Latent Phase of labour lost mucus plug last night? 39 weeks pregnant.............

[Scruffyhound]

Anyone else had this happen? This is my 2nd baby and things are very different form the 1st! I have been having contractions for 4 weeks on and off they are getting more intense and have done since last Friday. They keep forming a pattern getting stronger then going away. I have had them now since Friday on and off and having them now! My DP had yesterday off becasue we thought it was coming and I could not drive DS to school. I have taken my DS to school this morning with period like pains. Was due to see consultant today rang up and explained I cant get a lift and I dont think I should drive 20 mins incase i get stroger contractions they agreed they rang me back later and asked about the contractions and other things they were happy for me not to attend my appointment as they think I will be in the labour ward soon anyways!! I really hope so. Trying to get some sleep inbetween its hard as Im sure you will all know you drift off then get woken up by pains! My question is can I do anything to help it along? Have tried pineapples, curry dont want to try sex really. Walked around for a while.

I was in latent phase of labour with my 1st for a week and I was in hospital that whole week as they admitted me. It took for ages. He was back to back. This one is also back to back only reason I say is that isnt this supposed to take longer and be more painful? I had an epidural with DS as I was so tired (also had underactive thyroid which played up) and the midwife actually suggested it. She was lovley. I did not request one she advised me to have one ! I agreed .

Your body knows what it's doing, it's great that your labour is stopping and starting as hopeful it's attempting to turn the baby's back towards your tummy.
You can help the baby along and make labour easier for yourself by having a quick look at the spinning babies website which has really easy to follow things you can do (esp when you're uncomfortable). Most important of all you need to do what your body is telling you to do. If that means one foot on the bed or squatting about the living room then just go with it. Think about opening up and riding out any pain and try and imagine your baby getting into an easier position (their back to your tummy) and just slipping easily out. You are made to do this and if you're patient, listen to yourself and take each thing that comes in your stride you'll be just fine :)

See if you can pop some music on or get in the bath to soften your skin down below and provide a bit of pain relief.

Here's the website with pictures I spoke of:

spinningbabies.com/techniques/during-labor/labor-progress

Really feel for you, it's so annoying (and painful). I only had this for 3 days which was enough but my baby did turn so was worth it. I spent my time walking up hills and bouncing on my ball which I'm sure sped things up. One good thing was that when I got to established labour it was pretty quick.

Good luck