Pre-labour for a week now... getting very despondent

[asicsgirl]

I've had pre-labour symptoms since last Monday - contractions of varying strength/ frequency during the day (some quite strong), lots of back pain, period-type pain. Have also had a show. However it all stops when I go to bed. Every morning I'm waking up - nothing. A walk gets the contractions going again, and the pattern repeats itself.

I was officially due last Thursday (1 May), or yesterday (5 May) according to my dates. I know it sounds like early days but I am getting so despondent. I had similar symptoms with DS but they only lasted 2 days then labour started properly and his birth was a very straightforward and positive experience. I have planned a home birth this time and with every day that DC2 doesn't arrive, am thinking I will end up in hospital being induced or whatever.

I know worse things could happen but I'm struggling to keep a sensible perspective. Waking up really early, can't sleep and crying loads. I know the advice is to keep doing normal things, get out and about etc but I just find I'm avoiding everyone - can't face the same old questions and don't trust myself not to bawl in their faces

Can anyone help?

[Janus]

Hi asicsgirl, sorry you feel a bit miserable, if it's any consolation I'm sure hormones go compeletely mad at the end and anything can set you off!!
I'm on number 3, due next week. With the first I had a show and next day went into labour with no 'pretend' labour first. With number 2 I had no real show but had at least 4 nights of 'pretend' labour to the extent I had the TENS machine on and not sure whether it was the real thing or not. I remember feeling despondent things weren't happening but with hindsight I think now it is a very good indicator that things are just around the corner. Oh, I was 4 days late with both.
This time I'm going to book reflexology for when I'm 3 days late as I've heard this is very good for 'getting things going'. Is this an option for you? My friend went in to labour the same day she had hers so I thought it was worth a try. If you can face it I think getting out is a good thing, so many other friends have sworn a long walk or a ridiculous amount of gardening, etc, has started them off. I hope things get better for you or that you are even in labour now!!

[Hersetta]

I do feel for you as I had a long pre labour - my contrations started on a saturday night and then came every 6 mins for the next 6 days with no respite. I felt like crap as I'd barely slept for 6 nights, couldn't keep anything down and just felt like the baby was never going to come out. However late on the Thursday night my waters broke and contractions immediately came down to every 2 mins but unfortunately 18 hours later on the Friday afternoon i had only dilated 1cm so was given an EMCS. Sorry I can't offer a positive story but I do know what you're going though. Apart from the happy outcome and a perfect DD it was the worst week of my life.

[NatalieJaneIsPregnantAgain]

It is the most difficult time of pregnancy.

You can try cleaning all the windows, or getting down and hands and knees and scrubbing (with a brush) the carpets, gardening as someone mentioned is good.

Also nipple stim, sex, walking up and down the stairs sideways, can all help to regulate the contractions. And having a visual image in your mind of your body opening up to let the baby through can help (I know that sounds a bit hippy-fied, but it can help relax you)

Sure as hell though, the baby won't come before it is ready, these things just fill up the time.

Oh and try to take showers rather than baths if you can, sometimes a bath can slow things down (until you reach 4-5cms)

Good luck

[asicsgirl]

Thanks everyone. I will look into reflexology - hadn't heard about that before - I live in a suitably 'alternative' place so there is bound to be someone! Will keep up the walks too, at least it's lovely weather...