Mama was due on Friday. Friday came and went. Saturday came and went. We're getting impatient.
Just thought you should know.
--Pop
[Edit thread title count again.]
[ November 19, 2003, 01:54 PM: Message edited by: Papa Moose ]
Posted by BYuCnslr (Member # 1857) on :
Seems to me this child wants to work by it's own schedule. :: hugs moose and squirrel :: I'm keeping you in my thoughts! Satyagraha
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
You have my sympathies. You've met my children. What you may not have known is that one was T+9.
And one was T+13 . . . after there was every evidence (even my cautious OB agreed) she would be 3 weeks early.
I heard all sorts of suggestions, and tried many. My theory? NONE of them work -- babies come when they want to. And they know Murphy's Law! Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
I'm curious, Moose. How, exactly, do doctors determine due dates? Is there some method that is better than guesswork?
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
We should have a special cheering section.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Rivka, it's not going that far. We're inducing on Wednesday if Mama doesn't go into labor before then. T+13? Yowza!
Primal, I believe it's calculated as 40 weeks from the first day of the last normal menstrual cycle. There's got to be variation in actuals, but that's probably the mode.
Mack, a cheering section is cool, but if you could refrain from using "the wave" smilie, that'd be good.
--Pop
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Primal, I don't know in Mama's case, specifically. However, there are two general methods.
The traditional method is to add 280 days (9 months and one week) to the date of the first day of the last known period. This is relatively accurate if the woman is regular. This is why doctors speak of "40 weeks" of pregnancy -- even though the first couple weeks, conception has not yet occurred.
But now that ultrasounds have become common, we have another method to make due dates (still sometimes referred to as EDCs -- estimated dates of confinement) more accurate. Measurements of the tibia and skull during an ultrasound are often used to adjust the predicted due date.
Nonetheless, due dates are educated guesses. And everyone and her mother has a theory about how to predict them more accurately.
Pop, I had my first induced early due to low fluid. I am NEVER getting induced again, unless there is a strong medical reason to do so.
[ November 16, 2003, 12:26 PM: Message edited by: rivka ]
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
*whisper*moose, I hate the wave smilie*whisper*
Posted by Tresopax (Member # 1063) on :
You're getting impatient at 2? Wait till about 15 for that...heh...
My brother was T - a month.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Rats. I was really hoping for November 14th. It's clearly the best day in the world to have a birthday.
Posted by BYuCnslr (Member # 1857) on :
Wow...all your children's job at procratination on coming out are so much better than mine! I was only T+8! :: bows to your children :: Satyagraha
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
The pregnant mother MUST be past her due date. The father* of the unborn child MUST purchase a new box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (the original elbows with the powdered cheese in the blue box), and a bottle of A-1 Steak Sauce. The father* MUST make the entire box of Mac. & Cheese while the mom-to-be sits on her fat ass. The mother can add as much or as little (the more, the better) A1 Steak Sauce to the Mac. & Cheese. The mother MUST eat as much of the Mac. & Cheese as she can, preferably the entire box. The proud father* should start packing the bags and warming up the car because mom will be in labor within 24 hours.
Send us a picture of the rug-rat.
* Note: Any male figure will do if the father is in prison or in the witness protection program.
The surefire recipe is guaranteed to work, (at least 9 out of 10 times) And if it doesn't, it means YOU screwed it up!
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
Or maybe get a tape of elevator music, and press some headphones to the womb. The kid'll be in such a hurry to escape, he may deliver himself while Squirrel is sleeping.
Posted by JaneX (Member # 2026) on :
I was T+14! ("Even then, you were doing things at the last minute," says my dad. )
~Jane~
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
quote: Making love can be one of the last things on a woman's mind toward the end of her pregnancy. She feels clumsy and big and may be experiencing a lot of vaginal pressure. But believe it or not, sex is one of the best things you can do to get your labor under way. When you and your partner make love, his semen (which contains prostaglandins) can stimulate contractions. A double dose--a few hours apart--might give you even better results.
Well, looks like Papa Moose had his work cut out for him.
Walking and castor oil are the other two popular methods. Maybe combining all three would work?
(The first suggestion worked for me. )
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
[Edit: Cool, Kayla! But the castor oil might be unpleasant. ]
However, while Papa Moose is working on this, we do know that the stimulation of breastfeeding triggers milk letdown via oxytocin release by the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin also stimulates contractions, as was noted above. This has led to a popular method of trying to induce labor.
You can do the math.
*whistles innocently
[ November 16, 2003, 03:35 PM: Message edited by: ClaudiaTherese ]
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Bob, I'm afraid that due to Mama's gestational diabetes, she can't have that much pasta.
Frisco, we just want the child to be born, not permanently emotionally damaged.
Kayla and CT, your suggestions rock. Well, not so much the castor oil or walking part. I'll go tell Mama about them. Queen of Exhaustive Research and Master of All Things Medical -- who can refute the benefits of following the advice?
We'll definitely post pictures when we get 'em (no, not of those suggestions, you sickos ). For now, there's this little bit of cuteness to tide you over.
--Pop
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Hehe, you're all so lazy!!
I was T-2! Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
*laughing out loud
Ah, Papa Moose, at least you won't be going it alone.
We eagerly await the announcement of your success.
(forgive me, but )
Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :
Ha! I was T+1month (they didn't do things like inducing labor then). I knew even then what this world is like, and I was not in any hurry to arrive.
But it is kind of cool to get to say that I was already a month old when I was born. I just make sure I never say it in front of my Mom; she didn't think it was very cool at all.
Posted by MaydayDesiax (Member # 5012) on :
Hmn... My mother had a c-section with both me and my brother, so we were born right on time.
Good luck, Moose! ::crosses fingers::
FYI: I was born on my mother's eldest brother's birthday, and Bernard's little sister was born on mine. Bernard was also born on my mother's second older brother's birthday (oooh... spooky!)
Posted by LadyDove (Member # 3000) on :
Pop and Squirrel-
I was induced with Jacob. It wasn't bad at all - especially in comparison to my experience with delivering John.
With John, I was in active labor for 21 hrs. And had been having painful contractions for 23 hours prior to that. A total of 44 hrs without sleep prior to John's birth.
I was induced with Jacob just two days after my original due date. He was really big and I had been losing weight for the last 4 weeks of the pregnancy. I liked the certainty of knowing that I would be in the hospital when the contractions started. I liked being rested when it came time to deal with the pain and do the pushing. I think I would have had a much tougher time if I had gone into active labor without the reserves of a full night's rest. Jacob stretched my stomach/uterine muscle so tight that the monitor coundn't tell when I was having a contraction. So I can't tell whether the pitocin made the contractions better or worse... the monitor shows that I was one constant contraction with small peaks. Because everything was within the medical staffs control, I got an epideral right on schedule, so I don't really remember the pain. Jacob was born about 12 hrs after I checked into the hospital. I was admitted on a Friday and we were both home by Sunday afternoon.
Moose and Squirrel, I hope everything goes as well for you. You're in my prayers and in my heart.
Posted by fos4snt (Member # 5935) on :
Well, I second the 'sex' for inducing labor. Worked like a charm with my daughter. Yes, it's uncomfortable, but since you're not going to be getting any for at least a month anyway, why not?
Congratulations!
Posted by Koryu (Member # 5922) on :
I was T+20something, and I turned out fine. ((((Moose and Squirrel Family))))
Good luck.
~Ryuko~
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
I was pretty near T+20 as well. I was supposed to be born around Thanksgiving. Apparently I liked where I was so much, after waiting until the middle of December, the doctors decided my Mom needed a C-section.
Good luck, Mama Squirrel and Papa Moose. Good luck to the little mooslings, the born and the one to come.
Posted by Human (Member # 2985) on :
I was, like...T-minus a month...caused some nasty little problems. I'm not sure a couple days over is that bad...
Posted by Maccabeus (Member # 3051) on :
I was nearly a month late as well--December instead of November. I suppose I liked it cold then too.
Odd, how so many of us seem to have been born so late.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Doc appointment this morning. Maybe we'll have some news. If I don't post again in 4 hours or so, things might be hoppin'.
--Pop
Posted by Mr.Funny (Member # 4467) on :
I was T-3 days. Pretty close to the due date.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
If Mama Squirrel can wait until this coming Friday, the new mooseling will get to share a birthday with me. I'd be happy to share.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
A tablespoon of castor oil in a glass of Dr. Pepper (makes it easier to take) ALWAYS worked for me -- started labor within six hours after taking.
Farmgirl
Posted by Amka (Member # 690) on :
Oh, poor squirrel. My first was right on her due date, but I'd have to say I was the most miserable towards the end with her, probably because she was my first. My second was five days overdue and induced. My third was one day early. That made me very happy, because the doctor told me to plan on coming in the day after my due date for induction because the baby was so big. She was pretty big, with a large head and weighing 9 lbs, but being my third she was the easiest to deliver, but I've told that story.
I think that your experience with induction depends on your experience with your body controlling it naturally. My labors are naturally fairly short. Induction made it longer, with more intense contractions doing less. I had my induced baby right about the time they said I would, around five in the afternoon. But if it speeds things up, I imagine one would prefer induction.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Nope, not yet.
But there's some good news. With Mooselet, she had pretty hard contractions most of the day before we arrived at the hospital around 8:00 P.M., and when we got there she was at 3cm. She's at 3.5cm now and not in labor yet. So when Moosling #2 does decide it's time, it shouldn't take too long. Induction still scheduled for Wednesday morning, if we get that far.
--Pop
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
I was T+2, but that is only because I'm a very considerate person, even in utero. I let my mom stay at home for Christmas, and yet still gave my dad the tax break. (Could really use an angel smilie here.)
My son wanted to be T-42 days, but finally ended up being T+2.
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Oh, and Moose, when I went to the doctor on a Monday and found out I was 3cm dialated, we went home and played cards. Labor started late that afternoon, we went to the hospital and he was born during Star Trek. All in all, not a bad day. Posted by Koryu (Member # 5922) on :
Except that you missed Star Trek...
~Ryuko~
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
No, no, they got to watch the end of Star Trek with the baby. Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Ryuko, very true. My husband was very upset when they yanked the TV out of the room right after the opening credits. rivka, even though he was born way before the end of the show, they still didn't let us watch it. We're still pretty bitter about that.
For those interested, it was the Data/Lore "Brothers" episode. "A homing beacon draws Data to a remote world, where he discovers that his creator, Dr. Noonian Soong, is still alive. But the signal also calls the android's evil brother, Lore."
Posted by Koryu (Member # 5922) on :
Dang! That was a good episode, too!
~Ryuko~
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Mothers, for some reason, are really, really interested in this Star Trek Transporter technology.
Talk about a "Labor" saving device. Just beam the kid right into the bassinet.
We all have our fingers crossed for Moose and Squirell.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Tsk. Silly hospital. The TVs in the hospital where my kids were born are all attached to the walls.
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
I wasn't even in a real room! It was a recovery room. Too many people having babies and they didn't believe me when I said it wouldn't be long.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
LOL. Hey, my doctor didn't get there fast enough to deliver my third. Her name's still on the birth certificate, though. Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
And I bet you still had to pay him/her, huh?
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Oh, and this was my only child. They just patted me on the head when I said I would deliver quickly. First time 'round and all. I'm thinking that when I came in at 6 pm for a first delivery, they assumed I'd be there for a while. 3 hours and 44 minutes isn't exactly what they had in mind at the check-in counter, when they looked around and said, "well, we'll just put her in recovery for a few hours till one of these rooms opens up."
My mom had me (second child) in 20 minutes. First contraction at the top of the stairs, second at the bottom of the stairs. Thank goodness we lived a block and a half from the hospital, as my dad was still parking the car, my mom still had her shoes on and the doctor, who was already there for a different delivery, got there just in time to catch me.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
LOL, I left that up to the insurance company. But anyway, she does a package deal -- pregnant checkups, delivery, postpartum -- for a set price.
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Ahh. That's good then.
Oh, the bad thing about delivering too quickly? No drugs! And that was the first question I asked the OB when we found out. I wanted an epidural and he said "No problem." Problem! No time! And I don't care what y'all say. Three hours of hard labor with no drugs hurts! Yeah, it wasn't 36 hours of labor, but still, I wanted an epidural!
Posted by saxon75 (Member # 4589) on :
::jumps up and down::
The suspense is killing me!
::crosses fingers for Mooses::
Posted by Pixie (Member # 4043) on :
I hope it all goes well. Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Not yet, goldurnit.
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Obviously, you haven't been following the advice correctly. Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Like that's my choice....
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
I can't stand it anymore! Are we still waiting, or what?
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
The moral of the story? Lie.
Tell everyone your due date is two weeks after the real one. If you're REALLY good, you'll even convince yourself . . .
Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :
My mom was in labor for three days when she had me, and I was child number 5!
I wonder what that says about my personality...
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
Silly eslaine, they're inducing on Wednesday and since the T+ keeps changing, I think its pretty safe to assume we're still waiting.
*hugs and strength to Mama Squirrel and family*
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
So the little guy apparently wanted to wait until the last moment, but didn't want Mama induced, apparently. We're heading to the hospital tonight. We'll probably announce some time in the next day or two, but prayers work retroactively, so for those who do pray, feel free, even if you think the birth has already occurred. Talk to you all soon....
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Best of luck. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
O_O
My kids had a talk with this one, clearly.
For my T+9, it was scheduling the induction that caused labor to start.
My T+13 was less easily convinced. Showed up almost exactly 24 hours before my induction appointment.
Good luck, guys!
Posted by Koryu (Member # 5922) on :
Good luck!!! BABYYYYY!!!!
^_^ I wants pictures!!
~Ryuko~
Posted by BYuCnslr (Member # 1857) on :
:: keeping you all in my thoughts :: Good luck!!!
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Zevlag (Member # 1405) on :
::prays for Moose, Squirrel, and new Mooselet::
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Yay!!
*good vibes spinning your way
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
AAAH!
Posted by celia60 (Member # 2039) on :
what mack said.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
Praying for a healthy baby & mom, and an EASY delivery!
Posted by saxon75 (Member # 4589) on :
::crosses fingers for Moose and Squirrel and Mooslings::
![[Grumble]](graemlins/grumble.gif)
![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
)![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
]![[Hat]](graemlins/hat.gif)
)
![[Taunt]](graemlins/taunt.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)