Oh no is this going to be another long early labour with DC2?

[Bugaboom]

A bit of self indulgent rant really. My first labour started at 40+2 after a sweep- contractions through the night not close enough to do much about but too close for much rest. They then slowed and reduced in day. After 3 nights of this finally close enough to go in- only to be told labour not established. Eventually had baby a further 2 days later with epidural, drip (at 8cm stopped dilating) and forceps.
This time I've been told lots of positive 2nd birth stories even after traumatic first births. I'm now 40+5. So when I lost my mucus plug night before last, went nesting crazy yesterday and mild regular period cramps started last night, I thought yes! Here we go. Took 2 paracetamol to ensure I got some rest. Got a few restless hours sleep but only had about 6 contractions all night. Now nothing much at all this morning.
So is this going to be just like before? I've learnt lessons- I won't be walking miles daily to get the contractions going in the day (was bloody exhausted on arrival at hospital). Have done hypnobirthing so trying to keep positive, but just a bit fed up that this may go on for a few days again.
Somebody tell me my contractions will kick in, my waters will break and I'll have my baby by this evening

[capecath]

Yeah.... Afraid no positive news from me... Had nights of irregular contractions with DS2 before being induced... Just try to relax and take things as they come. Baby will be here very soon!! x

[Bugaboom]

Thank you capecath. Have a feeling this will be a few days. Plenty of chocolate and daytime TV! The nesting instinct has completely gone today.

[PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom]

Not necessarily a long one.

I had a similar experience to you with DD1, except it was 'only' three days (and three missed nights of sleep) when she arrived. I had drip and forceps too.

With DD2 I had a day of widely spaced erratic contractions (period cramps rather than intense) before it established. I laboured overnight but hadn't missed a night's sleep beforehand, which made a big difference.

With DS I had three days where I got a couple of hours of contractions in the evening (or in one case in the middle of the night), which then tailed off and I slept. The fourth night the same thing started again, but suddenly ramped up! That was my shortest birth - 4 hours ish.

I would agree with your comments, rest, rest, rest. Also try and get as relaxed as possible in the early evening. Bath, glass of wine (if you want to) or herbal tea, low lights, chocolate, happy film, snuggled up under blankets. I think all the snuggled up nesting (as opposed to the manic cleaning variety) helps.

[Bugaboom]

Thanks penguin. That's promising. I'm having a very relaxing evening

[BananaPie]

I had a similar experience to you with dc1. Dc2 was much easier. Irregular contractions started about 24 hours before the birth and eventually established themselves at 20 mins apart for 12 hours or so. At the time, I thought it was going to be another protracted labour, but then things speeded up and the active stage was only about 8 hours. Good luck!

[kalidasa]

I am wondering the same thing. My labour with DS1 was actually very straightforward but was preceded by at least a week of on/off 'period pains' and I lost the mucus plug about 10 days before labour too. Now I am 37 weeks with DS2 and have started with the 'period pains' again and I also feel quite calm and cheerful after a very low few weeks which I remember from the end last time as well. I am very immobile (in wheelchair with SPD) so don't have much choice about the rest but am trying to relax anyway. I seem to remember the Ina May Gaskin book actually recommends a glass of wine at night in this situation to help you sleep and relax so you don't end up exhausted when real labour starts.

On the other hand, I have done nothing yet about a birth plan or a hospital bag and beginning to think maybe we should do that tonight just in case! I did finally do a big Amazon order on Monday for nappies etc but not everything has arrived yet.

[Bugaboom]

Well I'm still here! Intense contractions 7 mins apart over night so only 5 minute blocks of sleep. Went to midwife led unit this morning. No cervical examination but told to go home and that things could change quickly but she'd certainly expect me back today. Came home, managed a 40 min sleep, had a long long bath which I think slowed things a bit but was so lovely. Timing contractions again now and feel a bit more refreshed.
kalid we were still having essentials delivered this week (now 6 days over). I think baby knew it was better to stay put

[kalidasa]

Ooh sounds like you are on the way at least bugaboom! Good luck.

[PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom]

Ooh, exciting. Just be careful, that kind of start is how DD2 ended up a BBA! Watch out for things suddenly getting intense. According to my notes I was in established labour something like 3 minutes, which is a big fat lie.

[Bugaboom]

What's BBA penguins?

[PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom]

Born before arrival - i.e. no midwife there (was a planned homebirth)!

[Bugaboom]

Yikes! Not sure DH will be up for that! Things slowing down again, most annoying.

[PenguinsandtheTantrumofDoom]

It was actually fine and too fast to be scary. But I don't recommend it. I also have a friend who was sent home with no. 2 and ended up having to go in by ambulance due to traffic and her 'not established labour' turning into fully dilated by 5 minutes after she got home.

I guess I'm just trying to say that second ones sometimes accelerate quite quickly, so being in on/off now doesn't necessarily mean you've got ages to go.

[FrackingHell]

Agree with Penguins - my second labour threw me a bit because the contractions were irregular, so it was a surprise when we only just made it to our midwife unit in time (they started to run water for the pool but I deliverd before it was full )

Best of luck!

[FrackingHell]

*delivered