chances of labour before induction date?

[bon]

With my last bub, I was booked for induction at 40+10 days, but went into labour spontaneously at 40+7. I have no idea whether I was dilated at the appointment where they booked me in, or how my cervix was, as I didn't have an internal exam. I tried all the things to get labour happening, but they didn't work. I am now of the belief that all long walks do is wear you out, which is the last thing you need when you are close to going into labour. Same for vigorous housework - it might make your house clean, which is great when you are nesting, but I don't think it really does anything as far as starting labour. Didn't work for me anyway! From someone who has been overdue twice, all I can say is try to rest as much as you can, and I know its hard, but try not to focus on the fact that things aren't happening yet. Just use the time to get ready for bubs arrival. And if you don't want to be induced, you don't have to be - it is entirely up to you, if you want to wait another day or few days past the induction date.

[tattoo_mama]

thanks guys
im not really fussed about being induced or not, they said its upto me to choose induction or not and i said yes. have read that placenta/fluid starts to 'go bad' after about 40 weeks so apparently its better not to leave them past 42 weeks. DP isnt so sure cause obviously babies have been born without induction etc for thousands of years but yeah...im the woman so im choosing! im just struggling to sleep cause of sore back and every time i get up to pee i cant get back to sleep for ages cause i seem to become fully awake.

pixie: cannot afford accupuncture but thanks for advice

[alioops]

An induction is less of a gradual build up, so you would be going from 0-max pain in a shorter time than if you did it naturally. If the placenta is starting to calcify generally the baby will put you into labour anyway. The placenta can usually go to 42 weeks with no problems, but yes it is nearing the end of it's lifespan. Just because it is hospital policy to induce at a certain time doesnt mean it is the safest option. Only your baby knows when it will be born, and it will let you know when it is ready. Dont worry, you can do this without a heap of chemicals hun, and the rate of distress in babies who are induced is much higher than in babies who trigger labour themselves.

[~Trish~]

Well hopefully you won't need to be induced . I was booked in for 10 days post dates with my DS1, but he arrived 2 days before.

Good luck