Is it possible to hold labour off???

**misty** · October 9th, 2007, 10:18 AM

Ok, so I know that this may seem like a funny question, but I have been getting contractions on and off for over a week now, and the general concensus seems to be that I will go earlier rather then later. I went a week early for my first pregnancy too.

Medically speaking, this shouldn't be a problem (I only have 4 weeks until my due date). BUT I am not ready for this baby to come yet!! I would actually be quite happy to go over my due date. I have too much to do, in particular we are trying to buy a house (off the plan) and the release date (when contracts will need to be signed) is a week out from my due date! I am afraid that I will be in labour or in hospital then and not be able to go and sign! (If I cann't sign I will miss out on this release and it is so hard to find housing in the ACT that is within our price range.) Plus, this house looks like a bomb has hit it AND then it's been trashed; I don't have all the baby stuff cleaned and ready yet. I am just completely unprepared for a small baby at the moment!!

Ok so I am probably stressing over nothing (silly pregnancy hormones), but I would still really like it if bubs could hold on until his due date (at least).

so back to my question:
Is there anything I can do to hold labour off for longer? or do I just have to take it when it comes?

**blue daisy** · October 9th, 2007, 12:27 PM

Hey Misty

good question

labor will start when it is ready

but your body needs the right hormonal balance to start things off...

you sound really busy...and the release of adrenaline that often goes with multi-tasking will affect your oxytocin levels

maybe to give yourself some space...write a list of what you need to do, in order of priority...I love a list and it really helps stop monkey brain when you have alot on the go

also try and give yourself some space to relax at the end of the day...so you can be in the right head space when your baby does decide to make their grand entrance

hope this helps

xx yogababy

**Jaycee** · October 9th, 2007, 12:31 PM

Hi Misty

I'm no expert but I'm guessing it's the same as trying to bring labour on early... it's just not gonna happen until bubs is ready to make an appearance.
So if your little bubba wants to make its entrance early I really don't think there's much you can do about it

Hope everything works out for you!

**Tashie** · October 9th, 2007, 12:31 PM

Hi, I know that you can be given something that will slow/stop labour, but for how long it will stop it for who knows, if your baby wants to come, it will come. Also, I don’t know whether they will give it to you if you don’t have a medical reason for stopping it. Ask about it next time you go to your Ob. Good luck if you do end up going into labour.

**misty** · October 10th, 2007, 04:22 PM

Thanks for the replies. I kind of figured there wasn't too much I could do. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to use the time I do have a little more efficently. why is it everything always happens at the same time?

**satya** · October 10th, 2007, 07:16 PM

I'd also like to add that if your doctor decides to induce for any reason don't hold off on that either. I heard an awful story about someone who years ago decided to hold off for just one day on an inducement (to get the baby bonus when it first came in) and the baby died.