41 weeks and still not dialated....Much talk of induction

[Iriemama96]

OK...so my due date came and went, bummer. so here I am at 41 weeks with my OB saying "what form of induction would you like to use? Or perhaps another C/S?" How discouraging! Any ways....what should i do if I go past 42 weeks?

Ah yes...meanwhile, everyone I know is calling me daily "baby here yet? are you in labour?" while the inlaws sit on the freakin couch and just watch me...waiting for labour...so annoying.

[Storm Bride]

I ended up with another c-section at 41w, 5d. I wish I'd stuck to my guns. The doctors act as though the stillbirth rate hits 80% at 41 weeks - way overboard.

Good luck - and I totally hear you about everybody calling and asking if the baby's here yet. I was getting tempted to reply with "not yet - but it's a good thing you called, because we're not planning to let you know". :rolleyes

[Artisan]

One option would be to just not show up for the scheduled induction and arrive at the hospital in active labor.

[MelissaEvans]

Here's a link with a bunch of natural induction methods
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/natinduc.html
In the mean time, go for a walk to get your mind off it, entertain the in laws, and help get that baby settled down. =) Talk to your baby, and make sure you're feeling ready too. I really think our brains can override things sometimes. Good luck!

[onlyboys]

A friend and client of mine was 41 + 3 and had an aunt there "watching" for labor. She sent her aunt home, and went into labor that night. You know what they say about a watched pot...

Good luck to you!

[dlm194]

I vote for trying for a natural induction!!! I used reflexology to get labor going.

[homemademomma]

if you are not dilated or effaced at all a natural induction probably wont work. i second the idea to get rid of your IL!!!! you will probably go into labor as soon as they leave.

talk to your OB frankly about what you want. IMO its best for all parties to be on the same page. tell her/him you dont want a c/s, you dont want to be induced unless there is fetal distress, even after 42 weeks, and that you want to wait for labor to begin on its own. bi-weekly NST's will probably make your OB okay with waiting.

lots of sex and orgasm is great for ripening the cervix and getting labor going! walking and squatting and swimming are great too. get lots of rest and stay well hydrated and well fed. you will do this!

eta: things like reflexology and acupressure and homeopathy wont hurt, though, if you want to try. things like black and blue cohosh and castor oil are more intense and you sould probably wait to try those until your cervix is ripe, and only as a last resort. hth :)


eta again : a chemical induction in the hospital with pit/ prostaglandin gel probbaly wont work if your cervix isnt ready either!!! so stick to your guns!

[MelissaEvans]

And the lots of sex and orgasm aren't too fun with the IL's around! =)

[Iriemama96]

Well, thanks for all of the words of encouragment....still nothin' goin on . I really feel like, although I know it's not true, that this is a very permanent situation. I feel so ready for this labour, but wonder if it will ever come .

[altarflame]

Cristina,

I've been wondering what's going on with you! I'm so glad you didn't come back to say you'd had another c/s...it *will* come. Are you taking lots of long walks during the day and having lots of sex at night? (You don't really have to answer that) Also, I've heard lots of urban legend type stuff about both spicy foods and eggplant parmesean. There is a restaurant in Georgia that will refund your money if you come in, have their eggplant parmesean, and don't go into labor within 48 hours :p

Keep us updated! And try to remember that USUALLY when a woman goes "late" it really just means the pregnancy was misdated. My son was delivered by c/s at what all dates and ultrasounds said was 37 weeks...but as soon as the neonatologist and pediatrician saw him out, they could tell he was AT MOST 35 weeks (fur on his body, almost no finger nails, underdeveloped lungs, etc etc). So every frustrating day that drives you mad, could be one more day that babe needs inside of you.

[dlm194]

Aren't raspberry leaf tea and evening primrose oil supposed to help get your cervix ready? One of my midwives was going to rub the EPO directly on my cervix if it wasn't getting ready by week 40.

Here is that eggplant recipe from that restaurant in GA if you want to try it!!!! :D http://www.wchstv.com/gmarecipes/eggplantparmigian.shtml

[lizziejackie]

Don't give in to those doctors...and don't be persuaded if they start saying how you are risking your babies health by going "over". A vast majority of "overdue" babies are fine and those that aren't would have had the issues had they been born two weeks early. Don't panic! Your baby will come when it's ready...

My friend was pretty much zero on the Bishop's score, one week overdue and was told her fluid was low and to schedule and induction the next day. She begged for three more days, went home and had sex, acupuncture and EPO. She went into labor on her own two days later and squeezed out a 9-12 baby in less than 10 hrs of labor. No problems and a great delivery!

Hang in there!

[homemademomma]

maybe its something mental/emotional that is holding you up.. . . like being scared of a c/s, not wanting your IL around after the birth, etc etc. have you thought about any mental blocks that may be holding up your labor?

[Iriemama96]

I really don't think it's anything emotional, I have been feeling very excited and happy about the upcoming labour. I tried spicy food, although I hate it , but it didn't work out. Sex, well, I am having a hard time gettin in the mood. We share a bed with our two year old and have the inlaws sleeping right next door in the "kids" room. So, finding privacy is not an easy thing to do right now.
My doc is as supportive of a VBAC as one can get, but she is still a doc. She was thinking of striping my membranes on tuesday if I am dialated at all yet. I dunno though. I may just want to forego and cervix checks as thay have proven to be very discouraging.
I'm gonna try that eggplant...I'll let ya know how it goes!! :thumb

[crunchymomof2]

Here is that eggplant recipe from that restaurant in GA if you want to try it!!!! :D http://www.wchstv.com/gmarecipes/eggplantparmigian.shtml

I ate there with my last pregnancy. :LOL It didnt help me cause i wasnt ready for labor. I went into labor a week later. It was very tasty meal though. They have the best(bad for you) garlic bread ever. It will happen when you stop waiting. :wink

[Mary-Beth]

You're 41 weeks...many women don't dialate until they go into labor...so all we know is your not in laboe yet. it doesn't mean you won't dilate and go into labor on your own. Maybe your OB should keep his hands off your cervix- sometimes the less we know the better!
I had both my girls at 42 weeks. With the first I went crazy with everyone (including myself) thinking I should have the baby already!
I know it can be hard but I'd suggest you just enjoy these final days/week of pregnancy. Take pictures, go out to dinner, soak in a tub. Your baby may need a few more days before he or she is ready to breathe air and regulate temp. etc.
Trust your body, trust your baby, trust the process!
You will thank yourself later- your labor will go better!!!

If you go past 42 weeks, you may consider an US to check fluid levels.
You can still wait....but you can figure that out when you get there....

[wasabi]

Aren't raspberry leaf tea and evening primrose oil supposed to help get your cervix ready? One of my midwives was going to rub the EPO directly on my cervix if it wasn't getting ready by week 40.

RRL tea just helps tone the uterus. You can drink it all during pg. It doesn't induce labor in any way. EPO does help ripen the cervix as do borage oil and fish oils. I used both during my last two pgs and I think it really helped. To the OP I know how frustrating this is. Hang in there!

[kiwimutti]

Hey, in europe i think 42 weeks is considered full term?...so you still have some lee way... :twothumbs

both mine were 10 days "late" my midwife just kept an eye on the amnionic fluid level...which is to do with if the placenter is still functioning and not getting old? and signs of distress in baby. but if thats all still doing great there isnt need to induce just based on your edd right? unless im missing something?
the last few weeks are eternity arnt they? especially with the ILs :eyes :eyes :eyes

:hug

[PaytonsMom]

Thinking of you!! *** Labor vibes!! ***

[KKmama]

I was in the same boat as you at 41 wks. Ds2 was VBAC'ed 5 days later. Wishing you labor vibes...

[Iriemama96]

Just haven't posted in a few days, thought I woul dlet everyone know..no labour yet! Keepin my fingers crossed! :thumb

[Mary-Beth]

Hang in there! I've been thinking of you.

Just believe in yourself- you WILL go into labor!!!

~Mary-Beth

[PaytonsMom]

when was your actual due date?

[cathicog]

Remember that if they are using the wheel thingies, then you are really only 40 weeks, if they say you are 42...so if they talk induction at say, 38 weeks, your body is really only 36, and that is why there are so many failed inductions.... so you may still have a week or so to go, and tell those docs to stuff it. Nicely. But they need to keep thier hands outta you!! you will know when you need them if the baby is already here! LOL... I would wait...keep an eye out for the baby's kicks, 10 kicks or more in 12 hrs, and baby is fine....there are also other non-invasive methods of assessing baby's well being, which you can do at home...

[homemademomma]

. Sex, well, I am having a hard time gettin in the mood. We share a bed with our two year old and have the inlaws sleeping right next door in the "kids" room. So, finding privacy is not an easy thing to do right now.
My doc is as supportive of a VBAC as one can get, but she is still a doc. She was thinking of striping my membranes on tuesday if I am dialated at all yet. I dunno though. I may just want to forego and cervix checks as thay have proven to be very discouraging.



:( it sounds like you feel like people are waiting for you to go into labor- your doc, your IL's- you know what they say- a watched pot never boils! maybe your inlaws can take your baby out for the day/evening, and you and dh can get some time by yourself

[Iriemama96]

I am 42 weeks at the end of the weekend. I have felt like everyone is watching and waiting, but that has passed. I am starting to get worried that this is babys way of letting me know he should not come out this way. we'll see I suppose.

[altarflame]

You know, Cristina, I can understand why you would worry that way - BUT...I had a miscarriage when I was supposedly 12 weeks pregnant. That was by lmp AND ultrasound. The fetus that came out was 5 inches long and WAY more developed than they expected. Like, I was at least a month further than anyone had thought :/ Then, with my last baby (and third c-section), I was scheduled at 37 weeks to go in and have him. Again, 37 weeks by lmp and ultrasound. Well - the second he was out everyone knew I was misdated. His fingernails were thin and transparent and almost non-existant, he was furry, lungs weren't ready, etc etc. They said he was 35 weeks, barely (the neonatologist and ped, I mean). So I've been misdated by at least two weeks IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS *twice*. I'm just saying, if I had went natural with the last one (as I so, so often wished I had) I wouldn't have been 40 weeks until I was labeled 42 weeks, you know? So if I had actually went "late", he could have been born at 43 or 44!

Just something to hopefully reassure you a little...

[crazy_eights]

Remember that if they are using the wheel thingies, then you are really only 40 weeks, if they say you are 42...so if they talk induction at say, 38 weeks, your body is really only 36, and that is why there are so many failed inductions.... so you may still have a week or so to go, and tell those docs to stuff it. Nicely. But they need to keep thier hands outta you!! you will know when you need them if the baby is already here! LOL... I would wait...keep an eye out for the baby's kicks, 10 kicks or more in 12 hrs, and baby is fine....there are also other non-invasive methods of assessing baby's well being, which you can do at home...

The 'wheel thing' and the average length of pregnancy are all based on your last menstrual period. That is not why we have so many failed inductions. We have so many failed inductions b/c the body labors when ready (generally) and trying to force the matter often doesn't work.

Also, you should have more than 10 kicks in 12 hours. Usually recommended is 10 in an hour of so (this link (http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/pregnancytests/a/aa061697.htm) says more than 10 in 4 hours, ACOG says 10 in 2 hours.). Less than 3 in an hour (and repeted with no improvement after a sweet drink) is reason for a visit to L&D.

[Mary-Beth]

It sounds like you have some doubts...I really do understand. As best as you can though have faith in nature. Don't look for signs that this means your baby or your body won't or can't be delivered naturally. It probably means your baby isn't quite ready. The perfect time will soon be here! I hope I'm not pushing you to go natural if you don't want to...but it sounded like that's what you really wanted and you could just use a reminder right now.

I wish you the best!

[bleurae]

PLEASE PLEASE visit this website, I wish I had found it before my son was born. I went 42 weeks and used castor oil and ended up with a c-section and huge personal birth trauma. Your body isn't failing you, all babies know when to come.
Hang in there mama.

http://www.birthlove.com/free/ten_month_mama.html

[cathicog]

The 'wheel thing' and the average length of pregnancy are all based on your last menstrual period. That is not why we have so many failed inductions. We have so many failed inductions b/c the body labors when ready (generally) and trying to force the matter often doesn't work.
This is correct. I apologize for not wording what I meant, better.

Also, you should have more than 10 kicks in 12 hours. Usually recommended is 10 in an hour of so (this link (http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/pregnancytests/a/aa061697.htm) says more than 10 in 4 hours, ACOG says 10 in 2 hours.). Less than 3 in an hour (and repeted with no improvement after a sweet drink) is reason for a visit to L&D.
Next time before I answer a comment, I will read up on it more. I went by what I remembered, but all my books are packed up- we just moved, and they arent unpacked yet. I will be sure to be either better informed before I say anything, or have my documentation. I do know of babies who scared the stuffing out of thier mothers, but were just having a quiet time. So that is why I felt the 12 hrs was more, shall we say, practical. Especially during the end of pg, when the baby quiets down just before labor starts.

[crazy_eights]

The usual advice is to do it at a time period when you know your baby to be active. Also, that is why the recommend trying twice, so you avoid a 'false alarm' of a quiet time.

[elvispupy]

I am 42 weeks at the end of the weekend. I have felt like everyone is watching and waiting, but that has passed. I am starting to get worried that this is babys way of letting me know he should not come out this way. we'll see I suppose.
:hug

[Soxfan Mom]

I am a firm believer that some mamas are meant to cook their babies longer than "the norm." I am one of those women. I had the c/s with my first because my water broke at 38 weeks and no labor followed, even after four days of a Pitocin drip (you read that right). Clearly she wasn't meant to be born yet.

My next two children, I went 16 days and 14 days past my due dates, respectively. I had my OBs pulling their hair out, but that's life. No wonder most of them seem to prefer ERCS.

Good luck to you. Try not to stress.

[PaytonsMom]

Hoping since we have not heard from you that you are in labor or have your sweet VBAC baby safely in your arms now!! :hug

[TakeItEasyMama]

Pitocin doesn't work unless you're ready to go into labor.
Pitocin isn't so bad, I made it 25 hours without pain med until a c-section resulted. This next time THOUGH I'm going the evening primrose route. You can swallow it and apply it to your cervix. Think of it as miracle grow for flowers. Ripen that cervix....it's your best chance. Trusting yourself is the most important, though. I also heard of a homeopathic rememdy to reduce the fear so you can get on with it. Try and relax.