Due date Vs. Delivery date

[Schtroumpfette]

I have a question for mothers of more than one child - has there been any pattern to the times that you have gone into labour and delivered?  Have you always gone before your due date, after, right on time...?

I went to 40 + 2 with my first baby and never went into labour.  My baby never dropped at all and so I made no progress.  I was later told that this was because my son was big (10lb 8oz), had a very large head circumference (measured at the top notch on the "acceptable" scale) and the umbilical cord was wrapped twice around his neck - all preventing him from budging and my body going into labour.  I am now 16 weeks pregnant with number 2 and just kind of expecting the same situation to happen again - I can't imagine going into labour early or naturally - even though I know there's no real reason to think that!

So I'm interested to hear about other experiences.
Thanks!

[Schtroumpfette]

Thanks for sharing your stories.  I guess I need to be prepared for anything!

PamelaBee, good luck making your decision!  I remember how difficult I found weeks 41 and 42, waiting (and hoping) for something to happen naturally!!  So I don't envy the position you're in!  All the best!

[40smama]

With my first two children, I went into early active labor at 37 weeks & delivered both of them (c-section).  My doctors assumed by that pattern I would probably go into labor before 38 weeks but that's not what happened- with my last three children, I delivered at close to 39 weeks w/out having any labor signs other than the normal Braxton-Hicks contractions.  Best of luck to you!

[blueeyedtabbycat]

Well with my first I went 1 day before his due date. with my 2nd I had him at 38 weeks, with my 3rd I went 2 days past my u/s due date but it was about a week before my calculations according to my LMP. this time around and I am expecting to go with in the next week or so, for various reasons. But as BabyBlue said your baby will come whenever s/he desides to. I used to think that there was some kind of pattern with these kinda things, but nope. Like they say your babies generally get bigger with each baby you have...................not for me. My first was 7.2 my 2nd was 7.9 then thinking my next would be around 8 lbs he was born my smallest weighing 6.12. And I carried him my biggest, lol. But remember just because you went late and didnt go into labor with your first doesnt mean you wont this time. Every pregnancy is diffrent:) Good luck!

[BabyBlue07]

When it's time come.. baby will decide if he/she wants to come out... We can't control the delivery time... I have my kids couple days before the due date...

Sometimes we can't control to deliver baby vaginally or c-section.. doctor will decide if you need csection or not...

I believe right now the best you think is how to keep yourself and baby healthy... Don't think further... whatever happen will happen...

good luck

[Micky109]

It doesn't matter.  My first was 35w+4d, 4 weeks early, breech, water broke but never had any contractions, emergency CSection.  My second was 34w3d, breech (stargazing), water broke, contractions started 2 hours later, Csection.  OB told me with my third to expect her to come around 7 to 8 weeks early.  Well...even with a bad scare ...the lawnmower I was riding caught fire (I was fine, didn't realize it until I was off of it...I was 38w at the time)  my water broke on 39w6d with her.  It's when they decide they are ready to meet mommy.
Congrats!!!

[PamelaBee]

I also went to 40+2 with my son, and was induced.  Currently I am 39wks and trying to decide on another induction, or see what happens naturally.  I am 1cm, 50% effaced as of last week.  Tomorrow I will be checked again.  Best wishes to you on a healthy pregnancy!