Eviction.
So I’ve been purposely vague about the specifics of “progress” at my doctor’s appointments here because 1) I know it’s pretty meaningless; and 2) isn’t the world better off with less talk about my cervix generally? I think so.
I started having internal checks around 36 weeks. At that point, I was 1 centimeter dilated and everything was very, very high. I thought, no big deal, meaningless, plenty of time to progress.
Except every week since then, the report has been the same—1 centimeter, roughly 25% effaced, baby and accompanying cervix super high. And now, at 40 weeks, 3 days pregnant, I’m overdue and it’s time for this kid to get the hell out. I have had zero contractions or any other indication that my body is preparing for labor.
My doctor, who I trust, said that because the baby and I are so disgustingly healthy, we could safely go a few days past 41 weeks, but that at that point…there’s not really much benefit to him staying in, but a decent amount of risk. And I agree. I feel like going past 41 weeks has given him a good enough chance of coming out on his own, and I don’t really have anything to prove by resisting an induction.
So. Our marching orders:
Bottom line: I will report for a Cervadil gel induction Monday night at 6 pm. They’ll insert the gel. If that doesn’t start contractions or break my water, they’ll proceed to Pitocin Tuesday morning at 6 am.
In some ways, I am both disappointed AND relieved. I still have a few days for him to come on his own, but I feel a little sad that I might miss out on that, “OMG! I’m in labor!” moment, and that I might have to deal with more intense contractions from Pitocin that might make avoiding pain medication more difficult. I sort of feel a little bit like my body has failed me, too. So that sucks a little bit.
But on the other hand, I feel relieved that we have a definite end date. It was also nice that I was able to pick my favorite doctor to deliver the baby, since there are six possible options in my OB practice. The doctor said I could schedule it any day between now and next Thursday, so I picked based on a) wanting to give it just a few more days to see if anything happens naturally and b) the doctor I felt the most comfortable with. We’ll be able to make sure the animals are boarded safely and taken care of; Tim will be able to finish a few things up at work; the house will be clean and the laundry will be done; and my family is making travel plans.
So, it is what it is. I’m going in for an acupuncture induction session on Friday, with a follow-up on Saturday if it doesn’t work, but I can’t believe that, no matter what, I’ll be holding our sweet baby boy within a week!
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Don’t lose hope! 1) Induction isn’t so terrible but 2) Five days is still a LONG time for your body to get things going. I was pretty much right where you are the first time around and delivered at 41 weeks. As for the whole “second babies come sooner” crock of b.s., she was even later. But I so vividly remember the agony of waiting that last week. It WILL end!
So exciting! Can’t wait for you to meet your son!
My son (youngest of 3) was born on Sep 25, 1986, by induction. I was 19 days overdue. My 2 daughters were both early, so I can certainly feel your pain. Everything went smoothly (and that was 26 yrs ago)and he was the easiest delivery I had even though he was the largest of the 3. You’ll do fine, I just know it! Good luck!!
I delivered at 40+4 with my son, the same day my doctor and I picked an induction date. I guess it scared the boy out. I wasn’t checked until 39 weeks but made no progress between 39 and 40 (was 3 and 70) and then bam labor started and 5 hours later my baby boy arrived. Hoping your body serves him his own eviction papers, the realization of labor is so scary and exciting.
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Good luck and I hope everything goes as planned!
You’re further along than I was up until 41w2d.
I had similar marching orders, with the exception that the L&D nurses suggested I get a round of gel in the morning instead of the evening so that any cramping would be done with early enough in the day that I could get a good nights sleep.
However, with zero signs of progress before, I woke up to contractions the day I was due for gel. The gel kicked them into high gear and my water broke a few hours later. Little man was born at 10 days over, but most of my labour happened at 9 days over.
Soooo, there’s still time for things to happen!
No, not failure! You had a healthy pregnancy, your body did NOT fail you!
Plus healthy baby = success! I think we forget that a lot nowadays.
I had my water break on its own for both pregnancies and ended up on pitocin both times bc I didn’t contract on my own…I was frustrated bc I thought I was going to get away without assistance for labor but it wasn’t meant to be…so I understand you a bit. But I have to say that once they started the pitocin it helped me on my own much faster and they were able to only use a small dose. The induction may be the same for you–just a little something something to get things moving and the rest is all you–fingers crossed!!!!!
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You still have time to go naturally. If not though, I was induced with my son and it wasn’t terrible (other than him being 9 pounds) haha… Don’t feel like a failure!
I’ll be thinking of you! I had my only internal check so far at 36 weeks and had NO progress…I’m not getting checked again until 40 weeks, so I have no idea where I am today. My doctor will let me go until 42 weeks, and right now, I’m planning on taking the full time because I, too, have mixed feelings on induction.
Can’t WAIT to see baby!
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So exciting! I was induced…same deal…Cervadil around 9pm on a Friday. Pitocin started at 10am. Water was broken at 5pm, babies arrived at 9:44 and 12:02! It went really fast considering nothing really hurt until my water was broken.
I’ll be thinking of you!
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good luck! you’re sooooo close!
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I was induced and it wasn’t that bad. I was two weeks past due and not dialated at all! I guess some babies are content to just stay where they are! lol
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