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Childbirth

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

Original poster

In early labour now, what should I do?

233 replies

jennimoo · 17/08/2013 04:03

I've been up since 1am and cobtractions are a bit sporadic but some very strong. I'm watching tv and mostly resting, having something small to eat and keep drinking and weeing to move around. Trying to stay in the zone I guess.

So any recommendations? Trying to keep occupied but don't want to distract too much as still quite early I reckon.

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BonaDea · 17/08/2013 04:10

Eeek! How exciting!

I'd try to rest as much as possible, even if you can't actually sleep. Try to have something bland to eat and drink plenty of water. Good luck!

Crumbledwalnuts · 17/08/2013 04:11

Good morning and congratulations :) have you got a clean bucket ??? can you put a cushion on it and sit and circle while you watch the telly? Have you got any ironing to do? Will it wake people if you walk up and down stairs?

Locketjuice · 17/08/2013 04:17

Ohhhh this was me Tuesday I had her at 4am Smile. Good luck! Xx

Original poster
jennimoo · 17/08/2013 04:19

I'm not sure sitting on a bucket would help my SPD much! Have been popping upstairs to the toilet every so often, but mostly sitting / lying im most baby position friendly positions I can.
Will get some toast in a minute.

It's DC2 so have to decide when to wake DH and when to call Mum... Feels like early days yet and like I need to be alone!

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CuriosityCola · 17/08/2013 04:22

Good luck. I would try and get as much rest as possible. Just keep an eye on contractions time though as second labour can be a lot quicker. How long was your first?

Original poster
jennimoo · 17/08/2013 04:29

With DD I was feeling like this around 11am, waters broke about 3 or 4 and she was born at 11:30pm

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CuriosityCola · 17/08/2013 04:37

12 hours is pretty quick for your first time. Just go with your instinct. I would really try and get some sleep though. Are your bags packed and ready to go?

Original poster
jennimoo · 17/08/2013 04:45

Bags packed, childcare half an hour away. I don't want to get them here too soon as don't think it'd help but contractions getting closer now so I think I need to wake DH...

OP posts:
Patilla · 17/08/2013 04:59

Good luck jennimoo you're going to meet your baby soon how exciting!

I'm currently holding a dozy 4 mo DD and her birth seems so long ago but such a special day.

Wishing you a great birth a loads of happy memories

Patilla · 17/08/2013 05:00

Meant dozing not dozy!! Poor DD!

MrsGubbins · 17/08/2013 05:01

how excit

Original poster
jennimoo · 17/08/2013 05:02

I'm 38+5, same as when DD came :)

DH is waking up and I've made him tea and toast.

Time to start getting organised...

OP posts:
Purplehonesty · 17/08/2013 05:05

Good luck Grin

CuriosityCola · 17/08/2013 05:09

How exciting. Good luck :)

CuriosityCola · 17/08/2013 05:09

How exciting. Good luck :)

HorizontalRunningOnly · 17/08/2013 05:19

Good luck!! Exciting stuff xx

Timpani · 17/08/2013 05:29

Eee! I'm excited for you!

kimblesj · 17/08/2013 06:20

Good luck xx

Happiestinwellybobs · 17/08/2013 06:25

Good luck :)

WhispersOfWickedness · 17/08/2013 06:53

Good luck!

MortifiedAdams · 17/08/2013 06:55

Good luck today!

Spottypurse · 17/08/2013 06:57

Good luck!

SpottyTeacakes · 17/08/2013 07:01

Oooo exciting! Good luck Smile 12 hours is quick for a first one so I would expect this one to be quick!

Original poster
jennimoo · 17/08/2013 07:08

Well DH and DD are up and my parents have been warned to be ready to come.

Having big gaps between cobtractions sometimes, but some contractions are lasting over 5 mins...

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SpottyTeacakes · 17/08/2013 07:11

That can sometimes happen, I would go on your instincts and the level of pain