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Childbirth

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Original poster

HELP...having contractions...

147 replies

Ilovemyboy · 26/11/2006 23:14

I had a show at about 2pm today.

Have been having contractions for the past couple of hours which starts with pain in my back which leads to period type pains which leads to tummy tightening.

I am trying to time them but getting confused. Should I be timing them from the start of the pain itself or from when my tummy tightens? And do I time it from the beginning of a contraction to the end or to the beginning of the next one?

Eeeek...

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CountTo10LordsaLeaping · 26/11/2006 23:18

I used to time from the minute I could feel it starting which sounds like for you when the tummy tightens. Also, it should be start to end of each contraction i.e. when pain subsides as that gives you how often you're getting them. Its also good if you can rate on a 1-10 scale of how painful they are.

Oooo good luck

Saturn74 · 26/11/2006 23:22

How exciting!
Good luck.

Original poster
Ilovemyboy · 26/11/2006 23:22

Ta!

So that is to time how long they last. Then I suppose I should write down the times the next one starts so I know how far apart they are?

You'd think I'd have thought about this beforehand...

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NatalieJane · 26/11/2006 23:23

Hoorah!!!!

How exciting?!!!! I knew there was something calling me off my sick bed to get on MN!!

So, how often are the contractions? (I can't do links, but if you look on my 'Am I in labour?' thread, there is a link on it to a contraction counter, it looks great (if I ever get to bloody use it!!!)

lulumama · 26/11/2006 23:24

i wouldn;t worry about timing the contractikon itself..but the time between them....3 - 5 minutes apart and time to call the midwife!

lulumama · 26/11/2006 23:24

homebirth , yes?

lulumama · 26/11/2006 23:25

if baby is OP...then don;t lie down! try and keep upright and moving! and walk up stairs sideways !

NatalieJane · 26/11/2006 23:27

Tadaaaa, LulaDoula is here (You are in safe hands now love )

Original poster
Ilovemyboy · 26/11/2006 23:27

We timed them and they were coming every 8 mins...I think.

I have just put the birth pool up and had some really bad cramping but am sat down now and feel okay.

I think I should try and get some sleep. Will let you know if they get more intense.

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lulumama · 26/11/2006 23:28

yes..! i am here....not a lot i can do from this distance ( unless ilovemyboy is a neighbour! ) i shall wear my Louladoula badge !

lulumama · 26/11/2006 23:29

yes...rest if you can....but, i;ve sadi it before, i;ll say it again..LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!

happy birthing....xxx

NatalieJane · 26/11/2006 23:31

No, don't rest, you can't tell us what is happening if you are too busy resting, shessh, anyone would think you were in labour or something

Original poster
Ilovemyboy · 26/11/2006 23:49

Hi Luludoula (seriously think you should consider changing your name).

I called my midwife after my show and she told me to go to see her in triage to get checked out as my show was green-tinged and she thought that it may be meconium.

She took a swab and confirmed that she couldn't tell if it was meconium as my waters hadn't broke. What was the point of me going in then? I knew my waters hadn't broken so it was a waste of both our times. On the plus side, she confirmed that my boy is fully engaged and that she could see some more of my show was coming away so it was defo a 'show'. Nice.

Re: the op presentation, she said that he isn't in a bad position and not totally back to back. His back is to my right and his legs are to my left so he is only slightly posterior. Hopefully I will get him to turn anterior.

I'm going to try to sleep.

Thanks for replying girls and I will keep you updated if I have to get out of bed.

xxxx

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lulumama · 26/11/2006 23:56

ok..it was a pain to be triaged, but you have had some postive news

it is a show
he is fully engaged
he is not fully OP

excellent..look forward to the next bit now! xx

lulumama · 26/11/2006 23:56

ok..it was a pain to be triaged, but you have had some postive news

it is a show
he is fully engaged
he is not fully OP

excellent..look forward to the next bit now! xx

LadyOfThePoinsettias · 27/11/2006 00:05

you time them here. click on 'start timing' in the top right hand corner. then print them off and take them so you dont have to try and explain when the midwife asks about frequency/length and your panic stricken dh doesnt have to try either! lol

LadyOfThePoinsettias · 27/11/2006 00:06

and do whatever louladoula says too!

Hattie05 · 27/11/2006 00:15

Oooh how exciting! i was going through this 7 days ago!

Ilovemyboy are you having a homebirth?

I did and it was the best experience ever.

Is this your first baby?

I feel soo excited for you! prob cos i'm still in amazement at my own experience.

Hopefully you are sleeping now but if not keep us updated!

Original poster
Ilovemyboy · 27/11/2006 03:23

Hi

Managed to get some sleep until now.

Pains are getting a little worse and went to the loo and am bleeding.

Blood is scary to see after spending so long hoping to never see that throughout pregnancy. My baby was alseep I think so I have given him a little poke to make sure he is still okay and he kicked in response. I feel bad now.

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Original poster
Ilovemyboy · 27/11/2006 03:25

Hattie - It is my first baby and I am having a homebirth.

Have you posted your birth story? It'd be good to read it for a last-minute bit of inspiration before it all kicks off here.

I just cannot wait to meet my baby now.

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Quootiepie · 27/11/2006 03:29

you have mucus aswell as blood?

Quootiepie · 27/11/2006 03:30

how are contractions?

Alibaldi · 27/11/2006 03:33

Hope you're doing okay there. Just seen this and as it's only 8.32 in the USA there's a few of us around if you need some moral support.

Quootiepie · 27/11/2006 03:33

im up probably until 7am again aswell

Original poster
Ilovemyboy · 27/11/2006 03:34

Hi Quootie

Yes it was mucusy. It wasn't bright red. Kind of like how it is when your period has ended. Gross!

Do you think I should phone the midwife? I'm worried they'll make me go in again for nothing when I think it is just what is left of the plug.

My baby is moving so I'm really not that concerned tbh.

Thanks for replying at this unGodly hour. You are up late anyway. Or are you in Oz or somewhere?

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