Early labour not coping!

[Tch1]

I've had contractions on and off since Thursday afternoon. They are getting more painful and intense but just not enough to go to hospital. I don't have a bath only a walk in shower so that is out the question and paracetamol are doing nothing. I just feel like I'm not coping at all. I've seen people suggest walking but my back is in so much pain it hurts to walk. Even to lower onto the toilet is agony. Any advice?

[Lules]

You can go to hospital and say you aren't coping because it's been so long and you need some drugs. There's no prizes for bravery. If you don't want to do that can you sit in the shower with it aimed at your lower back? Warm water might help.

[Kelsoooo]

Hot water bottle on lower back.
Get onto all fours and rock your hips side to side.
Get a birthing ball and bounce on that.

There are no prizes for bravery at all. But labour as long as possible at home would be my suggestion x

[TheFirstMrsDV]

I agree with the birthing ball.
I have to stand up when I have contractions so got very tired during labour.
I discovered the birthing ball when I had DC5 and it was utter bliss to be able to sit throughout a contraction. I got a gym ball from Sainsburys. If you haven't got one can you send someone out to get one?

You poor sausage. You are coping. Its just really hard.

It is better to stay at home as long as you can bear it but do call and explain and see if they can help.

[willymcwill]

Have you got a tens machine? If so I'd put it on to relieve some of the back pain. And I agree with the hot water bottle and shower suggestions too.
How frequent/long are your contractions? Have you already called the hospital? If you feel that you need more pain relief then I'd speak to the ward and go and get checked out - gas and air is a wonderful thing

[Lules]

I agree with the being on fours or kneeling with your arms on a bed. I couldn't sit or lie down during contractions either.

[willymcwill]

Oh and birth balls are great too, to help bring baby down to put more pressure on cervix and hopefully speed things up for you. Gentle circles may also help to move baby; walking is good too, but obviously not helpful if you're in too much pain.

Try to keep hydrated in this heat too, and remember to go to the loo regularly so that you don't get added pressure from your bladder.

[Loopyloppy]

Remember something my midwife said to me - each contraction is one step closer, a bit more of the work done and an achievement.

[silkpyjamasallday]

Birth ball was my saviour when I was in labour with dd, if you haven't got one send someone to get one asap, sitting legs akimbo and bouncing and rolling your hips through the contractions should help. I found marching up and down the stairs helped too. I did the vast majority of my labour at home with no pain relief, only labouring/pushing in hospital for 4 hours with gas and air, so my pain levels were probably lower. If it's any consolation I had 3 baths at home and they all slowed down my contractions and didn't provide much in the way of pain relief so I don't think you're missing out. Just keep reminding yourself that with every bit of pain you are a step closer to meeting your beautiful baby!

[TheFirstMrsDV]

How are you doing Tch?

[Tch1]

Thanks guys she was born yesterday morning by unplanned Caesarian. She was also getting distressed and was born with some fluid in her lungs.. She's just needing a bit of help transitioning into the outside world but fingers crossed well both be skipping out of the hospital soon x

[Linner83]

Congratulations x x

[willymcwill]

Congratulations!

[TheFirstMrsDV]

How lovely
Congratulations

[kel1234]

I was in early labour for 4 days. Tbh I didn't need anything to help with the pain until after I'd had my sweep.
I used a tens machine as my main source of pain relief. It really did help me a lot.