Dear Baby,
You are now considered to be full term, therefore your lease has expired. Hence, I hereby request that you vacate the premises at your earliest possible convenience. Please do so in a fast and orderly manner, leaving the space in exactly the same condition you found it.
Many thanks, your landlord. (AKA Mummy)

Ok, I don’t know how I can say this to convey just how strongly I feel it, but I really REALLY want this baby out now. I am 39 weeks on Thursday and feel like I have been pregnant for about 4 years, with the final week looming like an unachievable hurdle I don’t have the strength to cross. And I am so grumpy and over it I can hardly stand myself.

You see, I never thought I’d make it this far. Throughout my entire pregnancy I have been convinced I would have the baby early. Like my first pregnancy I got big very quickly and have looked and felt like I was full term since early in my second trimester. But in that case our son surprised us and came unexpectedly at 37 weeks and 5 days. This was fantastic because I was expecting to go to 40 weeks so hadn’t reached the emotional and physical hump of being truly over it yet.

So this time, perhaps foolishly, I set my ‘over it’ meter firmly at 37 weeks and mentally prepared myself to have the baby then. When people asked me how long I had to go I added up how many weeks til 37 and told them as many. This also had the added benefit of not having to deal with their shocked reactions when someone with a belly the size of a large watermelon told them she still had 8 weeks to go.

I know your previous pregnancies don’t always predict what the next will be and my mother and my obstetrician warned me I was setting myself up for an agonising wait if I went full term but, of course, I didn’t listen. And at 33 weeks, when the head dropped, I felt I had justification and proof that I wouldn’t have to wait too much longer.

At 34 weeks I thought I may have wished a little too hard, when I ended up in the hospital with 4 minute apart, painful Braxton hicks for over two hours. I wasn’t in labour this time, but the midwives and obgyn confirmed what I suspected, the signs were there that I would probably go early. So I was thrilled when an examination just before 37 weeks showed that I was already 1cm dilated, with my cervix ‘soft and favourable.’

Labour, here we come!

A few days later I was overjoyed when I woke up with more signs of labour, things were looking promising. I had a hair appointment that day and nervously sat in the chair, expecting my waters to break at any moment. It was all very exciting and dramatic, and potentially very Steel Magnolias. Except that nothing happened. But, on the upside, I was relieved to get my foils done before the birth photos, so all was not lost!

That afternoon my husband and I took a walk together, hoping to bring on labour just as it had done last time. Our son was at preschool so we enjoyed some lovely quiet time, talking about our expectations of the birth and meeting our baby. That night I arranged for my brother to stay over, so we didn’t have to disturb Jamison during the night. I made sure my bag was ready and I went to bed, assured I would wake up when my contractions kicked in.

There wasn’t much sleep to be had that night, but there weren’t any contractions to be had either. The next morning my brother greeted me nonchalantly with “No baby? What an anti climax.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself.

The following days went ridiculously slowly. Every day I was convinced this was the one and I would take a long walk, accompanied by strong and painful Braxton hicks that I was sure would turn into real labour. Because my first labour was so sudden and quick I have had no experience of ‘normal’ early labour, so I didn’t know what to expect and was constantly on alert. Accompanying lower back pain on the second day had me convinced it was the real thing and I pulled out of my friends 40th birthday dinner, again assured that the baby was on it’s way. Another anti-climax, coupled with the frustration that I missed a great night for nothing.

And now here I am, another week down and still nothing, as everyone I see reminds me whenever I leave the house. I know I shouldn’t complain, when I am not even full term, but I truly feel like I’m two weeks over due and the thought of carrying around this bowling ball for one more day is excruciating. I am so big I honestly don’t know how my belly can get any bigger without exploding. My pelvis is constantly sore, the pressure ‘down below’ is horrible, the Braxton hicks are painful and frustrating, often waking me up in the night. My feet are swollen, I can hardly walk, I can’t sleep and my patience is as thin as filo pastry.

Oh and on that note, Jasmison’s testing behaviour seems to be increasing in direct parallel with my inability to cope with it. He is suddenly 4 going on 14 with an attitude to match and, while I know he just needs some attention and tough love to get through it, it’s all I can do just to manage his day to day care let alone navigate through an emotional milestone. The other day I actually prayed I would go in to labour just so I could have four days in the hospital and away from his tantrums. Alas, God did not grant my wish and there was no reprieve to be found.

I have gotten so desperate I have actually forgotten that I will have a baby at the end of this and that a week or so is really not a long time to wait for that amazing moment. My girlfriend, who has just had one herself so can vividly recall what the last few weeks felt like, had to remind me of this fact yesterday. I was thankful for that, as I was starting to imagine myself as the 80 year old pregnant woman! Funnily, when my husband reminded me of the same thing, asking why I wasn’t excited about being pregnant anymore, my reaction wasn’t quite as appreciative.

But, now that I have had a big whinge and gotten this all off my very inflated chest, I will carry on. Focusing on how lucky I am to be pregnant and getting through one long day at a time, knowing that my beautiful baby will be here soon. Please, please, please, let it be soon.

What were your last few weeks of pregnancy like, when you did you hit your emotional wall? Feel free to join me in a big whinge fest if you are experiencing them right now!

Besides being tired, I have never felt the "get this baby out now" feeling. I had my kids at 38w5d, 38w6d and 40w exactly. I have love being pregnant every time, not loved the morning sickness, but like anything, rose coloured glasses comes in handy with that one

Due today. Can hardly walk due to pain but not labour pains - just that discomfort that has plagued the last few weeks. Just took my toddler for a walk to see if I can get things moving. But nothing. *sigh*

Aluminium, I am sighing along with you! I've walked more in the last two weeks than in my whole pregnancy, but to no benefit so far. Here's hoping both our babies make an appearance soon - tonight sounds good to me! Good luck.

Tonight would be perfect!

So yes! Here's hoping we both have babes in arms soon.

2 days overdue here.

Was induced with both my boys and hoping against hope that this baby comes by herself before I go to my appointment on Friday and they talk about inducing me for a 3rd time.

Good luck girls....I feel your pain!!!

Last few weeks were painful - no sleep, carpal tunnel syndrome, pitted odoaema, heartburn, cranky cranky cranky.

Went 8 days over.

Hit my emotional wall the day I went into labour - got sick of sitting around at home, cracked teh $hits and went to the pub for parma and trivia night. Of course, as soon as oyu make plans, baby throws them out the window - contractions started in the car on the way there. almost 30 hours later I held my 10lb monster

This time? Just gone 36 weeks, have a week and a half left at work...exam for uni 10 days before my due date. NOT ALLOWED TO COME EARLY (of course, now that I have said that, it probably will). Tired as hell and uncomfortable sleeping, but at least im not as puffy and can still wear my wedding band. Expecting another bigg'n...and the midwife isnt convinced this one will be late...Im telling myself it will be to save myself hitting that emotional wall

Currently 36 weeks with lots of prelabour. Same as last time yet I still went to 42+2. My babies too have been born later and later each time so I understand the way going past your last date screws with your head. All my babies engaged early too, with my first I was fully engaged at 34 weeks, 3 cm dilated at 37 weeks and yet was still induced at 41+3. Just think all this preparation will make for a quick labour!
Lots of empathy to all of you waiting, I truly know how much that wait can suck!

Ok first



I issued an eviction notice to DD2 she fail to comply coming 11days late.

Since I find out I am pregnant at about 6 weeks pregnant(thank you morning sickness) I am well and truly over it by about the 6month mark.

OMG. I could have written this blog myself! Down to the looking forward to a few nights in hospital away from my tantie throwing DD.

I am 38 weeks today, my DD was born at 37 weeks. I feel completely ridiculous feeling this way and can't stomach reading about those of you that went 2 weeks over... THIS CANNOT HAPPEN!!

All the best to those out there that are watching the clock...

I'm 36 weeks and three days. My ob wants to induce me at 38 or 38 and a half weeks because of my pre-existing impaired glucose tolerance. I've been over the pregnancy for a little while now, mainly because I seem to have a new, horrible illness every day. I had a UTI (I never have those!) followed by a course of antibiotics, followed by thrush (I never have that either!), followed by tendonitis in my wrist, followed by what seemed like a mild cold with blocked sinuses, and now conjunctivitis in my left eye . And of course heartburn, heartburn, heartburn. I'm usually really healthy, but right now it seems like I'm falling to pieces, and I think it's just that my immune system is a little bit suppressed. I want my baby out so I can get better again. It would be nice if she would arrive early, just before the induction, so I get to experience natural labour!

Yes yes yes! I understand!!

I ended up in hosptial for a few hours with contractions 3 mins apart which then stopped all by themselves at 34 weeks. So I've been expecting something since then!! DS was 9 days early.... and so when I was pregnant with DD I was so miffed when I got to 9 days early and she didn't arrive!! She did grace us with her presence on her due date. This time I'm praying that I don't go over! I do still have 3 weeks to go.

I'm feeling the need to nest (not cause my mind is telling me to.... only because I know if I keep busy and upright maybe I might help things along?) and clean and get things all organised.

Wouldn't it be awesome if the eviction notice actually worked!!! Stubborn tenant!

Good luck with the last little bit of your pregnancy, Amity.

I'm just wanting this baby to arrive so I can drive without hitting my belly with the steering wheel and to be able to sit at my piano and play without having a belly in the way!!!!!

Obviously it's not the worst thing in the world.... cause most of us go back for more than one!!

I went 11 days over with my first, and was reassured with #2 that wouldn't happen again. First babies are late babies. Oooohhh looky, the bump is low/pointy/hard/looks like it is ready to pop. Yeah right. 16 days late with #2.

All I can say, is if this baby #3 doesn't exit in a timely fashion I will start poking forks in my eyes. I cannot stay pregnant that long again, I just don't have it in me.

DH and I are still TTC, so I'm not anywhere near that stage yet. Just wanted to pop in and offer support. The minute you see a happy healthy bub in your arms, this will all be forgotten.

My son was evicted via induction last Thursday at 10 days over. Most of mine were overdue but knowing it will be likely does not make it any easier.

The last few weeks were basically a blur of sleep.

Oh, the memory of being overdue ... DD was born at 41+5, after 4 days of full on pre-labour, several sweeps and lots of fit ball bouncing and walking. We were booked to be induced, got there and waited so long due to emergencies that my waters broke spontaneously that night in the hospital. Prior to this, DH has said "well, why don't we just go home if they can't induce till tomorrow?" I distinclty recall growing fangs and hissing "I am here to have my baby and AM NOT GOING HOME UNTIL I DO!!!!". 3 hours later - whoosh! We were on.

I feel for all the ladies that have pain, insomnia and have no hope of even remembering what their feel look like - I never had any of that and it was still the most difficult mental hurdle to get over - the last weeks of pregnancy - thank duck I am only having one!!!!!

ETA:


Oh how I wish!

With my first 3 pregnancies I went overdue (induction with first 2 at 9 days over) and third was born 3 days overdue.

This pregnancy has gone so fast for me, and I can barely believe I only have 18 days to go, its just flown.

I am actually really happy and content with baby being in there, I am not over it yet this time, I am enjoying all the movements of this being my last pregnancy, I am of course excited to meet my first little girl after 3 boys, but I am not quite sure I want pregnancy to be over yet either. I am not that uncomfortable (besides a few hard movements she gives me that can hurt sometimes) but mostly I am just happy to just cruise along this time.

DH is actually going away this weekend, and I will be 38 wks, he will be in a different state, so that is a bit worrying to me, and I just really want her to at least stay in there till monday night when he gets back! lol.

Unlike just about everyone else, I never got that 'over it' feeling. After 12 weeks, I have never felt so great as I did while pregnant. This was in spite of the fact that I am small, DD was born 4kg, and was turning somersaults even while I was in labour. I never found her kicks annoying or painful. Maybe because she never engaged?

Anyway, I hope bubs comes soon for you - good luck!

Try going PAST 40 weeks I swear there is nothing longer than every day past an EDD. I was anxious to see my baby anytime after 37 weeks, but it is so frustrating as day after day past your due date ticks by!

My two arrived 10 and 8 days over their due dates despite trying everything known to go naturally.

Good luck

This is me exactly - 10 and 8 days overdue for mine. DS2 was much harder as I was so tired running around after DS1 and there just wasn't the same ability to rest as there was 1st time around.



I did have a chuckle with this too. It is wonderful to meet your bub but newborns are hardly a walk in the park either.

I was incredibly uncomfortable during my third pregnancy. It was so hard looking after my other 2 children and surviving with an unstable pelvis and shocking heartburn. I had an irritable uterus and had regular braxton hicks for the last few weeks.

But...I knew it was my last pregnancy and that I would never feel this new life growing inside me ever again. Then she was born at 38 weeks and I felt ripped off because I wasn't ready to give up on that feeling.

So, my advice is to enjoy the GOOD bits as much as you can!!!!

Best wishes to all

Also there is nothing worse than constantly being asked when you are due when you have gone over. Use to drive me insane.

Sorry to be a wet blanket, but while 37 weeks is considered full term, there is a huge amount of research that states that babies born after 39 weeks have better brain development, less complications and are generally healthier - STATISTICALLY speaking, of course. There are plenty of healthy babies born at 37 weeks, but I think that we should all be patient and at least give our bubs until 39 weeks before we ask them to leave.

I'm 38 + 4 weeks now, and I'm quite content to wait until 39 weeks. My pregnancy has not been fun - I have an irritable uterus and have had braxton hicks contractions up to 8 minutes apart every night for the past 2 months, not to mention during the day if I'm trying to get work done.

Still, my healthy baby is my greatest priority!

Good luck with your last few weeks.

I am nearly 36 weeks and my OB scheduled my c-sec for medical reasons at 37 so i was supposed to deliver Tuesday week. She has now changed her mind because i have had late diagnosis GD and that coupled with an irratable uterus from a minor car accident last week has pushed me over the edge. I am now bedridden for the next 3 and a half weeks on nipredifine and not even allowed any fun food to drown my sorrows in or the usual joys of intimacy with my partner. So aside from the date being changed I feel i have been handed a prison sentence and all my luxuries stripped to boot. The highlight of my next 3 weeks is my OB appt when i am actually allowed to leave my bed lol. Amity i soooooo feel your pain!!!

Bea

I am 38+3 today and whilst I would love to have the baby I am not completely 'over it' yet and am happy to keep going. I have also had the pg from hell but that is not unusual for me.

I do understand the frustration though of expecting that your little one will make an early appearance going on previous pregnancies. My DS was born at just on 37 weeks after a spontaneous rupture of memebranes.

With DD I then of course expected an early delivery so from 36 weeks on was convinced she would come any day. She engaged at 34 weeks, my cervix was ripe and my Ob would tell me each visit 'it could be any time now'. I was somewhat put out to then get to 38, 39 and 40 weeks. At 41 weeks I was horrified, 42 weeks came and went and NOTHING - not a braxton hits, not a single contraction - zip, zilch, nada! I really wanted to avoid induction but finally at 42+4 I gave in and was induced and met my little girl.

So here I am at 38+3 and have no idea what to expect. Will I go 'early' like with DS? Will this baby hang around for over 42 weeks like DD? I am having a home birth this time and want to avoid any intervention so I am hoping and praying that baby comes naturally before 42 weeks.

A friend of mine, her first baby was born at 37+2days.... So she was ready for 37wks with her next baby....she was born 42+1days....she was over it and frustrated but now she has a 1wks old baby and that extra few weeks is a distant memory.

I was over it well and truly by about 35 weeks with DS1.

DS2, probably from about 39 weeks, DS3 I was absolutely fine until the day before he was born. I remember crying to my DH the night before he was born, that I was officially 'over it'. DS3 obviously got the message! lol

All my babies were born at exactly 40 weeks, so by # 3 I had prepared myself for at least the full 40 weeks.