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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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Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 14:02

Yes, I suppose you are right - that is the advice they give for waterbirths (sorry I'm a know it all but not an expert! . I was just thinking it might relax you, it's the kind of thing midwifes do suggest in the early stages.

Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 14:04

I expect the labour ward will tell you to wait for regular (5-10 min interval) contractions lasting (er, a bit rusty - 1-2 mins?) but they talk to women in your position every day so they won't mind.

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

Don't worry - just paranoid about slowing things (thats IF they've started) You might have gathered I want this baby OUT...and SOON!!

Actually relaxing myself (!) by switching between MN and Microsoft word where I am currently 1000 words from finishing the last 4000 word essay for my Masters course!

OP posts:
Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 14:07

What if I just have the backache? How will I know when to go in if not having discernible contractions? Or will I definitely at some point do you think?

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dramaqueen72 · 02/06/2005 14:12

i was told to get in the bath during early stages -if this is labour it wont stop it coming, and it will certainly ease the aches of early labour. try doing something -cleaning tidying up for example,- if you find you cannot concentrate at all its more likely to be labour!
and ring your midwife/labour ward, they really wont worry if its not labour and will tell you what to wait for before coming in.
very good luck!

dramaqueen72 · 02/06/2005 14:14

LOL, so youre writing an essay? and trust yourself, you will know when you cant breathe/talk thro the pain and when its coming frequently rather than a dull ache, so you will know when to go in!

Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 14:14

I'm fairly sure that if you can write a Master's dissertation, you are probably not in established labour! You get those 1000 words finished - it may be your last chance for a bit.

I really do think you will know, especially with a first baby. It kind of feels like someone is tightening a belt round your bump, notch by notch, and just as you think - hang on there, that's tight enough, they keep going and going tightening the belt until you can't bear it and then it subsides in the same way. Does that sound like it to other people?

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 14:17

LOL I'll do my best. Probably best to stop hoping and get on with it! That sounds like a good description to go with The back of my pelvis feels like its on fire now btw.

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HappyMumof2 · 02/06/2005 14:19

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 14:21

Yes I had a show on Monday morning. Then I had a sweep yesterday followed by a bit of bleeding and more show this morning which mw told be to expect. Was 2-3com at sweep yesterday at 10am. Now just burning/achy lower back but nothing in bump at all.

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Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 14:24

Yes as I said before, contractions will take your breath away and double you up - you can't walk or talk through them. Stay at home as long as you can manage/feel ok.

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 14:26

OK will do. Starting to think I was just getting overexcited... probably just a backache! Thanks Rachey.

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Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 14:26

OK will do. Starting to think I was just getting overexcited... probably just a backache! Thanks Rachey.

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gossifer · 02/06/2005 14:28

holly, you shouldn't feel silly ringing the ward about anything, they are there 2 answer your questions ! i had lower back pain for a day before my contractions really started
GOOD LUCK i hope you see your little one soon, will be thinking of you, xxxxxxxxx

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 14:28

Thankyou What would I do without MN?? xx

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wordsmith · 02/06/2005 14:29

Holly, get those 1000 words done now!! You won't want to think about them after the birth (and you certainly won't have time...) Good luck!!!

Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 14:32

We'll be thinking of you! Let us know how it goes

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 14:35

3302 words done and counting!! Surprising how we women can do 2 things at once! I wonder how I'll get on with the 20,000 word dissertation I have to write after the baby arrives!

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Rachey1969 · 02/06/2005 14:37

Oh, you can knock that off while you're breastfeeding... you can type one handed can't you?

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 14:43

Ahh the wonders of dictation software... just hope baby likes the sound of my voice and the topic of Child Protection Issues in Teenage Pregnancy!! LOL

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dramaqueen72 · 02/06/2005 15:20

I suspect youre not far from real labour, be it hours or a day away. i remember having chronic backache for a day or so before dd2 turned up!
all credit to you for finishing an essay tho!

Original poster
Holly290505 · 02/06/2005 15:29

Lol. I hope so. I feel like I'm going mad with anticipation now.

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dramaqueen72 · 02/06/2005 15:31

try walking, long walks bring on labour

Loobie · 02/06/2005 17:57

How are you now holly??

hatsoff · 02/06/2005 18:18

oooh good luck holly, very exciting to hear about someone going into labour.