40Wks Pregnant and My Contractions Are Not Regular

I know the wait is awful, but every minute instead is one less minute of a fussy baby scream. They are better off being inside for as long as possible.

Unfortunately there is nothing guaranteed that you can do to start labor. I know it is frustrating I delivered all my kids late.. Hang in there, it will end soon.

Yeah, short of being induced none of that stuff actually works.

Try having a small glass of wine and relaxing. At least that is what my OB said. I went with just relaxing sans the wine but all good. :)

In about a week you will be realizing how much easier life was before the birth.

The "E" in EDD does not stand for expiration but estimate, ESTIMATED Due Date. It assumes you conceived exactly on day 14, carry the full 40 weeks etc. All women and babies are different. You are not considered "late" until 42 weeks, and even then, it's not always right but it's what they go with.
Those last weeks suck, I know, but your baby knows when it's done growing and will let your body know.
Not a single one of those old wives tales work unless you are already ready to go into labor. They will not start something that isn't ready to happen. Even medical induction isn't a guarantee because if things really aren't ready nothing is going to happen. The only guarantee is a c-section, which isn't something to be taken lightly.
Just relax and enjoy the last few days you have left to get ready for your baby. The more you relax the better off your body and baby is.
It really won't be long before you will get to hold your sweet little baby!
All the best for a safe and quick labor and delivery and congratulations on your newest addition!

When it is time, it will happen.

Lol Jo, sometimes even inducement isn't enough!

I was induced the day after my due date, and after 10 hours I was only dilated to a 4, so they sent me home. I didn't get 'regular' contractions until 5 days after that, when I went into actual labor. I lost my mucous plug shortly after my failed induction...

I tried to speed things up, and NOTHING worked! I was living on a 3rd floor apartment even, and going up and down those stairs a few times daily, plus walking as much as I was able.

If your baby is as stubborn as mine, she will come when ready.

A due date can be off by 2 week either way. While you are 40 weeks based on their estimate, you could be 38 weeks. Some people don't dialate early while others do. It could be any time and your baby will come when ready.

Baby will arrive soon relax when you know it's time you'll just know.Not an exact answer to your question but your almost there

No pregnancy goes on forever, although it seems like it for the last month.
Take some time and some pictures now.
In a few months you won't remember how big you were.
I have a nice picture of me watering the garden 2 days before I gave birth and our son just loves that picture.
Make some freezable casseroles, and store up on some easy meals.
You'll have need of them soon!

It's any day now,Nikki! All my best to you, and hopes for an easy delivery! Let us know the particulars on the baby, okay?

Hugs!
Dawn

My daughter was 6 days early. I was not dilated. I had her in 40 minutes.

There are suppose to be trigger points in your feet, go get a pedicure & one heck of a foot massage. Good luck, hang in there.

I know you're sick of being pregnant. That's God's way of preparing us and making us less scared of labor and delivery. At the end, we're just like "come ON!"

What I would say is BE PATIENT! And don't accept induction unless you absolutely have to (due to yours or the baby's health). Baby will come in its own good time.

Those are all signs that you will have your baby soon. I never had a braxton hicks until the day before I went into labor. Mucus Plus is bloody, not clear. But when you are in labor, all kinds of mucusy things come out. Sounds like you will go into labor in the next couple days.

Nikki,

The average pregnancy for a first time mother is 41 weeks and 2 days! You aren't there yet. Do not worry until you are 42 weeks. At that point, your doctor may offer an induction.

Other options are acupuncture, evening primrose inserted into your vagina daily, using a breast pump (one hour on followed by one hour off, repeat). At 41 + weeks, you might ask your doctor if he/she would consider stripping your membranes. This can be done in the office setting and usually labor will start within 24 hours. Keep in mind that your baby starts labor, not you. At this point, it seems your baby is happy where he/she is...let your baby finish growing inside of you. Go to spinningbabies.com and see if your baby is in an optimal position. If not, work on some of the exercises to get baby into position. Spend some time on hands and knees (if you want to multi-task, you can also wash your floors). Babies come when they are ready. No one has been pregnant forever. My best friend is 40 weeks and 3 days today and she is very upset that she is having growing pressure to induce. Enjoy the last days of your pregnancy - your baby will be here within the next 2 1/2 weeks.

Keep in mind that induction increases your chance of a c-section! Some studies say up to 40% higher chance! C.

The baby will come when he or she is ready. Try to relax (ridiculous, I know). The longest they'll let you go is 42 weeks anyway - don't try to speed things up, it'll just happen soon enough. Wishing you an easy delivery and a healthy baby!