Latent phase- how to "get things going"?!

[JuniorMint]

Hello,

I'm 38+4, been having moderate (manageable) contractions since 11pm last night, they're lasting 40-50 seconds, and coming with sporadic regularity from every 5-6 mins at one point to every 12-15 mins at slowest points.

Have had bath, been bouncing on gym ball, had some paracetamol, got TENS machine on... Think a walk might be next on the menu, but it's raining and DH is having a sleep after night shift.

Any further tips to get things going or will it just progress when it progresses and I may be doomed to have a loooooong slow latent phase for the next WEEK?!

[JuniorMint]

Oh and I think I lost my mucus plug last night, not 100% sure but think so! No waters yet though.

[whereisthewitch]

My friend swears that laughing got her going...I think she watched a funny film or comedian that made her laugh so hard she got going quite quickly! Nipple tweaking, sex (orgasm?) or a long walk or drive over a bumpy road!

Good luck, I have 6 weeks left and am bricking it

[PenguinsLoveFishFingers]

Did you sleep last night? Honestly, if you can I would get some sleep. It is all very well trying to 'get things going' but I'd say rest is the best possible investment at this stage if it is possible.

[JuniorMint]

Thanks whereisthewitch! Might try some funny videos on YouTube!

[JuniorMint]

Penguins I dozed on and off in bed from 4am-8am, I will definitely try to get some rest. Bath was nice and relaxing. The contractions seemed more painful lying down in bed though

[PenguinsLoveFishFingers]

It's so hard isn't it?

I had this with DD1, and without wanting to freak you out it was three nights of sleep lost before I had her. That's unusually long, but if there is any chance of sleeping I would really recommend it. Even if you can't actually lie down and sleep, if you can doze in any sort of 'slumped' upright position with your DH looking after you (when he gets up!) then that can help.

[JuniorMint]

Oh no Penguins, three nights, don't say that!!
What did you do all day/night? Just go about your normal life? Go out to the shops etc? Or stay close to home?

[PenguinsLoveFishFingers]

Um, well the first night I was up and about at home and went to bed for about 3 hours in the early hours. The second night I was up all night and into hospital for a couple of hours in the middle of the night to get checked out before going into labour ward the following morning. By night three I was in hospital with the epidural in. She was born early hours of day four.

Whilst I was still at home, I stayed close to home, but not at home IYSWIM. Went to the farmer's market (must have looked a picture stopping and breathing through every 10 minutes!), went for a walk, just generally tried to stay busy.

It happened again with DD2 but only for about 12 hours that time (I mentioned this on another thread today and think I said 8, but I've added it up and it was a bit longer). I had DD1 at that point so I played with her, did tea, etc and it all kicked off after dark.

There is no reason to think you'll be hanging around as long as I was, but it's still the case that a missed night of sleep wipes you out just when you need energy, so that's why I'd recommend resting if you can.

[JuniorMint]

Thanks, that's really useful to know. Maybe if I work towards it being three nights then anything sooner will be a bonus ha ha! It's DH's birthday on Saturday so I wonder if he'll be getting a birthday present!!

[PenguinsLoveFishFingers]

Oh I really hope it's not. Maybe you'll have a baby by morning!

I just get a bit narky with some of the "keep upright, keep active, get it going" advice, because I do think you need to listen to your body and, if you are having a long latent stage, resting is the main priority. If you can intersperse it with walks, birth ball, etc then that's great.

[JuniorMint]

Thank you