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Original poster

Sleep with contractions

32 replies

Wildwaterfalls · 27/08/2012 20:18

Hi all

Being induced (or possibly ELCS) tomorrow morning as waters went yesterday. However, contractions building tonight.

Everyone tells me to get rest / sleep, but how to do this? My contractions are fine as long as I am bouncing in my gym ball, but agony if lying down. Any tips for getting through the night? Thanks

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Original poster
Wildwaterfalls · 27/08/2012 20:19

On my gym ball that should say Smile

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Flosie1989 · 27/08/2012 20:46

Do you have a tens machine? I found that quite helpful to begin with and allowed me to have some rest although not much. I too was induced although for different reasons, DD was 2 weeks late. My waters broke in hospital at night and I couldn't have any pain relief until 8am the next morning. So I managed to get a little bit of sleep with the tens.

Also have you taken any paracetamol?

Original poster
Wildwaterfalls · 27/08/2012 20:50

Paracetamol is a good idea. Was saving it for 'when things got really bad' but think not being able to sleep might be a good reason.

No tens machine - waters broke a bit earlier than expected at 37 weeks!

Many thanks!

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Flosie1989 · 27/08/2012 20:53

Yes if you can't sleep I'd say take a couple of paracetamol and try and relax as much as possible.

Even if you can't sleep just make sure you rest. Lie down and watch the tele so you reserve your energy Smile

Good luck!!

GnocchiNineDoors · 27/08/2012 20:54

Keep us posted - settles in for a live birth thread

Sariska · 27/08/2012 20:55

IS this your first? Sounds like a fairly typical, if exhausting and annoyingly named, pre-labour. I had similar with my first. Contractions all night long that were manageable if I walked through but awful if I tried to lie down. (With my second, I did sleep through the same stage - so I think that for some people it's something your body has to get used to.) All I could do was rest in for the 10 mins or so between them. Couldn't sleep. Didn't try paracetamol or a bath but maybe worth a go. Water was ace the next day when I was in full blown labour.

You will obviously get tired but if you can eat and drink a little that may help you tomorrow. I ended up ketonic due to effectual starvation for 30 hours and had to go on a drip. I think the exhaustion in late labour would have been more manageable had I not been so hungry (couldn't have eaten once in proper labour had I been paid..)

Good luck! Exciting times!

emonslemons · 27/08/2012 20:58

perhaps you wont be able to sleep but definately relax laying down or leaning over your birthing ball. any chance you could go for a long warm bath and get a lower back massage......may help......think dimmed lights and candles.....very calming

sittinginthesun · 27/08/2012 20:58

Paracetamol, a warm bath, and try and distract yourself. Can you find a good comedy on telly?

If it is really hurting, then you are probably better on your feet anyway - maybe it's kicking off properly.

Good luck. x

Sariska · 27/08/2012 20:59

Oh, scrap my bath idea, sorry. Presume that's not possible now your waters have gone. Def paracetamol though. And light snacks.

emonslemons · 27/08/2012 21:00

p.s same thing happened to me but i was well stubborn and made sure i got things going before i went to hospital. i took castor oil etc etc.....

KenDoddsDadsDog · 27/08/2012 21:00

I lay in the dark with a hot water bottle on my back, watched Early Doors and managed to doze a bit. Good luck Grin

emonslemons · 27/08/2012 21:02

bath is probably ok, i was told so anyway, just phone labour ward......if its the real deal it will kick off properly!
if its not it will ease off

emonslemons · 27/08/2012 21:03

hot water bottle sounds good, and if you got it some lavendar oil on the lower back.....fabulous for pain

InmaculadaConcepcion · 27/08/2012 21:04

Good luck!

Flossbert · 27/08/2012 21:05

I managed to drop off between contractions if i was sat up (particularly if being driven round and round and round Bristol by DH!)

Flossbert · 27/08/2012 21:05

And good luck!

Original poster
Wildwaterfalls · 27/08/2012 21:06

Not sure if I am allowed to have bath... At the moment I am watching Friends reruns on my gym ball. Could be a long night!! Don't feel ill though so have been snacking.

Might have a stab at going to bed soon! Maybe sitting up reading.

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Original poster
Wildwaterfalls · 27/08/2012 21:07

Oh yes and this is the first baby!

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Flosie1989 · 28/08/2012 06:19

How was your night wildwaterfalls ?

Original poster
Wildwaterfalls · 28/08/2012 06:26

Thanks for checking Smile. It was ok in the end: managed to have a series of good naps, sitting on the edge of the bed for the worst contractions. Probably slept about 4 hours in total which is great considering.

Thanks for your advice last night!

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cupcake78 · 28/08/2012 06:35

I hope baby comes soon! I slept in the nursing chair we'd bought for nighttime feeding for 2 nights. If contractions stop today get some sleep if you can. Good luck

Flosie1989 · 28/08/2012 06:35

Ah good I'm glad you got some kip if only a little! Smile

cupcake78 · 28/08/2012 06:36

Sorry just read baby is coming today Grin good luck, it'll be lovely. Remember it's only for a matter of hrs and you've done the pregnancy bit which is hard.

Flosie1989 · 28/08/2012 07:55

Please let us know when your beautiful bundle has arrived Grin

Original poster
Wildwaterfalls · 28/08/2012 08:57

Will do Smile. In hospital now but off for a walk (waddle) soon to help things along hopefully!

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