Birth #4 (the plan)

I figured I should blog about how I envision the birth of baby #4 since it supposedly will happen a little differently than in the past and even though I never know for sure how it will turn out, this one seems even more different.  All three previous births have been within 2 days of the due date, all natural labors, and all vaginal deliveries.  Hooray!!!  The problem is that the time it takes has been halving each time.  12 hours, 6 hours, 3 hours...and 1.5 hours just won't cut it especially since we are 45 min. away from the hospital and barely made it with Mikey as it was.  Therefore enter new plan.  My doctor mentioned this plan right after Michael's birth and I have been holding on to it ever since.  I discussed it with her again last week.  The plan is to induce labor sometime in week 39 as to avoid not making it to the hospital.  I am in favor of this plan for several reasons.  The first is that I will not have to worry about not making it to the hospital!  I was a panicking mess with Michael.  Think TV drama births!  It hurt and was scary.  It all turned out okay in the end however:)  My second reason is that I am a planner and if I can know ahead of time when this will all take place I would love that.  I will have my bags packed, the baby things ready, my hair washed, etc.  I will be prepared.  The third reason is that I plan to have an epidural.  I had one with my first and it was lovely.  I had one with my second, but I think it ended up not mattering much because it wasn't quite enough time to really take effect.  I did NOT have one with my third (hence the TV drama screaming!).  This time even if the labor is longer or harder I will not feel it!  OK, so three good reasons for this plan:  the baby will be born at the hospital, I will be able to plan this event, and I will get an epidural.  What could go wrong?!  Well, I have two basic fears when it comes to this plan.  Even though my doctor assured me that I would not be induced unless "conditions are favorable" I worry number one that I might end up having to have a c-section which would just really be disappointing.  And I worry that the baby will be ready and as healthy as he should be.  So I have high hopes for this birthing process...but a few reservations as well.  Stay tuned to see how it all turns out.

P.S.  I thought I was going into labor this morning...so who knows what will really happen!