39+5 - no sign of labour at all! Any advice :(?

Question

2 days to go, hurrah!!! Can't wait for my little lady to come out!

However, I was at midwife last Tuesday and was told she hadn't yet engaged. I have felt no change yet, and bump doesn't look lower so don't think she's dropped.
I've had NO braxton hicks at all - like for the whole pregnancy! Is this normal?
I've also had no show, which I'm not so worried about because I know not everyone gets this but I'm just so fed up being pregnant and have been ready for her to come out for months so it's getting hard to think she may be another two weeks!

Anyone gone through this or knows someone who has? She's my first baby so I have no experience. I just really didn't want to think about being induced - I had my water birth all planned out.

Sorry for moaning, I just don't know what to do. Does all the sex, long walks, curry thing actually work or is it just old wives tales?

I have an appt. at the hospital next Wed if she's not out by then to discuss being induced. Is there any chance she'll be out by then?

Hope all other mums+bumps are well :)
Sarah x

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

As you mention water-birth i am asuming that you are planning drug-free as well.
It is perfectly normal to of had no noticeable braxton hicks, bloody show, dilation or engagement. Some women have none of these through their pregnancy until labour...like me.

You must also remember that you have to take charge of your own birth. If you really want your birtha certain way like to have your water birth which you wouldnt if you got induced then you must REMEMBER that none of that HAS to be done unless there is a MEDICAL reason. If you and the baby are healthy then there is no reason to induce unless you have reached the 14 days mark.

It’s very important to ALWAYS remember that when you are in a hospital, no-one HAS TO DO ANYTHING! All treatment is by consent and patient choice ONLY. Policy is not law and procedure being done against your will is grounds to sue. Doctors / midwives need YOUR permission to do anything to your body. If they arent convinced there is a good reason for a procedure then decline it.

While there will be times when obstetric intervention is necessary, there is a little acronym you can remember to get a better idea if the intervention you are being offered is warranted:

B.R.A.N.

What are the B*ENEFITS? (of this being done)
What are the *RISKS? (of this being done)
Are there A*LTERNATIVES? (than this being done)
Does it need to be done *NOW?

Keep this with you where ever you go and especially during labour.

Your hospital is rushing you my dear, they are already trying to bring you in when you are one week overdue. Maybe if you get to that stage just say you'd rather wait until 14 days (obviosuly if thats what you want and you're both healthy) and maybe have a stretch and sweep if you're dilated enough, this is sometimes a good way to kick start things without using any artifical hormones which inhibit your body from releasing its natural hormones.

Have a look at this website as i think many articles in it would interest you, including water birth =) http://bellybelly.com.au/articles/birth

And as for the "old wives tales" they HELP they do not induce you they can only help and it's best to wait to start trying those things until you are overdue as it will be just a waste of time. The best thing you can do is to really relax and set mind and body in a perfect environment which will help your body secrete the hormones which will help you go into labour...something that will help you relax that in the back fo your mind you're not worrying or over thinking...just relaxing =) The best time to do this would be before bedtime and also when you're in early labour at home

GOOD LUCK & e-mail me if you need any help

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Everyone was really helpful but this gets best answer as there was a LOT of really great advice and as I'm now due and circumstances are the same I shall be keeping BRAN for my next hospital appt.
Thanks everyone !

Answer 2

as this is your first baby there is a high chance that you will go past your due date. i did by 10days. im in the uk though and they leave you to go up to 14days over before inducing you here so i wasn't induced. you can try walking, sex and all the others ect they do work for some people. all i can say is wait it out it wont be too long now!

good luck!

Answer 3

Im 40 weeks today!!! No signs of labor at all with me either and this is my 3rd baby,so i figured he would come a bit early being that i have been thru this twice. No dilation, No dropping, No NOTHING!!. I went 3 days past my due date with both of my babies but my labor never actually started on its on I always went into hospital complaining of cramps and both times since i was past my due date and i was already at the hospital they just decided to induce me!!!.. I hope it works again!! :)

Answer 4

Shes your first this is normal
With my first daughter she was not engaged and i had no show no pains nothing
I went 2 weeks over due

Your baby does not have to be engaged to go into labor my second was 2 weeks over due she had engaged but i still had to be induced

walking is supposed to work but with your first baby they like it to much in there that is what my midwife said and don't want to come out lol

Source(s):

Mum of 3 and 34 weeks pregnant with no 4

Answer 5

I went a week overdue. Was engaged but not dilated at all. Good luck.
Next pregnancy I will try not to even get all worked up about being overdue because all I did was put myself through unnecessary stress. He came out perfect and I was super comfortable from deciding to get the epidural with my pitocin.

Answer 6

Everyone is different but i tell you what i tried spicy foods and raspberry tea when i was 3 days over my due date and that night i went into labour......

Answer 7

Ask your dr or midwife if they would consider stripping your membranes. I was over due with my first and went into labor on my own 2 days after my dr did this for me.

Remember that a normal gestation peroid is 38-42 weeks. They may just want you to wait it out for a few more days.

Good Luck!!

Source(s):

mom of three