineapple.

i don't know if it would help you, but i usually feel better visualizing all my scenarios playing out as good as they could- even the ones i don't prefer. this helps me feel prepared and then i can say, "well, i've done what i can, might as well be in a good mood now."

good luck!