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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Probably a very silly question...

65 replies

Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 13:21

Can you feel contractions on the outside (i.e with you hand??) or see them even??

I'm worried because I have a lack of sensation due to a previous medical problem and I'm convinced I'm not going to know whats happening til its too late. (Now 40+4)

Just getting obsessed with wanting baby out I think. Had sweep yesterday but nothing seems to be happening just very bad burning/achy feeling in lower back. No pain in bump at all. Was 2-3cm dilated yesterday.

What am I supposed to feel??? Help!

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meggymoo · 02/06/2005 13:23

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 13:25

Do you think the feeling in my back could be something starting? Or will I definitely have contractions??

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hunkermunker · 02/06/2005 13:25

Have you had any Braxton Hicks? I found my bump went totally solid when I had those - contractions were the same, but hurt, iyswim.

Sounds like you're close to having your baby, but could be a little while yet too. I'm fairly sure you'll know - but if you feel you might not, then make sure your midwife knows.

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 13:25

BTW belly feels like forehead permanently anyway - its rigid!

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Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 13:26

Haven't had any BHs that I know of either.

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Fennel · 02/06/2005 13:26

an achy feeling in lower back is how all my 3 labours started. so yes I'd say it could be the beginning for you.

good luck!

Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 13:27

Hi Holly,

Yes, you can feel contractions on the outside - a midwife would put her hand on your bump and feel them coming. I had an epidural with dd and could still sense the tightening of the contractions without the pain. I have no idea of your condition but I'd be very surprised if you didn't know what was happening! A true contraction (as opposed to Braxton Hicks) takes your breath away and you can't walk or talk through it. You have my sympathies with being overdue - I went 2 wks over with all 3 of mine and it's an awful wait. Try and rest while you can - you need your energy! Good luck!

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 13:29

Thanks everyone. I thought praps this was the case in established labour with stong contractions but just wondered whether I'd be aware of early ones in the same way. Backache getting worse btw...

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hunkermunker · 02/06/2005 13:32

Am v excited for you - you're going to meet your baby very soon!

That first cry, seeing this brand new person for the first time, even though they've been permanent company for so many months - it's incredible!

Sorry - v gushy pg hormones making me all soppy about birth

Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 13:34

If it's your first Holly, I would think you have plenty of time. Have a warm bath and try to relax and breathe - sometimes the first few cm take a while. Best of luck

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 13:34

I can't wait! Just hope this is it. Poor Dp is getting himself in a knot with the excitement of it all

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Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 13:34

It is my first yes Rachey - I was 2-3cm when they did sweep yesterday. Hopefully more now???

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elsmommy · 02/06/2005 13:37

I just remember most of my labour was back ache, didn't feel it in my stomach till almost at the end

Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 13:40

That sounds good! Your cervix needs to efface (flatten - I expect that is what the back pains are doing) now as well as to dilate so don't worry too much about cm - it took me ages to get to 3cm with my first then a while to 5 and then suddenly 8-9!

Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 13:40

I'm getting excited now!

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 13:46

Me too!! Thinking about putting TENS on for back pain. That is OK now isn;t it? Bit worried I might feel even less then though. Gosh I'm in a state today!

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Blu · 02/06/2005 13:49

Use your TENS machine...the earlier you put it on the better, so that your endorphins can get going!

Good luck, v excitied for you

hunkermunker · 02/06/2005 13:50

I had a backache labour with DS - I remember asking when I was going to feel contractions in my bump! Answer - I can't remember actually feeling them in my bump, but OMG, my back hurt!

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 13:50

What if the back pain isn't labour though? Is it OK to use TENS anyway?

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Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 13:51

Sending you calming vibes... Yes put your TENS on now - it needs to build up your endorphins - also gives you something to fiddle and distract yourself with! I know it's hard but try and relax - breathe deeply - it's easy to wear yourself out before the tough bit!

Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 13:52

Yes, I'm sure it's ok - some (not pregnant) people use it for back pain anyway (are you sure you don't want a bath first?)

Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 13:54

I've just checked on a website - it says fine after 37 weeks.

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 13:55

Doesn't having a bath slow things down? The midwife metnioned not getting in the water until 5cm dilated?

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hunkermunker · 02/06/2005 13:58

You might have a while yet - have a bath if you feel comfortable doing it.

I got in the bath early in my labour and hated it (wasn't deep enough water, even though it was full and I just felt like I was paddling!). I had DS in a birthing pool though - that was amazing. But they didn't let me in that till I was over 5cm dilated.

Can you ring your labour ward and see what they say?

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 14:01

Feel a bit silly ringing up and telling them I have backache I suppose - not much else to say. I'm hoping for a waterbirth at the hospital birthing centre when the time comes. I'm scared of even getting into the trap of thinking this might be it only to be disappointed again!

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