I promised myself I wouldn't start an 'is this it?' thread but...

[BellaCB]

...this is DC1 and it all feels different from what I expected so sod it, I'm ending up asking!

I've been in annoying 'pre-labour' for a week or so know, which is probably why I am a bit wary with what is going on now - basically have been having period pain cramps and lots of BH since last weekend, when I had a sweep on Thurs (40+2) I was fully effaced and 2cm dilated. Then had my show over this weekend and stronger period pains, but they were sort of background consistent, so definitely not contractions.

This morning I have been having what I guess must be contractions for the past 2 hours or so, lasting 40-60 secs and happening around every 10 mins. I say 'guess' they are contractions because they feel internal, radiating from back to front, and feel nothing like BH!

Mw is probably coming over this afternoon as she was due for a sweep anyway, when I spoke to her this morning after only about an hour or so of cx she said it sounded 'hopeful' and will call back later, so I'm not too concerned about calling the hospital yet.

But does this sound possible? As I said, after all the stop-starting for the past week I'm scared of getting my hopes up too much in case it stops!

Put it this way. With my second (which are usually faster) I had been contracting every 2 minutes for over a minute each time, an hour before I decided to go in. It took 25 mins to get there and I still had 2 hours once there before the baby was born.

But to answer your question directly. It is probably the regularity that is more important to pay attention to.

With no.1 I was in agony, arrived at the hospital to find I was almost 2cm.

With no, 2 I only went in because my doula made me as I wasn't in any pain at all and I was probably more like 8cm on arrival.

when I had mine they recommended going to hospital once you got to having 3 cx in 10 mins, and reasonably strong.

Given that in an hour or so you went from every 8 mins to 5, I would say in another hour or two you will be good to go? But if you are managing at home, stay there until you feel you need to be checked or whateve :) Might want to suggest DH leaves work a little early mind

DP is now home (his colleagues got fed up and sent him home!) so I've been able to get the TENS machine on, which is already helping a lot. Thanks for the comments - I think I'll settle in and stay at home for another few hours

ooooooooooooohhhhh SO exciting!!!! GOOD luck!!!!! i cant wait for mine to start!!

Good luck too preggo, I'm sure you'll be very soon - after this baby refused to come this weekend, I was certain I was going to be induced next weekend!

Good luck bella! Hope all goes well. The TENS machine helped me loads. I used it at home until I was finding contractions hard to cope with and was 7/8cm upon arrival to delivery suite.
Like others say its best to stay home for as long as you can in your own surroundings.

Thanks dilly! I am praying that I am that far dilated by the time I arrive! The hospital have said they don't want me in until I am 2-3 mins apart (?!) so I still have a few hours to go I reckon, though even with the TENS the contractions are getting really painful (that might be because I am too scared to turn the TENS up in case I use up all its potential!)

The worst thing is that now, having given up when I found out I was pg, I really want a cigarette...

Ooh! Good luck, don't worry about the tens machine - switch it up a notch if it's not as effective.

I alturnated between tens and a bath (don't mix the two!) and hung on for as ling as possible before going in.

*long

Keep us updated if you can Bella

Turn that TENS up for gods sake woman.

Is it too early to start the betting?

I predict 9:52pm.

Do you think you could do it by then OP?

any news bella? I have a feeling you may be in hospital now!

No, still not in hospital! Trying to hold out as they said not until 2-3mins (which sounds a bit regular, if you ask me?! I don't want to miss my chance for an epidural!) Have settled into a very odd rhythm now - 5 mins, then 2, 2, 2, then back to 5 again?

PS - anyone else find that the TENS machine itself hurts when you turn it up?!

Bella, that sounds really good actually. You're doing brilliantly if you can still type on here with that pattern. You might find you don't even need an epidural if you carry on this way.

Yes. but then it settles down.

i found that the tens was more like a distraction from the contraction than anything.

i would phone them up and say you're 5 - 2 - 2 - 2 and you'd really like to come in now

Some midwives suggest going in when you're having 5 ctx in 10 minutes (IIRC) rather than every 2 minutes. Some women never get to a regular 2 minute interval but still fit 5:10.

And the answer to your question of 'is this it?' is - erm - well - yes!

OOhhh sounds exciting! Tens are fab, I too got to 9cms using that then G&A!

Erm,just a thought but as the majority are now 2 mins apart it may be time to call that cab!

Good luck!

(I am going for the early hours, 4.50am!)

starlight - I was so pessimistic this morning!

I'm trying to scoff some food and then will call the hospital again and see what they say. Have done 12 hours at home, surely that's enough?!

Bella, be prepared for 2 things when you get to hospital.

1. The contractions will slow down (a new environment signals to your body that it isn't yet sure if it is safe enough to birth a baby_

2. It will hurt more, as you have to answer questions, be interfered with a bit, figure out where to put your bag etc etc.

Don't lose the remarkable control and managing ability you have got now.

Things you can do are:

Get your dh to go into the room you will be delivering in before you, put your bag in, close the curtains and switch the light off. You can then enter a calming environment.

Don't get on the bed in a victim/patient position. Kneel on the floor leaning on the bed or take up whatever position feels comfortable.

Get your DH to ask the midwives if you can be left in peace for 15 mins before they start to pester you, whilst you regain yourself and get used to and comfortable in your new environment.

great suggestions starlight.

i'd also suggest that you keep moving bella. i've found lying down slows my labours. the obstetrician also told me that moving helps keep things moving.

Wow, my hospital really don't want me to go in! I called again and they said to give it another hour or two.

The thing is they said to try a bath, but I'm scared to take the TENS machine off!