My water has broken, waiting for contractions to kick in...

[Sakura03]

Due date is on Monday but my waters broke at 2.15 am, went in to the birthing centre and as they couldn’t tell from looking at my pad whether it definitely was the water, I stayed in for monitoring and an hour later they were able to confirm that my water has definitely broken. I took the option to go home and wait for labour to start naturally and was advised to try and get as much sleep as possible. I’ve managed 3 hours sleep and have had some cramping but that’s it. Been really hungry! Now do I try and get some more sleep or go for a walk, clean etc? Any suggestions to get it going?
I’ve got a tens machine ready for when contractions start. Oh and I’m a total newbie to this😊

[tobee]

Good luck!

I wouldn’t go for a walk or clean. I’d try to sleep but you might not be able to if too excited/anxious/uncomfortable.

Good luck, again!

[OverlyYappy]

Sleep if you can. Congratulations and good luck!!

[sycamore54321]

I'd say sleep too, and eat only bland things that won't disgust you if you throw up, so bland stuff like soft white bread and clear fluids.

I'd also avoid baths for infection risk.

Best wishes.

[honeysucklejasmine]

Sleep. Whilst you can! That's my biggest regret - I was too excited and by the time j was tired enough to sleep, they'd started.

[Sakura03]

Thank you everyone, yeah it’s really hard to switch off when the adrenaline is going😊 but I’ll try! I just really hope I won’t have to be induced...

[ButterfliesandMoths]

Ooooo how exciting. How are you doing now? Eat something to keep your strength. Good luck op.

[ButterfliesandMoths]

Oh and yes sleep, if you can’t sleep try to rest.

[Sakura03]

Thanks Butterflies. Just resting and have had a bacon sandwich😊

[AutumnLeavesandCandleLights]

I know the general vibe from other posters seems to be to rest and sleep, but I'd say keep as active as possible and walk as much as you can!
After my waters went, I was at home for around 36hours, mostly laying down and 'chilling out'. Ended up needing to go in to be induced which failed after 15 hours and resulted in emergency c section.

I'm obviously not saying your circumstance will be the same and that you'll need a caesarean - but I would definitely recommend doing all you can to bring about labour on your own as they won't let your waters be broken for long before they'll induce you.

[PrincessaCarrisi]

How exciting! I have no advice - I'm also due Monday so am hoping some of your labour vibes rub off on me!
Hope things get going, you will soon be having lots of lovely baby cuddles

[GummyGoddess]

Mine went around the same time and I just went back to bed! Didn't really sleep as contractions were gentle. What got them going was pacing the house or bouncing on my ball while eating. I also recommend bland food, don't stuff your face with chocolate things, it was unpleasant to throw up.

[Sakura03]

Thank you Autumn and Princessa
I've just managed a 2 hour nap interrupted twice by cramping or mild contractions. Okay I'll try and get moving around then to get things going. Just thought I haven't felt as many movements as per normal but hes definitely still moving about. Gosh the worrying will never end also slightly paranoid about checking my pad when going to the loo... Oh dear...
Good luck to you Princessa

[Sakura03]

Just seen your reply GummyGoddess thank you

[GummyGoddess]

I didn't feel movement while in labour, I think I was too zoned out to feel anything though, it was hard for me to focus on anyone but myself. The midwives kept checking on him though to make sure he was ok, even when they kept misjudging when my contraction finished and I got a bit arsey about being touched during contractions.

I think I just assumed he was saving his energy to get out so wasn't doing his normal acrobatics.

[Sakura03]

GummyGoddess I guess that makes sense, I 've just had a snack and a cup of tea and he's definitely moving about so that's reassuring. Only just got my birthing plan paperwork last week after requesting it twice and have just realised that I haven't actually written anything down yet. Things like decisions regarding vitamin k and managed or physiological third stage labour so should probably put pen to paper

[Mintykins4]

How exciting! Get as much rest as possible, my waters broke and ended up being induced on the drip overnight. Also eat small meals while you can to keep your strength up. Your little one will be in your arms before you know it!

[Sakura03]

Thank you Mintykins4

[Bluefargo]

Very exciting! my new waters broke on both of mine and had very light contractions for 24 hours and both times by 24hours was only at 0-1cm dilated. Both times had inductions with drip. Get as much rest/sleep as you can - I know it’s so exciting that that is difficult but you will need your energy for when it really starts or you get induced.

[Sakura03]

Bluefargo did you have an epidural? The drip scares me

[Liefster]

Hi Sakura, I hope you’re feeling ok! I wanted to comment as a similar thing happened to me (my baby is now 2 weeks old). I’d been having irregular contractions for almost 3 days before my waters broke and I ended up being induced with the drip. Unfortunately I failed to progress but I just wanted to reassure you that the induction itself was ok; I was offered an epidural straight away but I said no as I wanted to see how far I could go without it.

My advice would be to try and eat as much as you can because if you have the epidural you can’t eat anything (I was starving when I had mine as I wasn’t expecting to go down that route as I hadn’t really prepared for it!)

Good luck, I hope your baby arrives very soon!

[Sakura03]

Thank you Liefster much appreciated! I’ve been eating well today and am definitely more hungry than normal. Glad to hear your experience of having an induction, as I had heard and read so many awful things about being induced. Contractions have started, well I think they have as I feel it in my bum as well as at the front and I feel like I want to hold my breath and get off/hover over the sofa if that makes sense. They don’t last that long and are about ever 15 minutes. Would love to be able to get a bit of sleep though. Have taken paracetamol and have got a tens machine ready.

[PrincessaCarrisi]

How are you doing Sakura?
Hopefully you're too busy having newborn snuggles to reply!

[Bluefargo]

I did get an epidural on the first ‘twas Fine - On the second I didn’t get one but was all over from placing of drip to crowning of baby in 1 hour. I’d do either way again tomorrow for another little baba. Sending happy thoughts and positive vibes!

[ButterfliesandMoths]

Any news Sakura? Baby here yet?