6 cm dilated, head very low and 90% effaced - yet no consistent contractions

[Anonymous]

Has anyone been induced because they were dilating but not starting labor. I am full term - 40 weeks, and have been 90% effaced for over one week and am now 6 cm dilated. I have been trying everything to get labor started. I am worried I am going to go super fast, my last was only about 4 hours from the first contraction and I was only dilated to 4 then, and I am worried that my husband might not get home from work in time or we won't have enough time for people to come to take care of our other DCs. Has anyone been induced for this reason? How did they do it? My water had to be broken for my other deliveries although they didn't do it until I was having contractions. With all my cervical changes, could be enough to get things going?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't have your water broken, that puts you on a 12 hour clock at most area hospitals, but you could opt to be induced at this point with pitocin.

[Anonymous]

I was 8cm and 90% effaced when my dr broke my water. I had no contractions until the dr broke my water. When I got to the hospital, I was given the option of epidural or no epi. I was told that if I didn't have the epi I would deliver within an hour or two. Of course going from no contractions to 8cm contractions was painful so I opted for the epi. I delivered in 4 hours and it was my first.

My dr basically said that by 8cm/90% I couldn't be driving around town with our traffic. If I got stuck on the beltway during rush hour and my water broke I wouldn't be able to drive and I would probably end up delivering in the car.

[Anonymous]

OP, I walked around like that for a month with my son. I went into labor the day before my scheduled induction (and they were only going to break my water, no pit.). He was born after a 4 hour labor, 2 pushes. He had a 15.5 head and massive shoulders.

Sometimes, when you are that close, the baby needs to move to a slightly more optimal position. Have you heard of Spinning Babies?

Don't be anxious--be happy! More than half of your work is done, painlessly! You most likely have a fast labor coming soon. Congrats!

[Anonymous]

You are so close! Monitor baby movements!!! And go get some raspberry leaf tea, I promise this will help your labor. Whole foods probably carries it. And walk!!!

[Anonymous]

This is why you should refuse cervical checks. they are MEANINGLESS and set up expectations for women with no predictive value.

[Anonymous]

OP, I am the PP with the big-head son:

I was just like you, only 100% effaced, from 38 weeks to 42 weeks. It was a long, uncomfortable month, but we tried to have a sense of humor about it and we had a ton of awesome, mind-blowing sex to try to get the contractions going.

You're only 40 weeks. Just enjoy the end of your pregnancy. Sex. Hot baths with lavender Epsom salts and a glass of wine. Naps every day. Hydrate with red raspberry leaf tea. Do tummy massages with castor oil and lavender essential oil. Drape your torso over a birthing ball and rock your hips. Go swimming. Take you kids to the playground. Tell your baby it's time to meet the family!

The numbers mean almost nothing. All you have to do is rest, hydrate, relax, and let everyone love you through the end. You are blessed with a body that knows how to birth really well! That's wonderful!

[Anonymous]

Patience. You're almost there. I know it's frustrating, but you're very close. No need to panic or be induced at this point. I was were you were when I was 36 weeks with my first. My OB told me to make sure I was prepared to leave my job soon. My baby was born at 39 weeks. Just make sure you are and DH are prepared in case it does go quickly, but otherwise rest and enjoy these last few days.

[Anonymous]

Just have your water broken and that baby will be here.

[Anonymous]

If I were in your shoes, especially with one or more older kids, I would talk to my ob about moving things along in a scheduled way. Childcare makes second/third births so much harder, and I'd prefer to avoid the stress, especially if I was as primed to go as you are.

Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

Between traffic and your other kids, I would consider some sort of intervention.

[Anonymous]

I was 6cm and no water break and no contractions. Then at 11pm my water broke and my child was born 30 minutes later. I hope you live close to your hospital. Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

I don't see why you need interventions at all. You are progressing well. Lucky you to have gotten this far with so little discomfort. Best wishes for a good birth. Maybe it will happen tonight!