Potential live labour thread...ooo

[HappyGoLuckyGirl]

I'm exactly 40 weeks today and had my first contraction at about 9pm this evening.

I wouldn't have normally thought I was in labour (lots of umming and ahhing over the past two weeks) but since my first pain I've been on the loo 4 times and its what I can only think of as a 'clear out'.

Contraction every 20-25 minutes, lasting around 20 seconds so think I'm in for a loooong night.

Oh and order of induction is break waters first, apparently there is a very high chance this will set off the contractions straight off. My cervix is apparently very ready. They will wait a maximum of 3 hrs then put me on the drip if the contractions don't start. She said this shouldn't be more painful and I should be able to avoid an epidural.
She then said if I walk into the hospital tomorrow and change my mind I can leg it and they'll just monitor me for a while longer, but would prefer I didn't !!

Glad you both managed to have your sweeps, fingers crossed that it works!

Yes foxy, dtd = doing the dance. Definitely what got us into trouble in the first place. My theory was what got him in there will get him out but nope

Didn't know the odds on sweeps were that favourable, I heard it was 1 in 7 that works. Maybe it depends on the woman in question?

Hmm, I'm just waiting for my sweep now, m/w is running a bit behind. Hopefully I will have made some progress so if I do have to be induced I'll be able to ask for rupture.

My main concern is having to be monitored constantly :( really want to try for an active birth.

Still no show or anything ladies?

Margo - your consultant is probably right you know, bubs stopped growing at my last appointment. Measured 38 at 38 and 40 weeks. Although that could be because he dropped right down into my pelvis?

They always manage to keep us guessing!

Foxy - I know what you mean about being tempted to refuse induction. I would really like to get to 42 weeks at least but I want to meet him already! That and I don't think I can cope being pregnant for any longer than I have to!

I'm desperate to meet this one as well, just wish the stork really did just drop them off lol.
Dr said I can still be active even if induced as I wont be actually attached to anything until contractions start and even then they have wireless monitors.
Hoping your sweep is starting things !!

That's good news, at least you'll be able to stay active and keep gravity on your side!

Oh and I take back what I said about sweeps! The one I had last week was like a feather tickle compared to the one I had today! She really got in there, rummaged around for a good couple of minutes, said she was pulling my cervix forward and giving it a good stretch. It was much more uncomfortable than the last one and was verging on being painful! Thinking about it, that's probably why my last one didn't work, it wasn't forceful enough.

Had a little bit of bloody discharge but no show, m/w said I should expect one soon as she was so vigorous. I feel very heavy and comfortable down there now so fingers crossed it will start me off.

How have you reacted to yours?

Looking great that you feel reassured about lack of intervention. At this stage it is really helpful to meet a healthcare professional who says what you want to hear and puts you at ease, gives you confidence about the process.

Sorry to hear of the sobbing but I am sure they are used to it! Sounds like the conditions are favourable with a 'ready cervix'. Hopefully waters going will be all your need!

I wasn't making a comment about what you'd said about pain and the sweep. I appreciated the feedback and I know everyone is different. My pain threshold is rubbish (esp anything 'down there', had an epi with DS as was shaking with pain), but consultant was good at counting me down to the end. I just kept thinking "50% success"!!

Best of luck tomorrow. Hopefully you'll be able to post a 'I have had the baby' update tomorrow/Sat. Have everything crossed for you.

Happy hope your sweep has started to work....any changes?

Cannot say I have seen much change, a few twinges and a tiny bit of show. Have been stood up cleaning for a bit to try to help with gravity. Just really tired, so not keen on doing too much as I am hoping to save my energy for labour - yeah right!!?!?

And yes, not keen on being pregnant any longer than I need to!

Sorry margo I thought this was your first, my brain is fried. I'm a bit of a wreck just now knowing this is happening tomorrow.
Happy hopefully thst good rummage will work soon!!!
Can't wait for the amnesia hormones to kick in afterwards lol.

What time are you going in tomorrow foxy? I'm excited for you!

Me too Looking. Do you have books/mags? There might be time to pass etc.

Good luck.

Hope the sweep takes effect overnight Happy. Sounds like the MW gave it her best!! Ouch.

Thanks! Although I can't help but be pessimistic

Has your sweep had any affect Margo?

Headin for hospital as soon as ds dropped at school.
Hopefully my next post will be very different.
And hopefully there will be news from you two as well

Good luck Looking!!

Happy no, nothing occuring here. Tiny bit of darker discharge but hardly a show..Did have a few pains in the night but not contractions.

Thinking I ought to try to stay active today. Sat watching films yesterday. Although might let DH do the school run, not sure I can face the questions/jokes/remarks. Reflexologist coming at 2.

What about you? Any signs overnight? Anything you can do today to take your mind off it?

Hello ladies!

I'm in labour although not sure that should be such a happy face as it actually smarts quite a bit!

Woke up with contractions about 5am this morning, coming roughly every 3-4 mins and lasting 50 seconds or so.

Foxy, hope your ARM went well and you're well on the way to holding your little one.

Margo - any more signs?

Wonderful news Happy so delighted for you!!! Sorry it hurting though.

What are the next steps?

How exciting! Thanks for the update. Was thinking about you.

Nothing here

Brilliant.....

Good luck Happy xxxxx

Thank you

I rang triage who advised bath and paracetamol. Had a bath earlier and have been getting on with my tens machine.

Contractions are roughly a minute long now but have slowed down to 6-8mins, hoping I'm not in for a long day and night.

Gutted your sweep didn't work! How many days over are you now?

Ooh it is all real now!

Hope they pick up again soon. And that the pain is bearable.

Was due Mon, so not "that" overdue compared to some. Went 5 days over with DS, so was assuming something similar so finding idea of inductions (albeit next Thurs) a bit of a shock. However, there are 6 days until then!

How exciting!

I bet you won't be too far behind the other two margo

My contractions have stopped! they slowed right down around 12pm so decided to take a nap and now they have stopped!

Only 10% of women don't go into labour by themselves by 42 weeks Margo so the odds are in your favour

Oh no Happy! Have they started again?

Thanks for the stat on getting going, hoping we are in the 90%!!

Yeah, they've started again but are a bit irregular. Will probably stay at home tonight and go in tomorrow, all being well.

Not heard from foxy today, maybe she's at the hospital having newborn snuggles!

Hello Happy and Looking thinking of you. Hope there is a good update for you soon

Nothing happening here. Going to help DP with some painting in a mo, been very lazy past 2 days need to get gravity on my side!

Oh my God...WHY does no one tell you how awful labour is?! and I'm not even in established labour yet!

Aww good luck sweetheart, you'll be fine. X thinking of you. What are you up to? Walking about? In the bath?

Hope things speed up for you soon happy, sounds like you're coping really well so far though