HELP...having contractions...

[Ilovemyboy]

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...

Way to go. Sounds like you're progressing well now. Keep moving around when you can and rest when not. Have you got a birthing ball? Anything that you can sit on and spread your pelvis will help, that's comfortable obviously. You're doing really well. Have you woken DP yet?

Turning in for bed. Will keep fingers crossed that everything progresses smoothly.

How's it going?

the blood is ok.... the show is often bloody...a lot of blood is not good, indicates issue with placenta..but what you have described sounds normal IMO- as long as midwife not concerned ok......how are you this morning?

and of course....(hug & back rub ) xx

Hi

Well I popped to Tesco at about 6.30 only realising that the 24 hours ones are shut from Sunday night until Monday morning 8am. Duh!

Went to garage instead for some bits. Came home and was having contractions every 5 mins still.

Went to bed for an hour and snoozed and then my mum just woke me up. Got up and am still bleeding but it is still mucusy and pinkish - not like dark red blood. It is only when I wipe though.

I might ring the midwife to see if they can send someone out to check us out. My baby is still moving so he is okay.

Contractions - I have had a few. I'm going to start timing them again in a min. I need to start getting active now. It was lovely to be able to sleep though. I feel like I can almost control how strong my contractions are depending on which way I am sitting/lay.

How's it going today? I'm another successful first time homebirther

Sounds like the show is still coming, mine was very similar. Try and rest and have lots of energy giving foods.

sounds very positive.......get up and active now!! you've had a good rest...feeling refreshed...time to move ! the show can go on for a while...x

Oh how exciting, i never knew you could get so excited for someone youve never met! Im sure you are on your way to having your lovely baby today.

First babies take their time but a nice gradual build up is a nicer way to labour. Marching up and down the stairs will get things going (i did it endlessly with ds#3 birth at home) Sending you lots of back rubs and positive thoughts...

Hello Ilovemeboy - it sounds like things are progressing nicely. Sending happy birthing vibes your way.

Thanks guys.

The contractions are still coming but are not getting any more painful.

I'm going to go for a walk in a bit and see if it intensifies them.

Ooo, just thought I'd pop in and see how you were getting on. Hope things are ok. Very excited for you. Will keep an eye out for the birth announcement

I love my boy, this is what happened to me!
Everything slows down for a bit, as if your body is resting before the final push!
I think you are about to go into proper active labour, you may find that you dilate very quickly now, rest while your body needs to rest, it is asking you to rest!
Not long now!
But you must rest!
Relax!
Now is the time for sleep.
When you wake up have a bath and a snack.
Drink lots.
You will feel refreshed, and things will kick off.

Good luck!

I went to bed for a few hours and have just been for an hours walk.

Still getting contractions every 5 or so mins but not increasing in intensity. Hope this is all counting towards something.

Sorry love, to go on so much.
Have you eaten anything?
You may not feel like it, but it could be what you need.
Try a sports drink, instantly available good carbohydrates and fluid in one easy shot.
Don't do any more walking until the contractions start to increase in intensity, etc.
Your body is tired.
Mentally you are wide awake and you are probably excited. Which means your body will be producing adrenalin which will inhibit the productionof labour hormones,your body willthink you are not ready.

REST
RELAX
EAT
DRINK
Talk through and think through any hurdles you might have, any fears.
This is crucial now.
You will have a much easier labour, if you can let go of all prohibiting factors.
Sounds hippy, I know, but it worked wonders for me!
Trust your body's ability to bith the baby, in the way that is best for your body, let go of all your fears.
You can do it!

Sit in a darkened room and visualise the baby smoothly being born, the baby showing all signsof health you might expect, a loud cry or what ever you like!
You being happy throughout the birth, feeling empowered, strong, capable.
Thlink about your last big success, where you really excelled all expectations, think about that feeling. Harness the power of it.
Do anything to make yourself remember what it feels like to be confident and strong.
How it feel to cope with the unnexpected.
Nothing will happen to you, except that with which you and your body can cope with.

This happened with me too for my second and thgird labours, as a result of my body (imo) slowly getting into the contractions, both labours were completely problem free.

Its also supposed to help your pain control, a slower build up.

Good luck- it'll all be over (and they'll be starting school LOL) before you know it

My last two labours sound similar to yours, long and gradual build up, waters didn't break until births actually, the final phase was really quick and easy, all the best!

continue to rest. As has been said you need your energy for pushing later.

It all sounds like it's going fabulously.

I blame all that 'come into labour ward when contractions are five minutes apart' rubbish that women have been fed for the last couple of decades.
RUBBISH!
If you want lots of intervention come into hospital whjen five minutes apart, is what they should replace that with.
Your midwife is right, 3 - 4 contractions in 10 minutes.
Make sure you are not alone, you need someone to hold your hand and get you through this last bit.
It sounds to me like you need some support.
Get someone to you now!
You could be liek this for another few hours.
You need someone to give you a massage with some essential oils, head massage, what ever it takes.
Get your favourite films in, play your favourite ps2 games, what ever it takes.
Call someone to come to you now.
xxx

Hi there Ilovemyboy, hope you don't mind me wandering in. It all sounds very exciting and it won't be long now till you'[ve had your LO. Also, when you said "contractions, I've had a few", I immediately started singing 'My Way' in my head!!

Hi guys

Thanks for replying and your tips.

I am sat watching tv and am trying not to think about it tbh. Taking it all in my stride as I know this could go on for days.

I am still contracting even when I am sitting down so that is good right? They are still no more intense though.

I am eating well and DP is with me so I have some good company.

I don't think anything will happen tonight now (famous last words). My midwife isn't working today. She is working tomorrow so I think my baby is waiting for her.

Good luck LMB, it sounds like you are doing all the right things. I look forward to hearing any more news... Its all so exciting.

If you can "ignore" your contractions then it's not imminent. When you can't that's when things are stepping up.

Will keep checking in (cos I love a MN labour/birth......... sigh.................)

yeah..waht mars'lovelydoulawhomakescake'lady says!!! and kdinas too.....jsut go with the flow...LO i coming..just not NOW!!!!