[stephie1]

My due date was July 5th. I still have not had the baby. My ob said I was about 2 cm dialated on Monday July 12th. She said if I didn't have the baby by Thursday I will probably be induced. My first child was 8 1/2 lbs and my ob said this baby may be a little bigger. Should I be worried about being induced and having to have a c-section or any complications?

[DoulaLC]

How did the birth of your first child go? If all was well, there is no reason to expect any different this time. Since they suspect a good sized baby,. you can help things along by trying to use upright positions during labor... walk... sit in rocking chair... labor in the tub or shower, etc. Also, if you decide to have an epidural, try to wait until you are well into active labor and especially that baby is well done into the pelvis. If they tell you baby is posterior, stay off your back... rock on your hands and knees, try side lunges, rock on a birth ball, walk the halls, etc. to see if you can encourage baby to rotate. This can help baby get into the optimum position for birth.

An induction does increase the odds of a c-section, but if you need one, hopefully it will go smoothly for you since you already have some changes to your cervix. That can make a big difference in its success. Also, keep in mind that just because you might be induced, does not mean you have to remain lying in bed. Changing positions for comfort and helping labor progress should still be options.