Contractions got to 4cm then stopped

[LouiseS0510]

I started off with mild contractions yesterday which gradually got stronger and closer in time so I rang the triage and spoke to midwife. Explained my previous labour was very fast and so went down to delivery suite to be checked over. I was 3cm, cervix was stretchy and baby’s head very low so we went for a little stroll which progressed the contractions, was examined again a few hours later where I was 4cm but baby had moved back up higher. I continued with steady contractions throughout the night, had a bath and was examined again at 6.30am - still 4cm. So decided to go home and get some rest, but contractions have now fully stopped. :-(

I’m hoping that my body is resting in preparation for the main event of 4-10cm dilation and labour but feeling disappointed! Anyone else experienced this? Still feeling baby moving a lot so not worried in that respect. Also been losing my mucus plug since sweep last night but read that can mean nothing.

Was your cervix effaced?

I had this. Contractions started and midwife said I was 4cm but then they tailed off and didn’t seem to be doing much. 10 hours later they came back with a bang and dd was born very quickly. Don’t despair, it’ll
Probably happen soon so rest up while you can. Good luck.

@FelicityBob yes cervix fully effaced, at the second examination she just said he’d moved back up and actually examined me whilst having a contraction which was pushing him back down but obviously needed to be stronger to get him out.

@ButterflyBitch that’s what I like to hear! Hopefully my experience will be the same, and they’ll come back with a vengeance. both midwives I saw said once I’m in established labour they think he’ll be here as quick as his sister was, I must of blinked and missed this beginning part of labour with my first child and skipped straight to the good bit!

Well I’m very surprised they sent you home at 4cm fully effaced on your second baby!
Once the contractions become regular you need to go back in. 4cm, fully effaced with regular painful contractions is the definition of established labour.

The contractions wasn’t painful, I’d say they was mild to moderate, some contractions I didn’t even feel, they were also not lasting as long as they should so that was why they didn’t class it as established labour, over the space of 5 hours I hadn’t dilated anymore so they advised me to either take a bed on the ward to rest or go home to rest. And as soon as I get strong painful contractions to just go straight back, but I just imagined they’d gradually get stronger and painful but it’s all stopped! I do think it’ll all happen very fast when it starts again and I’ll be calling on the way to hospital at the first signs of painful contractions. Fingers crossed it’ll start again soon.

Hoping no post this morning = baby .

Nope. I’m beginning to think he’s changed his mind! More walking and bouncing on my ball for today

That's a shame . Hopefully things will get moving today.

Any news ?

I feel you… I had contractions 8 mins apart all day yesterday, 6am to 11pm. Then they stopped… started up again at 1:30, I’ve had four hours sleep, but there’s no pattern today.

I was examined on Wednesday and my cervix was soft and forward then, and thinning, so they don’t want to see me until I’m having 3 in 10; or the contractions are too painful to tolerate, but they’re not - just uncomfortable.

Very frustrating!

@HollyChristmas no still patiently waiting. Saw community midwife yesterday and had another sweep. Still 4cm fully effaced she says any day but I don’t believe them now as they said same on Monday. Booked in for induction Christmas Eve.
@TakeYourFinalPosition
It’s painful waiting isn’t it!
i can’t even give you any sound advice from my situation. I’m just frustrated and fed up!

Try and rest. Probably nothing will happen imminently, so I'd go on with normal life but rest as much as possible.

If you do get a contraction, get upright, use gravity, make sure it's actuslly doing something but in the absence of contractions I would definitely rest and ignore.

Ahh - they will come when they are ready !

[quote LouiseS0510]@HollyChristmas no still patiently waiting. Saw community midwife yesterday and had another sweep. Still 4cm fully effaced she says any day but I don’t believe them now as they said same on Monday. Booked in for induction Christmas Eve.
@TakeYourFinalPosition
It’s painful waiting isn’t it!
i can’t even give you any sound advice from my situation. I’m just frustrated and fed up![/quote]
You can refuse induction if you'd rather avoid Christmas Day!

You can also asked for an ELCS.

@BertieBotts I know I need to just chill. I just keep focusing on Christmas in hospital and upsetting myself but what will be will be and there’s a full week between now and then. DP has finished work today so I’ll be sure to rest more now he’s around to help with dd.
@ I think I’m going to call maternity unit anyways as baby has a horseshoe kidney which I’ve been told will be checked when he’s born and I’m unsure if they’ll do that on Christmas Day Boxing Day. So I’m gunna speak to them. I don’t want a ELCS due to to the recovery really. X

Wondering if it’s a positioning thing. I had a stop start Labour, and in the end the midwife said to spend some time on hands and knees. I leant over the birthing ball for a couple of hours and baby made an appearance soon after. Baby just needed to turn!

@Policyschmolicy

It could well be. She said he was more on his side when she examined me first time although his head was low. Then next time she examined me he’d moved further up and the mw said maybe he’s trying to reposition himself. I’ll try the hands and knees on my ball xx

Yes, that’s exactly what the issue was for me. One side more than the other. I’d maybe even go a bit further and scrub the floor if you can. Putting the weight into your bump may very well help him turn if that’s what needs to happen.

What’s more, I’m convinced this was the issue with my first baby too, but he ended up in forceps etc.

Hi I'm asking again , hopefully 3rd time lucky .... Have you had your baby yet ?

@HollyChristmas

Yes! baby boy born Sunday 19th! All home
And settling into life as a 4 x

Congratulations

I'm pretty much in this position now. Had contractions every evening since Saturday - I was 3-4cms and 70% effaced two days ago. Contractions are stronger today...don't want to call the midwife until I'm pretty sure I'm in established labour...just not sure what that looks like!! I've also lost some of my plug and had a bit of a show.

Any advice? Will do more on all 4s.

@Confused521

No advice sorry. I just kept active and bounced on my ball all day but my waters only broke 6 days later and even that didn’t get baby out. I had to be induced 24 hours later! But once the drip started I had him within an hour so I think you’ll be like me, once you start baby will be here quickly!

Hoping baby is already here for you x

He arrived yesterday morning!!!

Wow @Confused521 so did you have weeks of this or did it all halt? Was your baby late?