Can I ask a really stupid question?

[WhatFreshHellIsThis]

when they say 'call us when the contractions are three minutes apart', do they mean three minutes from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next one, or three minutes from the end of one to the beginning of the next one?

i know it's a daft question, just wondering

You're right, I can't wait!

Yes, very detailed, hope the midwives don't think 'We've got a right one here'!

Hoping for active birth with no epidural but who knows. Fingers crossed.....

Good to hear that number two was easier for you with breathing etc - do you think that was because you were fighting it less, or less scared, or knew what to expect? I'm hoping natural labour is easier than induction, people seem to say that it hurts just as much but is easier to cope with.

I think with inductions there isn't the natural build up with the endorphins and you go straight into full on contractions.

I would avoid induction if I could.

Yes, with DS it was like being hit by a ten tonne truck repeatedly, with hardly any break between the contractions and not much lead in.

Yikes.

We don't have a doula (had one last time but didn't want one this time) but do have detailed birth plan, a DP being forced to read the bit of our book about positions for coping with pain, and a steely determination to do this!

I'm really excited about giving it my best shot, but like everything in life I just want to get started. I'm rubbish at waiting.

(Stubborn and impatient, I'm coming across really well here.....)

I like what you say about it being YOUR party - I feel much more in control of things this time, as in I'm planning much more carefully, and taking control of decisions.

Am seeing the consultant on Wed to negotiate about monitoring as I'm refusing continuous monitoring, and I think it's partly for mobility but also partly because I need to feel that it is my party. If I get to hospital and decide I want the monitoring, it will be MY choice, iyswim.

if it's any enouragement my first was22 hrs of head stuck gonna need a section battle, although vaginal delivery in the end. The contractions were like being murdered [not that I have been but I know what its like now!]

2nd took couple of hours of strong sensations and half hour of pain, out no prob. Crap position too, but just rotated, decended and delivered.

thanks tree, that's really encouraging! did I read somewhere that you're a MW?

You did. Sorry!

I still can't believe how very very different it was. And how much less painfull!! I was totally relaxed for both labours, more for the 1st probably, and felt in control and safe. They were still just so so different.

I think it's like when the contractions hurt that much, its the pain response - There is a problem and the body can't do it's thing and causes incredible pain to shout for help.
When all is well, the 'pain' is actually an overwhelming sensation. When I say it didn't hurt I don't mean it was like a massage!! It was still all encompassing 'holy hell what am I going to do will you stop talking you iratating man why did i marry you and this midwife is crap get out of my sight'. Yet not painfull like the 1st labour.

Hope that makes sense. It's only my personal experience of it though.

I think i see what you mean.

do you think the midwives will take a look at my birth plan and think 'oh bloody hell'?

Not at all. A Friendly hello and a smile and a gossip about your ideas and plans in between contractions. Perfect way to begin a shift together!

Sorry had to put DS to bed - he had been at a birthday party and was hopped up on E numbers and cake......

you've both made me feel a lot better about it all - was just saying to DP that I feel like I did when I was younger and my period was late.....wishing and hoping it would come soon, and examining every symptom to see if it was the beginning of period pain.

Have similar low back ache as I used to get then but not definite enough to be anything worth even mentioning, and not sure if I'm imagining it or anything.

I should stop being so neurotic, shouldn't it

Shouldn't I, not it!

Ah but you never know....

Exciting!!

I am very excited....reviewed my hospital bag today though and realised I had packed all the baby things, snacks and a TENS machine, and nothing at all for me - no toiletries, no pajamas, no knickers even!

Might have to pack it properly after dinner.

Such a lovely thing packing that bag. i loved fluffing with it all. Magic times. Enjoy!!

P.S. I openly put my [overall] positive birthing experiences down to wearing cashmere socks. They just felt like they understood me

at the socks - I'm wearing my cashmere trousers right now - they definitely do understand me!

but possibly not suitable labour wear, they really don't like being washed and labour trousers would definitely need a good scrub.....

Have just put lovely soft elephant blankie toy and a new white fleecy all in one for going home in into the bag. this is too lovely for words.

Thought of cashmere trousers makes me go all saggy inside. Oh they must be cosy.

dd2 has her cashmere suit and cardi on. She is very squashy in it. I have my old asda bottoms and a tea stained sweaty top on. Harumph!!

Am totally there with you - it really is to be savoured. Sigh.

DP just made a VERY spicy dinner - think he's trying to bring on labour too!

Thank you to all of you - I'm feeling so much more confident about this labour just from this thread!

You're all lovely

i wasnt sure of my periods but my last one was 12th jan, and on 29th march i losed just little blood not much that was all and went to hospital but they told me to come back mond 1st april for scan but doctors told me most peopl lose blood in there pregnancy, but they couldnt find the babys heartbeat in the scan and asked me if i was sure of my dates because the baby looked 9 weeks so they gave me an internal scan and still didnt find heartbeat and said it looked like it stopped growing at 9 weeks so they asked me if i wanted to go into hospital to have it removed or wait till it happens naturlay can any one tell me if its possible if the midwife can be wrong and my baby is only 9 weeks and they just couldnt pick up the heartbeat but maybe if i wait other 2 weeks they will pick it up next time.