40+5, 3rd babe,contractions start then STOP!!!

[LouLou3babes]

Hi guys, I'm new to Mumsnet but thought I'd see if anyone could elaborate or advise on my current situation.. I am so frustrated. This is my 3rd Preg, due 19/08/2010, Homebith planned. I had a stretch & sweep yesterday, started contractions last night about 2am. Had a good show, went through the night until 1pm today and everthing stopped!!! What on earth has happened?? Anyone?? Midwife just said that labour was imminent but no idead when!!! I am contracting again, but very irregular & very strong.. So confused, thought being my 3rd I was a pro, how wrong!!!
Any ideas?? Appreciate any info...x

Hi Lou

sounds like you're in the latent phase of labour when it can be quite stop start-y. It's normal but irritating!

You've got a couple of options: get as much rest as you can when things die down and enjoy the respite or try and get things moving along once you are contracting.

Ways to do this are:
-nipple stimulation during contraction (and indeed before and after) - pretend you are hand expressing if you've ever done that or just have a good fiddle if not
-stomping up and down through the contractions. Pretend you are having a slow motion tantrum. It wiggles the baby's head down into the pelvis and puts pressure on the cervix
-walk up and down stairs
-kneel on one knee
-bounce on a birth ball

Things are bound to kick off soon if you've had a show.

Had 3 days of this with my third baby.

Really regret having the sweep as I think it led to lots of niggles and a longer, more tiring labour. Wish I'd just left myself alone and tried not to think about what was happening.

Sorry not to be more helpful, but just wanted to point out that 3rd labours can be very unpredictable. Mine was longer than my first (and my first was LOOOOOOOOOOOONG!), but ended in a much easier birth than either my first or second.

Try to chill and switch your brain off. Too much thinking isn't good for your labour! Baby will be here soon enough!

My 3rd fannied about for a couple of days: not too much but on and off. I will second all the ideas above: FWIW, it was the most intense labour of the 3, he was the biggest despite only having a graze and overall the easiest.

Probably it will start lickedysplit now!

No advice from me but just wanted to say SNAP! I'm 40+6 today with DC3. I've not gone over before.

I've had 2 nights in a row of contractions. Managed some sleep the first night but got none last night. Now virtually nothing! Except very random, strong contractions. Had a show in the night and again in the morning.

I've had a rest this morning and grabbed an hour sleep. Am going to go into hospital in a minute to get checked over.

This stop/start is very exhausting and unsettling. Especially when you have to arrange childcare for DC1 & 2!

Good luck!

Ahhh Guys, your all fab!! Lovely to get your advice & comments... I did go into full blown labour that night & had my Beautiful Girl at 3.04 Wed Morning (Home Birth)... It was bloody awful, she was 9lb 3oz with a 37.5 circumference head... Ouch!!! She is my 3rd babe & was the toughest yet!!! Despite that I feel fab now & she is amazing..
All of your advice is sound ..
Many Thanks, Lou...