Adam, 23, from West Mids...
Hi I'm a father of one already. And as I write this my girlfriend is in the hospital cause she is 3 days overdue and she is getting contractions. Her feet are very abnormally swollen and the midwife can't get in to break her water. Is this normal as her contractions are 7 mins apart. If she asks can they induce her as she is very uncomfortable and does not want to cause the baby any more harm???

Stacy Says...
I'm hoping that by the time I've answered it, you already have a brand new baby in your arms, but in case you don't...

They can use medicine to induce labor, Pitocin. However, this medicine makes the contractions more intense and last longer (I personally had this as my epidural started wearing off...ouchy mama). But they won't necessarily use this because the mom is uncomfortable. And just because she is uncomfortable, doesn't mean the baby is being harmed. I felt awful the entire time and my baby was happy according to the fetal monitor. And feet sometimes get swollen during labor, but can also be a sign of high blood pressure during the labor

If an emergent situation presents itself, then the midwife can consult with a doctor and discuss the options. This is what I'm hoping is happening. Typically midwives like to let labor progress naturally, but the mom AT ANY POINT has the right to ask/demand for an epidural, pain control or more aggressive options.

I hope everything is okay and congrats!!!