Contractions question

[catwoman75]

Contractions started about 1 a.m. Got to about 7 mins apart and lasting for about 1 min. Quite painful but not too horrendous with TENS. They have become a bit more random this morning, although they are def still there.

So the question is how long can this go on for? AND is there anything I can do to make them increasingly regular again?

[belgo]

Keep active - go for a walk. That should help regulate the contractions again.

[dizzydixies]

agree with belgo - and good luck

[belgo]

Yes good luck!

[dizzydixies]

oh and I read somewhere going up nd down the stairs sideways helps open the pelvis too

[belgo]

I remember my midwife encouraging me to walk up and down the stairs.

[catwoman75]

Better try the stairs. Have packed husband off to work and between him and my mum phoning and worrying they will probably have a heart attack if I'm not in the house when they phone.

Thanks for the advice. Am going to try that space bar timer thingy to see if a pattern is emerging.

[kayzisexpecting]

Having a bath might help but on the other hand it can sometimes stop them. Going up and down the stairs is good. Also getting a dining chair and sitting on it facing the back can help to open up the pelvis.

[dizzydixies]

and fgs have a nap when you can, it may be your last for a wee while

[belgo]

I personally wouldn't bother to start timing the contractions. I would try and ignore them for as long as possible - get on with doing other things, or try and rest if you are tired, or walking up and down the stairs.

[dizzydixies]

thought you weren't meant to have a bath until 5cm as it can slow it all down but I could be wrong - it has been known

[kayzisexpecting]

My MW and the one at the hospital told me that I couldn't have a bath after being 5cms but could go in the birthing pool(was already someone in it) They said that it depends on the indivdual on whether it increases them or stops them

[belgo]

I think the bath thing is difficult. If labour has started, then it's best not to have a bath until 4-5cm.

If labour has not definitely started, then it's a little harder to know what to do. If they are braxton hicks, a bath should stop them ( and that's good). If it's real labour but very early, a bath may slow it down, and you don't really want that.

I think the best bet in this situation is to keep busy.

[dizzydixies]

kayzi am definately no expert, hence the disclaimer I put with every piece of advice I give

[kayzisexpecting]

But then again both my stand in MW and the one at the hospital told me to take paracetamol. I wish DH would have taken a picture of my face when the MW told me that paracetamol would help. I was 8cms dilated at the time.

[DaisySteiner]

catwoman - it sounds as though you are in early labour and things can stop and start a bit at this stage. Don't be disappointed if things take a while to get going, the contractions are helping your cervix to soften and get your baby into a good position. The best thing you can do at this stage IMHO is to try and ignore it as much as you can and get on with your day as normal. Don't worry too much about getting them regular - that will come when your body is ready.

Eat and drink if you feel like it, but don't force yourself and don't exhaust yourself by walking too much! As someone else said, leaning over the back of a chair can be a good position too. Listen to your body and do what feels good and helps you. A hot water bottle can really help if your back is sore and a couple of paracetamol might take the edge off it.

If you feel as though you need a break from the contractions then a bath can help to slow them down a little bit - don't worry, they will start again, but it can give you a chance to have a breather and regain some energy.

Good luck!

[catwoman75]

Actually it's quite impossible to ignore as they are back to about every 6 mins and I have to stop, bend over, rock and moan like a porn star. Glad husband is coming back at lunch time now. Not sure if I'm excited or absolutely fucking terrified.

[catwoman75]

But thanks for the advice DaisyS - a lovely message.

[dizzydixies]

oh catwoman all sounds wonderfully hopeful, will keep fingers crossed for you and check back in on you later!

[kayzisexpecting]

Sounds promising catwoman. You will have your little baby soon.

[belgo]

sounds like things are happening! Good luck!

[DaisySteiner]

Sounds like you're doing brilliantly! Hope it all goes well.

[deaconblue]

don't bother timing. With ds I wrote down every and I mean every contraction for 12 hours coz someone had told me the midwife would want to know. They nearly pissed themselves when we turned up at hopsital with 6 sides of A4 paper!!!

[deaconblue]

good luck too

[belgo]

ANy news catwomen?