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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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Original poster
jennimoo · 21/08/2013 15:14

Just been getting slight twinges all day but lots of bits of plug. Have had a relaxing day though so that's gotta be a good thing! Going to go for a plod around the shops again in a minute just to make sure I've done all I can today.

OP posts:
SpottyTeacakes · 21/08/2013 15:56

Sounds promising!

CuriosityCola · 21/08/2013 21:47

Glad you have had a relaxing day.

Original poster
jennimoo · 22/08/2013 07:03

Well woken again in the night by cramps / contractions but went right back to sleep. Had slight red streak in the last bits of plug yesterday which surely must be promising...

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SpottyTeacakes · 22/08/2013 07:05

It's definitely happening. I think once things really get going it'll be quick Smile

Original poster
jennimoo · 22/08/2013 07:09

That's what I'm thinking spotty, especially as I'll be in denial to start with, as trying not to dwell on the early labour type pains and just get on with stuff. Will probably be in need of pain relief by the time I realise!

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themilkmonster · 22/08/2013 07:56

I thought the same thing, it'll be quick once it really kicks off. Hope that today is your day Jenni Smile

Icedink · 22/08/2013 08:22

Good luck! My dc2 started just like this and when labour finally started properly it was only 2 1/2 hours until I was holding my baby Smile

Original poster
jennimoo · 22/08/2013 09:13

Icedink - that makes me all excited to think I could, at any point, have my baby in my arms in a matter of hours!

How long did the 'latent' phase go on for? Not 4 weeks I hope...

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Icedink · 22/08/2013 09:25

The latent phase lasted for about a week! Sorry. It was worth it though and as soon as little one arrived it seemed like a distant memory. The birth itself was lovely and I would happily do it again.

I'm looking forward to hearing your news Flowers

Original poster
jennimoo · 22/08/2013 09:27

Well I was totally convinced baby was coming Saturday so on 5 days already!

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Original poster
jennimoo · 23/08/2013 21:21

Well I'm still pregnant but keep getting woken by pains in the night. I've also had lots of cramps / tightenings / contractions (I don't trust my judgement as to what they really are anymore...) this afternoon so hoping things are picking up a little.
Off to bed now in case I'm woken in the early hours of the morning again...

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SpottyTeacakes · 23/08/2013 21:23

Pesky baby Wink all these pains will be doing something even if it doesn't feel like it Smile

themilkmonster · 24/08/2013 07:13

Are you overdue Jenni? Did you go overdue with dc1?

Original poster
jennimoo · 24/08/2013 07:28

Not overdue, 39+5! DD was 38+5 though so when it all kicked off this time last week I really thought it was happening the same again!

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Astr0naut · 24/08/2013 08:09

I was like this with dd. kept thinking she was about to arrive. She ended up being a week overdue, but once my actual labour was only 2 hours, with 4 mins of pushing, so there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Wuxiapian · 24/08/2013 08:46

You might find, jen, that once things start progressing, they'll progress quickly.

Fingers crossed baby won't keep you waiting much longer.

Wuxiapian · 24/08/2013 08:49

I was 15 days over with DS2, Astro, and like you, I had a 2 hour established labour with 2 mins pushing.

I'm pregnant with DC3 and only hope the labour will go as smoothly again (although, maybe without the 15days overdue bit)!

Keep us informed, jen!!

PinkFondantFancy · 24/08/2013 08:55

Good luck! Sounds like things are definitely happening and all this latent labour is doing good work so hopefully will be a lovely quick and easy labour!

CuriosityCola · 24/08/2013 09:12

Good luck, will keep lurking for up dates Smile

Icedink · 24/08/2013 09:22

Bless you, this last bit is miserable isn't it?! Flowers I used to go to bed every night convinced I would wake up in labour then cry in the morning because I was still pregnant! Blush

I agree with the others that it will probably be quick when it gets going. Take advantage of any offers of help and be as lazy as possible, tell anyone asking for news to fuck off and remember that all babies come out eventually Smile

chebella · 24/08/2013 17:39

Just found this thread again after last weekend and, if it's any encouragement, I had almost identical signs (leaking, plug loss etc) on a Saturday 5 weeks ago,then was monitored on the Sunday (contractions were every 6 minutes) then went into full-blown labour on the monday night with baby born Tues lunch - good luck, stay relaxed - exciting times!

chebella · 24/08/2013 17:41

P.s. I second what Ice says re;telling botherers to do one - go to ground if need be!

Original poster
jennimoo · 24/08/2013 19:03

My mum has left and I've got the weekend with just DH and DD, so they can head out/ play out of my way so I can rest a bit.
I don't actually feel that big / uncomfortable except at night time (SPD is even better than it was) its just so confusing each time the contractions get going then stop.

I've got MW on Tuesday at 40+1 and if things haven't kicked off will be very open to a sweep, even if things aren't that favourable in there! Will ask her to be 'thorough'!

Hopefully wont cone to that though!

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justhayley · 24/08/2013 23:31

Hiya just read through the thread, was hoping you'd have a baby by the end of all the posts Hmm
I didn't experience any stop starting with DS but can imagine your really frustrated. My waters broke at midnight friday with DS & no contractions till Saturday 9.30pm, it's nothing compared to you but it felt like forever.
I had an acupuncture session on the Saturday night - may have been coincidence and within 2 hours things were kicking off and fast! 4 hours after my first twinge I had my bbubba Grinmay be worth booking yourself an appointment. I had SPD as well and it went after 1 session! Even if it doesn't get things moving it's so relaxing it can't hurt.

Focus on the positive things - your getting extra alone time with your DD, few extra hours sleep, and not having to go out in this crappy weather Grin
Hope you get your baby soon

Hayleyxx