40+5 and suffering

[Char2383]

Of course after infertility and so much struggle I am happy and grateful to be at this stage. I’m also really suffering now with back pain, bump pain, broken sleep and anticipation. My bump is so big now it’s making me anxious how I will birth her. I truly thought she’d be here by 38/39 weeks. I have a small frame and I’m trying to trust that my body can do this, then I look in the mirror and it just seems impossible! I don’t know what I’m looking for here but just needed to write my concerns somewhere 😢 I wish I was feeling strong and empowered right now but just feel exhausted…

[Hidden]

You poor thing - I think it's normal to be anxious at this stage. Have they mentioned induction to help move things along?

X

[Char2383 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 💛 They have and I did have a sweep on Monday that shows things are going in the right direction, I’m 2cm dilated apparently and have another sweep on Friday. I’d really like to avoid a hospital induction if I can as it increases chances of needing medical intervention. I’d really like a water birth with gas and air, just feels like every day that passes that is getting less likely!

[Hidden in reply to Char2383]

Yes so true - you have to go with what is right for you.

Hopefully it happens soon - it is so hard this close to the end.

If it is hot where you are, that is really challenging too.....

I hated the sweep! I had 2 before my daughters birth.

X

[Char2383 in reply to Hidden]

Yes the sweep wasn’t great but to be honest I was just really happy to feel I was taking some action towards her arrival! Thanks again for replying, it helps so much to hear other peoples experiences xx

[Hidden in reply to Char2383]

Good luck with it all! 🤞

[FrancyItaly]

Oh you’re very close now hun and I think it’s normal to feel like that at this stage! It’s hard for every mum to go over the due date as most of us wish to give birth a little early. Are they not offering an induction soon? You will do great! Best of luck xxxx

[Char2383 in reply to FrancyItaly]

Thank you lovely 💛 I’m hoping to avoid induction if possible but my stubborn ways might make the birth more difficult..! It’s so difficult to know what the right thing is to do.. I’m having reflexology today, and also going to try and accept that my birth plan is more than likely going to have to change if nothing happens soon. Just want her here safe now 💛 Xx

[Marisa32 in reply to Char2383]

Sorry to hear. I was also miserable towards the end. One thing regarding the birth plan....sometimes the universe has other plans for you and its ok to let go. I had all kinds of birth plans with my first and once I realized she was in breech and I needed a c-section, my birth plan went out the window. At the end of the day, getting the baby out safely is all that matters. Birth plans are nice but not always doable. Good luck!

[Char2383 in reply to Marisa32]

Thank you 💛 Yes just want her here safely now, that’s the most important thing. Every night is a night closer! x

[Hidden]

Ugh it’s such a uncomfortable stage and in this heat!!! Just hold on a bit longer . You can be strong and empowered and exhausted at the same time… you’re not being stubborn just trust your body its capable of amazing things!!! I know that’s easier said than done. I don’t recommend inductions as believe baby will come in their time (unless medical reason for induction) help BUT I didn’t need intervention or assisted delivery with mine so they can be positive good luck!!!

[Char2383 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much 💛 that’s really encouraging! I’m going to be monitored tomorrow and if baby is happy, placenta is still fine and heartrate is normal I don’t want any induction methods. Only a sweep and cervix check. We must be close now…! Unless I’m going to break world records for the longest gestation ever 😂😳 x

[HollyT7]

33+3 and I'm with you 🙋🏻‍♀️ this is our second icsi baby and yes I'm super greatful but we are also allowed to feel like normal pregnant women and that includes wanting these babes out and moaning about how uncomfy this can be. ive had sickness most off pregnancy (again) and I'm having another big baby. I was on at the consultant at my last appointment for making sure I get some early sweeps as they didn't work last time and I was induced... and no pain relief worked, so hoping for a natural birth and going to push for as many sweeps as possible as early as I can 😂 all the best to you and good luck in the weather this week, I'll be melting with you xxx

[Char2383 in reply to HollyT7]

Ah thank you Holly! All the best for the rest of your pregnancy too 💛 Xx

[JenRoy]

Try not to worry about an induction!! Go with what your medical team recommend. I had an induction and it was wonderful and straight forward. Contractions started regularly within 5 hours of waters being broken (ARM) and 5.5 hrs later my daughter was born. I only had gas & air plus aromatherapy, fake candles and a great playlist ☺️

I was worried about an induction too but went with it, tried to relax and trusted my body, it definitely knows what to do!

You can still have some control and have a great experience.

Babies are born the way they’re meant to be and there’s little we can do about it!! For some that’s completely naturally, for others it means some or lots of help. Whatever way they arrive it’s ok. A safe mum & baby is the most important thing.

Regarding medical interventions and induction - it’s very much chicken & egg. Hard to know if the reasons a baby is overdue (ie large size, malposition, maternal factors etc) lead to the need for medical intervention rather than the induction itself?!

My DOI is I’m an IVF mummy but also Consultant Anaesthetist & ICU. So have helped many a baby into the world xx

[Char2383 in reply to JenRoy]

Thank you Jen, that is really helpful and nice to hear a positive induction story. We’ll definitely be thinking very carefully about our choices tomorrow after baby has been monitored.. We’re excited and I’m having a much better day after my 4am wobble the other night! xx