Overdue!

I am now 4 days overdue. I am definitely tired of being pregnant and tired of wondering when this baby will come. Most of all, I am tired of people asking me if I am still pregnant.

My doctor was ready to induce me at 39 weeks, but I declined. Anyway, I have an appointment on Monday, which will be 41 weeks. She wants to schedule an induction at that time. What do you guys think about inducing at 41 weeks vs. 42? What do you think about stripping membranes as a way to induce labor? She hasn't done this yet, but I was thinking of asking about it on Monday.

Somehow I just knew this was going to happen, that I would go overdue. I really want to avoid an induction. I'd like to have the labor and delivery process be as normal as possible since it didn't go that way with the birth of my twins. So far everything looks good with this baby. She is active and the doctor doesn't think she is too big.

 

stipping your membranes would be a great option at this point. if it doesn't work, you're no worse off, and if it does, great! you could also ask about additional monitoring if you do choose to wait spontaneous onset of labor. or you could try some self-induction methods (nipple stimulation, sex, castor oil, etc).

here's some info from the Cochrane Library on post date inductions.

make sure to ask your doc lots of questions:
*what are the benefits of induction?
*what are the risks/side effects?
*what options for induction are there?

if you're unclear on anything, make sure to ask for clarification. there's no right or wrong decision, but having the info you need to feel comfortable with your choice is very important. GL!

 

Personally, I'd do almost anything to avoid and induction. I've been induced twice (twins and DD) and it wasn't the best experience. Sam was 3 days overdue and a natural labor and it was SO MUCH better.

 

I also would do almost anything to avoid induction. I tried to avoid it with my twins but had to be induced in the end (at 40 weeks).

 

I was induced with my son and it was a horrible experience. My OB stripped my membranes with my daughter and by that evening I was in full blown labor and she was born at 8:30 a.m. the next morning. MUCH better labor and delivery and 10 minutes after she was born I felt like a million bucks! Was even at Walmart shopping the day after we came home from the hospital. I would DEFINITELY try this route before being induced. Good luck!

 

I have been induced twice and naturally laboured twice. I have to say that every experience is so different regardless of how the labour was started. One induction was overwelmingly intense and the other was so laid back and relaxed that I was delivering when I felt that I hadn't even started early labour. My least favourite birth was a natural one due to some issues. Two of them were overdue so I know how fustrating that is!!! DS2 was 41w 4d when he came in his own time. I would go with your gut. As Miss Bossy 18 said if it works great, if it doesn't try again in a few days. It's coming out soon no matter what!!! Good luck. I hope the birth is a wonderful experience for you and your family.