What is the rush?

[CTMom37]

So many posts about women at 36+ weeks ready to go and wondering when their baby is coming.  Here's how it works...the general rule of thumb is that while babies are considered full term at 37 weeks, and can be safely born at that time, many babies aren't "ready" yet.  When your baby is ready, you will go into labor.  It is also safe to go up to a week or two beyond your "due date".  A due date is simply an estimate, based on the average woman and an average menses.  I'm pretty sure that all women are different and some have their menses every 28 days, where others have been known to go 35 days or more, which also means that ovulation times can vary greatly. To sum up...the end of pregnancy is uncomfortable, labor hurts, and babies will come when they're good and ready, so relax.  The last weeks of pregnancy is a time to relax, rest and take it easy, so you can prepare for the very difficult, but incredibly rewarding job of bringing your baby into the world.  Pregnancy is one of the very few times in life when you have an absolute license to take care of yourself.  Once the baby comes, you may or may not (depending on your support system) have that luxury.  Best wishes to all you moms getting close.  I'm pregnant for the third time and enjoying every second, because it's also my last.

[Flickan]

I think pregnancy is one of those things to teach us that no matter what we think...we are not always in control. It's a great lesson. I think it helps with the process of raising our kids. I am 35 with my first, have more pain than most due to a enormous fibroid down low and joking around about using a cork n duct tape to keep her in. As a marketing professional, we have (generation y and z are worse than x) individuals who are so uses to instant gratification based on what they want that they expect it even in the sense of child birth. I also wonder if that has anything to do with the 80% epidural rate in our hospitals ans birth centers.

[nixsie]

Yeah i kinda see your point but i am one of the ones who have said im done now. Im 37 weeks but that only leaves me 20 days to my estimated due date which doesnt seem that long. Im just done because shes on a nerve and i walk with a limp if i can walk at all and i wanna sleep on my belly, wear a pair of jeans, eat a pate and cucumber sandwich ... Normal non pregnant stuff. Ill obviously wait my turn and she will pick her birthday but ocd wise i like to be organised so its frustrating.in that sense. I was actually off a scheduled c sec because of problems with my first pregnancy and i turned them down i wanted to give it a go myself.

[Number3at39]

BTW,  i do agree with you that people shouldnt be doing anything to induce labor.  As far as im concerned,  i plan on doing a bit more walking and sex after the 36+ week point in hopes that the baby will come a bit sooner but naturally.  Most likely,  ill be having the baby early anyways with all the extra fluid.  Im 31 weeks and already look like im carrying a watermelon.  I wish i could feel as good as you do being pregnant.

[Number3at39]

I can partially see where you are coming from as alot of those who want to induce pregnancy themselves are in their 20's.  Im going to be 40 in a couple months and each pregnancy has gotten more uncomfortable.  I think for alot of us here in the 35+ age group,  age does play a factor as our bodies are not what they use to be.  Also,  ive had some complications this pregnancy and last.  You might not be having any problems which is why you see things the way you do.  Try having borderline GD,  as well as polyhydramnios (extra amniotic fluid,  this pregnancy and pregnancy with two year old) sciatica,  upper,  middle and lower back problems,  anemia,  and breathing problems due to the polyhydramnios and every day towards the end might not be so enjoyable.

[ennya0301]

I agree with ctmom and I get what she is saying.....it is becoming a trend to schedule c sections and labor inductions and doctors are offering it all the time

[hjkj2013]

I know what you mean queenspade...I've got 31 days left but with my history I'll probably only go another 2 weeks. I'm 35 and my body is telling me we are done, done having more kids and ready to wrap this one up. I won't do anything to make baby come before she's ready and have refused being induced in the past (only to give natural birth the day before I was scheduled to be induced). But mentally, physically, emotionally...I'm done. And yes...venting is helping me get through this very hard pregnancy and dreaming of holding baby soon is keeping my spirits up and reading/sharing with others gives me something to pass the time and make me feel a little better about how I'm feeling. But...to each their own. I honestly wish I was one of those women who enjoys every moment of pregnancy, glows radiently, and gracefully tells others to relax and enjoy it. I'm the opposite...a pregnant woman with pelvic dysfunction who is in constant pain daily since 20 weeks, who can barely walk, pees a little each time she stands, and can't bear the idea of sex because of the pain so her poor hubby has a looong wait ahead of him. I had scares in early pregnancy and thought I would lose this one so I thank god every day for the miracle within...I'm just ready to no be so miserable is all.

[missi_m]

This is my 5th, whilst he is playing footy and kickboxing my internal organs, I can still relax, watch Tele, have a long bath, do the chores... But when he's here oh my days he's gonna have me at his mercy with a broom up my rear right around the clock... I'm happy to leave him sparring against my internals... My 4th was delivered by c section for her own safety etc at 38 weeks, she still had breathing problems ... Defo needed to stay in the oven a tad longer I thought. If their ok in there, just leave them be I say... Don't rush them out.

[CTMom37]

My point is, you're done when you body tells you you're done...i.e.. labor.  Induction, and scheduled C-sections without medical need is simply becoming too mainstream.  It's no wonder the US is listed 34th in infant mortality...almost double percentage-wise South Korea and more than double than Czech Republic (#8), Japan (#3) and Singapore (#1).   As a developed country, one must wonder what could be the cause of such poor marks?  I tend to think that unnecessary interventions (which can often lead to other complications) could be the issue.

[queenspade]

I just had my son on the 11th, he was born at 38 weeks.  I know from my own experience, I was just 'done' being pregnant.  I knew logically that he would come when he was ready & that anything before 37-38 weeks would not be beneficial for him.  With my history, I was ready to have him be here & be safe in my arms.  I think a lot of us were just venting & ready to meet our lil ones.