6cm dilated and still not in labour!

[MrsHuxtable]

Yes, that's right. The universe is having a laugh. This is DC2. I was 1cm dilated at 32 weeks, 2cm at 35 weeks, 4cm 2 days later, and 6 cm when I was last checked at 36+6. I'm now 37+4 and am pretty sure that things have progressed further as I still have a lot more tightenings than normal with the odd hour or so of regular contractions but nothing but pushes me over the edge into proper labour. Seriously? I mean seriously? For how long can this go on for. Oh, I'm also fully effaced, head fully engaged, mucus plug gone and baby's head is visible. He has loads of dark hair. Has anyone else experienced this? And if so what did finally bring on labour???

Congratulations! :)

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

Congratulations! Hope you're both doing well.

Congratulations, details please

Just read this, congratulations!!

Brilliant! Been watching this thread quietly. Can't wait to hear more.

I kept cooking last night and suddenly felt this little gush of fluid. I wasn't overly concerned as I'd been having a lot of discharge anyway and actually forgot about it (was wearing a pad) but went to the toilet a while later and it quite looked like waters with a bit of meconium. Got ready hoping contractions would naturally start but nada. Went to hospital and sat in the waiting room for 3 hours before anyone even looked at me. So much about the antibiotics needing to be started asap. Anyway, I got seen and it was my hindwaters that were leaking, the bag was still bulging at the front and I was 5-6cm. So the last week of contractions hadn't been doing anything. I was by myself as DH was at home with DD and started to majorly freak out about the whole drip induction thing. In the end I got my front waters broken and major contractions started coming hard and fast immediately. Literally with 30 seconds in between them. I'd never felt pain like that with DD. DS's heartrate kept dipping so the doctor was staying as well and I was begging for an epidural by that stage. She checked me and I was 9cm. 5 minutes later I needed to push, then the stinging and there he was. Five pushes max and he was out about an hour after they broke my waters. I really felt I couldn't do it this time as it was all so overwhelmingly fast, I really thought I was losing control. Anyway, DS, Philip, weighed in at 8pounds 2 and I only have a little tear. Here for 24 hour observation as the antibiotics never went in in time.

So, had my front waters broken at home, I would not have made it to hospital and I think with that level of pain, I'd have really freaked out.

Aw OP, congratulations! And I'm glad you were in the right place at the right time!

Wow...Congratulations!

I was lurking and keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Wow. Take things slowly. With a labour that fast, you'll probably feel in shock. That level of pain that quickly is frightening and all consuming. It's okay to feel teary or blindsided or a bit vulnerable for a while.

Love the name (ds's middle name) and I'm pleased he's here safe and well. Take good care of yourself and hope you're home soon.

The weird thing is, it really came as a shock, the level of pain did anyway. I never had any pain relief with DD and coped totally fine but I suppose during her 18 hour labour things were building up gradually and this was just like bam! I kind of forced the registrar to be my birth partner. I'd come across her briefly during one of my stays and when I felt things were getting out of control I totally focused on her and didn't let her leave me side. I might have grabbed hold of her hand and not let go funny because I never got the caring vibe of her before and there she was and so lovely. I don't think I could have done it without her.

Crikey! Well done you! You should be really proud of yourself!

Amazing news, delight that finally Philip has arrived safe and well.

Take it easy and enjoy!

Over 18 hours you have time for not just the pain to build up but hormones, adrenalin, frame of mind etc. Labour is like a marathon, not a sprint but you did the marathon in sprint time. It's a lot to deal with. All done though and look what you made! I'm v pleased for you. And what a great registrar. How has DD taken the news?

Congratulations!!

And what a very lovely name!

Congratulations! Ignore anyone who tells you how lucky you are to have such a fast labour, they obviously have no idea how scary and intense it is! I'm glad you managed to get to hospital in time

having said earlier "please ket this happen to me". I retract that. "please god, don't let this happen to me".

well done. amazing story xx

Congratulations MrsH, glad baby Huxtable has decided to make an appearance, I hope you are getting a chance to get over the shock!

Congratulations :)

Congratulations. Have lots of newborn snuggles. I understand fast births can sometimes take quite a while to process so do be extra gentle on yourself.

Congratulations, what a lovely name :)

Congratulations!