I think there has been a change in the obstetrical winds since I had Lillian and I'm not sure if it's a timeline difference, or a geographical difference. When I had Lillian, the doctor implied that I wouldn't be induced until 14 days after my due date unless there was some other pressing medical problem. I just thought that's how it was. I moved to Arizona and suddenly everyone was asking me if I was going to get induced or go naturally. I was so confused, "Do I have a choice?" I told people that I would just wait and go naturally, nature knows best right?
I'm 37 weeks today and the doctor and I have not discussed this issue previous to today. She checked me (warning: potential overshare) and I'm almost 2 cm, 50% effaced. After she was done, she asked, "so, when do you want to have your baby?" All those 'nature knows best moments' flooded back to me, kept on flowing, and I found myself jumping up to look at the calendar and saying, "well, my mom is coming this day so maybe the day after that. (December 15th)" I asked her if this was just because I'm as progressed today as I was only after 10 hours of labor with Lillian, or if she lets other patients go two weeks after their due dates. She looked aghast and said, "Oh no! I never let my patients go more than 3 or 4 days past their dates."
I realize that if I had a midwife, they'd probably let me go late, but when I was pregnant with Lillian, the midwife recommended to me that I be followed by an M.D. So here I am with an appointment on the 15th to have my baby.
(P.S. the above picture is Lillian at about 3 weeks old with gentian violet face.)
5 comments:
I know I'm one of the luckiest Mom's in the world. The Dr. gives me a due date and I automatically count back 6 weeks and mark my calender. I think that your Dr knows you probably won't make it until the 15th. One cm a week, they'll take you in next week- just you wait and see!
I don't like Amy's labor stories... blah blah blah... 6 weeks early. I have been induced both times. Both times I think I was late. I "hear" that induced labor is worse, but it's the only experience I've had. I have no comparison. I've survived it both times. I think the induction thing varies doctor to doctor.
I'll hope that nature leads the way. Because that'll be a double bonus.
If you do make it to your induction date, I hope it goes well. I think inductions are evil based on personal experience, but I know that lots (the majority, even) of women swear by it. Good luck either way!
Induction...
Induction...into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
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