QuestionI am 38.5 weeks 1.5cm 50% efaced 2nd child 8yrs difference. I have been like this for 2 to 3 weeks .Have tried many things,walk a mile a day,eggplant parm.,sex with husband,stripped membranes,and spicy foods. how much longer do you think? what else can I do ? Very uncomfortable.Not stopped up,but do you think fleets enima might help? Fist preg went well.
AnswerHello Jamie,
There is honestly no telling how much longer it will be. Some women stay like that for weeks, others don't have any signs at all until they give birth.
A friend of mine's wife had no signs of being ready to deliver, but then one day her water broke and she delivered her first baby three hours later, so it all depends.
It's probably just best to give it time. I doubt you'll go over your due date.
To answer your last question, I don't really recommend a laxative or enima. All that will do is keep you on the toilet and you don't want to keep having to go should you go into labor. Usually your body will clean itself out right before you go into labor as well.
I know how uncomfortable you must feel. Keep a look out for swelling and headaches as these could be symptoms of preeclampsia. I felt horrible at 7 months with twins.
You may want to talk to your doctor and ask about being induced. You should be able to give birth now without any problems since you are at 38.5 weeks. When I got put on bed rest in the hospital and I started feeling horrible because I was so swollen (and because I had preeclampsia) I cried and they decided to do a c-section for me. Perhaps your doctor will be able to advise you on whether induction is a possibility. Other than that, I don't know what else might help. Have you tried nipple stimulation? That can cause contractions but be careful because it can cause some strong ones. I wish you all the best and hope you don't have to feel uncomfortable too much longer!
Andrea
