41 weeks, no shadow care?

[MamaFranklin]

What would you do if you had a complete UP/UC history, baby #4 is at 41 weeks and you are looking at getting induced?

I have a limited selection of Dr.s in my area. Anyone have any experience?

[AlpineMama]

Hmm. Good question. What natural methods have you tried? Do you think there's anything blocking you mentally? Are you still getting good kick-counts and/or have access to a doppler or fetoscope? Are you positive of your dates?

I think what I would do, if I wanted a medical interference at that point (which, I probably wouldn't unless I sensed something was wrong) is to call up your local hospital of choice and ask them if you can do an NST in the L&D department. They will probably have you come in, and at that point, there would be someone there who would be more than willing to induce you. It might get dicey when explaining to them why you didn't get any prenatal care though, so maybe I'd also ask them BEFORE going in, what they would do in that case... Although I suppose they could always lie with the intention of getting you in there, but I doubt it.

[MamaFranklin]

I tell people about a "lay midwife" if they ask... That is ME...

But I have a good kick count.

And yes I have TONS of reasons to be mentally blocked! During this pregnancy my parents divorced and my house burned down. But I am not an intellectual who over thinks things (You know who you are out there!) And have never been that distracted during birth.

I have called my family (hippie) doctor and she is going to see me. I am going to ask her advice, since she knows the area.

[AlpineMama]

Wishing you lots of luck!! Please update us when you get the chance.

[zonapellucida]

Hmm too bad said hippie Dr. can't deliver......

eta I would do an herbal induction. gentlebirth has a midwife's tecnique I have used with success.

[mom2_3birds]

I would call doulas or midwifes in the area and ask if they know who the best "natural" friendly doctors are. Doctors that it's easier to get a VBAC with, etc.

In my area I know there are 2 docs that I would possibly go to and I've heard of a 3rd.

[mama in the forest]

Mama, I wouldn't do a single thing. I mean it, nothing.

[wombjuice]

Originally Posted by mama in the forest

Mama, I wouldn't do a single thing. I mean it, nothing.

Same here. Unless I intuitively felt like something was wrong, I would just assume baby isn't ready to come out yet.

[yvonnemlv]

Originally Posted by feminine_earth

Same here. Unless I intuitively felt like something was wrong, I would just assume baby isn't ready to come out yet.

Yeah.. you're ONLY 41 weeks, that's not overdue yet.. I'd give it at least one more week if not 2 before even worrying about that yet.

Maybe have lots of sex if that's possible for you at this point Otehrwise, enjoy these last few days of pregnancy.

[Tizzy]

I'd sit tight as long as your kick counts are good and if possible, you could hear a good heartbeat.
Also if you yourself are still doing well.

Try everything you can first from a bumpy car ride, lots of hot sex, hot baths, hot foods to castor oil (if your cervix is ready) etc.

[MamaFranklin]

Originally Posted by LConrad

I would call doulas or midwifes in the area and ask if they know who the best "natural" friendly doctors are. Doctors that it's easier to get a VBAC with, etc.

In my area I know there are 2 docs that I would possibly go to and I've heard of a 3rd.

We have no Doulas or MW's. We do not have OB's either (Yeah I live in the middle of no where) There are 2 Dr.s with hospital privileges... One who I have met... and hate and the other is a surgeon who only does C/S. So you can see why I am hesitant! I also have an unnatural fear of CPS.

My choice would be to wait and do nothing... But walking is becoming difficult and I am concerned with the size of the baby... All previous babies were 9 lbs.

[MsBlack]

At only 41 wks with a good baby kick count and no issues of my own, I wouldn't do anything but be patient...ok, truthfully I might cry a bit every morning when I woke up still pregnant LOL (did that once...my *only* long pregnancy).

I wouldn't even think about 'helping' things move along until 42 wks, and even then it would be mild/gentle things.

Babies do their fastest growth from about 32-34 weeks until 38wks--1/2 pound or more per week. Then growth slows down; then it slows down again after 40, 'typically'. So, just so you know that you don't have to worry about baby adding much per week, probably just another couple-few ounces from here on out.

And if you had no real issues birthing a 9pounder, then you likely won't have any with birthing a 10 pounder, either!

Happy waiting

[Charmie981]

I wouldn't let the size of baby concern you. Babies don't gain that much during the last few weeks of pregnancy, and I've seen mamas who were 42 week mamas have much bigger babies at 40 weeks (wonder if the others would have been that big at 40 weeks?).

I agree that you have a LEAST a week before you need to think about anything, unless you feel in your gut (and not the part of your gut that has been conditioned that pregnancy is dangerous!) that something is wrong. I hope you get some reassurance from you family doc .

[KariM]

It's hard for me to give you the advice you're looking for because I WOULDN'T induce. I've been down that road before - with an OB team and with a lay midwife (two diff pregnancies).

I hated that they all felt the baby had to be on THEIR timeline. What about letting the baby come when he/she is ready?

Is there something intuitively telling you that the baby needs help???

[mom2_3birds]

Originally Posted by MamaFranklin

We have no Doulas or MW's. We do not have OB's either (Yeah I live in the middle of no where) There are 2 Dr.s with hospital privileges... One who I have met... and hate and the other is a surgeon who only does C/S. So you can see why I am hesitant! I also have an unnatural fear of CPS.

My choice would be to wait and do nothing... But walking is becoming difficult and I am concerned with the size of the baby... All previous babies were 9 lbs.

given that I would have to agree with everyone else (do NOTHING) ... if you are desperate and really feel something is wrong, but don't feel you need a c/s now, go park at the hospital in a van and take herbs, and monitor the baby yourself.

Size is rarely a problem (from what I've read), it's usually more a combination of drugs mom has been given and position of the baby, usually given more time babies will get in the right position, so talk to your baby ask baby to get in the right position, and tell baby you're tired and really want baby to come soon. When my baby's been poking out funny and hurting me, I just talk to him/her and he/she usually moves relatively quickly.

You can do it!!! Have patients!! (BIG HUGS!)

[flapjack]

I am so sorry you're going through this, and you're stuck with this decision. Is the prodromal labour easing up at all and letting you get any rest, or are we still talking 41 weeks, 3 weeks straight of contracting AND previous big babies?

Hazarding a guess, I don't think the problem is that baby is big. I think the problem is that because baby is bigger, your uterus is fighting to get him into position and this process is proving difficult for some reason. It could be something as simple as a badly flexed head, or a nuchal hand. If I'm right, you're damned whatever you do: a chemical induction may work, but not on a hospital timeline because you're liable to end up with a c-section for FTP, depending on the nature of the malpresentation. Herbs/homoeopathics will probably worsen the prodromal without dilating your cervix. I would read Spinning Babies religiously, wear a support belt for your belly, because at some point those contractions are going to work. Baby will descend, your body will open and you give birth.
You can do this. We're here for you, we'll get you through this. Overthink things if you need to, sleep if you need to, but you are strong and you can carry this baby safely through this pregnancy and on out into the world. You've inspired me so much with your guts and courage on this journey through prodromal hell, don't give up now. The two of you will do this together.

[MamaFranklin]

The prodromal is getting worse... changing position brings sharp abdominal cramping today... rest is only about 45 mins... I do agree that baby is big (Feels like this biggest I have had) and may be in a bad position. I don't feel good/constant pressure on my cervix.

Going to do some belly dancing and lay down now.

[mama in the forest]

My last baby was 13 pounds even. It was no big deal....truly, no big deal at all. She came out like all my 10, 11, & 12 pounders. Head first and strong as an ox.

Try not to worry about size.

[ReikiMommy07]

LIke the PPs, I wouldn't do a single thing re. induction. Wouldn't even consider it... Take care of yourself mama, and esp. try to keep your spirits up. I'm sorry you've had a mentally/emotionally difficult pg... Been there! Ge6t whatever rest you can and spend time talking to your baby. You're a strong mama, and you can do this! We're all here for you. to you and babe!

[passionatepreggers]

I'm rooting for you, Jen! The ladies here have had some great things to say. What do you feel is best- deep inside? Beyond any fears or stubborness in any direction? You have that peaceful strength inside.