Latent labour?

[physicskate]

Hi font of knowledge!

I had a bloody show last night at two am. Contractions started then 4-8 mins apart lasting roughly a minute. That was until 8am when I had a massive bloody show and then fell asleep a short time later. I woke up about 1030 and contractions had stopped. They're now every 20-30 mins.

I called triage about 5am and they said it sounded like early labour.

It's normal for it to stop and start, right? Any experiences/advice??

This is my first and I'm 40+3. Have a sweep booked tomorrow which I was hoping I wouldn't need!!

Still on/ off. Got a couple hours sleep. 32 hours of this. Not sure how much more I can take... we went in last night because of bleeding. They didn't even check for blood/ bleeding and told me it didn't look like labour contractions, but 'tightenings'. To be fair, I only had only that I struggled with the pain while we were there. They're basing this off the ctg trace.

So maybe podromal labour?? I've now lost all confidence because of lack of rest and what the midwife said. Struggling when I'm not even in labour, apparently!!! Feeling a bit of a failure...

Not sure a) what I can do about it and b) how to get through this!!

Is this normal to be in so much pain for so long?? They feel like really bad period cramps (which is how my periods felt as a teenager and on the copper coil when codeine wouldn't touch it).

Oh and I'm still sodding bleeding!!!

How are you now? Have things progressed? Try to alternate between resting or sitting on your birthing ball. And keep up snacks! Sounds extremely tiring but you will get through it. Sending strength!

Thanks. Just had my third sweep. She was able to actually get in my cervix. Which is a nice change from the last two attempts. But not dilated!!! Though I think I've effaced considerably as she said baby 'felt' very low, so maybe she felt the head?

Have had a couple of stronger contractions since. They made me cry. Not sure how I'm going to keep it together!! Need to get my confidence back...

You will get through it! View is as a process (grim one at that!) And you WILL get through it x

You can do this! When you feel like you can’t go on, you can and will. Soon you’ll meet your baby. The end result will be awesome. Good luck.

Can you get someone to pick you up tens machine? I didn't have one with my 1st and struggled with early labour and it helped so much with my 2nd dc. Also- out there suggestion but just seen today on Netflix greys anatomy about how nipple stimulation/ orgasm is the bodies natural way of producing oxytocin and can help move things along as that's the chemical they use to artificially induce you too, might be worth a try! Best of luck, you'll have your baby in your arms soon.

Tens machine is the only reason I've still kept it together!!

We finally seem to be a regular (ish) 15 mins apart lasting over a minute... hoping this means actual latent labour!!! Come on dilation!!!

Best of luck OP

@ physickate I'm in a similar boat woke up yesterday to a bloody show and awful period achyness that progressed throughout the day to what I thought was regular contractions, spoke to labour ward at 2am and she said stay at home until more frequent and more intense but they've then tailed off and now I'm just bloody uncomfortable and feel like I need to pee constantly, still losing a fair amount of bloody mucus though. On the plus side I did manage to get some sleep. Fingers crossed todays the day for both of us.

She was born yesterday. So contractions started early Sunday morning. She was born at 1416 on Wednesday. So happy she's here now!! The pain is all but forgotten.

Artfulscreamer - sounds like things are happening, albeit slowly.

We ended up with an augmented labour and forceps right at the end (it was a race to see if I could push her out before they set up the forceps. I'm very swollen and full of stitches, but today, I care not a jot!!

Congratulations @physickate really pleased with your news.
I'm currently in hospital as I needed an IV for fluids due to dehydration and labour has all but stopped however they are going to try start me off again today and likely induce me so I'll not be leaving without baby.

Congrats OP!

How are you today @TheArtfulScreamer1 ?

After 4 days of latent labour I wasn't really progressing so had a C Section this morning and I'm currently looking over my daughter in wonderment as I shovel hospital food in having not eaten properly all week either. I'm a bit sore but he feels good to feel half human again.

Oh wow congratulations, enjoy her!

Congratulations both!

So pleased for you!!!

Hope your recovery is swift!!