I have an OB appointment tomorrow, and we're going to talk induction. But here's my concern - as of my appointment on Thursday, he wasn't even engaged in the pelvis, which means that the chance of induction failure is high. I feel like my belly looks lower, and things down there feel different, but I can't say for sure that he's actually engaged at this point. And if he's not engaged now, at 41 weeks, I really wonder if he's ever going to get there, and I wonder if it's wise to even consider induction when my risk of an emergency c-section is so incredibly high.
So my plan for tomorrow's appointment is to find out what my cervix is doing, and where Chiquitito is in there. And if he's still not engaged, I'm going to have a serious conversation with my OB about skipping the whole induction thing and going straight to c-section. I don't want to be induced. I don't want a c-section. I *really* want a normal, natural, healthy delivery. But more than anything, I want a healthy baby in my arms. And if that means scrapping my dreams of a natural childbirth, then that's what I'll have to do.
In the meantime, we can add the following things to the list of What Doesn't Induce Labor:
- Thai food
- good movies like Zombieland
- cheesy movies like Iron Eagle
- yoga
- spending an hour and a half at the DMV - half of which was spent waiting in line
Posts
I would go straight to a c-section. I agree with you. I think induction is more successful for younger women.. you know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping it won't come down to those decision tomorrow. I hope Chiquito makes his appearance tonight.
I don't blame him for not being enticed by the DMV. You've got a smart one in there. I think you have to take him to places that are more fun. Maybe a park or the toy store ;0)
ReplyDeleteUgh! He still hasn't made his appearance? Hopefully Chiquitito will be with the program tomorrow. I don't blame you for wanting to skip an induction & go straight to c-section...it's tough if those end up being your only 2 choices as they both have so many pros & cons.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping & praying Chiquitito decides to meet his Mama soon!
I totally understand your fear of induction. That was my exact fear - trying to make my body do something that it wasn't in the mood to do. I'm hoping you don't have to go for either choice. No induction and no c-section. I think your little man is trying to make a surprise grand entrance.
ReplyDeleteAs a last ditch effort you could try to do the Hypnobabies Baby Come Out track (or whatever the title is)that I heard about. Hypnobabies worked for me so I would say its worth a shot if you're desperate.
Thinking sympathetic (and encouraging) thoughts for you... what a tough situation. Frustrating.
ReplyDeleteIt's great you are keeping your eyes on the goal, that one healthy baby in your arms.
hang in there... not too much longer now, either way!
abby
I am hoping that he has engaged himself (the little monkey!) and that things get started on their own in the next 24h. But, if not, I would definitely try an induction if he's engaged and the OB thinks it's a goer, and if he's not engaged then book in that elective.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Shannon!!! Sending you contracting vibes ;)
My goodness... come on out little man! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, and you're the winner of my Ribbon Mobile Giveaway! Email me at chasingmommyhood@gmail.com with some ideas of what you'd like...
You know what they say really works at inducing labor...SEX!!
ReplyDeleteGot any friends with benefits? Or maybe a good friend will to lend a...wink wink!!
OOH Shannon!! I've got all fingers and toes crossed and lots of prayers up that Chiquito makes his appearance tonight. And remember my friend, normal is over-rated. However this little guy makes his appearance it will be natural and normal. So very excited for you. Chin up tomorrow!! I know you're worried and stressed. I'm drinking a glass of red wine right now and raising it up to you!! Grab yours and start thinking 'open cervix' thoughts!!
ReplyDeleteApparently there's an Italian restaurant in LA that has a famous, labor-inducing salad. The restaurant is called La Ciota, I think, and the salad is simply called The Salad. Women come from miles around for it. My trainer had The Salad a few days ago, and delivered her daughter two days later. You may not be able to get to LA, but maybe the recipe is on the internet somewhere?
ReplyDeleteAlso heard from my yoga instructor (a new mom), that she was told to do bridge pose for three to five minutes, then do a bunch of lunges and squats. Worked for her!
If it doesn't happen, I totally hear you about going straight to C-section. I'm not even pregnant (yet?), and I've had similar thoughts, based solely on my friends' experiences.
Good luck!
Hoping and praying for you that your little guy will get moving on his own. I hope you won't even need to make the decision because he'll soon decide it's time. Praying for a safe and smooth delivery no matter how he makes his appearance! He sure knows how to keep his adoring fans waiting! :)
ReplyDeleteHey, Shannon. I'll speak as someone who had a failed induction and non-emergency but unplanned c-section. Induction sucks. C-section recovery sucks. I'm planning on doing VBAC this time--assuming I get that far--even though my first OB said it's not worth me ever being in labor again (that it would inevitably fail). I guess I'm saying I'd see what your body can do before making the decision to cut...
ReplyDeleteAll of the inductions I know of this year have ended in c-sections though each had issues unrelated to being induced. The process was grueling and frustrating for the moms.
ReplyDeleteI will say we had a planned c-section though I went into labor before the planned date. It went very smoothly for me. I was up and walking the next morning and only stayed a day in the hospital. Back to grocery shopping and walking around periodically right away. That said, I have no stairs to do and live in the city so I'd walk and then rest my gigantic swollen feet (feet never got swollen while I was pregnant, only after delivery).
I think I would have gone natural childbirth if my OB recommended it, but I didn't have strong feelings one way or the other. Very loosey goosey that way. Whatever I needed to do to have a healthy baby, I would do it.
Sounds like you have a good plan either way and are very eager to meet the little guy. At least you had time to pack your bag! I didn't pack my bag so left the car seat and camera at home.
You are such a trooper! At least you know, one week from now, you will absolutely have your handsome little boy in your arms.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed you find out today that he's engaged in your pelvis and you've started to dilate. As for induction v. c/s - you have a unique perspective with your medical background. I agree, the safest way to get him out so you both are healthy, is the best way.
Can't wait to hear your update today!
My vote is for c-section. Why risk the baby's health with a lengthy labor that could end in a c-section anyway. Get him out safely...good luck!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you today, Shannon! I'm sending lots of good thoughts your way. Tell Chiquitito there's a whole world out here anxious to meet him!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Shannon. I think you need to find that one night stand who's really into pregnant women.
ReplyDeleteBoth of mine had to be induced. The first at 38 weeks because I was leaking amniotic fluid. And Moose at 41 weeks because he was a week overdue and it was my grandfather's birthday.
Jax was definitely not engaged. I think Moose was.
Thinking of you!
XOXO
Well, it's been a few days and it does sound encouraging that things feel different down there. I will be hoping good things for you! It does seem like inductions often lead to emergency c-sections with many situations I have read about. He's got to engage at some point doesn't he? or do some babies never progress to that point? I would choose the elective c-section over induction myself, I think.
ReplyDeleteWell as you know I was induced and it was a c section in the end. He never came down because his head was in the wrong position. I dilated fine just couldn't get the baby down. Hopefully Chiquito has dropped. I hear it can happen quickly. Thinking of you two and hoping that you get the natural birth you want.
ReplyDelete