i'm hoping for a VBAC with this pregnancy. I'll be 41 weeks on tuesday. I've been patient waiting- but now am feeling "under the wire" because if I haven't gone into labor by Tuesday (feb 13) at my OB appointment- she will schedule a c-section for me at 42 weeks. I want a natural birth so bad! Anyways- i've gone weeks without being dilated or having anything more than 'menstral like cramps'... today at my appointment i was 80% effaced, -2 station and dilated to a 1. My OB said if i was dilated just a pinch more she would have been able to get her finger up far enough to strip my membranes... so hopefully she can on tuesday.. Does anyone have any suggestions of anything I can do to help my body dilate or anything? I've been taking red raspberry leaf- going to the chiropractor- dh has the old "afraid of hurting the baby' thing going- so any sex has pretty much been completely out of the question-- anyone offer up any suggestions? or just some encouragement for me??? thanks!
2007-02-09 05:33:33 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Today i've actually had a few "regular" contractions.. so at least something is going on!!! I was never dilating at my appointments- but was effacing about 10% more from week to week.
2007-02-09 05:34:48 · update #1
*** i am prepared mentally to end up with another c-section... but I would much rather at least try the vbac and end up with a c-section- than just go in for a c-section having always wished i had tried for a natural birth! ty for the advice
2007-02-09 05:45:39 · update #2
Hi,
Sex during pregnancy is a good thing. For one thing, the contractions apparently seem to soothe the baby. Also, semen contains chemicals called prostaglandins which help to soften the cervix and prepare it for the baby's delivery. Artificial prostaglandins, in fact, are used sometimes to help ripen a woman's cervix if she's in labor but not dilating fast enough. However we see that that is not good for you right now, but there are other ways where your husband can help you without entering. By stimulation you in other ways, you can be able to have an orgasm and this will help out a lot! the girl up top spoke about nipple stimulation, that's good! he can do that and play with you carefully and make you get an orgasm. I am so sorry and I wish you could give natural birth like you want to instead of a c-section. Just hang in there! but you can also take my foolish advice. (Also you can do a bath massage or let your husband stimulate you in the tub of warm water, with both of you in the tub, so your body can relax while he pleasure you) this could help a lot. .
Well good luck!!
2007-02-09 06:13:27 · answer #1 · answered by phabuluos77 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wish the best for you, and hope that your VBAC is successful, but please be mentally prepared for another c-section... even if you go into labour naturally.
My sister desperately wanted to have a drug-free VBAC. She laboured for hours drug-free, but the back labour was too much for her... after trying anything other than the epidural, she finally had to have one... she was fully into transitional labour. Hours and hours went by, finally she started pushing. Three and a half hour later, the OB/GYN said that was enough, and that they had to get her into the OR... another c-section. The dangers to her and the baby were too great to continue pushing.
She is very glad to have experienced labour, and pushing... but was just happy to get the baby out!!
2007-02-09 13:41:01 · answer #2 · answered by naenae0011 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hang in there you still have a week to go before they schedule a c-section. Do alot of walking, some say Castor oil helps, nipple stimulation and yes, sex (actually orgasms). It sounds to me that you should be going any day now!
2007-02-09 13:43:24 · answer #3 · answered by pamomof4 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why The Big-C, have you had one before? Otherwise they could just induce,right? If it's your first child I would ask the OB about this option, of course he/she is the doctor & I'm sure your in good hands. Anyway you sound in good spirits being this far along and all just wanted to congratulate you on that(and the baby of course) mj:)
2007-02-09 13:51:48 · answer #4 · answered by mjwlkrvl 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sorry to hear that your honey won't help out by participating in sex. It really is the best way to bring it all on!
The only other thing is walk, walk, walk. Oh, and the nipple stimulation also helps.
Good luck!!
2007-02-09 13:39:43 · answer #5 · answered by Jennifer M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Walking is good and I heard that rubbing your nipples brings on labor- ( I know that sounds weird but I read it in several places).
2007-02-09 13:55:29 · answer #6 · answered by earthstarlatin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Swallowing semen can work as well as umm applying it to the cervix. So see if hubby is up for that.
2007-02-09 13:57:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋