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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

How quickly did your contractions go from bearable to agony?

31 replies

MayimBialik · 16/11/2012 20:45

Having contractions. They're uncomfortable but bearable. Sometimes they take my breath away. Sometimes they're not as strong. They're fairly regular. They've been like this for 6 hours or so.

Just wondering what the average time is for things to ramp up? Obviously everyone is different but would be interested to hear all experiences

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MummyAbroad · 16/11/2012 20:51

I think I made mine stronger by getting in the bath - it was all easy until that point, then it changed really fast so I jumped out and put the TENS machine on (back to bearable then, and it got me all the way through till the end)

Good luck, and dont forget to mentally cheer on the strong ones - they are the ones that will bring your baby out to you quicker!

HTH xxx

sittinginthesun · 16/11/2012 21:00

Oh, it's another "it depends", I'm afraid.

DS1, it was around 7 hours. DS2, it was 2 hours, but I was 10cm then.

Good luck!

Original poster
MayimBialik · 16/11/2012 21:02

Ooh I'm desperate for some serious pain Wink Hopefully it'll really get going soon

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yellowsubmarine53 · 16/11/2012 21:05

What worked for me was going on all fours, putting bum in the air and stimulating nipples. A friend suggested this and it definitely got things going.

good luck!

TheAccidentalExhibitionist · 16/11/2012 21:14

Oh a live birth thread, so exciting
keep posting Mayim, how far apart are your contractions?

Original poster
MayimBialik · 16/11/2012 21:16

Oh don't get too excited. They vary from 5-8 mins. And are totally bearable. Have walked around loads today and am now lying on my side because I feel tired and it seems to have slowed them down Sad

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Wigeon · 16/11/2012 21:19

DD1 - mine were definitely agony 6 hours in. And earlier.

DD2 - agony after about 4 hours, but then that whole labour was only about 6 hours in total Smile.

Is this your first? Could take quite a while. If you feel tired then definitely better to rest and save up your energy for later. Have you eaten or drunk anything recently? That might be a good idea while you're still up to it.

Good luck! Smile

Mollydoggerson · 16/11/2012 21:20

ds1 - 5 hour labour start to finish.
ds2 - 3 hour labour start to finish.

StetsonsAreCool · 16/11/2012 21:20

Mine got unbearable at about 7cm, when they broke my waters. Had been coping quite nicely in the pool until then, then had to hop straight out for the drugs! Grin

That was about 24 hours after the very bearable 5-8 minutes apart stage though. Sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear.

And good luck!! A new baby on the way - how exciting!

TheAccidentalExhibitionist · 16/11/2012 21:20

Yellowsubmarine Grin sounds umm interesting. Needs must!
First baby Mayim?

Mollydoggerson · 16/11/2012 21:21

oh and pretty intense within 45 mins - 1 hour

Original poster
MayimBialik · 16/11/2012 21:30

Oh yeah first baby so I guess I've got a few hours to go yet. I've been scoffing all day so nicely fed Wink

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fluffacloud · 16/11/2012 21:33

I had a very quick labour with DD1 4.5 hours from first twinge to baby, I managed to stay at home until an hour before delivery (mainly because the MW on the Delivery Suite hotline said that I would be in first stage for hours and not to bother coming in yet - cow!)

With DD2 I was laughing and joking and the suddenly felt a 'bang' (her head passing through the pelvis) and all of a sudden things got very intense - she arrived 59 mins later Grin

I was told that keeping mobile was very good, but save some energy!

DilysPrice · 16/11/2012 21:34

About a minute once they broke my waters Grin. Have yours gone yet?

Good luck.

fluffacloud · 16/11/2012 21:36

Oh and good luck - it's an amazing experience.

I'm a bit Envy that you'll have a lovely brand new baby to cuddle soon!

BikeRunSki · 16/11/2012 21:38

First time - never
Second time - straight away

MummyAbroad · 16/11/2012 21:41

I am giggling at the mental image of a lady in labour with her bum in the air trying to stimulate her nipples (wouldnt you have to balance on your elbows to do that? Grin

Original poster
MayimBialik · 16/11/2012 21:43

Yes waters have gone but still not going crazy with the contractions. Maybe I've just got a REALLY high pain threshold Wink

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Iceaddict · 16/11/2012 21:47

How exciting. good luck. could be ages if they're bearable i'd try and ignore them for as long as you can, you'll know when you're in full swing

yellowsubmarine53 · 16/11/2012 22:58

I can't remember how I did it (it was recommended by a midwife friend!), but I definitely drew the curtains round the hospital bed (I was being induced by choice).

Hmmm, waters gone but not crazy with contractions. Think you either need to take some paracetamol and try to rest or walk about - going up and down stairs also effective - to get things going.

You'll be exhausted if you have a night of 6-8 minute part contraction. Do you think you could sleep at all?

MummyAbroad · 17/11/2012 12:37

How are you doing today Mayim?

wishfulthinking1 · 18/11/2012 07:11

What news maym?
X

Ilovecake1 · 18/11/2012 09:35

Hope you doing ok.

Original poster
MayimBialik · 19/11/2012 06:22

Hi all! I didn't have a high pain threshold - childbirth is AGONY! Made my way through it though and feeling proud of myself and have a beautiful bouncing baby as a result.

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Jacksmania · 19/11/2012 06:34

Oh, you're holding out on us - boy or girl, how big, what time???? How are you feeling?
Congratulations and well done you!!!