Question24 years old
2 children ages: 2 and 3
lmp: Mar 31st 2004
Hi, I'm pregnant w/ my third baby, I'm due 1/5/05. I have been having contractions on and off for several weeks now, and braxton hicks for months. I went in yesterday and my cervix was soft, closed and thick. (as opposed to saturday when it was 2 cm, low, and soft) Anyways, needless to say I was frusterated to have gone backwards in my dilation.
My question is, is 36 weeks along to early to start some of the natural induction methods (primarily considering nipple stimulation). I've been having tons of pressure, discharge and the contrax for awhile and am feeling sooooo miserable. I don't want to be impatient or do any harm to the baby either. When is an appropriate time to begin? And if I do, how often do you do it?
With all the contractions I've been having is it still very likely that I will go to my edd, or is it impossible to know? (by the way, if I wasn't pregnant right now I'd be laughing at myself and telling me to be patient and relax, I know I'm getting worked up for a silly reason) Thanks for taking the time to read and answer this!
AnswerAfter 36 weeks gestation, the baby is mature enough to do well outside the womb. However, it is not until 38 weeks that we are confident that the baby's lungs are mature enough. I would not try to deliver earlier than 38 weeks gestation unless there is some reson that is compelling you to do so. After 38 weeks, you can take long walks, up ans down steps, try nipple stimulation, and try sexual intercourse to cause release of prostaglandins that will start labor. Since this is your third child, you should have no problems and should deliver between 38-40 weeks. When you are having contractions at the level of your belly button, every 6-8 minutes (from the beginning of a contraction to the beginning of the next contraction) and each contraction lasts at least 45 seconds, you are considered to be in labor. Good luck. Be patient.
