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Childbirth/Natural induction

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Expert: - 9/28/2009


Question
Hi I am in my 40 th week of pregnancy and just finished fasting a 25 hour fast that my religion requires.. I'm due in 5 days but with my two kids I had before I was about a week late..what are the chances that I'll have my baby tonight after this fast or is it more likely I'll be late like with my two previous experiences.. Thanks for any info!

Answer
Devorah,


You tend to do what your body has done before, meaning that if you were late twice, you're more likely to be late again.


Fasting can cause dehydration, which can start labor, so it's a possibility that you could go into labor, but there's no way to be certain, especially without knowing if your body is showing any other signs of being ready, such as cervical changes, the baby's station, etc.



Best,
Catherine

Childbirth

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Catherine Beier MS CBE

Expertise

I can provide evidence-based information and current research findings concerning childbirth and pregnancy. My specializations include natural childbirth, pregnancy and birth interventions, fetal positioning, labor induction, choosing a care provider, midwives, homebirth, unassisted birth, natural pain relief, medications in pregnancy and birth, informed consent, understanding the risks and benefits of childbirth choices, doulas, waterbirth, childbirth methods, childbirth education classes, cesarean section, and VBAC.

Experience

I have been a childbirth educator, mother, author, public speaker, researcher, and birth advocate for the past 9 years. I am also the author of Giving Birth Naturally, a site dedicated to natural childbirth and pregnancy information. I publish evidence-based articles on pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and post-partum care. I'm also a mother of three children, two daughters and one son all born naturally. To learn more about what normal birth looks like, view the natural childbirth video of my son being born at home unassisted.

Publications
My book, Birth Outside the Box, was published in 2007.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Master's degree in communication disorders with an emphasis in child development. I am also an independent childbirth educator.

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