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!

It's probably because you sound too happy.

When I called I was going in and told them so. It wasn't a chat or negotiation.

just go in if they are being difficult and you feel you need to be there, but if you are happy and managing at home then stay :)

I would be there ages ago, but then I am still that I had no one like starlight passing on that amazingly helpful info when I was in labour!

But don't have a bath if you don't want to. Just keep doing what works.

Can you survive a cab as you are? Do you think you'll be able to in an hour or so?

How exciting! You will be holding your baby soon, did you have a name picked out? My crazy but lovely MW swore the baby would come out if you have a name picked! :o

Tried the bath, hated it! TENS back on please!

Think I will survive the cab journey but its getting close to not...

purple - yes, we have the name all chosen!

in that case might be wise to head in - ring and tell them!

if you think you'll be on the edge for the taxi ride, go now. tell them that. 'i'm sorry, i can't wait any longer because i don't think i'll manage in the taxi otherwise. see you soon.'

Best of luck and pain relief ;)

So I went to the hospital after midnight and they sent me back as I was still only 3cm... £50 wasted on taxi fares!

After 24 hours of this (soon), what are the chances they'll let me give in and have an epidural? I'm so tired I'm almost falling asleep standing up!

Oh Bella I have been lurking on your thread. Don't feel down you are doing really well, you can suddenly dilate really quickly so just keep going. I'm sure someone will be along with some good advice to keep things moving for you

Oh dear, you poor thing! I hope you are now back in hospital and have your baby in your arms...

I'm sure someone wise will be along with advice soon on the off chance that the above is not the case.

I'm really surprised they sent you home at 3cms - 4cms is considered active labour! Really hope things are moving for you now, and that you're doing ok.

I am surprised they sent you home too, its close enough to active labour to warrant it especially given how the cx seem to be ramping up! How are you doing now?

how are you doing now?

Don't be disheartened about 3cm, as with all of my labours I have gone from 3-10cm in minutes!

I tend to have a long latent phase and then things kick off rapid style!!!

Sure your well on your way now anyway, hope you managed to get a bit of rest when you got home!

Good luck bella, all quiet so you must have gone back to hospital, hope all went well x

See that's why I hate internals. They're no indication of how you are feeling or how long you have to go, just risk you feeling deflated and less able to cope.

Your body has done an awful lot of work already. It is often those cases that have a 10cm dilation sprint at the last minute, but only if the woman is still Positive with the right hormones, not if she is stressed and fed up.

Good luck bella

Bella with my dd3 I was told at hal9 that I wasn't dilated at all and to settle in she was born 3 and a half hours later, I hope you find things start to move quickly for you

Totally agree Starlight!

With my third I chose a home birth to be in more control cause I was fed up of being told nothing was happening after being examined, I would have had DS1 and DS2 in the hospital car park were it not my insistence that I was staying (gave birth within the hour both times!)

I actually put in my birth plan with my DD that the midwives were NOT to comment on how far or long they thought I was, I would let them know! It caused raised eyebrows but I got the last laugh when after being examined at 3cm again they kept quiet sharing a look that I could see meant they thought they would be there all night, to again give birth shortly afterwards.

Sometimes I think the midwives lose sight of how individual women are,and how much they can impact on the labour creating the right positive environment to give birth in.

From what Bella has posted,she did fantastically well managing at home using her tens and to be sent home, given the fact that she arrived in a Taxi at 3cms and being overdue is a bit pants!

Good Luck Bella!

Hey there Bella. I am now playing the waiting game too (40+2 weeks) and was very excited to read your thread yesterday. Am gutted you were sent home - I would have cried. Hope that today was a good one and that you're snuffling with a snuggly newborn and this all has now been forgotten!

hope things are going well bella and baby is here or close to it!!! :) im still here at 41 +1 now. grr!!

Good luck Bella

Checking in for baby news.....

I've been reading your thread! Hope everything is going well! Good luck