Stubborn little bugger

We are now just two days away from our due date.  As much as we'd like to report that Amanda is getting contractions and moving noticeably closer to delivery, our stubborn little son is quite comfortable where he is and doesn't seem all that interested in joining us in the outside world.  He is still very active (and quite a boxer I might add).  He just doesn't show any inclination in swimming towards the light.

Amanda met with our obstetrician last Monday and Thursday.  The non-stress test showed that the baby is healthy.  Amanda is "ripening", but the doctor did not notice any dilation.  The doctor recommended inducing the baby on Tuesday, the due date.  We think the obstetricians are still nervous about the baby's non-fluctuating heart rate on February 21.  Even though this was a one-time fluke, we can tell the doctors got anxious and have since wanted to get this baby out at the first opportunity.  At this point, we have an induction appointment scheduled at Aultman Hospital at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday.

We have our reservations about induction, though.  Amanda has studied up on the topic extensively and realizes that induction interventions greatly increase the likelihood of requiring a cesarian delivery.  We want to avoid a C-section unless a medical emergency requires it.  We would prefer to use induction medications when medically necessary.  If Amanda or the baby are in distress or if things are not going normally, then we say bring on the pitocin.  However, if this baby wants to chill out for a few more days, we would prefer to deliver him when nature decides it's time, as long as everyone continues to be healthy.  We are concerned that the doctors want him out on his exact due date.  Many first-time mothers deliver a few days or a week after their due date.  We'd prefer to let nature take its course than to induce labor for expediency's sake.  We have an appointment Monday morning with another obstetrician in the practice.  We will have a serious conversation with her at that point and decide if induction on Tuesday is medically necessary or just more convenient.  If induction is indeed our best path, then we will discuss our options.  There is more than one way to skin a cat, and we know which induction techniques we would like to try first.

Meanwhile, we have been trying all kinds of non-medical techniques to light a fire under this baby and get him moving.  There are no proven non-medical techniques to induce labor, but there are plenty of old wive's tales.  We're trying them.  Amanda has started taking evening primrose oil supplements.  She is drinking raspberry leaf tea.  She is eating pineapple.  She is eating spicy foods.  We took a long, bumpy car ride yesterday to Geauga County to enjoy a nice day in Amish country.  (Yes, the car was packed with towels and suitcases.)  Amanda has been climbing stairs and bouncing on an exercise ball. I even learned about certain acupressure points that allegedly induce labor.  I've become an acupressure guru.  While none of these procedures are proven to actually induce labor, there are plenty of people who swear by them.  No harm in trying.

As of Sunday morning, still no regular contractions.  We will keep you posted if anything changes.  Come on baby!  It's showtime!