Nervous, scared, but ecited

[jerssweetpea]

I am 40 wks on monday and being induced on the same day, My cervix really isnt showing signs of dialation and the dr. is debating on a c-section birth. Does anyone have any encouraging advise to help ease my nerves?

[Limonada]

I've been overdue twice - went to 41 weeks - and my OB didn't even talk induction until I was that far along....In fact, with my second pregnancy, we has actually going to let me go an additional week (to 42 weeks, based on the EDD given my the ultrasounds I'd had), but my baby received a low score on a biophysical profile ultrasound that he sent me for in the meantime, so he went ahead and induced me - his main reason, aside from concern for the baby's well being, was that he wanted to avoid having me undergo a c-section if at all possible:  if the baby had been allowed to remain inside, he could have ended up being in distress, necessitating a c-section.

My baby ended up being just fine and I ended up having a vaginal birth.

I think that your doctor should order a biophysical profile u/s or do some other additional testing to determine that your dates are correct and the baby is, in fact, fully "cooked" before jumping to a c-section.  That's major abdominal surgery and shouldn't be the first option.

Good luck!

[DoulaSummer]

Your doctor is too pushy for me and too c-section happy.  Just because you are 40 weeks does not mean your baby is ready, therefore induction should be a last resort.  ACOG does not advocate for induction before 41 weeks (therefore your OB is breaking recommendations).

Just because your cervix does not seem favorable today, doesn't mean you are broken, malfunctioning, etc.  Your cervix WILL dilate if given proper timing, it just may not be on your doctor's timing which is why he/she is pushing for major abdominal surgery.  My best advice to you is avoid letting them break your water or constantly do vaginal checks.  Doing so increases your chances of infection and a c-section.  Your body will do its job.  You think your body wants to hold your baby in forever?

[Dolphin05]

When the contraction you are feeling become painful and lasting 30seconds go to the doctor. Also when they become 3-5 minutes apart for one hour go to the hospital. Good luck and take care.

[jerssweetpea]

thank you bothHeather and Connie for the advice. It really helped. Now my major question for anyone is when should I call my doctor? For the last day and a half I have been having contractions at first that didnt seem to have a specific pattern but about two hours ago the started getting closer and a little stronger as they go! With this being my first baby i am not sure if it is true labor or not. i have had braxton hicks since i was 31 wks and yet they feel like it but more consistant. Is this just my body preparing for the real thing or could this be it? i am really unsure about this.

[ConnieG]

I agree with Heather although I haven't been pregnant...and walking is supposed to help If you're allowed to.  Good luck !!

[HeatherLF16]

I am 36 weeks and this is my first baby.  But, I just wanted to wish you luck on Monday.  
I actually have the opposite problem where I started to dialate to early.  I just got the OK that my baby would be OK now if he came (2cm and cervix is fully effaced).  
But, I know if I were in your situation I would at least try the induction to see if you can delivery vaginally.  If not and you have to then get the c-section.... why have major surgery if you don't have to?  Until then, I have heard that a lot of intercourse (semen) can help soften the cervix.  Maybe you can make a little progress on your own by monday?
Again good luck =)