Usually I care not a wit for other peoples' opinions. But for some reason, due in part I'm sure to hormones, during pregnany I listen to what others have to say a lot more than usual, and take it to heart for some short duration of time.
I have turned it OFF! YAY, me. I stopped listening to horror stories of late births, pitocin possibilities, other induction choices, and need after need after NEED of ultra sounds, etc, etc, etc. Since turning this inane chatter off, and letting it wash off my back, instead of giving it credit, I have felt so much LESS stress about this baby. I feel much more in control of my emotional state, mental outlook, and perspective. I am once again the optimist. Confident in my ability to birth this healthy baby in due course.
So, yes, I am over 42 weeks pregnant. I have carried so far 3 other babies past the 41 weeks mark and had nothing but easy labors and happy healthy babies as a result. I am not worried or concerned about the health of the baby or myself. I admit this one is lower and dropped a while ago so - Yeah- I'm darn uncomfortable, but that's par for the course.
This fear that going past 40 week sis dangerous doctors and other well-meaning people in the medical proffession infect their patiens with is a MYTH! Yes sirree. A Myth! You're not technically considered POST-Due until after 43. ANd even then it is not considered a real threat unless there is some sign that either the placenta is beginnig to break down, or the baby is stressed. There is no date at which the placenta automatically begins to calcify, some begin this process as early as 27 weeks, hence many many early labors, while others don't begin to break down at all. There is no proven reason, as yet, as to why this happens or does not happen. Although I have a hunch that it has a lot to do with the mother's health both preconception and during pregnancy.
So, my friends there is no reason for me to be overly concerned, except of course in the topic of standing, sitting, and walking. I am looking forward to being able to move more freely, hold our new baby, recover and get my energy back. But those are not reasons good enough to jumpstart this pregancy before the baby is ready. The baby send out chemicals from the womb that triggers labor. Yes these chemicals can be stimulated from outside forces, but why would I do that. These last few days or weeks the baby is developing her endocrine system. The system that helps her adjust to life outside the womb. Why would I stop that prematurely.
Would I be thrilled to go into labor today- YUP!! But I'll let my body and the baby decide when that time is. My body's ready and has been for a while. So I'm just waiting on baby. I'm sure she'll arrive when she's good and ready.
I believe birth to be a natural process, just like the pregnancy. I do not believe it is innately dangerous. It's beautiful, natural, powerful, and to be embraced with faith and confidence. Perhaps this is an unusual philosophy, but I doubt it. It's just not the mainstream idea. But I've never thought very highly of many of the mainstream ideals that have gone in and out of fashion.
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