Have I, unknowingly, made this worse for myself?

[sanityisamyth]

Afternoon!

I'm 39 weeks pregnant with my first and have been having fairly strong cramps and tensing since 11pm on Tuesday night. Went to maternity twice yesterday just to see how things were progressing. I'd got to 2 cms dilated yesterday afternoon on the second check up. Most of yesterday I was sitting upright-ish in a chair and just breathing through any tensing (mostly in my back as little one is back-to-back despite being perfect on Monday).

Since yesterday afternoon, back at home, I have been trying to get on all fours during each contraction/tensing to get him to turn and drop but still not a lot doing. The tensing doesn't seem to be getting stronger or more frequent and waters haven't gone. I have also been trying to spend as much time as possible resting on my side and kneeling up against the edge of the bed, or on all fours rotating my pelvis whilst there are no contractions.

So that's over 40 hours of contractions so far! Have I done anything to cause the first stage so be so long, or is this fairly normal?!

I really don't want to go back to maternity again to be checked for them to tell me that I'm only another 1 or 2 cms dilated since 24 hours ago! My waters haven't gone yet either.

How are things going?

You are doing great!

My waters broke about 10 seconds before the baby arrived - both times. So I kind of think the fact yours are still intact means fuck all. Get bolshy with them if necessary; phases of contractions I'd say were more an indicator. Although I think there's a moment in every labour when you get this thrill of: 'I need to go to the hospital now'

Best of luck! X

Hope the walk helped! Glad you got some sleep. Good luck!

Hey everyone. Didn't manage a walk outside as it was chucking it down with rain but have been wandering around the house quite a bit. Contractions are still pretty much the same but may be getting slightly stronger (or I'm getting more exhausted and sick of them).

Am feeling really sick but can't face the idea of much to eat - the pasta earlier kinda put me off, although it was delicious. Husband is a very good cook! Seeing it in reverse didn't help :(

Am back in a hot bath which is helping calm everything down. Going to see if I can get a few more minutes napping in. Just really wish someone had a magic wand and could tell me that by ... On ... I'd be holding little one. I must be nearly there, surely?!

Oh you poor thing I really hope you have your baby by morning. Your doing brilliantly

Oh blimey, you're doing well. I went on for ages at 2cm dilated with a posterior baby. In retrospect I went into hospital too soon - should have stayed home doing what you're doing. Very best of luck, it won't be long till you meet that baby!

Keep it up sanity, you really are doing great. Just keep sipping juice to keep up sugar levels and keep hydrated. Hope the bath offers some relief.

Thanks everyone :) contractions are becoming very very painful so I really hope that things will move on soon. It's going to be a bit tricky to know if waters have gone though if they go whilst I'm in the bath

Keep it up you will get there soon. Don't panic about the waters, mine haven't gone for any of mine (I've had 3) they always had to break them and then whoosh baby came out. And two of them were back to back!

Also just because this bit has taken what feels like a lifetime, doesn't mean the next bit won't be quick!

Thanks atomic - that's reassuring to know :) really hope the next phase is going to be very quick (like 10 minutes!

Good luck! Just read your thread and cheering you on for a smooth labour. It's all worth it in the end.

It sounds like you're doing brilliantly Sanity, long latent phases are exhausting. Keep sipping juice and nibbling on whatever you fancy (hot buttery toast?) to keep your energy up. Now would be a very good time to chat to your DH, mum and MIL about support and arrangements for when you come home. You will be exhausted after such a long labour - be clear with them about what you need them to do.

My waters went in the bath, it was sort of a whooshy feeling - you will definitely know!

Good luck!

Mine went with a whoosh too, and kind of a relief type sensation too (though I know for some it's only a trickle).

Hope you get some rest tonight.... Am off to bed in a mo so will look forward to hearing about your new arrival who will have deffo made an appearance by the morning!

Good luck, you must be exhausted, hope lo appears tonight!

Blimey you are doing really well, hope lo appears soon.

I'm really hoping that something exciting is happening as you haven't spoken for a while! Good luck and hope you are sleeping soundly with dc next to you by morning!

Hope you either get some rest or a baby tonight . Fingers crossed for the baby option.

You are doing great! Just wanted to cheer you on!

Sanity, you are a hero! Surely can't be too long now - thinking of you!

Go Sanity! Ds2 was here in 15mins after waters broke so yep it can happen quickly. My biggest fear on arriving at hospital was being told I was only 2cm...as with ds1. However got there and was 10cm. So quick that I gave birth in assessment/triage. Was thrilled it was so quick I didn't care less about no privacy! Here's hoping it is quick and your next visit is your last. Baby is coming :)

Both mine were born in the sac, your waters might not break. It can cushion the baby and you if they don't break. Hopefully you've your baby in your arms now, if not then hang in there.

Oh I really hope the lack of updates means that BabySanity has made an appearance.

Ooh fx for you sanity!