Everyone who said baby will arrive when he’s ready, you’ve finally convinced me.
After my 38 week OB appointment, I was convinced our little man’s arrival was only a matter of days away. I looked to a variety of natural induction methods hoping to speed things along, including:
- Acupuncture
- Acupressure
- Orgasms
- Nipple stimulation (I honestly don’t think I did it long enough)
- Raspberry leaf tea (only had a few glasses this week)
- Labour cookies
- Spicy food
- Walking 2x day
- Bouncing on my birth ball
- Squats
I’m 39 weeks, 3 days today. Besides him continuously dropping (I seriously don’t know how much lower he can get), I have zero labour signs. I’m uncomfortable. My belly is low and heavy. I’m exhausted. I’m sore.
But…
If my baby boy is safe and secure and not ready to join us, then I can wait.
Last night during one of my insomnia moments, I googled “reasons for full term pregnancy”. There are many benefits to waiting until full term to deliver including less complications post-delivery, better muscle control, and increased brain development. For more details, check out this article on 40 Reasons to Give Baby 40 Weeks of Pregnancy.
I’ve come to the conclusion that the old wives tales about natural induction will only work if your baby and your body are ready for labour.
I still hope he arrives within the next two weeks naturally. His Daddy’s birthday is this upcoming Friday, October 16th. That’s also the date of my next OB appointment. I’ll be 40 weeks, 1 day. It would be an amazing gift if our baby would arrive sometime between now and the end of next weekend.
But clearly, that decision is up to him, not me. 🙂
Awaiting Autumn 
I hope that he decides to join you guys very soon!! Hang in there!
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The end is so hard. I was going crazy. I was soooo convinced she was going to be a week early and then she was a week late. I hope your little man doesn’t keep you waiting too much longer!
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I can manage a week late. It’s two weeks that worries me. They won’t induce til 10 days over here… But I’d like to avoid medical induction as much as possible.
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I can’t believe you’re almost at your due date!! Yeah, I’ve been debating about natural induction methods too- in case they’re a bit premature, and baby needs more time to cook for whatever reason.
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Well, like I said, they don’t work unless they are meant to!
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True!
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I have a feeling that no matter when he arrives, it will be the best and most wonderful day ever! 🙂
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Yes that is most definitely true.
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Aww mamma! Patience is a virtue huh?! When’s the next full moon 😝
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New Moon is on Tuesday. 🙂
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Tuesday’s child is loving and giving 😊
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I am a Tuesday child myself! My acupuncturist and I were going through all the sayings the other day. Too funny!
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I’m a Wednesday 😂
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That last month is soo hard! I thought I was going to die if I didn’t deliver soon. He came on my due date and it really was the best for our health. Hang in There!
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I’d be ok with due date! That’s only 3 days away 🙂
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I hope he comes before then. You can go from no progress to baby in remarkable time.
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Fingers – crossed! That’s what I’m hoping for!
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I went from 2-5 in 2 hours. So it’s totally possible. Good luck!
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Has your OB offered to do a cervical sweep? It’s not comfortable but that’s what sent me into labor!
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Yes I’ll have one Friday if nothing happens before then.
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Hang in there! It won’t be long. My doc waits 10 days too and I was uncomfortable with that. She gave me a bunch of stats (similar to list you linked) about why 40/+ weeks is beneficial and also stats citing the risk of problems arising isn’t until after 42 weeks (some even say 42.5 weeks). That convinced me. I finally had him at 40+1, but all of her reassurance def helped my anxiety. He’ll be here before you know it!!
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Ah see that’s exactly what I needed to hear. The post 42.5 scares me. We’ve come so far and I just want him here safe and sound.
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I was exactly the same way! I kept telling my dr that i want him safely outside of my body and she said if there was a higher risk by waiting 10 days, she would never ever do it. He’ll be here soon!! 🙂
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You can try acupuncture induction sessions or do moxa treatments at home and get an induction massage if there’s anyone trained in it more than once. It will only work if he’s ready but you can keep nudging him if you wish. I know of no harm that can come from induction acupuncture performed by a skilled practitioner anyway. In the meantime good luck with the patience and discomfort!
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LOL, I’ve heard that many times about the last month of pregnancy. Sorry you’re so sore and uncomfortable, but you’re totally right…he’ll come when he’s ready…which hopefully won’t be too much longer. Thinking of you!
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Thinking of you and hoping you can feel my vibes of serenity that I’m sending you ❤ XOXO
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Thank you. ❤
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Hang in there, he will be here soon! The discomfort really is brutal. I always feel like a bit of a freak because I desperately DON’T want to go into labour before my scheduled c-section so I am avoiding all the things on your list like the plague. That said I only have to make it to 38w6d…
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He will be here soon no matter what cause he has to he’s getting too big 😘💋 and that’s a good thing. I’m glad he’s waiting cause that means he will be fully baked and ready for the world. As much as I’m happy mine didn’t wait I know it would have been better if they had more time alas twins are rule breakers.
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Waiting this last bit feels like an eternity for sure! Here’s hoping our little ones want to join us on the outside sooner than later!
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