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Childbirth

What to do when u think ur in labour??

19 replies

angelfaces · 31/08/2006 21:16

How will i know when im in labour and at what point do i contact the labour suite?

OP posts:

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muma3 · 31/08/2006 21:32

waters could go
contractions could start- like period pains or back ache

when pains come every 2-3 mins and are alsting over a min then phone them and make your way in but if your waters go then phone them to let them know whats happening

Mum2FunkyDude · 31/08/2006 21:37

To add to Muma3...if you are in doubt you can always phone your delivery suite, they are used to getting calls from unsure mums to be. Are you suspecting labour?

hana · 31/08/2006 21:38

i agree
call your labour ward - they'll ask you some questions and take it from there. if you go to hospital they sometimes send you home if labour isn't 'extablished'!

Spidermama · 31/08/2006 21:39

I always start cooking a stew or baking something. You'll be glad of it once the birth is over and it gives you something to take your mind off it. I also phone the medical types as late as I can possibly get away with because IME they can, with the best of intentions, slow things down somewhat and break my stride.

Auntymandy · 31/08/2006 21:41

will know!
Contact them as soon as you feel you need to!

liquidclocks · 31/08/2006 21:42

If you're 1baby1bump you start a thread on MN! (see earlier today)

Seriously, think there's a lot of truth in the 'you will just know' philosophy but if in doubt ring your delivery suite. My friend says she always knew when the contractions made her eyes water it was time to go in... personally wouldn't leave it that long, my epidural would be calling....

LIZS · 31/08/2006 21:44

If you are some distance from hospital give them a call when the contractions are regularly 5 minutes or less apart. Even if you have a show or waters go it doesn't mean you need to go yet but if it is getting uncomfortable ring them and they'll advise whether to have a warm bath, get some rest, stay mobile or go in, based on your repsonses totheri questions, or they may send a mw round to you.

mears · 31/08/2006 21:44

When you have regular contractions that increase in strength and frequency. That is when they make you breathe through them and stop what you are doing. Usually like period type pain going down your thighs and into your back. You should contact the hospital at any time you want advice. If you have bleeding orconcerns about your pregnancy call the hospital. Depends how far away you live how close your contractions need to be before you go in.

LittleSarah · 31/08/2006 21:48

breathe

cmm · 31/08/2006 21:53

I agree with the others - contact your labour dept at the hospital - they are always pleased to answer questions. I've just had a baby a couple of weeks ago. I was in slow labour all week on/off - when it is your first you really don't know what to expect. I had vague period pains, then stronger as the week went on. I even booked a massage for my due date (I'd had pains that morning) but at least it really relaxed me, perhaps it brought it on! Near the end I was having the strong period pains that really do stop you in your tracks... again, I kept in touch with the hosp, was examined and told i was 3 cms. I stayed at home, kept breathing through them and timing them and then finally when it got more painful (and my waters broke) range the hosp to tell them I was going in. I was 7 cms when I arrive and 4 hours later she was born. It really wasn't as bad as I though - painful yes but you can cope. Lots of really deep breathing and for me the gas and air and pethidine helped (I really didnt want the epidural) and doing what the midwives say! Good luck with everything!!!

Auntymandy · 31/08/2006 22:00

every labour is different so I think you will just know or suspect. dont worry about going when you arent in labour, its better to be safe than sorry

umi67 · 01/09/2006 02:01

My first pregnancy and I think I am in labour. I'm a bit confused because I didn't think it would all happen this quickly. I was at my midwife appointment today and she said the head was 2/5 engaged. However, I am getting the period type pain described in this link about 20 - 25 mins apart and lasting around 1 minute. I can't possibly sleep - any suggestions as to what I could do - have some hot milk, read a book, go back to bed??

sugarfree · 01/09/2006 02:23

When I was having my first I was told,warm bath,two paracetamol and hot drink,then go to bed.If you fall asleep you aren't in labour!

curlew · 01/09/2006 02:25

Um 167 - make sure you've got your hospital bag ready, then if you possibly can, go back to bed and try to sleep. You'll be glad of the rest later if you can. If you can't sleep, maybe have a bath and relax with a book. It will probably be a long time yet, but if the pains do get significantly more painful or closer together, ring the delivery suite and see what they say. They'll probably sat wait til they're 5 minutes apart, or so strong that you can't speak through them. Good luck!

umi67 · 01/09/2006 12:32

Still here, been to the hospital and am 4cm dilated but not yet in 'established labour'. Baby is fine so they sent me home, now it's just a case of waiting to see what happens next. The contractions are still happening but they aren't yet strong enough for me to feel that I need to go back! So I'm trying to rest and gather some energy for what might be a long wait.

angelfaces · 01/09/2006 13:04

umi67 - wow, how are you feeling now? !!! I started this thread cos im 38 weeks, 2/5 engaged and have been having period pains all week on and off and wondered how you know when ur really going into labour cos everytime i get it i think 'is this the start of it!!

OP posts:

curlew · 01/09/2006 18:41

I got all excited at 2.30 this morning, and I've just rushed to the computer to see if there's any news!

Rest A LOT. Eat well, and if you're that way inclined, use the nesting urge to do lots of batch cooking for the freezer and make sure there's no washing anywhere - there'll soon be lots!

AvaLou · 01/09/2006 18:47

I waited until the last possible minute to go to hospital, risky I know, but I hate being in hospital and found once I got there all the forms and chat and procedure slowed things down anyway.

I'd reccomend getting in a few good films ,watch them in bed, drinking lots of water and eating some nice, but light and non spicy food.

MarsLady · 01/09/2006 18:50

go to bed! You'll know when the time is right to go.

Contractions that are lasting more than a minute and coming less than 5 mins apart means call who you need to call.

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