Waters broken, contractions dying away, facing my second induction...

[Ceasnake]

Am nearly 38 weeks. Waters went at about 8.15am this morning, went to birthing centre for checks, all fine. Came home, was having contractions every 7 - 10 minutes or so during the afternoon. They now seem to be dying away. Have to go back tomorrow morning for my 24 hour check before being induced at 48 hours.

Am so pissed off. Exactly this happened for DS's birth two years ago, ended up going straight to a syntocin induction, no epidural, second degree tear, back to back labour, pain that was indescribable, left me with what I know now was post traumatic shock plus a damaged back that left me immobilised for several days post birth. And now it's happening again.

Is there anything I can do to get this labour going again?? Anything??

Sex?!!! Ooo, that sounds like I'm offering doesn't it?!! But seriously, it's supposed to work. Not that I let do anywhere near me when I was that heavily pregnant!

Warm bath, hot curry, lots of pineapple (and we're talking 7-8 whole pineapples), gentle walk. My mw tried to get me to do nipple stimulation as that's supposed to set you off. I just thought it felt too 'sexusl' and there was nothing further from my mind at that point

Hope things get on the move for you soon...

If your hospital are fine with 48 hour interval and your temp is OK, clear liquor, feeling generally well, I would be inclined to try to sleep well tonight to stock up (!) and look on tomorrow as another day.
Nipple stimulation might help although it can be boring I am told! Try it in the bath or using some relaxing body lotion. If sex sounds like too much hard work how about some DIY stimulation - sometimes quicker and easier with the same result of oxytocin release and perhaps some uterine activity.
You sound as if you think another induction is inevitable but this labour might be completely different, I hope so. Good luck.

I wouldnt have sex if your waters have gone, you will be exposed to infection if you do.

Sex doesn't necessarily mean penetration and ejaculation.....................

even without penetration if waters have gone I would leave well alone strep b can be very very dangerous and no waters means your baby has no protection from traveling bacteria.

the nipple stimulation really worked for me when my contractions kept buggering off but dont make yourself sore like i did!

Thanks guys, can't have sex or do any kind of fumbling as waters have already gone, might try the nipple stimulation! Off for a walk now so perhaps that will kick things off again.

I wouldn't bother with anything which is just going to exhaust you when you have a potential induction/labour to face. I'd concentrate on doing precisely what it is that makes you relaxed and happy right now. Realistically you can't speed things up but you can look after yourself. A bath is fine if you put only water in it, read, eat, sleep, cuddle, watch a film etc.

I had waters break first time round and a v long labour, lots of intervention, back to back, indescribably painful and a final emcs.

2nd time round my waters again broke at 37 weeks and I did start having contractions but they were ineffective. After 37hrs I had a repeat emcs. But 2nd time round despite strong contractions and a back to back baby, it didn't hurt a jot. Even with the same set of circumstances on paper, it doesn't have to be the same experience. I had post traumatic stress, anxiety and pnd after the first delivery. After the second I was weeping with utter joy. It was positive from start to end.

You can't control this bit. But you can manage your feelings surrounding it. Your body will do what it does. You have options and do not feel like asking for pain relief at any point is failing or not toughing it out. You get through this bit with your mental health intact. If the way you do this is by delaying induction, taking every drug going or accepting induction straightaway, it doesn't matter. You make the choices which are right for you. And you get a brilliant baby at the end.

Congratulations on your pregnancy. Having a 2nd baby is such a joy.

Homeopathic remedies - caulophylum is meant to be good for strengthening contractions.