At 39 weeks and 6 days, I am mentally totally ready for this baby to make its appearance. I had my doctor's appointment today and from the finger test, my doctor says that I am 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced. Good news from my perspective. While I know that these numbers don't necessarily guarantee a delivery any time soon, I am still reassured that my body is willing to get into the game. To keep my body motivated, I went for a good long walk after the appointment.
I am not sure that I totally buy into the idea of imagery and visualizing but I figure it can't hurt. I have been making deals with the baby and giving her instructions on how I want things to go from here on out. I also do goofy things like picturing my cervix yawning casually open very wide and then imagining the baby settling down into just the right station.
The funny thing is that I really want a natural birth and yet I really don't want to go on being pregnant for the next two weeks. So when the doctor said that he would give me another week at most, I was a bit happy about it, even though I knew that meant induction. And the word "induction" doesn't usually have a great link with the term "natural". To reassure myself I reminded my body that my sister had to be induced and still was able to proceed naturally after the initial kick start.
And, so we wait and see.
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After over five years of being heavily medicated for my bipolar illness, I am just crazy enough to go off the meds and try to conceive. With a whole team of professionals monitoring my progress and an amazingly compassionate husband to catch me when I fall, I am ready to start trying to get pregnant. This is my journey through the insane process...
Pepper in the pond.
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- Nicole
- Crazyville, New York State, United States
- 30-something, over-educated, and bipolar crazy woman with a bicornuate uterus and a baby...Who'd a thunk it?
14 comments:
I don't understand why American doctors induce at 41 weeks -- it is the average length of a first pregnancy, so it is NORMAL. In fact, in France, pregnancies are considered to be 41 weeks long (not 40!)
Yes, induction doesn't have to equal pain relief. It all depends on how they induce and how your body reacts. I will likely be induced this time, but I also now know that even with induced labor my body reacts the same way after it gets to 4cm. Which means I know (kinda) what to expect. I will go in there with flexible intentions, but with definite preferences. So best of luck to you, and hopefully your sister's birth story has a genetic component. But also, I know you know, but I will say it anyway-- you wouldn't be a failure for getting pain relief. Or for needing any other kind of intervention.
MB, they induce at 41 because the odds of things going bad increase dramatically after that. However, there is a bunch of new studies that show that close monitoring at least every 3 days after 41 weeks cuts that increased risk almost entirely.
You're almost there!
If you're already somewhat dilated and effaced, the induction will go a lot easier. The biggest predictor for foregoing medication pain relief in the hospital is a supportive nursing staff. Make sure they know what you want, and ask them not to offer you any drugs. Believe me, you won't forget it's available.
I'm thinking of you.
Yay, glad that things are getting ready! I hope that things happen by themselves and you that you don't need the induction but I also think that you'll do just fine if you do!!
Big hugs xxx
I had to have pitocin and still went with no epidural. And my best friend had her water break and 2 days later still no contractions so she had pitocin and still had a natural delivery. I can't wait to hear how it all goes. Please email me if you want to chat about it more! (formerly NSLS)
:)
I will live vicariously through you having never had a baby the old fashioned way. Get some rest :)
there are drugs other theb pit hat can induce contractions now a days. And to my mind, a vaginal birth it natural, if your looking for zero painkillers, good luck with that. Me, I likes pain killers, I likes them a lot.
hi there, thanks for you comment on my post. i am so excited for you! maybe you're having the baby right now! just remember in the end it won't matter how she gets here to you, what matters is that she arrives healthy to start the biggest adventure on earth with you! any questions about meds, breastfeeding or anything else, let me know. my little one is now nine months out of me! coinciding with the end of your nine months...
cant wait to hear all about her!
I hope you are feeling well these last weeks and that the time flies until your baby is born.
Nicole...! I'm so very excited to see that you're so close to your bub now! For all I know she could already be in your arms!! So very happy for you and I hope your labour goes (went?) smoothly!! xxx
I am hoping you are silent because you have a beautiful baby running you ragged right now. :)Update when you can!
Good luck girlfriend! I am thinking about you! It has been a week since you posted...I have a feeling you have had your bundle of joy...I say on the 4th or 5th! Hugs to you
best wishes and congratulations!!!!
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