VENTING NOW - I've finally got to the stage where I've had enough. I'm so huge it's hard to get up and down, let alone roll over in bed, my ribs are killing me and my reflux is back as DS is pushing his legs into my stomach.

On the positive side, I've had 2 CTGs this week and all is fine. The midwife who checked me yesterday couldn't feel DS's head as it is so far down and my OB said on Tuesday that my cervix was nice and ripe and dilated about 2cm. I've been taking a uterine tonic from my naturopath for about 4 weeks and having acupuncture for about 6. I had a strong treatment on Wed but no action forthcoming apart from some more twingy contractions (not BHs) several days apart.

'Everyone' swore I was going to go early as bubs was big and engaged ages ago so whilst I know that the 'average' for a first bub is still a couple of days away my patience is running short. I think I'll take to not answering the phone too as too many people keep ringing up, my dad being the worst.

I'm due to talk to my OB again first thing Monday morning if nothing has happened by then. He's being really supportive of my desire to avoid a medical induction but I sense I'll start to get some pressure by the middle of the week if nothing's doing. Being in that post-35 age bracket seems to add to the medical fraternity's sense of urgency.

Phew, feel better for having got that out. None of my SiLs or friends have gone this late so they are finding it hard to empathise. I think I'll go and have a hot shower and then try a castor oil compress (Francesca Naish recommendation) with some relaxation exercises. If nothing else, it might slow my brain down to get some decent-ish sleep.

Thanks for listening to my ranting!