When should I go in to hopital?

[gingernut]

2nd baby, labour started at about 3 am but contractions are a bit erratic at the moment. About 5 mins apart but with some longer gaps (up to about 10 mins) and lasting between 20 seconds and 1 minute (but most are 20-30 secs at the moment). First labour was very long (2 days from 1st contraction) and started very gently, these contractions are much more intense than early labour last time. At the moment we're waiting for ds's grandparents to come to look after him but they will take at least 2 hours (possibly more as traffic is likely to be busy this time of day!). Can leave ds with a friend in the meantime but really would rather not get to hospital much too early anyway (which we did last time!). So, anyone have any idea whether it's safe to leave it till contractions are a bit longer or should we make a move soon?

whatever you are comfortable with really. how far away is your hospital.

gingernut, you lucky thing!!! Well done, I am very jealous! Did you ring the hospital? They should be able to advise you when to come in. Remember 2nd labours are usually much quicker than first ones. Good luck - I'll be thinking of you. Bxx

will the hospital keep u in if you go there? i had to plead to escape the for night with dd1.

Hospital is 20-30 mins drive away but rush hour traffic at the mo will make that a bit longer. Last time they wanted to keep me in even though I was still in the very early stages when I arrived. Even if they did let me come back home this time, I'd rather not be in the car more than absolutely necessary so would prefer to leave it as long as poss.

I shall ring hospital for advice soon but am busy timing contractions at the moment. TBH things have quietened down a bit so I think best to stay put for now. My friend has just rung to say she'll pick ds up and take him out so I don't have to worry about him.

The last guy I saw at the hospital said 2nd labours usually take half the time of first, or even quicker. That gives me maybe another 18 hours!

Unless things hot up very suddenly I'll check back in later.

Bunny, I'm sending you some labour vibes!

keep us upto date. hope your not too uncomfortable atm. have you had a show or anything yet?

gingernut...hope it all goes well for you...would say from experience that every 5 minutes is the time to go in(our dd was born 2 1/2 later...2nd baby too)...best of luckxxx

misdee, have been passing blood-tinged mucus since Wednesday - assume this is the plug breaking down a bit, but no definite plug yet. Contractions have definitely died down so staying put for now.

Thanks everyone!

. Things have ground to an almost complete halt. Tried going for a walk but it didn't have much effect. Going to go to bed now as I have a feeling things may start up again later and I didn't get much sleep last night. Hope this labour isn't going to be as long as the first!

Gingernut - wait at home until your contractions are very regular and 5 mins apart. They should stop you in your tracks and make you breathe through them. As long as you have been well during your pregnancy and your babe has been moving normally, try and stay at home as long as possible. Eat snacks, try baths plus paracetamol for discomfort(paracetamol 4-6 hourly, baths as often as you like). Rest when you want to. Don't exhaust yourself by marching about. Hopefully there will be a proper start to labout for you soon. If your waters break in the interim you should go in and get checked out. Good luck

aww how exciting for you

best of luck xx

I managed to get a couple of hours' sleep but have just had a few more contractions and then passed lots of bright red bloody mucus (sorry to be graphic!) so am heading off to hospital just to get checked out. May well come home again depending on what they say.

good luck

Oh how exciting!
Best of luck gingernut++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Good luck - am looking forward to reading yours and hopefully other birth announcements on Monday morning - always a good way to start the working week

ooooooooooooo how very exciting. hope things go well and you come back and tell us about the birth asap. lol.

really hope its not a false alarm or too early.